readingbetweenthenotes's reviews
289 reviews

DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed the concept and execution of this Korean magical realism story. And it packed an unexpected emotional punch! Delightfully whimsical. 

Violeta by Isabel Allende

reflective slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No

3.0

I wanted to love this but I just never felt very inclined to pick it up. I know so many people love Isabel Allende and family sagas in general, but this didn't quite do it for me.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore

lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

As cute and fun and easy as the previous three books.

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

adventurous emotional

5.0

I devoured this. I just loved the romance of it all.

The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

3.0

There were elements of this I enjoyed, but they were all very derivative and didn't feel at all original. I also prefer my thrillers to have more shocking twists, and the ending of this one didn't really do it for me. 

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

dark reflective tense

4.0

I've owned this book for years but finally got the urge to read it after recently watching The Last of Us. There were some eerie similarities! Really liked how this was executed.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

emotional hopeful inspiring

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Just as wholesome as the first book. I read the whole thing with the goofiest grin on my face. 

The Baby Dragon Café by A.T. Qureshi

lighthearted

2.0

So disappointed with this one. There was an immature quality to the writing that I just couldn't get past. I did make it to the end because I kept hoping it would get better, but I cringed from start to finish. 

The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly

adventurous dark hopeful

5.0

This had the same magical quality as its predecessor. I can't put my finger on what exactly it is but I loved it.

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey

emotional reflective sad

4.0

I didn't love this as much as The Snow Child, but I still found Ivey's writing to be enchanting. She captures Alaska like nobody else I've read.