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thebookishmel's reviews
405 reviews
Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch
4.0
3.5
I didn’t love this one as much as I enjoyed Love and Gelato. Following Addie, Ian and Rowan really made this such a character driven story, whereas Gelato was all about figuring out mom’s love story (remind’s me a lot of Mamma Mia now that I think about it).
I think easily the best parts were the guidebook. In the entirety of the novel, thats what I tabbed. The only other moment I tabbed was when Addie was being empowered, which is super similar to the guidebook.
Overall, fun story idea, fun adventure. I love having these journeys to Italy and Ireland, and I cannot wait to see what Jenna comes out with next. Regardless of my feelings for this novel, I’m still 110% on board with reading the next one.
I didn’t love this one as much as I enjoyed Love and Gelato. Following Addie, Ian and Rowan really made this such a character driven story, whereas Gelato was all about figuring out mom’s love story (remind’s me a lot of Mamma Mia now that I think about it).
I think easily the best parts were the guidebook. In the entirety of the novel, thats what I tabbed. The only other moment I tabbed was when Addie was being empowered, which is super similar to the guidebook.
Overall, fun story idea, fun adventure. I love having these journeys to Italy and Ireland, and I cannot wait to see what Jenna comes out with next. Regardless of my feelings for this novel, I’m still 110% on board with reading the next one.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
5.0
This book was a very interesting read for me. I didn’t realize how much it would resonate with me after having finished it. Like Mitch, I have a professor who really made this kind of impact on my life, and so when the novel ended with Morrie’s beautifully lived life, I had to stop what I was doing a write my professor a letter.
I wrote to him thanking him for the impact he made on my life, even if it was so brief. I thanked him for really LISTENING to me and not just hearing the words coming out. I thanked him for letting me feel more than just another college student, or just another grade or statistic.
The lessons Mitch learns and teaches us through Morrie’s words really struck home sometimes, and I absolutely cried my eyes out when I finished. Truly a read I wasn’t expecting to have such a personal attachment to me, but a great read nonetheless.
I wrote to him thanking him for the impact he made on my life, even if it was so brief. I thanked him for really LISTENING to me and not just hearing the words coming out. I thanked him for letting me feel more than just another college student, or just another grade or statistic.
The lessons Mitch learns and teaches us through Morrie’s words really struck home sometimes, and I absolutely cried my eyes out when I finished. Truly a read I wasn’t expecting to have such a personal attachment to me, but a great read nonetheless.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
4.0
This was a really interesting read! Meeting the 5 people that were important to Eddie in different situation and in different stages in his life were really well done. I enjoyed the individual lessons that each person brought, which are very characteristic of Albom’s writing. The overarching lesson, I think, was a great reminder for all reading.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
4.0
3.75-4.0
Placed a hold on this audiobook a while ago and I started listening to it not knowing a single thing about the plot. I wasn’t necessarily impressed, nor was I disappointed either.
I love the historical fiction aspect of it, and I think its my favorite part. The entire novel is entirely character driven and (for once), I loved it. It’s incredible to see how different life was compared to where we’re at now. Each character goes through their day to day struggles with being Asian-American and having to deal with not just racial issues, but the tragedy of their daughter.
I think the hardest part was while listening, it was really easy for me to lose focus or have to figure out exactly whose perspective it was. Might have been easier if it was physically read.
Placed a hold on this audiobook a while ago and I started listening to it not knowing a single thing about the plot. I wasn’t necessarily impressed, nor was I disappointed either.
I love the historical fiction aspect of it, and I think its my favorite part. The entire novel is entirely character driven and (for once), I loved it. It’s incredible to see how different life was compared to where we’re at now. Each character goes through their day to day struggles with being Asian-American and having to deal with not just racial issues, but the tragedy of their daughter.
I think the hardest part was while listening, it was really easy for me to lose focus or have to figure out exactly whose perspective it was. Might have been easier if it was physically read.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
5.0
I can 100% understand why this is so many reader’s favorite installment of Harry Potter. I can’t say for sure just yet, but it was definitely an amazing continuation.
In this novel, we see a lot of growth from Harry, Hermione and Ron. They learn to tackle more than they expected and with all the little plot twists, you can see where each of their heads are at. The loyalty trait is also tested and we’re constantly reminded that yes, Harry is still a kid despite the craziness he has to deal with. He still has a temper when arguing with Malfoy, and he has a lot of passion for Quidditch, which I think you can see in any teenage boy.
Rowling has obviously done an incredible job with this series and I’m so glad to be reading it.
In this novel, we see a lot of growth from Harry, Hermione and Ron. They learn to tackle more than they expected and with all the little plot twists, you can see where each of their heads are at. The loyalty trait is also tested and we’re constantly reminded that yes, Harry is still a kid despite the craziness he has to deal with. He still has a temper when arguing with Malfoy, and he has a lot of passion for Quidditch, which I think you can see in any teenage boy.
Rowling has obviously done an incredible job with this series and I’m so glad to be reading it.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
5.0
Easy rating, I definitely think this is my favorite in the series so far, contrary to the majority being book 3.
The pacing of this book was done SO well especially with it being over 700 pages. The world was built so nicely and I didn't feel rushed into the school year, nor did I feel like it took forever to get there. The beginning of the story was great for character building and really improved how Harry's portrayal felt.
The Triwizard Tournament was a really interesting addition to the story because it helped break up the routine of the last 3 books, while still staying true to the characters going to Hogwarts. I loved being able to see just the variety of people Rowling can create and seeing their interactions, like with the Yule Ball, just made it even better. In addition to the tournament, I think my favorite minute detail was the Pensieve because it gives that glimpse into the past that is a lot more vivid than what stories can tell.
I could keep writing about how much I loved this book, but I'd go on forever about all the little things.
The pacing of this book was done SO well especially with it being over 700 pages. The world was built so nicely and I didn't feel rushed into the school year, nor did I feel like it took forever to get there. The beginning of the story was great for character building and really improved how Harry's portrayal felt.
The Triwizard Tournament was a really interesting addition to the story because it helped break up the routine of the last 3 books, while still staying true to the characters going to Hogwarts. I loved being able to see just the variety of people Rowling can create and seeing their interactions, like with the Yule Ball, just made it even better. In addition to the tournament, I think my favorite minute detail was the Pensieve because it gives that glimpse into the past that is a lot more vivid than what stories can tell.
I could keep writing about how much I loved this book, but I'd go on forever about all the little things.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
4.0
My least favorite of them thus far, which is surprising to say the least! Not only was it huge, but it was full of so much that I found myself wanting it to be over more than I wanted to really read through it. I felt as if there were a lot of filler chapters that were big and bulky, but I know there's a purpose to it, that being that it was a ton of fantastic world building, but too much for me personally.
However, there were some incredible aspects of the book that cannot be ignored. Harry continues to show his age, his angst, his guilt and his ever growing self. He learns to deal with deaths, and all the while learning more about his role in the big picture that he was thrown in.
Overall, an interesting reading experience for me. I think I'll be putting HP on pause just until I finish the other two I'm currently reading so I can focus solely on Year 6!
However, there were some incredible aspects of the book that cannot be ignored. Harry continues to show his age, his angst, his guilt and his ever growing self. He learns to deal with deaths, and all the while learning more about his role in the big picture that he was thrown in.
Overall, an interesting reading experience for me. I think I'll be putting HP on pause just until I finish the other two I'm currently reading so I can focus solely on Year 6!
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
5.0
This was a 4 star read at first, but it got SO GOOD and I literally FLEW through the audiobook!! It definitely kept me on my toes the entire team and I audibly screamed whilst driving and listening MULTIPLE times.
Loved the narration from Ed Westwick and Heather Lind! Both did a fantastic job of creating the characters voices and really manipulating their own to fit into the era. I think one would’ve been fine and the switching off never made any sense to me, but regardless, twas fantastic.
ALSO, A LETTER I DIDNT KNOW EXISTED AT THE END OF THE AUDIOBOOK BUT WASNT IN MY PHYSICAL BOOK??? WHATS THAT ABOUT?? I GOTTA KNOW!!
Such a great read for this readathon too!
Loved the narration from Ed Westwick and Heather Lind! Both did a fantastic job of creating the characters voices and really manipulating their own to fit into the era. I think one would’ve been fine and the switching off never made any sense to me, but regardless, twas fantastic.
ALSO, A LETTER I DIDNT KNOW EXISTED AT THE END OF THE AUDIOBOOK BUT WASNT IN MY PHYSICAL BOOK??? WHATS THAT ABOUT?? I GOTTA KNOW!!
Such a great read for this readathon too!
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
5.0
WOW. I think I'm like the majority in the sense that this wasn't at all what I was expecting! Surprisingly really dark, with elements of mystery involved! Although it was super short (being about 5 hours), it was so good, but so haunting! Genuinely really happy with this as a listen, and I'll be listening to the next two for sure!