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vaughanreads's reviews
88 reviews
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
🌹 Engagement = 3.5
Overall, my engagement with Rebecca was middle of the road. I was noticeably more immersed in the second half of the book.
In the first half, my interest lulled with all the descriptions of Manderly and its surroundings. Whereas the investigative nature of the second half really pulled me in!
🌻 Language = 3
Daphne du Maurier definitely utilised suitable for her time. Personally, reading it today, and having no background in English Academia, it took a few sittings to get into that gear. HOWEVER, once that initial barrier was negotiated, I had a pretty easy time of it. 😁
🏵 Plot = 4
I loved the plot points of this story. It's dark, mysterious, inquisitive, quite offensive at times 😂 (see characters), and had a fantastic final act that completely hooked me! If you're a fan of the murder mystery genre, this is totally for you!
🥀 Characters = 5
Maxim de Winter is a monolith of a character within this story! Revered by the bourgeois in Monte Carlo but adored by his latest fiancé, Max can seemingly do no wrong. The first few scenes show him as perfect to "Mrs de Winter's" eyes. This is then challenged by certain acts - the main being his proposal. Throughout the middle of the story, he just seemed like an asshole with a sprinkle of misogyny. The end portion really put Max in a new light and I grew to appreciate him a lot more!
The new Mrs de Winter, for she actually has no given name, is another fantastic character. She realises early on that the idyllic husband didn't exist in Max and her life in Manderly was made rather uncomfortable by his efforts. I'm glad that she hardened in these conditions and blossomed into a proper lady of her own estate.
🌺 Re-Read = 4
I would happily re-read this book again. Certain issues upon the first read would likely be ironed out much quicker on second viewing.
Overall, my engagement with Rebecca was middle of the road. I was noticeably more immersed in the second half of the book.
In the first half, my interest lulled with all the descriptions of Manderly and its surroundings. Whereas the investigative nature of the second half really pulled me in!
🌻 Language = 3
Daphne du Maurier definitely utilised suitable for her time. Personally, reading it today, and having no background in English Academia, it took a few sittings to get into that gear. HOWEVER, once that initial barrier was negotiated, I had a pretty easy time of it. 😁
🏵 Plot = 4
I loved the plot points of this story. It's dark, mysterious, inquisitive, quite offensive at times 😂 (see characters), and had a fantastic final act that completely hooked me! If you're a fan of the murder mystery genre, this is totally for you!
🥀 Characters = 5
Maxim de Winter is a monolith of a character within this story! Revered by the bourgeois in Monte Carlo but adored by his latest fiancé, Max can seemingly do no wrong. The first few scenes show him as perfect to "Mrs de Winter's" eyes. This is then challenged by certain acts - the main being his proposal. Throughout the middle of the story, he just seemed like an asshole with a sprinkle of misogyny. The end portion really put Max in a new light and I grew to appreciate him a lot more!
The new Mrs de Winter, for she actually has no given name, is another fantastic character. She realises early on that the idyllic husband didn't exist in Max and her life in Manderly was made rather uncomfortable by his efforts. I'm glad that she hardened in these conditions and blossomed into a proper lady of her own estate.
🌺 Re-Read = 4
I would happily re-read this book again. Certain issues upon the first read would likely be ironed out much quicker on second viewing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and Gun violence
Animal Farm by George Orwell
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Malorie by Josh Malerman
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
The Resident by David Jackson
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death, Murder, Sexual assault, and Body horror
This is a really odd book. I don't necessarily recommend it to anyone at all - yet I want others to experience what I experienced!
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Average Rating = 4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Engagement = 4
For the most part, I was always thinking about this book. Having read this in a week, for me, shows that I was engaged!
I definitely didn't feel any lulls in interest.
Language = 5
Very accessible language and ready very well. There were quite a few occasions where I had to get the dictionary out, so to speak, but in a good way. I enjoy learning new vocabulary and Chambers managed to drip feed me fantastic words like parthenogenesis and cosanguineous.
Plot = 5
I really have no qualms with the plot. It played on my heartstrings a lot and was emotive throughout. The investigative nature of Jean's work extracted useful nuggets from each of Gretchen's friends from her days at St Cecilia's.
There were a few moments that dropped bombshells that were so cathartic to unearth! Moments like that are clear indicators that you're invested in the narrative.
I think Chambers took a gamble on the ending because it, to me, felt so detached from everything that happened. You'll have to find out for yourself and let me know what you think. In my opinion, she stuck the landing, though I was knocked for six.
I was shocked to read in the 'Afterword' that the concept of this story is based on true events! Check it out for sure as it's very interesting and Chambers is gracious enough to outline the history of it.
Characters = 4
There was a small cast of core characters and almost all of them were absolutely incredible. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Howard! He has a masculinity that many should aspire to. Jean puts it best in the line "Howard was the least histrionic of men. He would do the right, sober and generous thing." Also the fact that, in his frustration, he throws a cigarette in a bush, but immediately realises that was improper and retrieves it is adorable!
Jean was a class act throughout. I was right there with her during her many ethical quandaries. I was touched when she talks about her relationship with her mother and how she cares for her full time. We all know someone in Jean's position and can get an inkling into how trying that can be.
Re-Read = 4
This is not my typical genre and I was so surprised to have taken to it so well. Not only will I very likely return to Small Pleasures, but I now crave more female authors, writing female stories and giving me more insights into the experiences of others.
Engagement = 4
For the most part, I was always thinking about this book. Having read this in a week, for me, shows that I was engaged!
I definitely didn't feel any lulls in interest.
Language = 5
Very accessible language and ready very well. There were quite a few occasions where I had to get the dictionary out, so to speak, but in a good way. I enjoy learning new vocabulary and Chambers managed to drip feed me fantastic words like parthenogenesis and cosanguineous.
Plot = 5
I really have no qualms with the plot. It played on my heartstrings a lot and was emotive throughout. The investigative nature of Jean's work extracted useful nuggets from each of Gretchen's friends from her days at St Cecilia's.
There were a few moments that dropped bombshells that were so cathartic to unearth! Moments like that are clear indicators that you're invested in the narrative.
I think Chambers took a gamble on the ending because it, to me, felt so detached from everything that happened. You'll have to find out for yourself and let me know what you think. In my opinion, she stuck the landing, though I was knocked for six.
I was shocked to read in the 'Afterword' that the concept of this story is based on true events! Check it out for sure as it's very interesting and Chambers is gracious enough to outline the history of it.
Characters = 4
There was a small cast of core characters and almost all of them were absolutely incredible. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Howard! He has a masculinity that many should aspire to. Jean puts it best in the line "Howard was the least histrionic of men. He would do the right, sober and generous thing." Also the fact that, in his frustration, he throws a cigarette in a bush, but immediately realises that was improper and retrieves it is adorable!
Jean was a class act throughout. I was right there with her during her many ethical quandaries. I was touched when she talks about her relationship with her mother and how she cares for her full time. We all know someone in Jean's position and can get an inkling into how trying that can be.
Re-Read = 4
This is not my typical genre and I was so surprised to have taken to it so well. Not only will I very likely return to Small Pleasures, but I now crave more female authors, writing female stories and giving me more insights into the experiences of others.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape
Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
Wade Watts is nearing the end of his high-school golden days. His grades are pleasantly high, he hangs out with his best friend all the time and regularly binges on 80s pop-culture. The only difference between us and Wade Watts is that he is doing it all in the ‘OASIS’.
Utilising his school issued virtual reality console, Wade can enter an entirely new cosmos. One where it is possible to form friendships – including relationships – battle hordes of players in a planet-wide game of deathmatch or search for the sacred egg. The egg, left by the creator of the OASIS - James Halliday, is the most lucrative adventure in current civilization. Wade is a Gunter, he searches high and low for his heroes easter egg but there are others in the search, including the cold-hearted corporate suits of IOI.
In this game, you only get one life.
Ernest Cline’s ‘Ready Player One’ is a true masterpiece. It pays tribute to so many amazing moments in 80s pop-culture and represents gamers/gaming incredibly. I don’t know how many times I laughed to myself and thought, “Yeah, I totally do that!” or “Damn, that’s so relatable and reminds me of my teenage years of gaming.”
There is for sure a handful of occasions where I caught a ball in my throat because Cline writes each character’s back story so amazingly that you cannot help but feel what those characters are feeling.
The ending of the book is debatably predictable. However, the events that transpire to that ending had me on the edge of my seat the entire time – and that is more valuable to me.
I think that Ernest Cline portrays diversity in this book extremely well. He has a mixture of nationalities and race, a broad age range and shines light on the insecurities of birthmarks that can be debilitating to people’s confidence. Cline also touches upon the realities of race in society. There is a section of the book where a character explains that their mother, a proud and intelligent black woman, created her avatar in the likeness of a white man. This was because she noticed first-hand more opportunities and success in her online business in the OASIS.
The author is highly skilled in his writing at keeping me interested and thoroughly informed without feeling bored or overwhelmed with detail. There is dialogue that will melt your heart, then on the next page reinforce it with a level 50 armour piece.
I happily gave this book a 5/5 and would give it more if the mechanics allowed! If you are a person who has an affinity to games in general, you like aspects of the 80s and you’re down to have quotes galore stuck in your head for days then this book is for you.
Wade Watts is nearing the end of his high-school golden days. His grades are pleasantly high, he hangs out with his best friend all the time and regularly binges on 80s pop-culture. The only difference between us and Wade Watts is that he is doing it all in the ‘OASIS’.
Utilising his school issued virtual reality console, Wade can enter an entirely new cosmos. One where it is possible to form friendships – including relationships – battle hordes of players in a planet-wide game of deathmatch or search for the sacred egg. The egg, left by the creator of the OASIS - James Halliday, is the most lucrative adventure in current civilization. Wade is a Gunter, he searches high and low for his heroes easter egg but there are others in the search, including the cold-hearted corporate suits of IOI.
In this game, you only get one life.
Ernest Cline’s ‘Ready Player One’ is a true masterpiece. It pays tribute to so many amazing moments in 80s pop-culture and represents gamers/gaming incredibly. I don’t know how many times I laughed to myself and thought, “Yeah, I totally do that!” or “Damn, that’s so relatable and reminds me of my teenage years of gaming.”
There is for sure a handful of occasions where I caught a ball in my throat because Cline writes each character’s back story so amazingly that you cannot help but feel what those characters are feeling.
The ending of the book is debatably predictable. However, the events that transpire to that ending had me on the edge of my seat the entire time – and that is more valuable to me.
I think that Ernest Cline portrays diversity in this book extremely well. He has a mixture of nationalities and race, a broad age range and shines light on the insecurities of birthmarks that can be debilitating to people’s confidence. Cline also touches upon the realities of race in society. There is a section of the book where a character explains that their mother, a proud and intelligent black woman, created her avatar in the likeness of a white man. This was because she noticed first-hand more opportunities and success in her online business in the OASIS.
The author is highly skilled in his writing at keeping me interested and thoroughly informed without feeling bored or overwhelmed with detail. There is dialogue that will melt your heart, then on the next page reinforce it with a level 50 armour piece.
I happily gave this book a 5/5 and would give it more if the mechanics allowed! If you are a person who has an affinity to games in general, you like aspects of the 80s and you’re down to have quotes galore stuck in your head for days then this book is for you.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
A group of care home residents get together every Thursday to discuss unsolved mysteries from the past. An innocent enough event within the safety of their abode, Coopers Chase Retirement Village. How will the four friends react when murders begin to crop up a little too close to home? When the police think they have a handle on these mysteries, the Thursday Murder Club are always one step ahead.
Richard Osman's first novel is absolutely sensational. There are many elements that pulled me in but none top the endearing, quintessentially British humour that all four main characters seem to possess. The fact that they are all around 80+ years old left me in stiches for so much of this book. This may have been the fastest read I have completed in a long time, in only 6 days I consumed this absolute delight.
A great read for anyone who enjoys a cheeky 'Who done it?' murder mystery that is spliced with a million hilarious tangents spliced with terrifically blunt and blasé humour.
Richard Osman's first novel is absolutely sensational. There are many elements that pulled me in but none top the endearing, quintessentially British humour that all four main characters seem to possess. The fact that they are all around 80+ years old left me in stiches for so much of this book. This may have been the fastest read I have completed in a long time, in only 6 days I consumed this absolute delight.
A great read for anyone who enjoys a cheeky 'Who done it?' murder mystery that is spliced with a million hilarious tangents spliced with terrifically blunt and blasé humour.