Scan barcode
mrshharrold's reviews
125 reviews
Normal People by Sally Rooney
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I can understand the hype, but this book was not for me.
On a positive:
I appreciate Rooney’s take on the thoughts of individuals. It is unique, and very real, not something you get to read in any other fiction.
On a negative:
I really struggled grammatically with the complete lack of punctuation. As someone who also steers clear of reading straight up porn in books, this was probably one to avoid, so if you get triggered by sexual scenes (pretty graphic at that), I would not recommend this book in the slightest.
The book was character lead, not plot, which although can be done well,- the main storyline being the fact these two characters do not realise they are really bad for each other but keep getting back together anyway- was not.
I can see myself picking up a cleaner, more mature book written by Rooney, if very highly recommended to me… but until then I will say goodbye to her writing.
On a positive:
I appreciate Rooney’s take on the thoughts of individuals. It is unique, and very real, not something you get to read in any other fiction.
On a negative:
I really struggled grammatically with the complete lack of punctuation. As someone who also steers clear of reading straight up porn in books, this was probably one to avoid, so if you get triggered by sexual scenes (pretty graphic at that), I would not recommend this book in the slightest.
The book was character lead, not plot, which although can be done well,- the main storyline being the fact these two characters do not realise they are really bad for each other but keep getting back together anyway- was not.
I can see myself picking up a cleaner, more mature book written by Rooney, if very highly recommended to me… but until then I will say goodbye to her writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Physical abuse
Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I genuinely think I have only good things to say about this book. Glad I am on to the hype train early, as this author will be going places!!
Thieves’ Gambit is what I would describe as spy-like, mystery, adventure. Without wanting to share every little detail about the story, - because oh how I wish I could - you follow Rosalyn Quest, a girl grown into a life of thievery of the highest order, she ends up on the quest of a lifetime (pun intended). Boy, each individual character did no disappoint. Somehow I loved every single one of them, it was diverse, there were bonds, betrayals, twists, turns, and everything else in between.
My one wish after reading this, is that it isn’t a standalone. That we will get to explore this world of thieves and games at least one more time.
Thieves’ Gambit is what I would describe as spy-like, mystery, adventure. Without wanting to share every little detail about the story, - because oh how I wish I could - you follow Rosalyn Quest, a girl grown into a life of thievery of the highest order, she ends up on the quest of a lifetime (pun intended). Boy, each individual character did no disappoint. Somehow I loved every single one of them, it was diverse, there were bonds, betrayals, twists, turns, and everything else in between.
My one wish after reading this, is that it isn’t a standalone. That we will get to explore this world of thieves and games at least one more time.
Letters to the Church by Francis Chan
challenging
informative
medium-paced
5.0
𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 - 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you think of when you think ‘church’?
Francis Chan explored church as the Bride of Christ, and that being the title, what are the implications for the leaders of the church, the everyday churchgoer, and the role of the Holy Spirit. In this book Chan shares a lot of his experiences talking with leaders of the worldwide church, but also reflecting on his own experience, as well as what the early church looked like. He encourages the reader to wrestle with modern church structure, the intentions behind what the church does, and whether it is even biblical in the first place. He gives a big focus to spiritual gifts and cares more about building up the faith and mission of the church than trying to make it look good, or please people.
Personal Reflection: I found this book challenging, though I am not a leader of a church it is still applicable in many ways. There are chapters that can feel like they were only written for leaders of churches, but as a whole any Christian could pick this up and read it. Chan spoke very clearly from God’s Word and shows true passion for Jesus Christ and His mission. His focus mainly is for those who read the book to keep their eyes fixed on Christ and the mission set before them. Church is not there for our selfish desires but rather for us to serve Christ, to encourage believers in faith, and to bring more believers into the Kingdom. At times it is hard to get out of our modern western world mindset of church, so there are times it hits hard what is said and shared, especially his experiences in Asia, talking with Christian’s going through persecution with such utter joy. Our world can seem so different from this, but maybe we just don’t have the same urgency to share the gospel, and live for and like Christ.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
For a first time read and this book coming highly recommended, it wasn’t nearly as good as I had hoped it would be.
I think for people with a more childlike faith, who may not know a whole lot about the historical church and their beliefs (and how they differ from the modern Protestant church), and demons, this novel will likely come as a “wow, 5 stars”. It just didn’t quite hit there for me.
I would say what carried this was how much I loved each of the individual characters and how Dickerson portrayed them, giving heaps of unique backstory.
I found the plot very predictable, but st the same time I enjoyed it. At one point in the car-trip when I was reading this I actually exclaimed to my husband: “I guessed the whole plot!”
A good read, not for the faint of heart. I think for secular readers a lot of this book would go straight over their head. For Christian readers who like Christian (historical/fantasy) fiction you may enjoy this, or you may really struggle with how boring it could potentially be.
I think for people with a more childlike faith, who may not know a whole lot about the historical church and their beliefs (and how they differ from the modern Protestant church), and demons, this novel will likely come as a “wow, 5 stars”. It just didn’t quite hit there for me.
I would say what carried this was how much I loved each of the individual characters and how Dickerson portrayed them, giving heaps of unique backstory.
I found the plot very predictable, but st the same time I enjoyed it. At one point in the car-trip when I was reading this I actually exclaimed to my husband: “I guessed the whole plot!”
A good read, not for the faint of heart. I think for secular readers a lot of this book would go straight over their head. For Christian readers who like Christian (historical/fantasy) fiction you may enjoy this, or you may really struggle with how boring it could potentially be.
Colours by Patty Guthrie
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Colours is a brilliantly written novel about love, faith, and the difficulties of life. Written in a way that kept the book stuck in my hands, and the words spiralling in my mind. This is a story that will make you laugh, and at times cry.
This story encounters loveable teenage characters figuring out how to have friends, family, and beliefs that may or may not go against everything they have always thought.
I absolutely adored Guthrie’s portrayal of the elderly in our community, particularly the impact their life stories have! Not only that, but how important truly listening is, no matter who it is.
This story encounters loveable teenage characters figuring out how to have friends, family, and beliefs that may or may not go against everything they have always thought.
I absolutely adored Guthrie’s portrayal of the elderly in our community, particularly the impact their life stories have! Not only that, but how important truly listening is, no matter who it is.
Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is a wholesome and well thought out book of art. I read this because I loved the Ghibli take on it, but oh how this book has been overlooked!
A story I could not put down, with creative features, and sweet characters. It isn’t often that you come across fiction that does not have a ‘bad guy’ but this one outdid itself in how it was written. A bad guy isn’t needed when the protagonist and side-characters have such a prevalent story to tell.
I believe it is written for a younger audience, yet I would recommend, no matter what age!
A story I could not put down, with creative features, and sweet characters. It isn’t often that you come across fiction that does not have a ‘bad guy’ but this one outdid itself in how it was written. A bad guy isn’t needed when the protagonist and side-characters have such a prevalent story to tell.
I believe it is written for a younger audience, yet I would recommend, no matter what age!
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book, funnily enough I read the first one (Crazy Rich Asians), was intrigued and my parents bought me this one from an OP-shop. I started reading and realised halfway through that this was the third book 🫣!
In saying that. I didn’t actually think I had missed a whole lot or was behind on information as this was written in a way that summarised well.
As someone who seeks to read clean fiction, there was a lot of swearing. Loads more than the first book. There were quite a few graphic sexual scenes. I struggled to read some of the content, simply due to what I prefer reading.
Plot-wise, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know what happened next every chapter.
If you like slight mystery, history (specifically Chinese and Singaporean), romance, and feeling frustrated at every single characters then this is the book for you.
In saying that. I didn’t actually think I had missed a whole lot or was behind on information as this was written in a way that summarised well.
As someone who seeks to read clean fiction, there was a lot of swearing. Loads more than the first book. There were quite a few graphic sexual scenes. I struggled to read some of the content, simply due to what I prefer reading.
Plot-wise, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know what happened next every chapter.
If you like slight mystery, history (specifically Chinese and Singaporean), romance, and feeling frustrated at every single characters then this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and War
Moderate: Death and Sexual content