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unapologetic_reviews's reviews
245 reviews
Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I really don't have much to say about this book, as I only got to 11%. Let me try to gather my thoughts.
This book is obviously a money-making attempt. The latest books of [a:Lauren Weisberger|3490|Lauren Weisberger|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1370304319p2/3490.jpg] probably didn't sell as well as [b:The Devil Wears Prada|1022821|The Devil Wears Prada|Lauren Weisberger|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1180306262s/1022821.jpg|38765]. I wasn't that keen on that book either, but you can read my review of it as well. The point is, the movie was a lot better.
The real reason why that book sold was not the main character, which I believe is Lauren herself. If that's how she really is, I'm sorry, I'd never like to be her friend. She's whiny and often hopeless. Now it has been a while since I read the previous book, and I don't intend to repeat the experience. I do remember that the job was tough. So are most first jobs. However, how awful it must have been to take part in a party at the Met, which I remember her hating. Overall, if you don't care for fashion, don't get a job at a fashion magazine. The only redeeming factor of that whole story was Miranda, her boss, who didn't seem that bad to me. I've had worse.
However, in this sequel, Miranda is gone. All that we hear about is Andy. She is just getting married to a rich guy in high society, who has some issues because of his father. Prince on a white horse doesn't seem to cover the guy. In the 11% I read, they meet, fall in love, get engaged, and are to be married. Her only problem is the mother-in-law. Can someone say cliché? At least, make it an uncle or something! Story wise, this is about how far I got, when I felt that watching paint dry was more fun. There was some plot going on with a letter the mother-in-law wrote, but really, if you have that much faith in your husband-to-be, you shouldn't be getting married in the first place.
Character wise, this is Andy 10 years down the line. She has a bridal magazine together with her old colleague, Emily, who had landed her own rich husband. How did that happen? I didn't find out how they became besties. We do learn some of how the magazine was started. However, am I the only one who has a problem with Andy anywhere near fashion???? I'm sure I wasn't the only one who looked at that with a raised eyebrow. One would think that in 10 years she would at least be able to dress herself. Still, at the beginning we see Emily lending her a dress, because she didn't take proper clothes to The Hamptons. Obviously, the woman had 0 growth in that department. Therefore, I really never got what she was doing with a bridal magazine. Andy, this completely boring person hadn't changed at all.
Overall, I just didn't want to read more of this. I've had to read enough terrible books in my life for school, now that I'm out, I'd rather not waste my time. I didn't care for Andy's bridal problems. If this plain Jane got her prince or not. She could have hung herself in pain, and I wouldn't care one bit. So my recommendation is, don't buy this book. Really, don't waste your money on something so terribly ... snooze worthy. If Ms. Weisberger wants our money, she should make more of an effort, and try to write something worth reading.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews
This book is obviously a money-making attempt. The latest books of [a:Lauren Weisberger|3490|Lauren Weisberger|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1370304319p2/3490.jpg] probably didn't sell as well as [b:The Devil Wears Prada|1022821|The Devil Wears Prada|Lauren Weisberger|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1180306262s/1022821.jpg|38765]. I wasn't that keen on that book either, but you can read my review of it as well. The point is, the movie was a lot better.
The real reason why that book sold was not the main character, which I believe is Lauren herself. If that's how she really is, I'm sorry, I'd never like to be her friend. She's whiny and often hopeless. Now it has been a while since I read the previous book, and I don't intend to repeat the experience. I do remember that the job was tough. So are most first jobs. However, how awful it must have been to take part in a party at the Met, which I remember her hating. Overall, if you don't care for fashion, don't get a job at a fashion magazine. The only redeeming factor of that whole story was Miranda, her boss, who didn't seem that bad to me. I've had worse.
However, in this sequel, Miranda is gone. All that we hear about is Andy. She is just getting married to a rich guy in high society, who has some issues because of his father. Prince on a white horse doesn't seem to cover the guy. In the 11% I read, they meet, fall in love, get engaged, and are to be married. Her only problem is the mother-in-law. Can someone say cliché? At least, make it an uncle or something! Story wise, this is about how far I got, when I felt that watching paint dry was more fun. There was some plot going on with a letter the mother-in-law wrote, but really, if you have that much faith in your husband-to-be, you shouldn't be getting married in the first place.
Character wise, this is Andy 10 years down the line. She has a bridal magazine together with her old colleague, Emily, who had landed her own rich husband. How did that happen? I didn't find out how they became besties. We do learn some of how the magazine was started. However, am I the only one who has a problem with Andy anywhere near fashion???? I'm sure I wasn't the only one who looked at that with a raised eyebrow. One would think that in 10 years she would at least be able to dress herself. Still, at the beginning we see Emily lending her a dress, because she didn't take proper clothes to The Hamptons. Obviously, the woman had 0 growth in that department. Therefore, I really never got what she was doing with a bridal magazine. Andy, this completely boring person hadn't changed at all.
Overall, I just didn't want to read more of this. I've had to read enough terrible books in my life for school, now that I'm out, I'd rather not waste my time. I didn't care for Andy's bridal problems. If this plain Jane got her prince or not. She could have hung herself in pain, and I wouldn't care one bit. So my recommendation is, don't buy this book. Really, don't waste your money on something so terribly ... snooze worthy. If Ms. Weisberger wants our money, she should make more of an effort, and try to write something worth reading.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
3.0
More like 3.5 stars. I had a difficult time deciding between the two, but the story is more fun, and a bit too simple to deserve 4 stars. Of course, it's more for a younger demographic, still, it was a good light read.
The story itself is clever, but not too inventive. It can be recommended to young people as an introduction to the Greek pantheon. In a way it's very educational, and having always been a fan of Greek mythology, I can appreciate that aspect. It also does a good job of making it interesting for contemporary people. However, since most of the mythology is not invented by the author, I deducted points for it.
The story itself has a good pace. The language is easy to read, not overly descriptive, but still gives a good sense of the places and the people. It focuses on adventure, and since I'm not a fan of overly flowery language, I appreciated the simplicity. I gobbled up the whole thing in a few days.
It's also educational in that it often stresses the visible reality of pollution. It's interesting to note that at one point there is also a mention of not just physical, but mental pollution, that is done by negative thoughts.
I could empathize with Percy Jackson. He had ambivalent feelings about his father, and had to work through some issues. His devotion to his mother was also understandable. I have a similar relationship with my parents, therefore I could identify with his character.
Annabeth was a bit understated. She was the girl in the team, and I felt she was often forgotten. She was the brains of the operation, but I felt she should have had a more important role. Hopefully in future books.
Grover was a lot of fun. In a way, his character was the comic relief, but couldn't be completely dismissed as such.
Overall, the book is more for the 12-14 demographic, however, can be appreciated by adults as well. It should not be taken seriously, but as a light adventure, a bit of fun at the end of a hard day. For younger people, it's a good teaching tool for ancient mythology, as well as environmental protection.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews
The story itself is clever, but not too inventive. It can be recommended to young people as an introduction to the Greek pantheon. In a way it's very educational, and having always been a fan of Greek mythology, I can appreciate that aspect. It also does a good job of making it interesting for contemporary people. However, since most of the mythology is not invented by the author, I deducted points for it.
The story itself has a good pace. The language is easy to read, not overly descriptive, but still gives a good sense of the places and the people. It focuses on adventure, and since I'm not a fan of overly flowery language, I appreciated the simplicity. I gobbled up the whole thing in a few days.
It's also educational in that it often stresses the visible reality of pollution. It's interesting to note that at one point there is also a mention of not just physical, but mental pollution, that is done by negative thoughts.
I could empathize with Percy Jackson. He had ambivalent feelings about his father, and had to work through some issues. His devotion to his mother was also understandable. I have a similar relationship with my parents, therefore I could identify with his character.
Annabeth was a bit understated. She was the girl in the team, and I felt she was often forgotten. She was the brains of the operation, but I felt she should have had a more important role. Hopefully in future books.
Grover was a lot of fun. In a way, his character was the comic relief, but couldn't be completely dismissed as such.
Overall, the book is more for the 12-14 demographic, however, can be appreciated by adults as well. It should not be taken seriously, but as a light adventure, a bit of fun at the end of a hard day. For younger people, it's a good teaching tool for ancient mythology, as well as environmental protection.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
4.0
I think I found this book more interesting than the previous one for some reason. Maybe because there were less explanations needed.
I also watched the movie, the review for that I'll post on my general reviews page.
I talked about the world in my review of the previous book. This time it gets a bit more expanded, but not a lot. The story is mostly a modern version of the Odyssey, with some modern twists and Percy's friends added in. I did love the modern changes this time as much as I did previously. The whole story seemed to pick up its stride. One thing I have to mention that I loved a lot was the Ironclad. It's a piece of history that I love, and even did a presentation on in high school. I was excited about mentally travelling on it.
Percy was slowly coming to his own. He's only thirteen still, but feels more confident, and more of a leader. He had matured during his previous adventure.
Annabeth was a more prominent character in this story. She was more in the background in the previous book, but she worked more closely with Percy this time. They needed some time to get to know each other, which is very realistic. Her knowledge and quick thinking were more memorable. I hope this will go along this vein in the future.
Tyson was a new character that we got to know. Without spoiling who he was, I liked his character. He was a bit simple, but sweet. At first I felt that he was just a neat plot device, but thinking more about it, I realised that he played a role in Percy's character growth, and a bit in Annabeth's as well.
Clarisse made a return in the story. In the previous books she was a bit of the classic school bully. This time, however, she was a lot more likable, and stepped out of her two dimensions.
Overall, great sequel, which is hard to do. The story sweeps you along, and you forget that this was supposedly for kids. So, sorry, but I have to go. I have book 3 to start...
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
I also watched the movie, the review for that I'll post on my general reviews page.
I talked about the world in my review of the previous book. This time it gets a bit more expanded, but not a lot. The story is mostly a modern version of the Odyssey, with some modern twists and Percy's friends added in. I did love the modern changes this time as much as I did previously. The whole story seemed to pick up its stride. One thing I have to mention that I loved a lot was the Ironclad. It's a piece of history that I love, and even did a presentation on in high school. I was excited about mentally travelling on it.
Percy was slowly coming to his own. He's only thirteen still, but feels more confident, and more of a leader. He had matured during his previous adventure.
Annabeth was a more prominent character in this story. She was more in the background in the previous book, but she worked more closely with Percy this time. They needed some time to get to know each other, which is very realistic. Her knowledge and quick thinking were more memorable. I hope this will go along this vein in the future.
Tyson was a new character that we got to know. Without spoiling who he was, I liked his character. He was a bit simple, but sweet. At first I felt that he was just a neat plot device, but thinking more about it, I realised that he played a role in Percy's character growth, and a bit in Annabeth's as well.
Clarisse made a return in the story. In the previous books she was a bit of the classic school bully. This time, however, she was a lot more likable, and stepped out of her two dimensions.
Overall, great sequel, which is hard to do. The story sweeps you along, and you forget that this was supposedly for kids. So, sorry, but I have to go. I have book 3 to start...
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
Doctor Who: The Art Of Destruction by Stephen Cole
2.0
I listened to the audiobook version.
This is so far the worst Doctor Who book I read / listened to. I keep forgetting about it too, so apparently my brain is trying to erase the memory. In the beginning, the way animals and all sorts of things were turning into gold and then moving was interesting, but when they were crawling around the caves it got quickly boring, and it couldn't recapture my interest. I wondered if it was just because I listened to it and not read it, but looking through the reviews I saw that other people had similar experiences with it.
I didn't like Don Warrington's reading. For some reason his voice annoyed me, and I felt he couldn't capture the Doctor's way of speaking either. He was more successful with the African characters.
The characters I can't remember at all. I remember that there was a guy and a woman that were running about, but nothing of them was committed into memory.
Overall, I don't recommend this book. It can be given a shot, but it wasn't that good. I also recommend staying away from the audio version. The reading makes it even worse.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
This is so far the worst Doctor Who book I read / listened to. I keep forgetting about it too, so apparently my brain is trying to erase the memory. In the beginning, the way animals and all sorts of things were turning into gold and then moving was interesting, but when they were crawling around the caves it got quickly boring, and it couldn't recapture my interest. I wondered if it was just because I listened to it and not read it, but looking through the reviews I saw that other people had similar experiences with it.
I didn't like Don Warrington's reading. For some reason his voice annoyed me, and I felt he couldn't capture the Doctor's way of speaking either. He was more successful with the African characters.
The characters I can't remember at all. I remember that there was a guy and a woman that were running about, but nothing of them was committed into memory.
Overall, I don't recommend this book. It can be given a shot, but it wasn't that good. I also recommend staying away from the audio version. The reading makes it even worse.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
3.0
I really loved this installment of the series. I can see how originally it must have been meant as a trilogy, like it said on the cover. The ending was really satisfactory and she could have closed it off here.
However, in a way, this addition wasn't as good as the previous two. While I did enjoy it, but some aspects were obvious, and the end dragged. The big fight was hard to follow, and messy.
The best thing about the story was probably getting to know a who city full of Shadowhunters. If they ever make this one into a movie, that is one thing I'd love to see. The sad part of the story was really sad, but it felt unnecessary.
Clary had grown a bit, but not a lot. Wish she had matured a lot more by this point, but she did seem as clueless at times as she did in the first book. There it was understandable. At this point, it should not have been.
Overall, it would have been a satisfying end to the series. I'm reluctant to go on, as I feel it can only go downhill at this point.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
However, in a way, this addition wasn't as good as the previous two. While I did enjoy it, but some aspects were obvious, and the end dragged. The big fight was hard to follow, and messy.
The best thing about the story was probably getting to know a who city full of Shadowhunters. If they ever make this one into a movie, that is one thing I'd love to see. The sad part of the story was really sad, but it felt unnecessary.
Clary had grown a bit, but not a lot. Wish she had matured a lot more by this point, but she did seem as clueless at times as she did in the first book. There it was understandable. At this point, it should not have been.
Overall, it would have been a satisfying end to the series. I'm reluctant to go on, as I feel it can only go downhill at this point.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse
5.0
This book reminded me why I love the English of the 20s and the 30s. The language is just amazing. The story is funny without going overboard. I fell in love, and intend to read through as much Woodhouse as I can get my hands on.
I originally wanted to read this because [a:Christopher Hitchens|3956|Christopher Hitchens|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1334621246p2/3956.jpg] said that this was his favourite Wodehouse story. I liked Hitch, and thought that if he found this brilliant and funny, it must be so. He was right.
I recommend this to everyone who likes good English humour.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
I originally wanted to read this because [a:Christopher Hitchens|3956|Christopher Hitchens|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1334621246p2/3956.jpg] said that this was his favourite Wodehouse story. I liked Hitch, and thought that if he found this brilliant and funny, it must be so. He was right.
I recommend this to everyone who likes good English humour.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
Doctor Who: Made of Steel by Terrance Dicks
4.0
It was a cute little book. It wasn't the best I ever read, but it was fun.
Doctor Who: The Way Through the Woods by Una McCormack
5.0
I really loved this Doctor Who book. Partly because it really used the subject of time travel.
It started out very similarly to a lot of Doctor Who books. Small English town in the past, strange happenings in the woods. Thankfully, no mind control.
I loved how they wondered about in the fractured forest. It was both confusing and fascinating. It's hard to talk about it without spoiling it.
Overall, it's a complex story, and very exciting. One of the best Doctor Who stories I've encountered, so I recommend it a lot to even those who don't want to read every book.
It started out very similarly to a lot of Doctor Who books. Small English town in the past, strange happenings in the woods. Thankfully, no mind control.
I loved how they wondered about in the fractured forest. It was both confusing and fascinating. It's hard to talk about it without spoiling it.
Overall, it's a complex story, and very exciting. One of the best Doctor Who stories I've encountered, so I recommend it a lot to even those who don't want to read every book.
Doctor Who: Hunter's Moon by Paul Finch
4.0
This was the first Doctor Who novel I've ever read. It was fast paced and the story exciting. I also loved how some of the characters were introduced before they made contact with the Doctor.
Confessions of a Reformed Dieter by A.J. Rochester
5.0
I recommend this book for everyone who would like to lose weight. It's very inspiring. I have read this book several times as an inspiration in my weight-loss journey. I didn't have as much to lose as she did, but having Hashimoto's, my task was harder.
A.J. talks about her life very honestly, and very humorously. However, there are places where I felt a tear sliding down my cheek. This book made me understand more deeply that a lot of times people aren't obese just because they like food. There are often deep psychological issues as well. Her story can be used as a manual. Going to a psychiatrist was key for her, and I think that would probably be a good idea for other people on similar journeys as well.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
A.J. talks about her life very honestly, and very humorously. However, there are places where I felt a tear sliding down my cheek. This book made me understand more deeply that a lot of times people aren't obese just because they like food. There are often deep psychological issues as well. Her story can be used as a manual. Going to a psychiatrist was key for her, and I think that would probably be a good idea for other people on similar journeys as well.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.