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chandranolynne's reviews
345 reviews
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
"And it occurred to her that for a woman who opened her mouth every other second, there was an awful lot inside of her that she’d never shared.”
These really just get better and better. I don't know why I'm still, after five books, surprised at the depth of these characters. The couple in this book were so gripping - Phillip as he strives to be strong for those around him while simultaneously battling demons that nobody else is aware of, and Eloise as she tries to start her own life away from the family that has always defined her. These two I think resonated with me in particular because they remind me of my husband and myself. It's the best thing in the world when you finally find the person in the world who makes you feel safe and seen enough to confide in and finally allow yourself to be genuine and vulnerable with.
These really just get better and better. I don't know why I'm still, after five books, surprised at the depth of these characters. The couple in this book were so gripping - Phillip as he strives to be strong for those around him while simultaneously battling demons that nobody else is aware of, and Eloise as she tries to start her own life away from the family that has always defined her. These two I think resonated with me in particular because they remind me of my husband and myself. It's the best thing in the world when you finally find the person in the world who makes you feel safe and seen enough to confide in and finally allow yourself to be genuine and vulnerable with.
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"A few years turned into more years, and more years turned into all years. Years have a habit of behaving like that."
This was everything I hoped, expected, and dreamed it would be and then some! Every time I read Fredrik Backman I fall more and more in love with him, more in love with his characters, and more in love with the communities and families he breathes life into so beautifully. I love that Britt-Marie was given her own story, her own voice, and nobody else but Backman could have written her with the nuances of an OCD micro-manager with a knack for sticking ones nose in other people's business and made her quite so loveable.
This was everything I hoped, expected, and dreamed it would be and then some! Every time I read Fredrik Backman I fall more and more in love with him, more in love with his characters, and more in love with the communities and families he breathes life into so beautifully. I love that Britt-Marie was given her own story, her own voice, and nobody else but Backman could have written her with the nuances of an OCD micro-manager with a knack for sticking ones nose in other people's business and made her quite so loveable.
Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
"I know something about dread myself, and appreciate the elaborate systems with which some people fill the void, appreciate all the opiates of the people, whether they are as accessible as alcohol and heroin and promiscuity or as hard to come by as faith in God or History."
I absolutely loved this when I wasn't bored, lol. Joan Didion's writing style is entrancing, flowered with powerful descriptions amidst a whirlwind of poignant and poetic stream-of-consciousness thoughts, she makes you feel like you are a part of the world about which she writes. Being from all over California - born in Loma Linda and moving around San Bernadino until I was 8 years old, then living in Napa and frequenting San Francisco and Berkely throughout my teenage years, followed by spending my early 20s in Hollywood - much of this book hit very close to home. Of course, I wasn't born until 1986 so it was a vastly different time, but you don't grow up there without being affected by the history and culture. And all of that makes up for the parts of the book that would have put me to sleep if I weren't driving.
I absolutely loved this when I wasn't bored, lol. Joan Didion's writing style is entrancing, flowered with powerful descriptions amidst a whirlwind of poignant and poetic stream-of-consciousness thoughts, she makes you feel like you are a part of the world about which she writes. Being from all over California - born in Loma Linda and moving around San Bernadino until I was 8 years old, then living in Napa and frequenting San Francisco and Berkely throughout my teenage years, followed by spending my early 20s in Hollywood - much of this book hit very close to home. Of course, I wasn't born until 1986 so it was a vastly different time, but you don't grow up there without being affected by the history and culture. And all of that makes up for the parts of the book that would have put me to sleep if I weren't driving.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“'Isn’t it nice,' the older lady said, leaning in so that only Penelope could hear her words, 'to discover that we’re not exactly what we thought we were?'”
I loved this installment and I loved Penelope. She's vying with Kate for my favorite heroine so far.
The thing I love best about this series is the consistent bringing forward of background characters from the previous novels. We were introduced to Penelope Featherington in Book 1 as a wallflower amongst the ladies out in society. She is often the brunt of a joke and generally looked over as one destined to end up a spinster. She appears repeatedly throughout the series, though, and Julia Quinn has a way of showing her in an increasingly sympathetic light, so that, when she finally appears as a main character, we are already rooting for her.
I can see the same thing happening in Book 5, which I believe will center on Eloise Bridgerton, is Penelope's best friend in this book. Again, just a side character up until this point, but Quinn makes sure we develop a relationship her with now so that she can dive right into her story next. I really think it's done brilliantly well.
I loved this installment and I loved Penelope. She's vying with Kate for my favorite heroine so far.
The thing I love best about this series is the consistent bringing forward of background characters from the previous novels. We were introduced to Penelope Featherington in Book 1 as a wallflower amongst the ladies out in society. She is often the brunt of a joke and generally looked over as one destined to end up a spinster. She appears repeatedly throughout the series, though, and Julia Quinn has a way of showing her in an increasingly sympathetic light, so that, when she finally appears as a main character, we are already rooting for her.
I can see the same thing happening in Book 5, which I believe will center on Eloise Bridgerton, is Penelope's best friend in this book. Again, just a side character up until this point, but Quinn makes sure we develop a relationship her with now so that she can dive right into her story next. I really think it's done brilliantly well.
Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
"You just don't jump off a bridge in a four-hundred-dollar Jacket. It isn't done. The Jacket would get ruined. Carol was from the Chambersburg section of Trenton, just like me, and in the Burg you gave the jacket to your sister, then you jumped off the bridge."
I'm still enjoying this series just fine, but this book wasn't quite as gripping and exciting as the others have been for me. I loved the addition of Bob the dog and the continued antics of Grandma Mazer, but the storyline of this one was a little slow in this one, and I felt like it was drug out more than it needed to be. I'm not really complaining, though I realize it sounds like it. It was certainly not bad by any means; it just fell short of the level that the other books have all been at so far.
I'm going to take a break and read a non-Stephanie Plum book, on the chance that this lull stems from overexposure.
I'm still enjoying this series just fine, but this book wasn't quite as gripping and exciting as the others have been for me. I loved the addition of Bob the dog and the continued antics of Grandma Mazer, but the storyline of this one was a little slow in this one, and I felt like it was drug out more than it needed to be. I'm not really complaining, though I realize it sounds like it. It was certainly not bad by any means; it just fell short of the level that the other books have all been at so far.
I'm going to take a break and read a non-Stephanie Plum book, on the chance that this lull stems from overexposure.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.0
"If he is old enough to ask the question he is old enough to receive true answers. I am not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those already there. These children are wiser than we are, and I have no doubt the boy understands every word I have said to him."
This quote reminds me of my favorite quote, which comes from David Bowie's song Changes: "And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their world, are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through." I always appreciate an adult who doesn't underestimate the next generation.
I've put this off for three days and am running out of excuses to not write this review. I.... didn't care for this. I understand that in 1868 Miss Alcott was pushing boundaries with the themes and ideals in Little Women, and I'm sure my opinion stems from the fact that I'm a product of my generation, but it felt like I was a reading a "How to Be a Good Christian" handbook.
When the book wasn't busy preaching, some of the stories were entertaining. I enjoyed the relationship between Jo and Laurie, and actually, overall, I liked the parts that centered around Jo the most. After reading several other reviews of varying like-mindedness to mine, this seems to not be such an uncommon opinion.
I ultimately settled on three stars because, while I didn't necessarily enjoy the book, I also didn't hate it and I am, ultimately, glad to have finally read this famous novel. Plus, I want to read March by Geraldine Brooks, and I've been putting that off until I got this one under my belt.
This quote reminds me of my favorite quote, which comes from David Bowie's song Changes: "And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their world, are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through." I always appreciate an adult who doesn't underestimate the next generation.
I've put this off for three days and am running out of excuses to not write this review. I.... didn't care for this. I understand that in 1868 Miss Alcott was pushing boundaries with the themes and ideals in Little Women, and I'm sure my opinion stems from the fact that I'm a product of my generation, but it felt like I was a reading a "How to Be a Good Christian" handbook.
When the book wasn't busy preaching, some of the stories were entertaining. I enjoyed the relationship between Jo and Laurie, and actually, overall, I liked the parts that centered around Jo the most. After reading several other reviews of varying like-mindedness to mine, this seems to not be such an uncommon opinion.
I ultimately settled on three stars because, while I didn't necessarily enjoy the book, I also didn't hate it and I am, ultimately, glad to have finally read this famous novel. Plus, I want to read March by Geraldine Brooks, and I've been putting that off until I got this one under my belt.
High Five by Janet Evanovich
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"'Almost everybody I know has died,' Grandma said. 'Bunch of wimps.'
The fifth Stephanie Plum book finds itself the with the first five-star rating! This one was hliarious, sexy, and full of surprises. The mystery was also more interesting to me than some of the prior ones. The love triangle is really heating up, which I am super here for, but I also can't seem to pick a team. I switch every time either of them does something swoon-worthy, which is often. I'm now going to pick up book six immediately to put a bow on this cliff-hanger ending Janet Evanovich left us with!
The fifth Stephanie Plum book finds itself the with the first five-star rating! This one was hliarious, sexy, and full of surprises. The mystery was also more interesting to me than some of the prior ones. The love triangle is really heating up, which I am super here for, but I also can't seem to pick a team. I switch every time either of them does something swoon-worthy, which is often. I'm now going to pick up book six immediately to put a bow on this cliff-hanger ending Janet Evanovich left us with!
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As much as I have been enjoying this series thus far, this one was sort of meh for me. I didn't appreciate the Cinderella retelling; I found it unoriginal and, frankly, unnecessary. Fortunately, that was only the first third or so, and then Quinn took the book, and the characters, in a different direction. Honestly, that first part could have been completely omitted, and the book would have been much the same. Anyway, I didn't care for the main characters as much as the previous books, but I did enjoy the further introductions of the younger Bridgerton sisters (who I'm sure will be more focused on in the books to come). I also loved the second epilogue that wrapped up Posy's little side story, as she was a hardcore loose end otherwise.
Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Four books in now and each one gets a little bit better than the last. I loved the new characters (especially Sally!) in this one, and I strongly hope they stick around. I've been pleasantly surprised throughout these four books at how diverse the cast of characters is, and she just keep throwing more into the pot. I don't know if I'll be able to squeeze Book 5 in before the end of the year, but I'm highly looking forward to running through the rest of this series in 2024!
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Okay, I'm in. The first one was good; this one was better. I completely expected these books to be quick, spicy, and fun reads (which is mostly accurate), so you can imagine my surprise when this one had tears streaming down my face two-thirds of the way into it. I hope these books continue to have this sort of depth to them!