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ofbooksandtrees's reviews
1166 reviews
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Read July 2024
I don't like the unreliable woman (who drinks too much) spying on her neighbours- trope, but I have to admit, it was an entertaining read.
I don't like the unreliable woman (who drinks too much) spying on her neighbours- trope, but I have to admit, it was an entertaining read.
Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake
3.0
Read July 2024
While I still enjoyed Iris Kelly, it's my least favourite in the series. I usually love a fake dating trope, but this one didn't work for me quite that well. Something about the deal with the lessons and how that influenced their relationship dynamic kinda put me off.
While I still enjoyed Iris Kelly, it's my least favourite in the series. I usually love a fake dating trope, but this one didn't work for me quite that well. Something about the deal with the lessons and how that influenced their relationship dynamic kinda put me off.
The Sound at the End by Kirsty Logan
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Read June 2024
Loved the audio production for this so much! Really added to the creepy vibe of the story with the sound effects and voice acting.
(Yes, I did get audible just so I could listen to this. I’ve also cancelled it right away.)
Loved the audio production for this so much! Really added to the creepy vibe of the story with the sound effects and voice acting.
(Yes, I did get audible just so I could listen to this. I’ve also cancelled it right away.)
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Read June 2024
Initially I found it a little heard to love Astrid, and there were a couple moments throughout the book where that feeling came back, but aside from that I really liked Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail. I love that it’s about someone figuring out their queerness a little later in life and Jordan was great. Plus, it was nice to be back with the friend group from Delilah’s.
Initially I found it a little heard to love Astrid, and there were a couple moments throughout the book where that feeling came back, but aside from that I really liked Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail. I love that it’s about someone figuring out their queerness a little later in life and Jordan was great. Plus, it was nice to be back with the friend group from Delilah’s.
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Read June 2024
Three stories.
The first two, Kitchen & Full moon, belong together and get a combined rating of 3 stars. I did like reading them, but they never fully grabbed me.
Also, I’m not sure how I feel about the transgender representation in them. Sure, it’s written in a different time & culture from when I’m reading it, but Idk?
I should add that in my edition the translator has made the choice to express certain things with a little more subtlety and to bring that aspect more towards the present.
As a reader this change did make my reading experience a better one, but it also makes me wonder if I’m reading the text as the author intended? Anyways that’s something to think about (if there even is a 100% correct answer...) For now, I’ve decided to trust the translator in his interpretation & translation of the text.
The third story, a standalone, called Moonlight Shadow, was much more my cup of tea and gets a 4.5 star rating. I really liked the melancholic, mysterious tone and the magical realism aspect. Kinda gave me Studio Ghibli vibes?
3+3 (first two stories + 4.5 (last story) / 3 = 3.5 stars total.
*read with vpro club lees
Three stories.
The first two, Kitchen & Full moon, belong together and get a combined rating of 3 stars. I did like reading them, but they never fully grabbed me.
Also, I’m not sure how I feel about the transgender representation in them. Sure, it’s written in a different time & culture from when I’m reading it, but Idk?
I should add that in my edition the translator has made the choice to express certain things with a little more subtlety and to bring that aspect more towards the present.
As a reader this change did make my reading experience a better one, but it also makes me wonder if I’m reading the text as the author intended? Anyways that’s something to think about (if there even is a 100% correct answer...) For now, I’ve decided to trust the translator in his interpretation & translation of the text.
The third story, a standalone, called Moonlight Shadow, was much more my cup of tea and gets a 4.5 star rating. I really liked the melancholic, mysterious tone and the magical realism aspect. Kinda gave me Studio Ghibli vibes?
3+3 (first two stories + 4.5 (last story) / 3 = 3.5 stars total.
*read with vpro club lees
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Read June 2024
Exactly what I was in the mood for.
Exactly what I was in the mood for.
Het verloren boek van Salem by Katherine Howe
medium-paced
4.5
Read June 2024
Sometimes the best books are those we randomly find at the thrift store & pick up solely because the cover/title looks/sounds interesting.
Sometimes the best books are those we randomly find at the thrift store & pick up solely because the cover/title looks/sounds interesting.
Zomervacht by Jaap Robben
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
DNF June 2024 19%
Ik weet niet, misschien is het uiteindelijk best een goed boek, maar het staat me zo tegen..
Ik weet niet, misschien is het uiteindelijk best een goed boek, maar het staat me zo tegen..
Het meisje dat hield van Tom Gordon by Stephen King
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Read June 2024
Had no idea what this was going to be about, just heard some people mention that it's their favorite King. Not sure I agree on that (I don't think I've read enough of his to have a fave), but I did really enjoy it.
Had no idea what this was going to be about, just heard some people mention that it's their favorite King. Not sure I agree on that (I don't think I've read enough of his to have a fave), but I did really enjoy it.
Takeaway: Stories From a Childhood Behind the Counter by Angela Hui
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Read June 2024
A beautiful and interesting memoir about family, food & growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales. Would recommend.
A beautiful and interesting memoir about family, food & growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales. Would recommend.