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saarahnina's reviews
539 reviews
When I see your Face by Devika Fernando
3.0
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers**
I didn't like this novel
My opinion on this book is mostly because of the actual story/ content, since I had no real problem with the writing, aside from the trade marks of it becoming a little too repetitive and thus, annoying. For example, the constant use of analogies, and comparative phrases (through similes).
I didn't like the character of Cathy, for the most part, since she very much lacked a backbone. Not only this, but during her vulnerability she had no real reluctance to pursue a new relationship. Real reluctance can be defined as being reluctant not just in thought but in action. You'd think that after someone left an abusive relationship, they'd be more than a little hesitant in going off with a stranger. Especially, one who looks strikingly akin to her abusive husband. Therefore, needless to say, the storyline lacked genuineness.
Also, during her vulnerability she did try to be independent but only ended up relying on the suspicious stranger, whom she of course didn't believe to be suspicious. She goes as, far as moving in with the guy and devising plans for their future together. All the while, she is still married to her husband, they are waiting for a divorce. Talk about being foolishly reckless.
It doesn't take long for the new guy to declare his love for her. Though a chapter or so later when he says it again, Cathy reacts in surprise - in a way to suggest this was the first time he declared his love to her.
Quite obviously, I didn't like her abusive husband though he did raise a valid point or implication in that Cathy was stupid.
However, surprisingly I didn't like the new guy either - he was, we come to realise,too good to be true. Also at some points he was very near tears in response to Cathy's tales of her past. Thus, suggesting he was a weakling.
Also I didn't like how there were only three main characters, excluding the neighbour. Again making the whole thing highly superficial.
I will not be recommending this, I'm afraid. It was not for me, I guess.
I didn't like this novel
My opinion on this book is mostly because of the actual story/ content, since I had no real problem with the writing, aside from the trade marks of it becoming a little too repetitive and thus, annoying. For example, the constant use of analogies, and comparative phrases (through similes).
I didn't like the character of Cathy, for the most part, since she very much lacked a backbone. Not only this, but during her vulnerability she had no real reluctance to pursue a new relationship. Real reluctance can be defined as being reluctant not just in thought but in action. You'd think that after someone left an abusive relationship, they'd be more than a little hesitant in going off with a stranger. Especially, one who looks strikingly akin to her abusive husband. Therefore, needless to say, the storyline lacked genuineness.
Also, during her vulnerability she did try to be independent but only ended up relying on the suspicious stranger, whom she of course didn't believe to be suspicious. She goes as, far as moving in with the guy and devising plans for their future together. All the while, she is still married to her husband, they are waiting for a divorce. Talk about being foolishly reckless.
It doesn't take long for the new guy to declare his love for her. Though a chapter or so later when he says it again, Cathy reacts in surprise - in a way to suggest this was the first time he declared his love to her.
Quite obviously, I didn't like her abusive husband though he did raise a valid point or implication in that Cathy was stupid.
However, surprisingly I didn't like the new guy either - he was, we come to realise,too good to be true. Also at some points he was very near tears in response to Cathy's tales of her past. Thus, suggesting he was a weakling.
Also I didn't like how there were only three main characters, excluding the neighbour. Again making the whole thing highly superficial.
I will not be recommending this, I'm afraid. It was not for me, I guess.
I'm Not Saying, I'm Just Saying by Matthew Salesses
5.0
From my Goodreads account, but I purchased it from Amazon
I've never read this sort of novel before, at first I didn't understand it. But once I got the feel of it, I didn't stop reading. It portrayed beauty, denial, regret, loneliness and finally, acceptance. I liked it, I hope I will have another opportunity to read a flash fiction.
I've never read this sort of novel before, at first I didn't understand it. But once I got the feel of it, I didn't stop reading. It portrayed beauty, denial, regret, loneliness and finally, acceptance. I liked it, I hope I will have another opportunity to read a flash fiction.
Belle of the Ball by Pam McCutcheon
4.0
Witty, beautiful, a page-turner!
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I don't tend to read books with supernatural elements within them but when putting all that aside, the book was beautiful.
The characters were funny, witty for the most part. There were times when I actually cringed at the words Belle came out with. I loved it! The character of Belle, though lacking in self confidence, was very charming and loyal to her sisters. Oh what I'd give to be a sister like that!
I did have a small problem with one of the underlying messages conveyed in this novel: you have to be beautiful to get a man. For, it was once Belle became beautiful that Stanhope paid any attention to her, in the romantic sense. The fact that Stanhope took advantage of Belle's innocence and naivety also didn't sit well with me. Readers may argue that both characters were in love, yet I'm sure I raise a valid point when I state that Belle had never been in love before. Surely, she'd have to be able to recognise the experience first or know that it's what she wanted.
This leads me on to my next point, the way Belle behaved with Stanhope was not out of love. For example, she imagined him naked- surely, I am not wrong when I think she felt lust for him as opposed to love.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I don't tend to read books with supernatural elements within them but when putting all that aside, the book was beautiful.
The characters were funny, witty for the most part. There were times when I actually cringed at the words Belle came out with. I loved it! The character of Belle, though lacking in self confidence, was very charming and loyal to her sisters. Oh what I'd give to be a sister like that!
I did have a small problem with one of the underlying messages conveyed in this novel: you have to be beautiful to get a man. For, it was once Belle became beautiful that Stanhope paid any attention to her, in the romantic sense. The fact that Stanhope took advantage of Belle's innocence and naivety also didn't sit well with me. Readers may argue that both characters were in love, yet I'm sure I raise a valid point when I state that Belle had never been in love before. Surely, she'd have to be able to recognise the experience first or know that it's what she wanted.
This leads me on to my next point, the way Belle behaved with Stanhope was not out of love. For example, she imagined him naked- surely, I am not wrong when I think she felt lust for him as opposed to love.
Those Red High Heels by Katherine May
2.0
It was far too cliché for me.
Not only that, but it was downright disgusting.
It had a large Cinderella element to it: Emma was dealing with a miserable situation she meets Greyson and things start to look up (after buying the heels of course). The book deals with something I have a strong dislike towards-adultery. Another thing I disliked was that, the victim of it was portrayed to be evil throughout (Nora). It is later revealed that she had such secrets of her own.
Emma was an idiot, all the way through. She had no self control nor any common sense. She flirts with Greyson (an engaged man), she meets his fiancé, then after running into Nora (the fiancé) she adapts a self-righteous attitude of what did I do to her? I hated her constant self pitying attitude.
I liked Nora far more: she was strong, in control and confident. Though she deserved better than Greyson, who was pretty annoying. Mostly because he was a grown man who still let his old man rule his life- why must this be so common amongst books like this? How the hell did this become a cliché?
It was also frustrating that Brynn and Collin kept coming up...we get it, they're perfect! No one cares...I never at any point found them cute. Nor did I buy into the 'perfectness' (I know it's not a word) of their relationship. Perfect doesn't exist, every relationship has problems and you'd be a fool to believe otherwise. I'm not being cynical, I'm just being matter of fact. Ugh...This book wasn't worth it, but I did read to the end.
Not only that, but it was downright disgusting.
It had a large Cinderella element to it: Emma was dealing with a miserable situation she meets Greyson and things start to look up (after buying the heels of course). The book deals with something I have a strong dislike towards-adultery. Another thing I disliked was that, the victim of it was portrayed to be evil throughout (Nora). It is later revealed that she had such secrets of her own.
Emma was an idiot, all the way through. She had no self control nor any common sense. She flirts with Greyson (an engaged man), she meets his fiancé, then after running into Nora (the fiancé) she adapts a self-righteous attitude of what did I do to her? I hated her constant self pitying attitude.
I liked Nora far more: she was strong, in control and confident. Though she deserved better than Greyson, who was pretty annoying. Mostly because he was a grown man who still let his old man rule his life- why must this be so common amongst books like this? How the hell did this become a cliché?
It was also frustrating that Brynn and Collin kept coming up...we get it, they're perfect! No one cares...I never at any point found them cute. Nor did I buy into the 'perfectness' (I know it's not a word) of their relationship. Perfect doesn't exist, every relationship has problems and you'd be a fool to believe otherwise. I'm not being cynical, I'm just being matter of fact. Ugh...This book wasn't worth it, but I did read to the end.
Summer's Fury by Katie Wyatt
5.0
I liked this
It was very fast paced after the characters' initial introductions.
I liked how instead of receiving a long winded description of the two main characters, we were able to see their personalities in action. Whilst they dealt with the onslaught of a furious tornado.
I fell in love with Beauregard, and his selfless love towards Summer- who, was a stranger to him. He was willing to sacrifice himself for the safety of his new wife. It was beautiful. What more can you ask for, in a man?
I would have liked the novel to have gone on a bit more, it had the perfect introduction. The only issue I had was that it was short.
It was very fast paced after the characters' initial introductions.
I liked how instead of receiving a long winded description of the two main characters, we were able to see their personalities in action. Whilst they dealt with the onslaught of a furious tornado.
I fell in love with Beauregard, and his selfless love towards Summer- who, was a stranger to him. He was willing to sacrifice himself for the safety of his new wife. It was beautiful. What more can you ask for, in a man?
I would have liked the novel to have gone on a bit more, it had the perfect introduction. The only issue I had was that it was short.
You Are Dying, and Your World Is a Lie by Johnny B. Truant
5.0
It tells the truth...
This is so brilliantly genuine, and I didn't find it difficult to come to terms with any part of what was mentioned. This essay was inspirational, despite its title.
I happened to agree with a lot of what was said, particularly the part where it mentions that people are always trying to fit everything in, their families, their work and then they become impatient when asked to do something meaningless. I'm a lot like this.
This is so brilliantly genuine, and I didn't find it difficult to come to terms with any part of what was mentioned. This essay was inspirational, despite its title.
I happened to agree with a lot of what was said, particularly the part where it mentions that people are always trying to fit everything in, their families, their work and then they become impatient when asked to do something meaningless. I'm a lot like this.
The Cowboys Heart by Helen Evans
2.0
Ridiculously boring
I didn't like any of it, the storyline was really slow, and there were parts which I've read a million times or more. For example, Heather's ex-husband left her for a secretary. How many times have we read that? As a result of the predictability, the sympathy that we, as readers, should feel towards Heather was non existent.
At first, I found the predicament Heather faced to be fairly compelling, since she seemed to be at ends in trying to figure out what to do. But then this brief interest vanished and I began to loathe Her, as she made her decision very quickly. It was as though it was too easy, even though having read her prior thoughts we were aware that it was anything but. For example, she had been concerned about Jamie, about her work, about her ex-husband, but then all of a sudden, there were no issues.
To me, this presented her as a poor parent as she failed to consult her son about the situation and she didn't even present her decision delicately. This made me laugh, since shortly after, she questioned her son's unhappiness and bitter nature. Ultimately, her decision was a disadvantage for Jamie, her son as it meant that he would be separated from his friends, his father (even though his father barely visited), as well as his school.
We again see Heather as a bad parent when she begins to get serious with Hudson, as her son barely knows him and they have no talk about where the relationship is heading. Though, Hudson does claim that he loves both Heather and Jamie, but there are no instances, in the novel, when we see Jamie and Hudson interacting. Thus, presenting Heather as selfish in that she fails to think of her son's feelings.
Also Heather forgave Hudson too easily, which made no sense since she had already been betrayed, therefore you'd think she'd be more careful. Her initial attraction also made little sense, since she was a divorcee you'd again think she'd be wounded or willing to learn from the past.
Also within the novel, there were a number of spelling and grammatical errors.
The novel can be read as a standalone (since the issues at the end are not very intriguing) but not all issues are solved by the end. I am not planning to read the next novel.
I didn't like any of it, the storyline was really slow, and there were parts which I've read a million times or more. For example, Heather's ex-husband left her for a secretary. How many times have we read that? As a result of the predictability, the sympathy that we, as readers, should feel towards Heather was non existent.
At first, I found the predicament Heather faced to be fairly compelling, since she seemed to be at ends in trying to figure out what to do. But then this brief interest vanished and I began to loathe Her, as she made her decision very quickly. It was as though it was too easy, even though having read her prior thoughts we were aware that it was anything but. For example, she had been concerned about Jamie, about her work, about her ex-husband, but then all of a sudden, there were no issues.
To me, this presented her as a poor parent as she failed to consult her son about the situation and she didn't even present her decision delicately. This made me laugh, since shortly after, she questioned her son's unhappiness and bitter nature. Ultimately, her decision was a disadvantage for Jamie, her son as it meant that he would be separated from his friends, his father (even though his father barely visited), as well as his school.
We again see Heather as a bad parent when she begins to get serious with Hudson, as her son barely knows him and they have no talk about where the relationship is heading. Though, Hudson does claim that he loves both Heather and Jamie, but there are no instances, in the novel, when we see Jamie and Hudson interacting. Thus, presenting Heather as selfish in that she fails to think of her son's feelings.
Also Heather forgave Hudson too easily, which made no sense since she had already been betrayed, therefore you'd think she'd be more careful. Her initial attraction also made little sense, since she was a divorcee you'd again think she'd be wounded or willing to learn from the past.
Also within the novel, there were a number of spelling and grammatical errors.
The novel can be read as a standalone (since the issues at the end are not very intriguing) but not all issues are solved by the end. I am not planning to read the next novel.
Confessions of a Caffeine Addict: 10 True Anonymous Short Stories by Marina Kushner
5.0
Helpful and enlightening
This book provided me with a sense of reality, we have all heard the phrase 'too much of anything, is bad.' All the while I was reading this, that's what came to mind.
I'm grateful for having had the chance to read this, it has helped me develop a more cautious outlook on my diet. I, myself, have never tasted coffee, the smell and its side effects are enough to put me off. I tend to drink tea, I know that sounds highly refined but, trust me it isn't so much.
I drink four cups over the span of a weekend. I drink one cup per weekday. So I'm not extreme in my consumption, but I understand that I have the potential to become out of control in my habit.
This book will help someone who is tired of listening to the voices of reason around them; who is in need of the voices of experience.
This book provided me with a sense of reality, we have all heard the phrase 'too much of anything, is bad.' All the while I was reading this, that's what came to mind.
I'm grateful for having had the chance to read this, it has helped me develop a more cautious outlook on my diet. I, myself, have never tasted coffee, the smell and its side effects are enough to put me off. I tend to drink tea, I know that sounds highly refined but, trust me it isn't so much.
I drink four cups over the span of a weekend. I drink one cup per weekday. So I'm not extreme in my consumption, but I understand that I have the potential to become out of control in my habit.
This book will help someone who is tired of listening to the voices of reason around them; who is in need of the voices of experience.
How Sweet the Sound by Juliet James, Juliet James
5.0
Short and sweet
That's is why I read it, lately I barely have time to read books so I try to read as many short ones as possible. Yet, of course, (me being me) I would have liked it to have been longer. As the novel failed to explore the early days of the relationship's second chance, people change (which the authors acknowledge) - this sure would have affected the relationship. I'd have liked this to have been covered.
But aside from that, I did enjoy it.
That's is why I read it, lately I barely have time to read books so I try to read as many short ones as possible. Yet, of course, (me being me) I would have liked it to have been longer. As the novel failed to explore the early days of the relationship's second chance, people change (which the authors acknowledge) - this sure would have affected the relationship. I'd have liked this to have been covered.
But aside from that, I did enjoy it.
The Way of Peace by James Allen
4.0
Okay
Reading this book quickly became tedious, perhaps because I'm reading it so early in the morning. I do plan to read it again. Flicking through it, I read some wonderful quotes: many of which I hope to live my life by.
Reading this book quickly became tedious, perhaps because I'm reading it so early in the morning. I do plan to read it again. Flicking through it, I read some wonderful quotes: many of which I hope to live my life by.