Books most popular in the United States●Literary

Release date: 2022-04-05 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Comments

1. First Stars - I’ve never given any of the thousands of books I’ve read five stars. Mostly because there could have been a little tweak here or there. An ending not as strong, characters too complex, unnecessary story lines, etc. This book was just right! From the first page to the last it was all just right. Loved it!!
2023-03-22

2. Guy says READ THIS BOOK - Best Read in years! Since my wife was worried I might find it “too girly” - it seems important to also note that I am a guy. I hope this review may help more women get the men in their life to give this one a go! It has been ages since a novel so instantly grabbed my attention and and so continuously kept me engaged. A great story of love, loss, perseverance, family, and the power of being true to yourself and to others wrapped in a layer of humor that makes it such an easy read. The writing is intelligent, witty, thoughtful, and emotionally engaging from the first page to the last. You immediately fall in love with the protagonists and despise the villains in just the right measure. Never too sappy or too mean spirited. My only critique is that it went too fast leaving me sated by the story but sad that it had to end.
2023-03-14

3. Every woman should read this book! - I simply could not stop reading this book. I even read the part at the back where she thanks people. Because I just didn’t want to put it down. Her sense of humor and irony, and some of the silliness and all of the clarity. It is just so well written, and I’ve never met a book like it. It defies categorizing. it’s realistic and down to earth, and yet magical at the same time.
2023-03-14

4. Self Lessons - I’m not a person who blindly follows the pack when choosing what to read. But I’m glad I picked up Lessons after so many reviews and an insanely long hold line at the library. Garmus drew me into the story with quirky characters living in familiar, yet unfamiliar ways. Their struggles seemed all too familiar today; women not being taken seriously for being intelligent and fiercely loving. The unfamiliar was made less so by the gently pithy descriptions of rowing and chemistry. Like the women in Elizabeth Zott’s audience, I began to feel those strange things were within my grasp. Then Garmus somehow manages to tie all those desperate pieces and people together in a most satisfying way. Thank you! I’ve recommended Lessons in Chemistry to all my friends.
2023-03-13

5. Beautifully Written - Lessons in Chemistry really outdid itself. I was not expecting this book to blow my mind away - but I’m fact it did. It was written so thoughtfully by someone who’s smarter than smart - there was not a boring page or line in this novel. I also loved the relentless advocacy for equal rights for women.
2023-03-13

6. really good - i liked this book a lot and how the main character was a girl, the us cover isn’t that great though, considering the ant said they hate books about women having pink covers and the u.s release has a pink cover. when i bought it in print i ordered a uk print because the cover just looks better in general
2023-03-03

7. Made my top book list of all time - As I explained to a friend, this is a story about a woman standing up for herself, and those she loves, trying to do right in the world and right the world in the process. It made me laugh out loud. Its truth made me cry. Perhaps it will resonate with those who know beyond a shadow of a doubt that one should never underestimate a woman.
2023-03-01

8. A bit silly - I’ve never met a chemist who speaks the way Elizabeth speaks. There was just so many eye rolling moments. As a woman in science the sexism, racism, and elitism is not so avert. It’s systemic and quiet. It’s a cute story and love the ending and plot but it’s drowning in unnecessary words.
2023-02-20

Release date: 2019-03-05 Genre:Fiction & Literature $12.99

Comments

1. Great. But I wish it was more raw and real. - Good Book. I have to say that I started reading this book, because “Almost Famous” is my favorite movie ever. My number one. And I like rock and I have a podcast where I talk about rock from this times, weekly. And I also love Fleetwood Mac. So I had high expectations and this was my first book by this author. I have to say that it was not what I expected. But it was very good. I feel that the format made difficult for the author to build the characters deep enough for you to actually connect with them. I feel like some (even though I like them all), specially Wareen, who I really like, he feels a little bit like a caricature sometimes. Graham thought, got raw enough that he made me cry with him. He was my favorite and the one I felt more real. But then others were a little bit too on the surface for the complexity they were supposed to have, for example: Camila, Billy and Karen. I needed the author to get deeper inside of them to understand them better. Daisy was ok, you are able to understand the girl, she is just a bit unlikeable too often. She victimizes herself at some points too much, but you get why and she redeems herself. Her parents story is unnecessary, if the author was going to build such a difficult to believe relationship between the parents and the girl, we needed way more context, or nothing at all, or just an open note of how those two are a couple of psychopaths directly. Because there’s not another way to understand her parents. But the rest is very good, the tour feels real. I have to say that I got hooked pretty late in the book when Graham and Karen broke up, because that was the moment where the book landed for me. When it landed and felt real.
2023-02-24

2. Couldn’t put it down - It’s incredible that a book written strictly “interview-style” can hold my attention for so long. I absolutely loved this book. Read it in one sitting! I don’t know if it’s because Almost Famous is my favorite movie, Fleetwood Mac is my favorite band, or simply that it’s a story unlike anything I’ve read before, but either way it got me HOOKED. The writing is incredible. You can tell how different each character truly is just through their words, which really paints the story. The band is so convincingly real it made me question if the Aurora album was on spotify. I would give anything to see this come to life! I have nothing bad to say about it, other than it worsened my Fleetwood Mac obsession!!!! Highly recommend
2023-01-07

3. Run of the mill - The book gets stars for being a well written, flowing read. It holds your attention, absolutely. But it is so anti climatic. The ending is boring and really cliché. If you need something to just… occupy your brain for a bit without expecting much from the content emotionally, this is a good read for when you feel like that.
2022-12-28

4. Daisy Jones & The sSix - Brilliant! As the band broke through into the big time, I felt the thrill of their expectations. As Daisy and Billy mixed ambition, brooding love and great talent, I felt the magic. Without hearing a note I felt the music - heard the songs of Zeppelin, Jefferson Airplane and Fleetwood Mac.
2022-07-19

5. everyone has to read this book - i am not joking when i say that this book gives me life. i was instantly hooked from the very beginning. the writing is a different format (told in a documentary style) but i absolutely loved it. there was no slow parts (because of the documentary style) and i just loved the story. the writing was beautiful and it was just such an amazing book that after you finish you just sit there for a couple of days figuring out what to read next because nothing can come close to this book. all good things from me
2022-03-27

6. I felt like I was deep into bingeing a documentary show about the band. - Such a unique way of telling a story, I felt like I was deep into bingeing a documentary show about the band. The story felt a bit predictable and repetitive at times, but the last couple of chapters are what bring it all together to make it such a great story and what really made me love it. The twist at the end, the perfect back and forth of perspectives happening in real time that brought it all to a close leaving you full of feels. Chefs kiss
2022-03-11

Release date: 2022-10-18 Genre:Fiction & Literature $15.99

Comments

1. What a gem of a story. - Loved this book so much! I grew up in rural Virginia and thankfully missed the drug world but know it’s there. This book is so much more than that. The lovely Community of people living off the land and supporting one another. The beauty of nature and space. The yearning and sadness and struggles of growing up and negotiating the world. Just beautiful.
2023-03-19

2. Sad but worthwhile - This story is difficult to get through because it delves into a life of poverty and all the challenges that come with poverty, drugs, hardship, family failure. But in Kingsolver fashion, it’s also a love story to the people and mountains of Appalachia. I am always left with beautiful natural scenes at the end of her books and this is no exception. You cannot help but love and root for Demon and pray for escape and happiness.
2023-03-15

3. Save your money - Did not like the abundant dependence on vulgarity to create characters and storyline. Way OVERDONE AND UNNECESSARY TO THE STORY LINE. Book lagged into unending nothingness. I was determined to finish book, but after hundreds of pages; I had to be nice to myself and do something I rarely do…..just stop. I had lost total interest in how it might end and what might happen to the characters next. The beginning had promise, but didn’t deliver.
2023-02-06

4. An excellent story. - Kingsolver doesn’t any punches in this novel set in Appalachia. The loss of coal mining jobs, the oxy epidemic in the region, foster care seen through the eyes of Damon (called Demon) I couldn’t stop reading it. In my opinion, this book is Kingsolver best work since ‘ThePoisonwood Bible’.
2023-01-11

5. Demon Copperhead - Could not finish this book when it became too oppressive. I read Shuggie Bain last year (/) despite the extreme sadness, but this narrative became repetitive. Childhood poverty and the failures of society to deal with it are on full display in Demon, but I just could not finish it.
2023-01-08

6. Kingsolver at her best - An amazing tapestry of captivating fiction and fact from modern day backwoods VA. I laughed out loud, cried, wanted to move to Lee County and hoped my daughters would never come close to such a place. This is a wonderfully sobering follow up to Beth Macy’s Dopesick. A book to be appreciated on so many levels…
2022-12-31

7. Love foe Lee County and Demon Copperhead - I stumbled on this book and was flabbergasted to find the setting in my hometown of Lee County, VA. My parents moved us to Nashville when I was a child but we make many trips a year to this beautiful, unappreciated heaven on earth the Author so poignantly described. Highway is worth the drive. She has also perfectly described the sad nature of the small, rural towns and the heartbreaking scenes of generations of our Appalachian ancestors. This book made me cry and swell with pride to be from such a remarkable heritage. Ms. Kingsolver truly made Demon Copperhead come to life.
2022-12-31

8. Stunning - One of the best novels I have read in many years, but not for the faint of heart or those not up for a painful ride. Alternately sad, devastating, dark, funny and ultimately, uplifting. A laser focus on pressing social issues and the resulting destruction of kids and families, told through an incredibly authentic narrative.
2022-12-16

Release date: 2022-10-04 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Comments

1. Enlightened - This book was informative where bees were concerned. A bonus! Was enlightening to learn how children, as well as adults, grapple with family and friends’ reactions to their lifestyle. It was heartbreaking and loving. I will not reveal the surprising twist in the book as other reviewers have. I just recommend this book highly. As a grandparent, I learned how to react, speak with (should the need arise) to my grandkids if/when they are confronted with this type of situation with themselves or their friends. As a Christian, I will not judge, I will simply listen, accept and love.
2023-03-19

2. So you think you know what trans youth need - First, this book (as you learn at the end from the authors) comes from both women wanting to speak their truth with a truly talented co-author. Their final, layered story will not only challenge whatever you think you know about other people’s choices and why they make them. The interwoven thread of bees lives and the use of their honey is fascinating! A must read!
2023-03-07

3. LOVE LOVE LOVE - I read the reviews for this book after I had already bought it. And as a Christian, I had concerns about the transgender aspect of the book. However, I decided to try to read it anyways. I was pleasantly surprised when I fell in love with the book and ALL of the characters. This book perfectly portrays how we should love others for WHO they are and not WHAT they are. Highly recommend to any and all people.
2023-03-01

4. Mad Honey - I learned so much about Transgender in this book! It was well researched and explained in a compassionate way! With grandchildren and great-grands it’s good information to have so you can help dispel ignorant opinions about people who are different! Thanks to Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Boylan for writing this! Elaine I Hampton NH
2023-02-19

5. What? (Spoiler alert) - I generally like Jodi Piccoult, and I did enjoy the deep dives into beekeeping and transgender issues, however, the resolution in this story is beyond incredulity. Totally out of left field to have the “best friend” of both main characters not only be the killer but to remain silent while her “best friend since I was six” gets arrested and tried for murder. Just No.
2023-02-18

6. Grabs your attention and won’t let go - I’m a fan of Jodi’s work and often grab her latest without reading the blurb, like I did with Mad Honey! It was super interesting and unputdownable from the fist sentence; and me having no knowledge of its subject matter made THE pivotal moment even more impactful! Really great characters and definitely a book club discussion must-read!
2023-02-04

7. Transgender Agenda - Mad Honey started out well, but was ruined by the woke, regressive, political agenda of transgenderism. It’s no surprise that “transgender” was not mentioned in the book summary as the authors and publisher knew it would not appeal to the authors’ primary audiences. The deceitful attempt to force and normalize this lifestyle on unsuspecting consumers is not only sickening, it’s evil. At least have the decency to give consumers the choice before they waste their hard earned money on a political agenda they don’t agree with or support.
2023-01-27

8. Mixed Review - If learning about a new subject (to me at least), I would give this book an A . Unfortunately I had the feeling that I was also reading a teenage romance novel. Since the main characters are teenagers, maybe that is to be expected. But I would have enjoyed learning more about Ava’s angst (Lily’s mother) learning that her son identified with being a girl at a young age and the decision to have surgery.
2023-01-11

Release date: 2022-07-05 $13.99

Comments

1. What Goes Unsaid - Gabrielle Zevin left no stone unturned, bandage in-place, or social trope in her inventory while delivering an electric novel. Books like this are as complete a dialogue about life and all of its pain, joy, and the mess in-between. Like a reflection in an indigo lake, her characters fascination with being gamers, mirrors why some of us are readers. Though we see events from many stages of life, it’s Zevin’s exploration of the uncertainty and anxiety of youth that serves as a driving theme in the story. Specifically, the almost violent point where the idealized perceptions of youth meet the compromising reality and judgements of the world. On a deeper level we see how the singular passion of youth occasionally manifests as creative genius. For many there is a treasure chest of topics to enjoy in the video gaming world she builds for us. Including the highs, lows, and intricacies of the gamer’s experience. I am particularly enthralled by Zevin’s leveraging video games as a larger representation of every fascinating and depressing thing about the real world. We are challenged to weigh the pros and cons between the two “realities” and how we face life in each. Zevin’s voice and characterizations are refreshing and hard to shake. Her style crafts the kind of story that puts the joy in reading. It’s the book you wish could write and our glad to have read. Her masterful use of the omnipotent perspective gives us characters with real depth and dynamic qualities. The themes blend perfectly together pulling us from one revelation to another. As Zevin clearly states this book is a love song in many respects. A love song to artists and makers as well as the creative process. For me it was a reminder that life is for living, here and now. That if we are present and fully engaged we will see the magnificence of being and, when the end comes, exude the gratefulness that it happened at all.
2023-03-21

2. What If? - The story was well-conceived, and shared with the reader many of the dimensions of the gaming, and the creative, experience. It did so honestly, and paralleled Fikry’s style of rich and complicated people intersecting and drifting apart. It was easy to locate oneself in the text. Those intersections where richly-imagined characters met were the primary focus of the writing, and threw sparks while they invited the sharing of paths. The novel blurred the boundaries between the lived and the imagined, and preferred neither. This was a tale worth telling.
2023-03-20

3. Meh - This felt like a saga to me - like, there’s no big rising action to a big payout in the end. It’s more little stories cobbled together over years and stays pretty flat. Maybe you’re into that sort of thing. It’s just not something I enjoy. Then, add to that, characters that aren’t really likeable and an oddly-rushed ending, and I was just glad it was over. I grew up in this time period and expected to love it because it was about video games, but I guess I was expecting something more like Ready Player One. Oh well.
2023-03-14

4. Great start, but died off - This book was interesting to start but for majority of it, it felt like I was just reading a timeline of a gaming company. Nothing felt significant or made me want to continue reading. The battle between Sadie and Sam just became annoying and I lost my interest in the characters…
2023-02-19

5. Surprisingly touching. - I can’t find words to describe how this book made me feel, but I’ll try. The writing is absolutely lovely. Poetic and haunting. The imperfectly flawed characters felt like friends. I will genuinely miss reading about them. I highlighted so many lines that spoke directly to me. I never would have thought a book about gaming could move me as much as this one did. I loved it.
2023-02-12

6. OverHyped - The toxic life of Sadie Green (Spoiler Alert) To me personally this book was over hyped. At several points in the the book I was like are we really going there. I mean it was she had a checklist she had while she was writing it. Examples: Toxic relationships, homophobia, racism, sexism, gun violence, and much more. Honestly a lot of it just through the book of track. She could have used these topics properly, but it just the writer was just as toxic as her characters. Some examples throughout it was: “She said that marriage was an antiquated institution that oppressed women. ” I saw this like three to four times throughout reading it. “So, like, all you have to do is own your own company?” “Right. Then the men have to do what you want,” Sadie said. “I’m the seventh Anna Lee in Equity.” “There are a million Anna Lees in this town,” “Even if there were “a million Anna Lees,” Then you even have an Instructor having a relationship with one of his students while being married to another women and child. Even after Sadie he was having relationships with many other students. I also found it funny how Sadie called Kojima out for being sexist, but plays Leisure Suit Larry. Leisure suit Larry is far worst in the sexist department than Metal Gear Solid just Google it. “I don’t want to play a game that’s a collection of some guy’s fetishes,” Oh but you do Sadie. And that is just a little bit of toxicity throughout the book. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. The main reason I even finished reading this book because of Sam. I knew he wasn’t going to get the girl at the end, but it was nice to see his character to the end. Also, she just throws a bunch of game titles throughout the book. I would say this is more from a programmer’s side of the gaming which I really did enjoy.
2023-01-15

7. Not good, not bad - I felt some of the relationships in the book were contrived and there was much character development as would be expected. I didn’t laugh, I didn’t cry. I felt tired and hopeful. By the last pages, I wanted it to end. When it did end, I was a little disappointed with the ending.
2023-01-06

8. If you grew up a gamer… - This is the perfect book for the gamer who finds themselves at the beach. Listen to the waves, let the nostalgia of a classic video game wash over you while the story of a lifelong friendship unfolds. There was good character development early on, and I enjoy the story the author was trying to tell. There is a side of me which feels that the story is somewhat incomplete and there are chapters which are glossed over, but then again, maybe its by design. How often have you filled in the backstory for a video game character in the absence of the full story being given to you?
2022-09-17

Release date: 2020-01-06 Genre:Fiction & Literature $3.99

Comments

1. Beauty out of tragedy! - This is one of the most inspiring books I’ve read in a long time. The author made Edward and Shay as well as the deceased passengers seem real. The living and supporting people for Edward and the deceased passengers seem real, too. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a heart.
2021-08-10

2. Dear Edward - This book will remain in my top five of greatest books of all time. Characters that you would recognize on the street if you ran into them. Passages where I would have to put the book down to saviour and allow to imprint on myself. A beautiful book all the way around and one that because it’s so good I can’t even pick up another book for a little while because I know it will pale in comparison.
2020-01-30

3. Beautifully done - The protagonist becomes a part of your soul. His grief, confusion and pain is described so articulately that you can feel it your bones. His life line and clearly his soul mate, Shay seems to be the one blessing in his life after the terrible tragedy he walked out of. But the older they get and the more they share it is obvious to any that Shay needed saving herself so it was fate that these two lost but exceptionally compassionate and brilliant kids came together and made a substantial difference in each other’s lives and in those who had also needed a saving grace.
2020-01-25

4. Emotional and thoughtful read - Edward is a twelve year old boy traveling to California with his mother Jane, father Bruce and fifteen year old brother Jordan. The family is moving to accommodate Jane’s new job as a screenwriter. The family has always lived in New York City. We start the story with everyone trudging through the Newark airport, security, and Jordan’s newfound independence. They then board the plane, Jane in first class and the rest of the family in the back. There are brief descriptions of some of the other passengers and crew that we will meet throughout the story. Each has their own reasons for traveling to Los Angeles; some to start new lives, some for work, some for vacation. At the end of the first chapter, we move to evening of the same day when the NTSB is at the crash site of Trinity Airlines flight trying to make sense of the disaster. One person has survived this horrible crash, and that is twelve year old Edward. Now known as the “miracle boy”, we follow Edward’s story as he tries to piece back together his life. In addition and alternating with Edward’s story, we follow the time that the plane was in the air learning more about those other passengers and crew, and how that Airbus A ended up in pieces on the ground of a remote part of Colorado. Napolitano carefully unravels this story in bits to allow us to try to absorb what tragedy occurred on that June day in . She feeds us bits of the time on the plane over the course of the next five years of Edward’s life. It is not an easy road for Edward, nor the passengers as the plane heads to its demise. Edward’s story is fascinating though, and teaches us that in every tragedy there is a chance for hope and rebirth. The book tends to be a slower read as the story unfolds. There is so much to absorb regarding Edward’s feelings. It’s not an easy read, and there are times you wonder how this boy even survives. It is beautifully written, giving us characters surrounding Edward who have their own feelings to resolve. This book is a keeper. One that made me stop and think and be thankful for what I have. . stars on Goodreads
2020-01-14

Release date: 2023-03-21 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Release date: 2023-02-21 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Comments

1. Couldn’t put it down - Very well-written, gripping, and thoughtful reflection on so many issues in today’s world—wrongful incarceration, the endless murders of young women and the failure to prosecute them properly, the pros and cons of true crime podcasting and amateur sleuthing, cancel culture. Highly recommended, I finished it in three days. Couldn’t put it down (even at the gym :-)
2023-03-12

2. Relentlessly grim tale of obsession - Makkai writes well, with a strong sense of place, but by midway through, the unreliable narrator’s dogged pursuit of vengeance against a teacher who she believed had murdered a classmate becomes more unhinged than compelling. The novel would be improved by cutting at least pages.
2023-03-06

3. An engaging read - A bit of a slow start but then I was fully engaged. It has a thriller genre quality to it but operates outside that genre’s trappings. It’s very different in tone and style from The Great Believers but not quite of the same quality. Very glad I read an electronic version — made it much easier to keep track of all of the classmates.
2023-03-05

Release date: 2022-05-03 $14.99

Comments

1. Heartwarming - I genuinely enjoyed this book. The author did a great job intertwining what seemed to be two completely different storylines and what came together was nothing short of compelling. I enjoyed reading the evolution of each character and never once did I imagine someone could give so much charm to an octopus and yet I was very much enamored by the sweet creature. It’s a great read, especially if you’re looking for something light and sweet.
2023-03-14

2. Delightful - I read this book in two days. It’s charming and the perspective of the Octopus is welcome and well executed in the context of the story. The story has clever quirks as it unfolds and just enough unknowns to compel the reader to forge ahead. The characters a vividly explained and oh so likable. I am excited to read future books by this author!
2023-01-24

3. Just read it. I can’t think of a way this story would not bring pleasure. - My wife recommended that I read this book. I started times before it grabbed me. I did not think I could read a book with an Octopus as a character. Once I chilled out and let the writing take me, I was amidst a great story with wonderful characters, living near the sea. I loved it all and did not want it to end. Cheers to wonderful writing and the ride it can offer.
2023-01-17

4. Love, love, love - From the opening words, I knew this would end up capturing me. I was enchanted by Marcellus’ narration and loved how the author weaved his story with Tova’s. Honestly, it is now one of favorites that I will come back to and read again. I love seeing people in different ages and stages of their life connect to tell such a lovely story.
2023-01-06

5. A balm to the soul - This book is beautifully written and profoundly moving. There is so much about life right now that feels bleak and overwhelming. To say this unique story of grief, forgiveness, acceptance and growth was cathartic would be putting it mildly. Whatever type of book you’re looking for next, this is it. Bravo, Shelby, you have a remarkable gift and I thank you for sharing it.
2022-07-13

6. Wonderful read - This was such a lovely novel to read!! I loved Marcellus’ wit and snark. He was perfect. The end of this novel made me cry happy tears and I truly enjoyed every second of reading this book. My only wish is that I had taken my time reading it! It was just so great that I couldn’t stop reading!!
2022-06-06

Release date: 1992-04-30 Genre:Fiction & Literature $1.99

Comments

1. Heartbreakingly Good - I loved this book in all it’s innocence, pain and violence. It’s not a story untold but it is so well written it’s worth reading. This is not a happy story but the main character is resilient and brave, each emotion easily relatable. The author truly took care to make each character feel real, so much so I really felt I was slowly growing up with the characters as they navigated the hardships of life.
2023-03-23

2. Engagingly real - I saw the movie years ago and the saw the book and had to read it! The characters are so real you can almost imagine "Bone" growing up before your eyes. Not for the weak of heart as it has some tough scenes played out but with the writers skill of story telling it is just amazing to read
2012-07-29

3. You won't want to put it down. - I had to read this book for my first college English class and it was amazing. You get so in tune with all the characters and the ones you love in the beginning might be the same ones you hate in the end. When you find yourself wishing you could read faster just so you know what happens next is when you realize that this book is a great read.
2010-06-21

Release date: 2023-02-07 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Comments

1. Someone Else’s Shoes - I get really tired of reading books about silly women making silly decisions because of silly men, for silly reasons. Only one woman in this book was anyone I enjoyed reading about, the rest were utterly vacuous, annoyingly dependent, weak willed, and eventually just too boring to want to find out what happens to them in the end.
2023-02-16

Release date: 2002-10-22 $1.99

Comments

1. Boo!! - I LOVE The Secret History! It was one of my favorite books and I loved The Goldfinch too. Perhaps that is a hard standard to live up to. I had to make myself finish this and seriously couldn't believe the ending. Just meh. Bleh. Like...really??? How many hours do I not get back? I don't want to spoil it but there are just so many unanswered questions and unresolved issues...but worse, is by the time you've meandered through the denseness of the excessive nonessentials...it's hard to care any longer; you're just happy to be done.
2016-05-05

2. Disappointing! - Donna Tartt is my favorite author. I read The Goldfinch and The Secret History before I read The Little Friend and I was so disappointed in it. I got about a third of the way through when I was just so bored I couldn't read anymore. I picked it up again a few weeks later and draaaaaged through it to the end. It constantly FEELS like something is about to happen, but it never does. Tartt goes into so much detail about trivial things I figured it must MEAN something. But it never did. This book just wasn't ABOUT anything. And there's NO RESOLUTION. It dribbled on with no ending. The opposite is true of her other books. The Secret History is my all time favorite book. I recommend it over The Little Friend. I was left feeling very frustrated, like I had my wallet stolen after I just cashed my check.
2015-06-04

Release date: 2023-03-07 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Release date: 2020-09-29 Genre:Fiction & Literature $9.99

Comments

1. Thank you - This book has given me new perspective. I found it at a very synchronic time, and it has now contributed to my regaining my yearning for life. Experience is beautiful; there are so many things to do, so many things to be. One of the most important parts of life is to be loved, and to be someone who loves. I am that, and I have been lucky to have been that, and I will continue to do that. I recommend this book to anyone who is unsure. May you be sure within your unsureness. Xo
2023-03-17

2. Perspective - This book came into my life at precisely the right moment. In a time when I felt lost, directionless, and on the verge of giving up, this book provided the perfect remedy: perspective. I encourage anyone, at any point in their lives, to read this book. The story is more relatable and moving than any other I’ve seen before. It saved my life. And I hope it can also save yours.
2023-03-08

3. Beautiful Novel - The Midnight Library causes you to appreciate and value your life, show sympathy to those that have desired to take theirs, and to be mindful on how we treat one another. This is a beautiful book. One that encourages us to take the limits off of ourselves and simply live/enjoy our life.
2023-03-06

4. Uplifting and real life story - A great read for those of us who might think that things in our life should be better or different. Nora has this one life, with all of its troubles and also all of its possibilities. She learns by experiencing other lives that she might have lived, none of which were perfect! And in so doing, she learns how to really live, finally.
2023-02-19

5. Ham-fisted at best - The premise of this book has the potential to be interesting and allow for interesting ways to reexamine ones life, but the ultimate conclusion is completely unsatisfying because the terms of the game the author sets up are ridiculous for actually trying to examine what it means to live a happy life. Haig’s non-fiction self-help is more useful than its thinly veiled edition in fiction.
2023-01-28

6. absolutely perfect - So I wanted to read this book because I might’ve seen it somewhere, and I’m so glad that I did. This book was just beautiful to read. Everytime when I think of the one week holiday that I read this book on, the book comes to mind along with highlight’s of the trip. Adding on, the entire story ends up telling a very valuable life lesson which has changed the way I think in some situations, which is amazing. The Midnight Library is definitely in the favorite book list and it won’t leave. See, when you read this, and you finish it, you’ll feel dissatisfied in a way where you miss the book, and you wish you never read it in a week (hopefully it’s clear that that’s meant to be positive). Read the book, its phenomenal and dazzling, and worth every word, you’ll also fall in love with the storytelling/writing style, characters, and anything in between
2022-12-17

7. Great read! - I feel like this could be a movie. I really enjoyed the multiple lives Nora went through. Her journey from wanting to die, from realizing she wanted to live was an exceptional read. I hope that Nora, as a character finds true peace, and finds the life that she really wants to live. I would recommend this book to a friend.
2022-12-17

8. If you know, you know - Some people have complained that this book has a predictable ending and I do agree with that. However, I didn’t really see it coming until the last few chapters. That said, books aren’t meant to appease everyone and this is one of those books that you’ll either relate to massively because you’ve had the same thoughts or just not get. If you’ve ever wished you could change any of your regrets, this book will be relatable to you.
2022-12-13

Release date: 2021-06-01 Genre:Fiction & Literature $11.99

Comments

1. Disappointing - After reading Daisy and The Six and Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I was excited for this read. I’m not quite sure why I’m not really feeling it, I think it might be the numerous people that was hard to get a feel for their character and a lot of what felt like pointless dialogue. The romances were also icky, the only part of the book that I enjoyed was how the parents relationship panned out. Otherwise it was very mid.
2022-10-17

2. This book wrecked me. - As an eldest daughter as an older sister — this book rocked me to my core. A phenomenal read, it’ll break your heart and give you hope in a full swoop. This book took me back in time and painted Malibu under a new light. The characters are so individualistic yet share a thread of commonality due to trauma — it didn’t feel forced or in authentic. In fact it was the thing that brought me to tears. Definitely a must read!
2022-09-17

3. Could have been so much more - I’m torn about this book. On the one hand I was into it because I visited Malibu a few years back and really loved it. I guess I was hoping Malibu would take center stage but it really didn’t. Aside from mentioning some hot spots I didn’t feel the author truly captured the setting. It could have been atmospheric but it fell short and with the name of the town in the title I expected a bit more on that front. As far as the kids go…I didn’t really get a feel for each of them as strongly as they could’ve been painted. Nina was fleshed out a bit but how much is there to say about ages and under? They were all just kind of boring. I understand that TJR’s characters show up in her other novels so perhaps we’ve not seen the end of all of these people? What bothers me is Mitch Rivas is deplorable but yet he gets to walk away unscathed and on top of it all he causes the fire that ruined people’s homes as a result of his not thinking about anyone but himself. He lives in Malibu - they all know better than to carelessly flick away a burning cigarette but he’s so full of himself it’s no shocker he gives no concern about the area he inhabits. Are we better off knowing about any of these vapid folks? Not really. It kept my interest but it could have been so much better. I agree with the other reviewers that all the introduced characters in the second half were completely unnecessary and I’m puzzled as to why the author included them. This won’t change your life but it had all the elements of a great book so that’s why it’s hugely disappointing that it wasn’t fleshed out more. There’s a story there but it isn’t this one. I’d love to read this story in the hands of a more skilled writer.
2022-09-06

4. Would be a Great Series/ Soap Opera - I loved it, until I didn't. The beginning really sucked me in with the back and forth between the parents story and the kids story. The second half of the book was filled with random stories of people we had no idea who they were, and their point in the story. I found they were pointless and unnecessary and took away from the main characters. I did finish it, and if this story would be turned into a series or cheesy soap opera, I would % watch it.
2022-01-19

5. So Disappointing - I had high hopes for this book because a lot of people had been hyping this author and I’d seen people reading this book while I was on vacation. But When I finished this book I literally threw it across my room and exclaimed, “what a waste of time!” I want to love every book I read, but this had zero plot, introduced a number of unnecessary characters and had the most disappointing, anti-climactic ending I’ve ever read.
2021-11-21

6. Easy read but not for me - I could barely wait to be finished by the time the party started (and not in a good way). I enjoyed Nina Riva’s character but the rest of the book was shallow. The characters weren’t likable and the writing lacked depth. I imagine some might enjoy this book as an easy beach read, but it’s not for me.
2021-08-23

Release date: 2015-02-24 $14.99

Comments

1. Beautiful - This book is full of spiritual significance and life lessons to be learned. I loved the entirety of it. I would recommend to anyone who feels without purpose and ask them to look deep inside themselves to find what it is they are meant to do in this world. There are good times and there are bad times in one’s life but just know that they are all written by the same hand.
2023-03-17

2. My favorite book… - I absolutely love this book. I always seem to find myself coming back to it, to read and reflect on my own life as I pursue my Personal Legend. This book has many lessons, and I think everyone can relate to Santiago in search for his treasure. Read this book, you will not regret it.
2023-02-22

3. Philosophy is the reason we do not understand one another - This book tells of how all things are simple just that. All things are related and we have to listen to ourselves, to our hearts, and to the world. For life repeats itself and we are just apart of the cycle of love that fuels life. And that is all. Philosophy is taking this simple yet poetic way to describe life and in turn forces us to stray away and question the simplicity of all things. When really all things are just that. Simple. This book will let you decide for yourself if you’ve been listening to the world or being guided by others interpretations.
2022-08-26

4. What did I just read? - This book was a hard read. The author switches the between who’s story/thoughts we are following with little to no indication of who’s thoughts you are reading now. Also I’m convinced this was written by an adult who could write good and then a year old would take over for a page, and then the adult would take back over. I had a love hate relationship with this book until the very end. However once I read the ending, it was like % hate. I will never read this again, and never recommend to anyone. If anyone wanted to discuss this book with me, I’d probably roll my eyes.
2022-07-17

5. Enjoyable Book - I’m not the type of person to leave reviews but this book speaks to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your early ’s or late ’s this book is so relatable. I’m and figuring out my way through life still and this book helped me view my journey differently. My work journey, school journey, relationships and etc. It reminded me that sometimes you just have to stop and hear the Language of the World. The sound of the wind blowing through the trees, the sound of birds chirping in the morning or even the sound of cars stuck in traffic.
2022-06-30

Release date: 2022-08-30 Genre:Fiction & Literature $13.99

Comments

1. Carrie Soto is Back - It was a fun read! I first got into Taylor Jenkins Reid when I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Which I LOVED!!! The story and the characters had so much depth. I liked this story. It just seemed like Carrie was a little too one-dimensional. Many of the characters didn’t have the depth that the Evelyn Hugo book did. That book was SO GOOD! I loved those characters. This one, I wanted to love them. But they felt a little flat.
2022-12-22

2. Heart pounding! - Another hard-to-put down book from Taylor Jenkins Reid. They characters are believable and human, flaws and all. There are a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo earlier this summer and felt the same: LOVED it!! My new favorite author!
2022-09-18

Release date: 2019-04-16 Genre:Fiction & Literature $13.99

Comments

1. Unique, Enthralling, and Catastrophically Emotional - I have to open with saying that I absolutely loved this book. It was heart-wrenching and heartwarming and interesting and fun and sad. It was everything I wanted it to be. It was a little short but I think I only think that because I wish that there was more of it. I simultaneously believe that it is just the right length for the book and any more content would have stretched the characters and story too thinly. I was first introduced to the concept of this book when browsing YouTube. I found the trailer for the Hulu series based on the book and was instantly sold on the idea. Of course I had to read the book first and I am so glad that I did. The story is deeply psychological and a lot of it takes place in the heads of the characters. No matter how good an actor is they can’t come close to portraying the inner workings of the mind in the same way that Sally Rooney does with her writing. There are two unique quirks of the book that a reader should be aware of. First it uses present tense which isn’t too difficult for most readers to get through but it is a deviation from the norm and it took me a couple of pages before I settled into this style of reading. Over the course of the book Sally Rooney’s use of present tense enhances the book by providing a deep divide between the inner thought of the characters in the moment as they forge their relationship forward and their deep ruminations on the past actions that have been taken. I definitely think it was a good choice and my experience was better for it. The second quirk is a little harder to get past. The dialogue does not use any quotation marks at all. I don’t know why the book is like this and it took me some time to get used to this wild deviation from standard writing practice but eventually I did move past it. I wonder if I missed some nuance and intrigue in the opening of the book as my mind adjusted to the new normal of Normal People but there was enough in the rest of the book to satiate my appetite fully. Once I was used to the dialogue reading through it was totally natural.
2023-02-21

2. I loved the book - I love how deeply into the minds of Connell and Marianne the writer goes but , when it comes towards the end I felt it was a little more to say.. I don’t know. The ending in the show gave me more closure but, again, maybe that’s what the writer wanted, to let the possibly out there for Connell and Marianne to be together one day..
2022-12-22

3. Should’ve been called useless people - I was into this book until the end when it seemed like the author just gave Connell a free pass from all the hurt he inflicted upon Marianne. He used her for sex and was at times kind of repulsed by her but yet he kept going back to her when he needed something emotionally. He was ashamed of her and made her feel bad about herself over and over again. It was a very messed up relationship. He was not a good person. He was weak, wish washy and a coward and just fell into things instead of actively going after things with a goal. And yet the author actually wants us to view him as some kind of savior to Marianne just because he threatened her brother. Sorry you don’t get absolution from YEARS of knowingly outright emotionally abusing someone from one act. Marianne was very mentally unstable (I can only deduce that it was due to sexual abuse from her father which made her mother blame her and treat her terribly. Her brother abused her emotionally and physically but not quite clear if there was also sexual abuse towards her along the way - not sure because the author never explains. The mother is pretty much absent throughout the book and the father has long since died so we are given nothing to work with there and thusly must draw our own conclusions). Marianne feels she deserves to be mistreated in every way by everyone she comes in contact with. This was a tough read due to all those issues. You can only endure so much soul crushing negativity before you feel like you have to save yourself. I wish I could scrub my mind from some of the stuff in this book. This is basically just two damaged people who inflict their extreme dysfunction on one another over and over ad naseum. Finally it appears that Connell may be getting on with his life but next thing you know he and Marianne are living together and everything is perfect (how?! She all of a sudden woke up one day and said ya know I should be useful and get a job and try to function in the world like other people? So ridiculous! She needed a lot of therapy and medication and yet nope! She just fixes herself?! Why then? Why not before then? So bizarre) until the author can’t help herself and she throws these two into another conundrum where they can’t quite get on the same page. At some point you gotta move on and these two just can’t quit one another. If you’re a miserable person with no redeeming qualities this might be the book for you. Everyone else - find something different. This will only leave you infuriatingly frustrated.
2022-11-13

4. stars bcs i feel bad - Please don't waste your time. I'm not convinced this many people love this book? Don't even know what the stars im giving is for, probably just because I like the main characters. Other than that this was a total failure I had to force myself to finish it.. From the writing style first, it was giving i want to be creative but not sure how. Nothing interesting at all happens? Mental health is barely mentioned like what's even the point of the story? Why mention the main character's struggling while ignoring the important parts lile abuse? Depression? Talked abt in like pages lol. Characters poorly described too , it's like the writer herself doesn't knw what their personalities are. The ending was so badly written and boring!
2022-05-06

5. - I loved it from start to finish. Had some dull moments but I think it still made me love the book more, weirdly. The story is really really relatable- at least for me. I found myself in both characters. The ending is ok, very ambiguous. Still touched and tugged me at the heart strings. Honestly did not want the story to end.
2022-03-28

6. ./ - Normal People is a surprisingly emotional book. While the writing seems stiff at times what I loved about this book was how I felt while reading. Rooney succeeds at pulling me into the world of the novel and in a relatively short number of pages makes the characters feel very alive. Both of the main characters are deeply flawed and Rooney wastes no time revealing their painful limitations and exploring the effect they have on one another’s lives. It might not be an instant classic, but it’s an interesting story that moves forward at a startling pace. By the time I got to the end of this book I had a feeling the resolution that I was rooting for would not be the ending. I was still almost compelled to read because I just really loved both of these characters despite their flaws.
2022-01-11

7. Baffled - I cannot understand for the life of me why this book has such great reviews. The only reason I powered through and finished it was because I thought somehow the experience would improve and because frankly I didn’t want the money I paid for it to be a waste. The dialogue was painful, the “he said” “she said” after every single sentence was actually painful to read. For two people who were so raw with each other, if they’re conversations would’ve lasted longer than a few sentences they might not have misconstrued every single thing the other felt and meant. I hate putting a writing down so badly because I know the author is a real person with real feelings but this was truly an awful read.
2021-11-16

8. Unraveling and Mending - Not at all what I expected I was getting into. From the opening pages it is clear that you are in for a lightning fast and dramatic read. There is so much cringe worthy drama and youthful social complexity that will have you either nostalgically reminiscing or regretfully remembering your younger years. The chapters play out so many awkward conversations and exchanges. From these various perspectives, you see that no one really is listening to the people crying out for help. The book also asks if anyone truly say what they mean? Not just to other people, but to themselves, unlocking parts of who they are that they would rather keep buried. In that absence of knowing who or what anyone really is, the book challenges the idea of what “normal people” are really like. All of these questions and more play out against a timeline based narrative style that is refreshing. The time in between chapters works like a named character with a lingering influence. I must add a trigger warning. The material covers some very sensitive topics with graphic descriptions that could upset some readers. It’s all done in the interest of character and plot development but it’s heavy all the same. Like many stories, violence plays an complicated part in the narrative. For me, it mirrors the violent forming and collapsing of the social constructs the two main characters struggle against.
2021-10-27

Release date: 2018-08-14 $12.99

Comments

1. Slow start but then couldn’t put it down. - The first quarter of this book really didn’t catch my interest. I read - pages and then put it down for nearly years. Heard about the movie and decided to give it another chance. Read even more the second time and was about to give up again but then my interest was caught. The last half I couldn’t put it down. I recommend highly.
2023-03-12

2. Surreal - I gave this book stars as it’s a long slow start for quite a bit of pages, more than most books. I would have given . if I could - because that is it’s only flaw. This book is skillfully written to have the reader cling to every word. The book transfers you into its setting as if you are beside the characters watching every move and thought. The climax will have you sneaking in time to read (even when you don’t have that time). And the twist will leave you questioning your ability to predict. Over all this is a fantastic plot with great detail to help you be present in every piece of the story. While this story is very enjoyable, this is not a “quick easy” read to read mindlessly, you have to be prepared to focus to follow along. This component is however how the author was able to create such a suspenseful detailed story and it is a key part of the book’s success.
2023-01-29

3. It was alright - Honestly, i was expecting an amazing murder mystery becuase of the reviews but it was disappointing in that way. I felt like it was a lot like a Colleen Hoover book and if you like those kind of books then this one is definitely for you. The romance was very prominent and I absolutely loved the setting and nature that the book was created in. It was honestly a sad book from the very beginning to the end, and this is definitely like a book (there’s a lot of interesting and graphic scenes with two lovers). However, I give this book a / because I was expecting an exciting thriller mystery but it was severely lacking until the end. I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary buildup. This one definitely isn’t one of my favorite books but if you like romance and coming of age stories then i recommend.
2023-01-21

4. Best book I read in - I was very hesitant about this book as the readers I saw gushing over it online were typically those who do not like the same type of books as myself. However, I am so glad I took the time to read this. I went from skeptical to in love with just one chapter. It was easily the best book I read in .
2023-01-16

5. Amazing - Could not put down. The life and imagery brought in by each paragraph gave way to a surreal world that is unbiased and raw. As some may believe there is rasicm, I will clearly state there is none. This book tells the story honestly within the time as to not shatter the imagery. The rasicm viewed is the reality of that time, not of the author. It is because she bravely and respectfully included historically accurate views and language that the story continued to flow so fluidly. A true work of art that puts the reader in a melancholy yet introspective view of themselves and others around them. Thank you.
2022-11-10

6. The best I’ve ever read! - This book is so incredible that I have a hangover from it. It’s so beautiful written and keeps you thinking about it after! It’s those books that when you’re done with it you don’t even know what to read next because other books don’t live up to the detail, characters or words. I’ve started two books already from great authors and it just doesn’t grab you like this book or I think about crawdads as I’m reading the new ones. It’s so incredible. star all around!
2022-10-12

Release date: 2022-06-28 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Comments

1. The Measure - This book has changed on how I look at life. I can’t say that about any other book and I am an avid reader. It is so well written I had to stop reading and just absorb the words. So many characters and it was easy to follow them all. l’ve asked my son and husband to read it because there are issues that must be discussed. Have Kleenex ready.
2023-03-11

2. Fantastic - The Measure is a beautiful allegory of the world we inhabit. The good, the bad, and the terribly ugly. The author makes it easy to substitute any minority or marginalized person in for the short-stringers and she doesn’t shy away from directly asking the reader to do just that. This is an easy, gripping read that you will want to read, discuss, and read again.
2023-01-24

3. Fascinating Novel - I read this for my neighborhood book club. Honestly, it’s not something I would have picked to read myself but I’m so glad it was thrust upon me lol. What a fascinating concept, that really makes you think about what you would do, how you would respond, and treat others. Stories like this always make me wonder how the author came up with their novel’s concept. What a special book!
2022-11-09

Release date: 2021-01-05 Genre:Fiction & Literature $1.99

Release date: 2014-02-18 $1.99

Comments

1. Depressing - This really looks and sounds like my kind of book. I did like some things, but it never really grabbed my attention and held on. It moved slowly at times, and maybe I was a little distracted while reading and didn't connect as well as needed. When I felt something it was mostly down feelings. There's not much in the hope and happiness side to level out the sadness and depression vibe. I wanted Coralie to stand up for herself WAY before she finally made the decision. I was actually able to empathize with Eddie a lot more. There wasn't anyone that really stood out to me as a character that I loved. I think I would have liked to know the Wolfman's story more than the ones given. All I took away from this was a major thankfulness that I wasn't alive during that time period. It must have been hell on earth.
2016-09-25

Release date: 2022-09-06 $14.99

Comments

1. Wrongly reviewed and overrated - This book has one good thing and that's the occasional imagery. It follows an unlovable protagonist through a journey on which she experiences no character growth. Reading it is dull and the ending will make you feel angry. I mean it genuinely when I say that this book is a waste of time.
2022-12-03

2. Still good work - I love Maggie O’Farrell and have read all her fictional work. Giving the “end” at the beginning made me apprehensive throughout the story and slow my reading down very much because I loved the main character so much. But in the end I still appreciate O’Farrell’s writing and wound up liking the end.
2022-12-02

Release date: 2023-03-28 $14.99

Release date: 2023-02-07 $10.99

Release date: 2023-03-21 $14.99

Release date: 2023-03-07 $14.99

Release date: 2021-07-06 Genre:Fiction & Literature $9.99

Comments

1. Well written but… - This is a very well written book that drags us through a very disturbed series of relationships across years and years of misery. Every relationship described in this book whether between adults and adults or children and adults or children and children is very disturbed. Well, there are two exceptions but they are not central characters. I admit I couldn’t stop reading it but I didn’t like the people, well with the exception of Peter. I didn’t like the people. It’s a book full of mistakes and painful returns to mistakes and it just isn’t my kind of book.
2022-08-16

2. Trigger warning - Trigger warning: child sexual abuse. If the vulgar description of child abuse wasn’t bad enough to make you burn it the rest of the story is overly descriptive for no reason. I had to reread the first chapter because it was hard to keep focus/my attention. Overall worst book I’ve read
2021-10-29

3. Those Branch Off Convos - It’s definitely a page turner! That, l loved. First time reading a book by this author. A little over-descriptive for my taste, kind of like when you have a conversation and it branches off a crazy direction only to come back to the point. I found myself asking “wait, who’s this again?” often because of the back and fourths. The story line was -raw, in such a humane way. A good summer read.
2021-09-29

4. Vibrant and lyrical - This author has an amazing turn with words and the plot kept me hooked the whole time. The characters were intense, passionate, and vibrantly real. The human interest was compelling and moving. I loved it. Note: If you are triggered by any sort of sexual trauma this is not the book for you.
2021-09-16

5. ... - Oh man! I love hated this book. I was surprised that I could following along considering how jumpy the story line was for the majority of time. I liked that though. I had to re read the first few pages again to fully understand what she choose(in my opinion) It was really an interesting layout. I wouldnrecommend it!
2021-08-25

6. Well written - I really like how the author describes minutia of every day life. The characters came to life under her careful craft, and I enjoyed being out of glimpse into another way of life. I didn’t fully understand some of the main characters conflict or the depth of her love affair, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book I found love affair to be a little
2021-07-26

7. Great…and then, Not - If I was reading this book in the traditional manner, not online, it would be across the room on the floor after reading the last paragraph. I was hoping for a better ending. I enjoyed the beginning, but the author’s love of description became too much; the plot and characters became lost in minute detail. My opinion. Too many characters to care about without enough development of each of them. Too many things left unanswered. It felt as if the point of the book was to focus on creating a visual image for the reader of the surroundings; eventually I became bored and began skipping lines, looking for activity.
2021-07-26

8. Good story, bad ending. - Enjoyed the story and the lead character. Was really interested in her life and this is definitely a page turner. However the ending was horrible. I’m really not even sure what happened. The description of the book says she has to make a choice. The ending doesn’t make it clear what choice she made. Dissatisfied and disappointed.
2021-07-13

Release date: 2023-03-21 Genre:Fiction & Literature $14.99

Release date: 2021-11-30 Genre:Fiction & Literature $12.99

Comments

1. Love it - Jodi Picoult is an amazing writer, she has an amazing way of making you feel as if you’re in the book and living it instead of just reading it. This is the rd time that I’ve read this book and each time it resonates more, it brings me heartache but also hope and joy. I absolutely love it, one of my all time favorites
2022-11-28

2. Ever enchanting - Picoult books are always gut wrenching to me and this one does not disappoint. My heart aches for the female role and I fell in love with her alt reality. So many heart strings were pulled in this one! I was crying for the death of my own mother….and she’s alive and well! One of my faves by this author for sure!
2022-08-13

3. It was okay - small spoiler alert -stranded in the Galapagos during pandemic shutdowns?! I’ll take it, but remind me to take a few hundred in cash to any unknown areas anywho, on to the review… If there were half stars I’d give this book a . star review. For me, the beginning- well really a good chunk of Part One of the book is pretty slow. It doesn’t really pick up until well over pages in and that’s because you get drawn into the main character Diana’s, little adventures and the relationships that she’s building with the islanders. There’s an unexpected and somewhat mind blowing twist that takes you from serene Galapagos to smack dab in the middle of Covid New York. I wish the author didn’t leave the Galapagos portion so open ended at the end of the story. Part two of the book is definitely quicker to read than the first part. The parallels drawn between our own reality and the dystopian-like world we under went during the first two years of Covid were completely accurate and gave you a look into the life of a health care provider- not pretty. You can see where the relationship is going with her boyfriend and I loved the part where she tries to connect with her mom before it’s too late. Overall, a huge chunk of the beginning and the ending- not so great. The middle leading up to the end, good.
2022-08-10

4. Frustrating - I love love love Jodi Picoult. Her books are often crafted and piggy backed off current social, criminal and emotional issues, I find them with good story lines and characters. Her talent to write is still amazing yet this book I wanted to throw into the street and run over as it brought up what I know to be her political views and often debated issues on Covid, Faucci and the overall angle I am beyond exasperated and scarred from. Enough already. I need an adventure with her reading not another visit to the doctor or therapist. Her books are becoming more an more observant of her personal views.
2022-07-22

5. Beautiful tale! - I was not expecting a book about NDEs so that was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed it and a part of me would love to believe in the idea of other universes where another version of our self has taken a different journey than the reality we know. I hope it’s real! I hope it’s true! And I hope that it was Gabriel who grabbed Diana’s wrist at the end! Thank you, Jodi P. For another page-turning adventure!
2022-07-08

6. Realistic and provocatively whimsical - As we are still in the midst of this Covid pandemic, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read about it. But this book describes in great detail how the virus took hold of NYC when no one knew how to deal with it. Then her descriptions of what it’s like actually suffering through a severe case, surviving and going through rehab, every single American needs to read this. It’s not the flu, people are still dying and suffering devastating after effects. Thank you for bringing the reality of the disease and the realization of our Misguided values before the pandemic so vividly portrayed in this story.
2022-01-29

7. Best book I’ve read in a long time!! - I’ve always been a huge Jodi Picoult fan. I think this is one of her best. Maybe because it’s so relative to the times, maybe because it reminds us how fat we have come, or maybe it’s a reminder of what”s important in life…follow your heart! Thanks Jodi!
2022-01-20

8. I only read this because I paid for it - One review said the book had very little to with Covid. Sadly that wasn’t true in my estimation. I think at least half or two-thirds of this book is about Covid. I understand that many were affected by Covid, personally they got sick or knew someone that got sick and died. But we are all still living this nightmare, and I’ve taken to reading about three books a week to deal with the isolation and the lost freedoms. So reading about Covid was not something I wanted to do. Half of the storyline is entertaining and thought provoking. The half I could read about in the “news”, which I avoid…
2022-01-07

Release date: 2022-10-04 $14.99

Comments

1. Boring - There is nothing worse than when authors write about dialogue but no actual dialogue. So incredibly boring, had to skim most. So, so redundant as well. Like, this one metaphor or image isn’t enough, let’s layer more on top so the reader REALLY gets it. I love this author’s other books. Bummed I paid for this one.
2023-01-23

2. A must-read book - Similar to her first two novels, Celeste Ng did a spectacular job with writing Our Missing Hearts. The characters feel so real, the story is so riveting, and the world she has created in this book feels just realistic enough to make the scenerios terrifying. Such a beautiful, timely, and important book. Also, I love how Ng captures the amazing essence of librarians and libraries in this book. It was fun to read a story in which librarians are fictional heros, as well as real life heros.
2022-11-05

Release date: 2017-02-07 Genre:Fiction & Literature $11.99

Comments

1. [Korean] Just amazing - 코로나 격리 기간 정서적으로 나에게 가장 큰 영향을 주고 있는 이민진 작가. 그녀가 살아온 삶의 궤적과 파친코라는 책을 집필하게된 동기 및 과정을 알면 알 수록 그녀가 더 크게 느껴진다. 굴곡진 삶 속에서 전개되는 주인공들의 극적인 관계 및 갈등 그리고 내면세계 등이 책에서 더 깊고 자세하게 묘사되기 때문에, 그 감동이 TV 드라마와는 비교가 되지 않을 만큼 크다. (한가지 아쉬운 점이 책에서 한수의 비중이 캐릭터의 무게감이나 매력도에 비해 적다는 것인데, 이는 드라마 제작시에 다행히 고려가 된 것 같다.) 주인공 '선자'가 남편인 아이삭 목사의 무덤을 찾아가 자신의 삶을 반추하는 장면으로 소설은 마무리가 된다. 분명히 절제된 감정을 가진 강인한 그녀보다 대부분의 독자가 더 많은 눈물을 흘렸을 것이다. 대한민국 사람이라면 꼭 읽어야할 필독서라는 생각이 든다. 특히 나와 같은 재외국민들은 자신들이 살아온 삶의 역사에 대해 한번 잘 생각해보고 읽으면 더 큰 가치를 느낄 수 있을 것 같다.
2022-05-02

2. When no place is home. - This is a novel about a great many things but the strongest thread is about the search for a shared humanity and the crushing struggle to escape poverty. Min Jin Lee also covers what it means to be loved and have value in one place or another. There is also the wrestling match between the blissful ignorance of youthful optimism and where it collides with the seasoned incredulity and cynicism of experience. The competing perspectives at the same time highlight the common desires for love, belonging, and purpose, and pride. Pride is a looming presence; it kills and it leads to unnecessary suffering. Min Jin Lee’s storytelling techniques are amazing and give the book added depth and intrigue. The sprawling narrative takes you through generations of events and time in a way that you forget to notice the leaps forward and never want it to end. There are crushing moments and then truly beautiful ones that come together to create a whirling emotional roller coaster. I was reminded of “Grave of the Fireflies” in certain parts. My mouth gaping in shock at a sudden turn of events, in others tears brimming on the edge, and still with room left for laughter and joy elsewhere. This book is gripping and powerful in the same way that a Marquez novel is. The type of story that leaves a permanent imprint on you. Every page oozing with the perfect balance of drama and life. What makes it even more relevant is the issue of racial prejudice that mirrors America’s own zealous bigotry and something I was not fully aware of within the Asian community. There were moments were I thought you could swap Black for Korean and the story would have echoed experiences in Jim Crow or present day America. This book is as complete as they come and a new entry into my all time favorites.
2022-01-21

3. Mesmerizing, I couldn’t put it down - This is an amazing book! I can see why it was a National Book award finalist. The characters are so richly developed by the author that I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading the book. The pages flew by as each character’s story unfolded. My only regret is that I’m sorry to have finished it so quickly.
2021-01-05

4. Phenomenal! - Just from the opening line I could tell this book would be brilliant - “history has failed us, but no matter.” “Panchinko” is a novel filled with delicate insight into womanhood, racism, religion, and the meaning of home. Told primarily from the perspective of Sunja and her descendants, the changing narratives allows for each of these concepts to be explored in depth whilst maintaining a sense of gentleness. If you do not have a great deal of understanding of th century Korean and Japanese history/relations, this book provides and illustration of Korean experiences as immigrants facing hardship and prejudice. An excellent read to understand the ordeal that many Koreans experienced yet is often under examined and under appreciated.
2020-06-27

5. A good read - I found this book to be thought provoking and emotionally stirring. It touches on many social and personal issues that are relevant today, including racism, nationalism, identity, self-worth, and the ties of family. These issues are the water in which this multigenerational family swims. It was a great opportunity to get a glimpse into a culture I haven’t had a lot of opportunity to observe—enlightening. I learned a lot while being entertained and I enjoyed the writing style and characters immensely. I will definitely recommend Pachinko.
2020-05-26

6. Three quarters excellent, last quarter bad - I am fortunate to be married to a wonderful Korean woman with a story that mirrors Pachinko. So I understand the nature of the Korean mother and their devotion and sacrifice for their family. This book was on point for the first three fourths, then it fell apart. The focus on debauchery and gratuitous sex of a younger generation was both suspect and a turn off. I clearly understand that the descendants of the Pachinko generation were conflicted and confused, but those that I know went to Stanford, Harvard, Columbia and became doctors, lawyers and financial tycoons and did not become alcoholics, drugs users, or prostitutes as depicted in the final chapters of this book. Perhaps this was autobiographical on the part of the author, but it does not represent the younger Korean generation that I know. Because of this I struggled to finish the book and still have an uncomfortable feeling about the last parts, because I don’t believe it represents reality.
2019-09-05

7. Often underwhelming. - Though it invokes discussion and utilizes moving imagery, on multiple occasions while reading it I found myself just waiting for the end. Then once the end came, it was unsatisfying in tying up the multiple story plots that were brought into play. Overall, would not likely recommend to a friend.
2019-04-28

8. Best book I’ve ever read. - Amazing plot and characters. Intriguing story. I read a lot of books and this is now my favorite. Will definitely read again and will read more from this author. This book made me sad. I can honestly say that I love this book. Would recommend to everyone. Read it, you won’t regret it.
2019-02-01

Release date: 2020-09-08 $12.99

Comments

1. A beautiful story if humanity - This book will make you laugh and cry and fall in love with the characters. It takes a few chapters to become hooked but once you are you don’t want it to end. The prose is beautiful and reminds me that fiction brings us reminders of real life- we are all in this together.
2023-02-20

2. Im not crying you’re crying - I cannot explain why this book, on a random summer day, affected me the way it did. I identified with something on every single page. It cracked me up and made me sad. It also made me nod my head in agreement and feel hopeful. I don’t know what else you could want from a book.
2022-09-10

3. Yet another surprise wonder - This is the third of Backman’s books I’ve read and I always am so pleasantly surprised with his underlying love of humanity in the most simplistic ways. His story telling leads to many revelations and secrets that unfold throughout and I just adore his story telling. The story might start out slow or dry, but it’s so worth finishing his books because they make you a better human. And that’s what his stories are all about, being a human in a large and complicated world, and finding the pure love and joy in some of the smallest things.
2022-07-22

4. Touching Story, Lovely Characters - I picked up this book for the mystery and stayed for the story. The writing style/voice takes a moment to get used to but once you’re into it you can’t bear to stop reading. I fell in love with every character, and even more so with the relationships between them. The author does a great job revealing little things along the way that all come together to form a bigger picture about life and love and all of the dumb things we do with good intentions. Satisfying ending that brought tears to my eyes - I’m so happy I read this book :)
2021-09-12

5. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman - Stumbled upon this book and it is brilliant! The characters are complex, unique, witty, and lovable idiots (he uses “idiots” a lot throughout the book). The author intertwines the characters lives in a way that is new and fresh, with humor about a serious subject. Tremendous read. Love the way Backman tells a story.
2021-05-05

6. Wanted to enjoy it more - i went into this book wanting to enjoy it more than i did. really i did love the individual character developments, especially Zara with her therapist. but i found it hard to take serious, in the way that no one would talk to police like that, when they are just trying to ask questions about the situation.? it made me so mad because why is every character rude (besides Estelle) and sharing weird personal details with a police officer like that? I know it becomes kind of reveled/slightly part of the plot but it’s just not realistic and could have been handled in such a different way. also the way the gender of the bank robber kept changing made it confusing to follow. i understand why the author did this, to make it more hard to predict, but it just ended up being more weird and hard to follow to me. I think this book has some amazing insights that are illustrated in such a beautiful way, but to me, these two things become overpowering in annoyance when trying to follow the plot.
2021-03-13

7. Absolutely loved this. - I laughed, I related, I scratched my head, and I cried. I purchased this book not really knowing what I was going to get into. It was the new year, and in my new year slump/depression I told myself I was going to read more. I had a very hard time putting this book down, and that NEVER happens to me. Give this book a read. I didn’t mind the story order as much as some other reviews have mentioned. I found the way the story is told is like how a tv show is written. I want to go tell my friends and family about this book.
2021-02-19

8. Anxious People - The story started off slow as the author revealed the quirky characters. As they developed, the connected emotions and general goodness in people’s hearts became the primary theme woven around an interesting getaway story. Clever story, interesting characters and beautifully written.
2021-02-18

Release date: 2017-04-25 $12.99

Comments

1. Intense - I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its intensity. I am not a hockey fan but thoroughly enjoyed learning about the sport and the character development was excellent. There are some very serious topics and reading how a small town handles this is real and raw. Immediately getting the next book.
2022-07-22

2. Extraordinary Storytelling - What Louise Penny does for Three Pines, Fredrik Backman accomplishes in Beartown - the creation of a community you want to visit with people you want to get to know. The story is excellent, but at the end of the book its the characters you want more of. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
2022-06-07

3. An impactful story - I loved this book. The subject matter was tough and be writing was engaging. I loved a lot of characters and hated a lot of characters. I loved Maya and Ana’s friendship. Maya’s mom was amazing. I truly felt for that entire family. I really showed how favoritism, neglect, a “pack mindset” and power can really corrupt children and adults. I loved everyone who stood up for what was right. The ending was upsetting and sadly realistic. It’s just proof that we as adults have to be better so our kids can be too.
2022-03-15

4. Captures the Moment and Inner Spirit of a Town and it’s Residents - My second book of Backman’s (the first being the fantastic A Man Called Ove). The writing is clear, the emotions seem incredibly real and heartfelt. You are transported to a remote place, with people who can’t readily express themselves except for their love of hockey. And then, it turns into something entirely different…
2021-11-16

5. Outstanding - Love this writer’s books. A bit skeptical about a book about hockey. But it’s NOT just about hockey. Incredibly complex, simple story about people and community. This writer knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t write formula pablum as some others do. Every book different. And wonderful.
2021-09-20

6. Bear Town - Excellent writing! The author makes each character come alive and pulls the reader into each of their worlds and experiences. He addresses many social and moral issues bluntly and fairly. As a former hockey mom and now a hockey grandma, it offers even more insight into the reasons so many communities, parents , and young people give their all and sometimes lose their all because of the game.
2020-11-10

7. Fabulous writer violent story - Backman is a great craftsman. The first part of the book sets up characters and setting in an unforgettable way. His characters are real and alive. His Beartown is a bleak, but understandably human place. This, plus his wit, insight, and simplicity make the first chapters as irresistible as his Ove book. The second part is thrilling. The brilliant pacing and suspense made it impossible to put the book down. Why not stars? The violence. Just because his characters are so complex;just because his writing is so vivid; just because his story is so engrossing ,the violence is almost too powerful .
2020-03-27

8. About Life and Choices- Very Worthwhile - My book club selected this. I never would have read it otherwise. The initial hockey theme would have put me off. I’m glad I read it, though, because it provides numerous insights to groups of people who I rarely meet, and helps explain their interests and behaviors. It also provides important insights about life and choices for all groups of people.
2018-06-08

Release date: 2015-03-10 $14.99

Comments

1. Wow - This book is a roller coaster and is worth every minute. A beautiful and gripping tale of all aspects of life - friendships, relationships, depression, laughter. You name it, it’s in here. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and one I’ll probably revisit time and time again. Truly a wonderful read.
2023-01-19

2. Aching - I haven’t read a story as complex and emotionally jarring as this. So horrific, and yet undeniably comforting in its ways to make the reader understand and sympathize with its many characters. I want to cry now having finished it but I’m sitting next to both my parents and dogs watching a Christmas movie and know it isn’t the place. But I will when I’m back to my solitude in my room alone. Wow- this book.
2022-12-30

3. destroyed - this book absolutely tore me apart, limb from limb. I would admonish anyone who plans on reading this to please review the trigger warnings, even if you feel like it may spoil the book for you a bit. you need to prepare yourself, but this book made me feel more than I thought possible. it’s well-written, mostly easy to follow, and has the ability to change you as a person.
2022-12-26

4. A masterpiece - I know that some people feel like this work may be exploitation, but when I read it I couldn’t help but feel something different. I have never had a book so accurately capture the experiences that took place in this book. And I don’t think that can be faked, it comes from a place of suffering and knowing that can only be felt by the ones who it’s meant for. Thank you for this book. Thank you for giving words and life to a nameless monster that has plagued my entire existence. It’s soothing.
2022-09-05

5. Harrowing, but worth reading - This book is unforgettable. It’s a very difficult read because of the dark subject matter of abuse, self-harm, and self-hatred, but it nonetheless can hook you and takes you deep into several characters’ psyches in a very powerful way. Some of the book’s flaws are that it’s too long, it’s repetitive (although that seems to be kind of the point), and it’s somewhat unbelievable at times that so many terrible things could happen to one person. Nonetheless, it’s worth reading this book. I wouldn’t say that it has a lot of concrete life lessons to impart but going through the journey of coming to know these characters, and leaving the pages feeling that I will continue to be haunted by them was an important experience in engaging with a work of art, and the book did leave me meditating on hope, the limitations of empathy, and the futility of trying to control others’ actions.
2022-07-20

6. Heart wrenching, well written, captivating. - This book is a masterpiece. There’s no other way to put it. You feel for these characters like they are real people, and it’s absolutely heart wrenching. This book is the kind you have to put down after you read it and stare off into space for a few minutes, just feeling. And occasionally WHILE you are reading the book. A Little Life is by far one of the best books I’ve read, I can’t recommend it enough.
2022-06-17

7. Devastating, but a must read - There are so many things that I could say about this book, so many things I could call it, but nothing would ever be enough. This book made me sob, not once, but twice, but you should definitely read it. Be kind to yourself while you read it, as it can be difficult at times, but definitely do it. This is easily my favorite book, but I’ll never read it again. I can’t, but you should
2022-06-08

8. Do not see what the hype is about - Honestly could not finish this book. It dragged on for so long. Forced myself to get through % of this book before I could not read it any longer. This book is so predictable and every pages was about rape. I am open to reading anything, but this was too much. Story line could have ended way earlier.
2022-03-17