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msmichaela's Reviews (546)
Wow, this was the least compelling book I've picked up in recent memory. Clearly just an expanded set of essays for whichever women's magazine Pittman writes for. Frothy, shallow, trading in cliches. I couldn't get past the first 50 pages.
I love Anna Quindlen's writing, so I was a sucker for Blessings before I even opened the cover. But I really appreciated the tale Quindlen weaves of unlikely friendships, lives transformed and the ever-present nature of the past. Really enjoyed this one.
Ok, fine... Read this in less than 24 hours. Had low expectations, which Collins definitely exceeded. And I'm still thinking about the reality tv theme, which is chilling.
Absorbing, sorrowful tale of life in a Mumbai slum. Katherine Boo is an incredible reporter and writer, and this book benefits from her careful eye. I only wish the author's note had appeared at the beginning rather than the end. Without it, the narrative lacks some context; it took me a while to figure out Boo's approach, which distracted me in the early chapters.
The weakest of the trilogy, with an all too predictable romance-oriented ending. But it does tie up the series neatly, so at least there's that.
4.5 stars. I really loved this memoir of Strayed's mid 20s, when she hiked a portion of the Pacific Coast Trail in the aftermath of her mother's death and the dissolution of her marriage. Beautifully written, intelligently structured. I was sorry when it ended.
Just could not get into this well reviewed novel. Several friends loved it, but I just wasn't interested in the fate of the characters.
Laugh-out-loud funny in places and disconnected/self-involved in others. I just didn't love it, perhaps because of overly high expectations. I suspect the larger issue is the blog-to-book phenomenon -- the memoir reads like a collection of lengthy posts rather than a through-written narrative. And, please, the trope of being so outrageous and/or naive about publishing that your editor has to comment in the text? I'm over it.
I'm not often inclined to dole out five stars, but I just adored everything about this novel. Beautifully written, with an engaging plot that is plausible yet not predictable. A week after finishing it, I'm still pondering the choices made by Bit, the main character, as he navigates life in and after a commune. Definitely the best thing I've read in 2012.
5/29/12: Started reading this last night and I'm absolutely entranced. It's like a fictional version of Melissa Coleman's This Life Is In Your Hands - the story of a late 60s commune from the point of view of one of its youngest members. Gorgeously written, with a plot that compels you to keep reading.
5/29/12: Started reading this last night and I'm absolutely entranced. It's like a fictional version of Melissa Coleman's This Life Is In Your Hands - the story of a late 60s commune from the point of view of one of its youngest members. Gorgeously written, with a plot that compels you to keep reading.