tdhaswell's reviews
56 reviews

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Many of us came across this book in the same way and expectations were high. That being said, those expectations were not met. The general storyline of the book was unique and interesting but the progression towards the ending and the ending itself was unrealistic and unsatisfactory.

The main character deals with severe trauma that lacks deeper acknowledgment. I appreciate the message the book conveys however the ‘happy ending’ was executed poorly and required more thought, personally.

The books popularity is largely due to the fact that it is very easy to read. This is not a terrible thing but it lacks the didacticism required to effectively deal with such topics. I feel as though Colleen Hoover just combines explicit, vulgar themes with an immature writing style.
Enjoyed the story but the writing was not very good.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It was an intriguing storyline with a great build-up. I’m am rarely satisfied with the ending of most books and they often feel rushed but by the end of Not a Happy Family, it was evident that this was a well thought-out book. It did include details about the death of the victims but it wasn’t too gruesomely described.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-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

3.25

The Catcher in the Rye is a quick, classic read and not much more. Although intended for adults, I found it enjoyable in my early teens as it tells the relatable tale of teen angst in a time where the main character is discovering himself and questioning the world around him.

Call Me Woman by Ellen Kuzwayo

hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Ellen Kuzwayo was a remarkable woman and she writes a remarkable story. The biography of her life intertwines with the lives of many others with whom she shared her struggles. I’ve never seen the plight of women described in such an exceptional way. A brilliant book that is eye-opening to the strength and resilience of women specifically during a time of such hardship and discrimination.

The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? N/A

5.0

Jonas Jonasson never fails to create a light-hearted, loveable story. The characters are witty and their encounters with other side-characters throughout the book add a brilliant humorous aspect to the interesting plot that dives head-first into social issues that I, as a South African, particularly enjoyed.

The Twins of Auschwitz: The inspiring true story of a young girl surviving Mengele's hell by Eva Mozes Kor, Lisa Rojany Buccieri

informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

I think it's important for us to read such books. It has a distinguishing effect as it separates ‘interesting facts' from real experience. It's a humanizing reminder that history is so much more than what we learn through the media and textbooks- that it was an actual experience that deeply affected real people. I found Eva’s take on forgiveness quite profound.