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peppypenguin's reviews
222 reviews
The Eye of Minds by James Dashner
2.0
As usual Dashner is a master at simple writing that gets your blood pumping. His action scenes are well written and he's very good at suspense with plots that only reveal themselves last minute. Michael is a very interesting character, and the whole book universe is very interesting.
That being said, I just wasn't feeling it for this one. I saw the ending coming a mile away, and it lacked the level of excitement that the Maze Runner series had. Edit: I can now put my finger on something I had trouble expressing; that it followed a very basic almost RPG scenario, which is fine and even cool considering the universe of the book, but it wasn't a very innovative way to go about it, and it turned the suspense of finding out what the truth is into slight annoyance.
Overall I don't think it was bad at all; on many levels it was good and I fully intend to read the rest. It just wasn't as good in my opinion.
Edit: The problem with reviewing a book right away is that you're very high off the thrill of having just finished it. Usually the basic opinion you have of it stays the same, but sometimes... It doesn't. I still stand by the fact that this was a decent book and a fun read, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I really have no desire to read the rest of the series, which is a first for me because usually I like to finish what I started. That's why I had to change my 3 stars to two. I just can't help comparing it to the maze runner series, and after having read some good books, unfortunately this one really doesn't compare.
That being said, I just wasn't feeling it for this one. I saw the ending coming a mile away, and it lacked the level of excitement that the Maze Runner series had. Edit: I can now put my finger on something I had trouble expressing; that it followed a very basic almost RPG scenario, which is fine and even cool considering the universe of the book, but it wasn't a very innovative way to go about it, and it turned the suspense of finding out what the truth is into slight annoyance.
Overall I don't think it was bad at all; on many levels it was good and I fully intend to read the rest. It just wasn't as good in my opinion.
Edit: The problem with reviewing a book right away is that you're very high off the thrill of having just finished it. Usually the basic opinion you have of it stays the same, but sometimes... It doesn't. I still stand by the fact that this was a decent book and a fun read, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I really have no desire to read the rest of the series, which is a first for me because usually I like to finish what I started. That's why I had to change my 3 stars to two. I just can't help comparing it to the maze runner series, and after having read some good books, unfortunately this one really doesn't compare.
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
5.0
This turned out to be so different from what I expected!
This may sound strange, but it actually reminded me of a sort of mature version of Spirited Away.
I love the use of the ideas of the afterlife. I loved the main character, and found all the others very intriguing to say the least.
And I think the ending was very satisfying and true to the character, for which there was plenty of development throughout the novel.
I think the beginning and end felt a little long and drawn out, but by the end I felt completely satisfied.
It's very interesting and very much worth the read.
This may sound strange, but it actually reminded me of a sort of mature version of Spirited Away.
I love the use of the ideas of the afterlife. I loved the main character, and found all the others very intriguing to say the least.
And I think the ending was very satisfying and true to the character, for which there was plenty of development throughout the novel.
I think the beginning and end felt a little long and drawn out, but by the end I felt completely satisfied.
It's very interesting and very much worth the read.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
4.0
At first I was a bit concerned about the writing style, but then I started to think of it as being told a story by a fire sort of thing... And I started to enjoy it even more.
It really is a fantastic tale with an interesting cast of characters. I can't say I had a favourite among them, but their tale really was worth reading.
Overall I think it was a very good worthwhile read.
It really is a fantastic tale with an interesting cast of characters. I can't say I had a favourite among them, but their tale really was worth reading.
Overall I think it was a very good worthwhile read.
Cairo: A Graphic Novel by G. Willow Wilson
5.0
I love this!!!!!!! I have to admit I know little about the culture references and there are things I didn't understand, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying the story in the least!! Because it's more than just about the culture: it's about coming together and understanding and love and connection... It's beautiful and fantastic. Not a long read either! And if anything it makes me want to understand the cultural references. Furthermore I love stories where characters have their own plots but they all interconnect. It tied together so beautifully in the end... A great read, I recommend it to anyone.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
5.0
If you simply were to explain the entire plot of the book very simply, it may seem a little dull, considering the promise the concept offers. What makes this book amazing is the writing (as is of course expected by Oscar Wilde), and the philosophies embedded throughout. Whether it's Lord Henry on one of his charming rants, Dorian's musings, or the narrator's commentary, the book questions how we conceive art, beauty, and good and evil. In this way it is fascinating, and is certainly worth the read.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
4.0
Really a lot of fun. Sheldo- I mean Don's perspective was really interesting, as was the entire story. There certainly was a lot of character growth on everyone's part, and I think the ending is really great and suitable. However, I really have no desire to read the sequel; I like it just the way it is on its own. A really great romantic comedy.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
5.0
This is truly a beautiful book. Perhaps some may find it a little preachy, maybe sappy, but I think that if you look really hard there's something in it for everyone.
My connection was with Morrie, not because I am anything like him (not at all in fact) but because I admire him. I wish I had a teacher like him. I wish I had his strength. And I hope that in my final moments I can remember this book and the teachings based off those of a real person and pass in peace. Mitch Albom says himself in the afterword that the book is not about him, it's about Morrie, and I truly felt that.
It is short, straightforward, and sweet. It may make you cry, it may not, but you are certain to feel something.
My connection was with Morrie, not because I am anything like him (not at all in fact) but because I admire him. I wish I had a teacher like him. I wish I had his strength. And I hope that in my final moments I can remember this book and the teachings based off those of a real person and pass in peace. Mitch Albom says himself in the afterword that the book is not about him, it's about Morrie, and I truly felt that.
It is short, straightforward, and sweet. It may make you cry, it may not, but you are certain to feel something.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
4.0
It's a children's book, and so it was a quick read for me, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. It was written simply but very well, with very heavy themes and an ending that left me a little broken hearted. I think anyone can find more than a little something enjoyable in this book, and I would recommend it to anyone no matter how old they are.
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
3.0
JK Rowling is a brilliant writer. I enjoyed the journey and I loved the characters.
However, it wasn't the best book I've read, and ultimately I was almost.... Disappointed I suppose, with the ending.
Not that it wasn't brilliant in its own way. It just seemed almost typical. And I would agree with something my mom said after having read the book: it's similar to an everyday crime television show, like Castle. What was more interesting throughout was not necessarily the mystery, but what was going on with the main characters, and the killer is someone you least expect almost to the point of it being a taaaaad ridiculous.
But all the characters are great, and I enjoyed the portrayal of world of celebrities. Despite my review I would read the next adventure of Cormoran and Robin for the same reason I watch shows like Castle: because it was entertaining and I enjoyed myself.
However, it wasn't the best book I've read, and ultimately I was almost.... Disappointed I suppose, with the ending.
Not that it wasn't brilliant in its own way. It just seemed almost typical. And I would agree with something my mom said after having read the book: it's similar to an everyday crime television show, like Castle. What was more interesting throughout was not necessarily the mystery, but what was going on with the main characters, and the killer is someone you least expect almost to the point of it being a taaaaad ridiculous.
But all the characters are great, and I enjoyed the portrayal of world of celebrities. Despite my review I would read the next adventure of Cormoran and Robin for the same reason I watch shows like Castle: because it was entertaining and I enjoyed myself.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
5.0
Breathtakingly beautiful. I love the use of photography as metaphor and the way the concept of memory and music is used. This is so much more than just a story. The characters feel so real, and I felt a part of myself represented in each of them in some way, even if the story takes place in a time before I was born. This book isn't about the difficulties of raising a child with down syndrome, it doesn't preach right and wrong, and it does an excellent job of presenting how different situations can be interpreted so differently by different people.
I really recommend this book. It's amazing.
I really recommend this book. It's amazing.