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chaptersoncapecod's reviews
425 reviews
The Winemaker's Wife by Kristin Harmel
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
I am so glad I finally read Stephen King's "On Writing." This book has been on my list for what feels like ages, and now it's in my "read" column.
Part memoir, part toolkit, part craft - this book delves into all the things that make King, well King. Coincidentally, this was the best book in which I could have started my new reading journal. I am grateful for King's vulnerability and I finished the book feeling inspired.
Reading about King's writing journey was humbling. I didn't realize the hardships he faced as a child nor in the early days of his marriage. And that he was almost killed in '99? (I loved the humor that the driver was a King character in real life).
Regarding the "tool kit" and "craft" sections of the book, I learned more about my reading preferences than I expected. I realized how much I truly enjoy well-crafted dialogue and when a writer allows me to imagine vs. telling me exactly how a character is showing up. I've read countless books over the last few years (most of my life, really), and I haven't always been able to articulate why I didn't like something, but now I feel confident in understanding the technicalities of writing that I do enjoy.
After reading this, I can't wait to read more of King's books and perhaps write a bit on my own.
Part memoir, part toolkit, part craft - this book delves into all the things that make King, well King. Coincidentally, this was the best book in which I could have started my new reading journal. I am grateful for King's vulnerability and I finished the book feeling inspired.
Reading about King's writing journey was humbling. I didn't realize the hardships he faced as a child nor in the early days of his marriage. And that he was almost killed in '99? (I loved the humor that the driver was a King character in real life).
Regarding the "tool kit" and "craft" sections of the book, I learned more about my reading preferences than I expected. I realized how much I truly enjoy well-crafted dialogue and when a writer allows me to imagine vs. telling me exactly how a character is showing up. I've read countless books over the last few years (most of my life, really), and I haven't always been able to articulate why I didn't like something, but now I feel confident in understanding the technicalities of writing that I do enjoy.
After reading this, I can't wait to read more of King's books and perhaps write a bit on my own.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Here’s my review of “First Lie Wins” by @ashleyelston 🤥
👏🏻This book is tops when it comes to twisty-turny. I was shocked at the ending (bravo!). At one point, @ashleyelston shared a clip of her plotting this thriller, which was wild! I loved the behind-the-scenes look at how she kept everything straight
👏🏻I also loved the writing style incorporating flashbacks, and adding depth to the story.
👏🏻The character of Evie was phenomenal! She was witty, smart, real, top of her game, and it didn’t end with her! It was great timing reading this during Women’s History Month because I felt the magic of strong women!
As you can see, I loved this book and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a fun and fast thriller. Happy reading!
👏🏻This book is tops when it comes to twisty-turny. I was shocked at the ending (bravo!). At one point, @ashleyelston shared a clip of her plotting this thriller, which was wild! I loved the behind-the-scenes look at how she kept everything straight
👏🏻I also loved the writing style incorporating flashbacks, and adding depth to the story.
👏🏻The character of Evie was phenomenal! She was witty, smart, real, top of her game, and it didn’t end with her! It was great timing reading this during Women’s History Month because I felt the magic of strong women!
As you can see, I loved this book and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a fun and fast thriller. Happy reading!
The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar
Not only do I highly recommend this read, but I'll leave with this piece of sage advice "Give people the chance to rise to their own limitations."
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
Best book of 2024 so far and I believe this one will stay with me all year long. Family secrets and forgiveness are two strong themes in "The Museum of Failures" by Thrity Umrigar. Remy Wadia confronts his past while visiting Bombay in hopes of adopting an Indian baby to bring back to the USA. After discovering a mysterious photograph, Remy demands answers from his frail and ill mother. Will he be saved by forgiveness or live of life of bitterness?
Oh, Thrity, "The Museum of Failures" is incredible. I am going to be recommending this book everywhere I go. The description of Bombay was fantastic and the comparisons to life in the US vs India were thought-provoking. (This is kind of where the phrase "first world problems" comes in...).
Remy's personal growth and finding his voice are remarkable. I can't imagine being in his shoes in this novel, and perhaps that's the difference between growing up in the 1990s-2000s in the USA vs India. I simply can't imagine it.
Overall, "The Museum of Failures" was unputdownable, despite the tough topics explored. It's truly a gem of a book. Some of my favorite parts included:
Oh, Thrity, "The Museum of Failures" is incredible. I am going to be recommending this book everywhere I go. The description of Bombay was fantastic and the comparisons to life in the US vs India were thought-provoking. (This is kind of where the phrase "first world problems" comes in...).
Remy's personal growth and finding his voice are remarkable. I can't imagine being in his shoes in this novel, and perhaps that's the difference between growing up in the 1990s-2000s in the USA vs India. I simply can't imagine it.
Overall, "The Museum of Failures" was unputdownable, despite the tough topics explored. It's truly a gem of a book. Some of my favorite parts included:
- Finding out why Bombay and India are "The Museum of Failures"
- Being hardened into a tree
- Dawn - the miracles that make all miracles, but it's also life's greatest. magic show that most people sleep through
- We become many different people in one lifetime
Not only do I highly recommend this read, but I'll leave with this piece of sage advice "Give people the chance to rise to their own limitations."