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sand_between_pages's Reviews (734)
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The entire read, my inner-Jesse Pinkman voice emerged: YEAH MR. WHITE! YEAH SCIENCE!
But in this case, it would be more accurate to say: YEAH DR. GRACE! YEAH SCIENCE!!!
Either way, I am cheering for Andy Weir, his awesome protagonist Rhyland Grace, and this gripping sci-fi!
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This is a save-the-world themed book that packs in a LOT of physics, action, humor, and friendship. As a poly-reader, Weir actually forced me to ignore all my other current reads and just focus on Project Hail Mary - I had to know what was going to happen! I had an especially cozy few days curling up with this gem!
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I do not want to give away a lot about the plot, but I went in blind and I think that made this story even more riveting. So if you can, avoid the synopsis and just get swept up in this wild, wild ride! This is a book that will stay with me and one that I haven't been able to stop thinking about since I finished. While I sort of wanted a different outcome at the end, the more I sit with it, the more I see the beauty in how Weir did end the story. Don't know what I am talking about? Well, you will just have to read the book ;)!
But in this case, it would be more accurate to say: YEAH DR. GRACE! YEAH SCIENCE!!!
Either way, I am cheering for Andy Weir, his awesome protagonist Rhyland Grace, and this gripping sci-fi!
.
This is a save-the-world themed book that packs in a LOT of physics, action, humor, and friendship. As a poly-reader, Weir actually forced me to ignore all my other current reads and just focus on Project Hail Mary - I had to know what was going to happen! I had an especially cozy few days curling up with this gem!
.
I do not want to give away a lot about the plot, but I went in blind and I think that made this story even more riveting. So if you can, avoid the synopsis and just get swept up in this wild, wild ride! This is a book that will stay with me and one that I haven't been able to stop thinking about since I finished. While I sort of wanted a different outcome at the end, the more I sit with it, the more I see the beauty in how Weir did end the story. Don't know what I am talking about? Well, you will just have to read the book ;)!
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
"They had taught her that family is found, that whether it be blood or circumstance or choice, what binds us does not matter. All that matters is that we are bound."
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Oh Taylor! What a story!
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I really enjoyed Malibu Rising but definitely found it to be much different than all of TJR's previous novels. This felt like a lot like Little Fires Everywhere, a build up of several different story lines and issues, all culminating with a bang at the end. A subtle bang, though. (Is that an oxymoron?)
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What wasn't different, though, was TJR's ability to write amazing characters and endure the reader to their stories. I was absolutely attached to the four Riva children and rooted for them every step of the way. I respected Nina and the way she fought for her family, admired Kit's bravery to be herself, and smiled at Jay and Hud and their bond that grew from bizarre happenstance.
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And also, true to TJR, this book totally pulled at my heartstrings. There is a lot of subtlety to the way TJR grips the reader, but it's there and I couldn't help but let the tears flow freely. There isn't a book she's written that hasn't made me cry.
.
Definitely read this one!
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Oh Taylor! What a story!
.
I really enjoyed Malibu Rising but definitely found it to be much different than all of TJR's previous novels. This felt like a lot like Little Fires Everywhere, a build up of several different story lines and issues, all culminating with a bang at the end. A subtle bang, though. (Is that an oxymoron?)
.
What wasn't different, though, was TJR's ability to write amazing characters and endure the reader to their stories. I was absolutely attached to the four Riva children and rooted for them every step of the way. I respected Nina and the way she fought for her family, admired Kit's bravery to be herself, and smiled at Jay and Hud and their bond that grew from bizarre happenstance.
.
And also, true to TJR, this book totally pulled at my heartstrings. There is a lot of subtlety to the way TJR grips the reader, but it's there and I couldn't help but let the tears flow freely. There isn't a book she's written that hasn't made me cry.
.
Definitely read this one!
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much to Libro FM for the ALC of The Anatomy of Desire - THIS BOOK WAS MEANT TO BE LISTENED TO!
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This is a full-cast audio that felt like listening to a podcast, the chapters were set up in episode format and took you all the way from the murder to the trial to the verdict, with a different voice for all the characters in between. I really, really enjoyed it! The voice actors did an outstanding job and I had to remind myself that I wasn't actually listening to a real court case.
.
If you enjoy courtroom drama, this is definitely the book for you. This is a thriller, but not so much a whodunnit. I would say more of a courtroom drama/character study. After enjoying this audio, I would absolutely look for more books by this author, L.R. Dorn!
.
This is a full-cast audio that felt like listening to a podcast, the chapters were set up in episode format and took you all the way from the murder to the trial to the verdict, with a different voice for all the characters in between. I really, really enjoyed it! The voice actors did an outstanding job and I had to remind myself that I wasn't actually listening to a real court case.
.
If you enjoy courtroom drama, this is definitely the book for you. This is a thriller, but not so much a whodunnit. I would say more of a courtroom drama/character study. After enjoying this audio, I would absolutely look for more books by this author, L.R. Dorn!
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
THREE CHEERS FOR THIS GEM OF A BOOK!
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I really love the story of Little Women. I love the book, the movies (the original more than the latest), I love when Joey reads it on Friends and has to put in the freezer... I just love it all! So I knew I had to read Virginia Kantra's modern-day retellings!
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I want to note that I haven't yet read Meg & Jo (but I definitely will) and I would advise readers to pick up that one up first as Beth & Amy is definitely a continuation of the story. However, I did still enjoy this book even without reading the first! And if you're familiar with the story of Little Women, you should have no trouble!
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The writing is MAGICAL in this book and I think that's why I loved it so much. Kantra definitely has a way with words and her prose rolled off my tongue. I loved the modern-day details that were added to this classic. Amy has always been my least favorite March sister, but this book had me loving Amy and her story and her sass :)!
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This book deals with some difficult topics (TW: Eating disorder), but I found the story and the message to be inspiring and very feel-good. I really enjoyed every time I picked up the story, comforted by the pretty writing and the familiar details of the March family!
.
Get this book on your TBR!
.
I really love the story of Little Women. I love the book, the movies (the original more than the latest), I love when Joey reads it on Friends and has to put in the freezer... I just love it all! So I knew I had to read Virginia Kantra's modern-day retellings!
.
I want to note that I haven't yet read Meg & Jo (but I definitely will) and I would advise readers to pick up that one up first as Beth & Amy is definitely a continuation of the story. However, I did still enjoy this book even without reading the first! And if you're familiar with the story of Little Women, you should have no trouble!
.
The writing is MAGICAL in this book and I think that's why I loved it so much. Kantra definitely has a way with words and her prose rolled off my tongue. I loved the modern-day details that were added to this classic. Amy has always been my least favorite March sister, but this book had me loving Amy and her story and her sass :)!
.
This book deals with some difficult topics (TW: Eating disorder), but I found the story and the message to be inspiring and very feel-good. I really enjoyed every time I picked up the story, comforted by the pretty writing and the familiar details of the March family!
.
Get this book on your TBR!
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I always try especially hard to not compare an author's books. I HIGHLY anticipated One Two Three because of how deeply I love [book:This Is How It Always Is|40409102] - one of the best books I've ever read! One Two Three is VERY good, but I didn't get that same feeling - that warm, fuzzy feeling that Frankel gave me in TIHIAI.
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That being said, I love how the story is told through the eyes of siblings One, Two, and Three - Mab, Monday, and Mirabel. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT THIS BOOK IS MEANT TO BE LISTENED TO! The narration is freaking AMAZING (thank you Libro FM!) and the story was so greatly enhanced because of the amazing voice actors that voiced each of the sisters.
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This book runs in the same vein as Erin Brockovich and has an eerie similarity to the real life Flint Water crisis. There is amazing representation in this book, 2/3 narrators have a disability. The story will pull at your heartstrings, make you think, and leave you wanting social justice.
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I feel I started the review off on a negative note by comparing it to the author's previous works and I just want to state that this is a GREAT BOOK and it should absolutely be read by everyone and anyone who appreciates learning, representation, great righting, and character-driven novels.
.
That being said, I love how the story is told through the eyes of siblings One, Two, and Three - Mab, Monday, and Mirabel. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT THIS BOOK IS MEANT TO BE LISTENED TO! The narration is freaking AMAZING (thank you Libro FM!) and the story was so greatly enhanced because of the amazing voice actors that voiced each of the sisters.
.
This book runs in the same vein as Erin Brockovich and has an eerie similarity to the real life Flint Water crisis. There is amazing representation in this book, 2/3 narrators have a disability. The story will pull at your heartstrings, make you think, and leave you wanting social justice.
.
I feel I started the review off on a negative note by comparing it to the author's previous works and I just want to state that this is a GREAT BOOK and it should absolutely be read by everyone and anyone who appreciates learning, representation, great righting, and character-driven novels.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"If you knew it was the last time you were going to see someone, would you say something profound? Would you share how much they meant to you? Would you ask any burning questions? Would you ask for forgiveness? Would you thank them?"
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Where to even start? Firekeeper's Daughter is marketed as YA, but it certainly didn't read as a YA novel to me. There are several triggers (we can discuss via DM if you'd like) and a lot of dark themes that I personally feel only appropriate for a more mature audience.
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This book starts very slow. I wasn't fully invested until about the last 150 pages when I really started to get into the plot and race through to the end. While I overall enjoyed the story, I felt like there were so many parts that dragged and didn't make a ton of sense. A lot of things happened that felt random and confusing. (This could just be ME, too).
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However, I loved Daunis and respected her. She's a strong female character that provides the reader with an excellent guiding voice throughout the story. I also enjoyed this #OwnVoices read, learning so much more about Native Americans who are oftentimes looked at as a people of the past, but so clearly, that is not the case. We need more books that give voices like the ones presented in Firekeeper's Daughter.
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I did NOT predict the ending so that was very much an exciting twist. I definitely recommend this read and I'm so happy this was the May Sand to Summits Book Club pick so that I didn't sleep on this one!
.
Where to even start? Firekeeper's Daughter is marketed as YA, but it certainly didn't read as a YA novel to me. There are several triggers (we can discuss via DM if you'd like) and a lot of dark themes that I personally feel only appropriate for a more mature audience.
.
This book starts very slow. I wasn't fully invested until about the last 150 pages when I really started to get into the plot and race through to the end. While I overall enjoyed the story, I felt like there were so many parts that dragged and didn't make a ton of sense. A lot of things happened that felt random and confusing. (This could just be ME, too).
.
However, I loved Daunis and respected her. She's a strong female character that provides the reader with an excellent guiding voice throughout the story. I also enjoyed this #OwnVoices read, learning so much more about Native Americans who are oftentimes looked at as a people of the past, but so clearly, that is not the case. We need more books that give voices like the ones presented in Firekeeper's Daughter.
.
I did NOT predict the ending so that was very much an exciting twist. I definitely recommend this read and I'm so happy this was the May Sand to Summits Book Club pick so that I didn't sleep on this one!
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
WHY DOES TAYLOR WANT ME TO CRY SO MUCH?
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“That is what true love is. True love is saying to someone “Forget about us. We will be okay,” when it might not even be true, when the last thing you want is to be forgotten.”
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OH be still my heart - this one gut-punched me the entire way through. This is a romance, but true to TRJ, it isn't a traditional romance. That is what I love about TRJ. She takes real-world happenings and writes them so beautifully and so relatable and I just feel so connected to the characters she creates.
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I don't want to give away the story but I do want to give fair warning - be in the mood to cry. You will absolutely fall for Ben just as fast as Elsie did, and you will grieve in the same manner she does, too. You will smile when you meet Mr. Callahan, and you will wish your real life friends were just like Ana. For fans of TRJ and/or romance novels, do not skip this gem.
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“That is what true love is. True love is saying to someone “Forget about us. We will be okay,” when it might not even be true, when the last thing you want is to be forgotten.”
.
OH be still my heart - this one gut-punched me the entire way through. This is a romance, but true to TRJ, it isn't a traditional romance. That is what I love about TRJ. She takes real-world happenings and writes them so beautifully and so relatable and I just feel so connected to the characters she creates.
.
I don't want to give away the story but I do want to give fair warning - be in the mood to cry. You will absolutely fall for Ben just as fast as Elsie did, and you will grieve in the same manner she does, too. You will smile when you meet Mr. Callahan, and you will wish your real life friends were just like Ana. For fans of TRJ and/or romance novels, do not skip this gem.
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
WHAT IN THE ACTUAL EFF?
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This has to be the most graphic, disgusting book I have ever read. I don't think anything could top the details Slaughter includes in Pretty Girls. Were they necessary? I'm not so sure.
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The Silent Wife is one of the best books I read in 2020 and thus hooked me on Karin Slaughter. Even though I was warned about the graphic nature of Pretty Girls, I wasn't prepared for what I just read and I found it was too disturbing to be fully enjoyable. This is not a book you can binge - not one I could binge anyway. I had to take it in chunks and then read romance in between (HA!).
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What I did like? The writing and the plot twists - absolutely superb. That's what kept me going. I am not giving up on KS any time soon, but I definitely need to read only light reads to wash that one down!
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This has to be the most graphic, disgusting book I have ever read. I don't think anything could top the details Slaughter includes in Pretty Girls. Were they necessary? I'm not so sure.
.
The Silent Wife is one of the best books I read in 2020 and thus hooked me on Karin Slaughter. Even though I was warned about the graphic nature of Pretty Girls, I wasn't prepared for what I just read and I found it was too disturbing to be fully enjoyable. This is not a book you can binge - not one I could binge anyway. I had to take it in chunks and then read romance in between (HA!).
.
What I did like? The writing and the plot twists - absolutely superb. That's what kept me going. I am not giving up on KS any time soon, but I definitely need to read only light reads to wash that one down!
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Downing does it again!
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For Your Own Good is fast-paced, eerie, and compulsive. I literally could NOT put it down.
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In this story, we are dealing with some true psychopaths. Downing does a great job writing as if we are inside our protagonist's head. Teddy Crutcher is a scary, scary man. His narration of events is what gives this book all the thrills and chills.
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I didn't love the end - but I guess the author wanted to leave everything up to the reader's interpretation...
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Thank you Berkley for the arc!
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For Your Own Good is fast-paced, eerie, and compulsive. I literally could NOT put it down.
.
In this story, we are dealing with some true psychopaths. Downing does a great job writing as if we are inside our protagonist's head. Teddy Crutcher is a scary, scary man. His narration of events is what gives this book all the thrills and chills.
.
I didn't love the end - but I guess the author wanted to leave everything up to the reader's interpretation...
.
Thank you Berkley for the arc!
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OMG I AM SWOOOOOOOOONING!
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Wow. Okay. I was honestly skeptical going into this book, I worried it would be way over-hyped. I'm already such a snobby snob when it comes to romance and am way over-critical (I admit it) but the truth is, I am in LOVE with this book. Truly, fully, irrevocably in love! And honestly, I've loved all of Emily Henry's novels so I don't know why I had any doubt?
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People We Meet on Vacation has ALL the When Harry Met Sally Vibes which is one of my favorite movies, ever, so loving this book is inevitable. Henry does a great job capturing those vibes, but not re-writing the original; PWMOV has its own flair, witty banter, and scintillating love scenes. IT ALSO HAS ALL THE FEELS and if you know anything about me, you know I love me some feels!
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I loved the vacation element of the story and getting to travel with Poppy and Alex. I also loved the self-discovery each went through, navigating the world and finding what it is that makes them happy.
.
MUST READ! YOU ALL MUST READ! NOW!
.
Wow. Okay. I was honestly skeptical going into this book, I worried it would be way over-hyped. I'm already such a snobby snob when it comes to romance and am way over-critical (I admit it) but the truth is, I am in LOVE with this book. Truly, fully, irrevocably in love! And honestly, I've loved all of Emily Henry's novels so I don't know why I had any doubt?
.
People We Meet on Vacation has ALL the When Harry Met Sally Vibes which is one of my favorite movies, ever, so loving this book is inevitable. Henry does a great job capturing those vibes, but not re-writing the original; PWMOV has its own flair, witty banter, and scintillating love scenes. IT ALSO HAS ALL THE FEELS and if you know anything about me, you know I love me some feels!
.
I loved the vacation element of the story and getting to travel with Poppy and Alex. I also loved the self-discovery each went through, navigating the world and finding what it is that makes them happy.
.
MUST READ! YOU ALL MUST READ! NOW!