theshelvesofschae's reviews
197 reviews

Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

4.0

I found this to be the strongest out of the first three books of the series, at least because it had the most structure by far. Loved the added lore in this story.

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

3.0

I'm still feeling hesitant here as to whether or not I'm truly enjoying this series. The restaurant sequence was the best, especially from the multiple perspectives. 

The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

4.0

While reading it, I felt lukewarm to the plot and characters. But writing this review retrospectively, I respect it so much more. The writing had a very clear and strong style with a keen sense of world building and humor.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

emotional reflective fast-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 sooo long since I've read this, but I found it much more profound to read as an adult. 

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

dark mysterious 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

4.0

If I hadn't seen the film beforehand, this might've been much tougher to get through. My copy had footnotes that pointed out references and reused lines from other Oscar Wilde works, which provided some fun trivia. I loved the beginning's very Gatsby-esque reveal/introduction to Dorian Gray. 

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis

emotional mysterious 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

4.0

I enjoyed this much more than I initially thought that I would! Really well-researched with the art history, 

Peculiar Questions and Practical Answers: A Little Book of Whimsy and Wisdom from the Files of the New York Public Library by The New York Public Library

informative lighthearted fast-paced

1.0

Just something short to read. It had some charm to it at first, but I wanted more out of it. Did a librarian even write this? Why were the pictures so pixelated? 

The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore

reflective medium-paced

4.0

After reading this, I do question the ethics of this book. Is it exploitative of the Wes Moore in prison? What purpose does it serve to dramatize their lives? The stories were presented very well and had powerful parallels, but I wish the ending would have reached a stronger conclusion. While I enjoyed reading it, these questions linger on my mind much more than the book itself.

Invisible Monsters Remix by Chuck Palahniuk

challenging dark funny fast-paced

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

4.0

I can't knock Chuck Palahniuk's style and mastering of a complicated plot. I enjoyed the jumping about the chapters as he originally intended, but some parts were too much. Overall, an interesting read.

Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman

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? Yes

3.5

I did enjoy this, it was a quick read. I liked the premise of her other book a touch more, but this was still enjoyable. There was some cringy dialogue and an overload of exposition at the start of the book which holds it back from getting a higher star rating.