Scan barcode
bre88's reviews
40 reviews
The Worst Thing by Aaron Elkins
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Please do not waste anytime reading this book. It was poorly written, boring and an annoying ending. I should’ve stopped reading when I saw a whole paragraph repeated two pages apart early on in the book. It took an enormous amount of willpower to finish and absolutely nothing to show for it. I gave a 1 because of the interesting concept.
Micro by Michael Crichton
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like it more but it so boring. Even with the adventure and interesting world building, I didn’t care what happened. By the last 100 pages, I was begging to be done. Great idea for a book that I wish was handled differently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.5
Wow. I didn’t like anything about this book. I saw it on an end cap at the library and decided I could use a holiday read. Terrible writing. No character development. No substantial plot. Cheesy and painful dialogue. Everyone has the same voice??? Zero attempts to tie the story together. I have no idea why all these half thought through stories were put into one thing, all wrapping with a completely nonsensical ending. It’s basically a holiday Hallmark movie but without the fun of watching it while baking or hanging out with family.
The Golden Couple by Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Isolation: A Faye Longchamp Mystery by Mary Anna Evans
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Murder Season by Robert Ellis
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
A pretty basic thriller book. It was a fast read and didn’t leave me feeling much of anything. There’s a few twists throughout including at the very end but nothing that knocks you off your feet.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
While some parts were try hard, the first half of the book was mostly enjoyable. The second half was boring, predictable and incredibly heavy handed. I value the reasons why this book was written and how the author illuminates the stories of Covid survivors and first responders during the pandemic. But wow the whole thing devolved into a Hallmark movie and not even one with top billing…we are talking about a random mid year offering with non union actors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying, Gun violence, Homophobia, Outing, and Colonisation
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
One of the most unique stories I’ve read in awhile. I loved how the writer used literary works throughout to frame the story. I love a female forward novel and this one doesn’t disappoint. You fall in love with Devon for everything she is and isn’t while she fights to save her children.
Never by Ken Follett
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow - a very intense read. The story follows multiple perspectives as rising tensions lead to escalating military actions around the world. Follett does a great job showcasing how close we are to nuclear war and the precarious nature of peace. It definitely raised my anxiety levels especially the last 3 chapters. Highly recommend for people who enjoy multiple POVs and thrillers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and War
Moderate: Confinement and Xenophobia
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual harassment
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
The story was painfully boring and I only kept reading because I thought there would be some great ending; it never came. As in her other novels, the characters are well thought out with distinct backstories but you simply do not care about these people.