the_sentimentality_of_books's reviews
83 reviews

Dracula by Bram Stoker

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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

5.0

I have read this as part of 'Dracula Daily' a service that emails you snippets of the book happening in "real time": Because the book is written in date-coded works (e.g., diary entries, letters), it works really well. This way it is very slow-paced and builds the suspense and terror so well.

The Maid by Nita Prose

dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective 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

Following Molly the Maid uncover the killer of Mr Black at her beloved Regency Grand Hotel was a wonderfully slow burn.
Given the flashbacks that Molly allows us to see into her life, we cringe in embarrassment for her, want to hug her, want to cheer for her.
A main theme of this book is power: who has it, and who doesn't have it. Or, who can exploit the vulnerable, and what can the vulnerable do?
I can't wait to continue the series and join Molly on another adventure.

Bernese Adventure by Jane Shaw

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

I absolutely love this book. It's one of the books I read when I need something both relaxing and fun. The characters are so funny and a good little family to a join on their holiday as they race around Western Europe.

Monsieur by Maxim Jakubowski, Emma Becker

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Carry On, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

5.0

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

adventurous challenging emotional funny fast-paced

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

5.0

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

I found this book difficult to read because of the protaganist: Victoria doesn't fight battles, doesn't slay dragons, doesn't wave a banner. Mostly, she is passive. Even when threatened with homelessness, she does nothing.
I stuck with it in hopes that the final chapter would show her finally taking steps.
The book would have been over a lot more quickly if most of the characters had sought mich-needed mental health support.

What Katy Did Next by Susan Coolidge

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I come back to this book because I read it when I was little so it is a comfortable read for me. However, there are so many things that annoy me: The superiority of little Amy Ashe who complains most of time that she is in Europe; Katy's sanctimonious behaviour; even Mr Carr who knows better than Katy (who of course humbly wonders at his wisdom instead of ever even questioning him). Mrs Ashe who is generous, has designs upon Katy and candidly admits her feelings for people, and Rose Red are the reconciling points to this book for me.
The romance could reconcile me to the book. At least it means we see some character development in Lieutenant Worthington, instead of the unforgiving character repeatedness that becomes stale in everyone else.
Although it was a modern and feminist book for its day, it does not hit the mark now.

Murder on a Midsummer Night by Kerry Greenwood

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Like any book with such a fun, frivolous and flamboyant main character, Murder on a Midsummer Night is a great read. Add in a couple of mysteries, lots of luxury, and Kerry Greenwood's grasp (and liberties) on history, and you have a extremely enjoyable read.