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standingtreereads's reviews
67 reviews
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
What a thought-provoking read!
I enjoyed all of the characters and thought they meshed well together. It was refreshing to read about scientist characters that weren't completely clinical. Their personalities were fleshed out and unique.
The plot was intriguing and I loved learning about each new planet as the characters did. As a science lover, I enjoyed the heavy scientific talk, but, as a not-that-smart science lover, I appreciated the effort and creativity that went into the thorough, layman's explanationa without coming off as condescending.
I enjoyed all of the characters and thought they meshed well together. It was refreshing to read about scientist characters that weren't completely clinical. Their personalities were fleshed out and unique.
The plot was intriguing and I loved learning about each new planet as the characters did. As a science lover, I enjoyed the heavy scientific talk, but, as a not-that-smart science lover, I appreciated the effort and creativity that went into the thorough, layman's explanationa without coming off as condescending.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It's been many, many years since I've read Chamber of Secrets, and I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it holds up. It's always been one of my top Harry Potter books/films. I'm also surprised how much I'm enjoying spotting the similarities and differences between the books and the films. The fact that a lot of the dialogue wasn't changed warmed my heart.
I will always have a soft spot for this world and its characters.
I will always have a soft spot for this world and its characters.
The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This story popped up in my recommendations after reading "Dead Silence" by S.A. Barnes which is in my top 3 favorites I've read this year. Then I saw that Stephen Graham Jones recommended it in an AMA on Reddit. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to try this.
I'm sure you can tell by my star rating, but I just found it...okay. I never felt connected to either of the two main characters. Which usually isn't a problem for me because I tend to relate to at least a side character or something. The only problem with this is there are no side characters—just the two mains—and I found them both pretty insufferable.
The plot started out promising, but it didn't take long to realize the direction the story was going. I didn't care for it. By the time we get to the (rather lackluster) ending, it felt like the book had almost switched genres.
I will say I enjoyed the atmosphere of the setting. I frequently felt the claustrophobia and the panic and paranoia certain dire situations brought forth. Spelunking is not and will never be on any of my yearly bingo cards...
I'm sure you can tell by my star rating, but I just found it...okay. I never felt connected to either of the two main characters. Which usually isn't a problem for me because I tend to relate to at least a side character or something. The only problem with this is there are no side characters—just the two mains—and I found them both pretty insufferable.
The plot started out promising, but it didn't take long to realize the direction the story was going. I didn't care for it. By the time we get to the (rather lackluster) ending, it felt like the book had almost switched genres.
I will say I enjoyed the atmosphere of the setting. I frequently felt the claustrophobia and the panic and paranoia certain dire situations brought forth. Spelunking is not and will never be on any of my yearly bingo cards...
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
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
5.0
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Narrow by Kate Alice Marshall
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Strong start, bland end
I'll admit, it should of clicked when I found out this is based in a boarding school that I'd be reading about teenagers. My brain just straight didn't make that connection. Overall, I'm not a big fan of YA because I have a hard time putting myself in the shoes of teenagers now, despite being one at one point. Everything, however miniscule, is life-or-death and it's just not a mindset I like to reexperience in my older, adult life for fun. I don't have the patience anymore.
In my albeit limited experience with YA as a genre, I have to say that this wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Perhaps that's because the stakes were ACTUALLY life-and/or-death. I enjoyed the premise (ghosts/paranormal stuff is my jam), the characters both main and side, the atmosphere, especially in the beginning, really hit that Halloween, spooky spot I was hoping it would.
The ending wasn't what I was expecting, in both a good way and a bad way. I appreciate the non-clicheness of it, but it still felt a little off. I didn't quite feel the emotions I think it was supposed to elicit.
In all, a solid book that I can see others really enjoying (and apparently are, given the ratings/reviews), but not quite my cup of tea.
I'll admit, it should of clicked when I found out this is based in a boarding school that I'd be reading about teenagers. My brain just straight didn't make that connection. Overall, I'm not a big fan of YA because I have a hard time putting myself in the shoes of teenagers now, despite being one at one point. Everything, however miniscule, is life-or-death and it's just not a mindset I like to reexperience in my older, adult life for fun. I don't have the patience anymore.
In my albeit limited experience with YA as a genre, I have to say that this wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Perhaps that's because the stakes were ACTUALLY life-and/or-death. I enjoyed the premise (ghosts/paranormal stuff is my jam), the characters both main and side, the atmosphere, especially in the beginning, really hit that Halloween, spooky spot I was hoping it would.
The ending wasn't what I was expecting, in both a good way and a bad way. I appreciate the non-clicheness of it, but it still felt a little off. I didn't quite feel the emotions I think it was supposed to elicit.
In all, a solid book that I can see others really enjoying (and apparently are, given the ratings/reviews), but not quite my cup of tea.