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leitnerkev's reviews
676 reviews
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
I think this is a good book - very compelling writing, interesting setup - but just I think not for me.
The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
Really great, accessible writing, compelling characters, a plot worthy of getting invested in, a delicious mix of fantastical elements and deeply important social issues.
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Brilliant. Fucking brilliant. A deep, melancholic study of aging, and love, and truth, and bitterness. It deserves all the accolades it got.
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
Mordew by Alex Pheby
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Oh that ending!
Misfit by Gary Gulman
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Gary Gulman has been open about his mental health issues and he's never said implied his case was indicative of broader, deeper truths about trauma or depression or anxiety. In other words he present his story as just that: history. If you find inspiration. Or comfort great..and I applaud the honesty and vulnerability for sure. With all that said why did I assume Misfit would be any more than just Gary's childhood story (bracketed by his 2017 breakdown). And disappointingly it's a standard, common journey through academic ups and downs, dodging bullies, and some athletic success stories. What it is not is particularly unique, unfortunately. There are some shining hilarious segments, one of which is his discovery he'd been held back for 1st grade. His football season in his senior year is also a highlight.
The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It's a nice book. Definitely not my typical cup of tea but well crafted and (no surprise from Cronin) well written. The characters voices were fully realized and distinct and the leisurely reflection on loss, and death, and choices, was pleasant. It also had the benefit of a ultra wealth old man who serves as a positive force in the world.
The story centers around a vacation camp, a place where people go to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, "rough" it a little, and those who lives are connected closely with it. The camp itself serves as avatar for the story itself, which is, largely, a peaceful contemplation of life and relationships, of death and memory, of family (blood and not) and love.
The audio performance is fabulous, I do love an ensemble cast of narrators for a book like this, rather than a lone reader.
The story centers around a vacation camp, a place where people go to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, "rough" it a little, and those who lives are connected closely with it. The camp itself serves as avatar for the story itself, which is, largely, a peaceful contemplation of life and relationships, of death and memory, of family (blood and not) and love.
The audio performance is fabulous, I do love an ensemble cast of narrators for a book like this, rather than a lone reader.
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.0
Such a great story. The novel combines three separate threads, each compelling in its own right. Like good sci fi, one is smarter for having read it. This time exploring the topics of humanity and consciousness and language. And I enjoyed each little chapter entry ( quotes from in-universe academic books) because they added to depth and insights on the philosophical questions posed by the narrative. Loved it.
Low Town by Daniel Polansky
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A fun, accessible romp. It's slick and interesting and moves quickly. I do think it didn't quite live up to its potential but I appreciate the commitment to writing a slight thriller rather than getting bogged down in an epic fantasy or expansive character study.