schadmad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
danimacuk's review against another edition
4.0
The Care and Feeding of Exotic Pets came to my attention in a Barnes & Nobles when I was in the mood to browse solely based on covers. Yep, that's right. I was judging books by... well, you know the drill. The cover was pretty and had an interesting title. When I turned the book over to read the summary on the back, I was pretty curious. I've always been a fan of books that explore the relationship between criminals and victims, and this book seemed like a good combination of that, plus a little bit of contemporary social criticism.
And, I'll honestly say that I was impressed. After reading a few poorly written books previously, I was very happy with the prose and story line. There were three or four main perspectives being told in this novel, and I found myself getting excited to read every one of them when a new chapter hit. Usually I get bored with one or more perspectives, but this book kept it fresh and interesting.
Ultimately, I wanted more at the conclusion of the book. I felt like it was wrapped up too quickly, and I was wanting a lot more out of a few characters, which is why I am giving this novel only four out of five stars.
And, I'll honestly say that I was impressed. After reading a few poorly written books previously, I was very happy with the prose and story line. There were three or four main perspectives being told in this novel, and I found myself getting excited to read every one of them when a new chapter hit. Usually I get bored with one or more perspectives, but this book kept it fresh and interesting.
Ultimately, I wanted more at the conclusion of the book. I felt like it was wrapped up too quickly, and I was wanting a lot more out of a few characters, which is why I am giving this novel only four out of five stars.
stormslegacy's review against another edition
4.0
Fast, fun read. I don't read a lot of fiction and tend to put it down quickly if the characters are too flat. I found the little details, particularly of Winnie were integrated well and added a lot of interest.
My only real issue was that one character's storyline felt like it didn't really conclude one way or another, I feel it could benefit by a little more exposition at the end but that's it.
My only real issue was that one character's storyline felt like it didn't really conclude one way or another, I feel it could benefit by a little more exposition at the end but that's it.
_chloe_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? No
4.5
punkeymonkey529's review against another edition
3.0
a pretty fast read. kept me on the edge of my seat a lot of times. :-)
mindea's review against another edition
2.0
Winnie Parker is a very lonely divorced mother. On her way to her tennis lessons she drops her car off at a dealership and takes a bus to the rental shop. She soon realizes that she is in the wrong car and has been kidnapped by a young man. They pull into his garage and go into his piping hot house. Winnin meets Cookie, her captors pet Iguana. Soon unfolds the real story of each character (Winnie's ex husband, her daughter, her captor and his pet).
This story was OK. I finished it very quickly, but not because I couldn't put it down and wanted to know what happend, but because the story was almost young adult. It was almost good. I'm not sure I woudl recommend it. I can't quite put my finger on why I did not really like this book. I was disappointed in the anti-climactic ending and the characters were very underdeveloped. I didn't end up liking any of the characters.
This story was OK. I finished it very quickly, but not because I couldn't put it down and wanted to know what happend, but because the story was almost young adult. It was almost good. I'm not sure I woudl recommend it. I can't quite put my finger on why I did not really like this book. I was disappointed in the anti-climactic ending and the characters were very underdeveloped. I didn't end up liking any of the characters.
alytodd's review
3.0
Mixed emotions about this book. I think it was a great social commentary about internet use and the power of perception, but parts of it were so ridiculous it brought me out of the story. If Winnie had thought a little better about her attempts at escape i think i would have enjoyed it more.
Also, as a warning, the violence in this book struck me as fairly graphic and unsettling. i mean, it fit with the story, but it could be triggering.
Also, as a warning, the violence in this book struck me as fairly graphic and unsettling. i mean, it fit with the story, but it could be triggering.
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