beccamariejo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
unwound_reader's review against another edition
5.0
DNFing but not because it’s bad. I watched the show already and thought I’d read the book. Netflix did a VERY faithful adaptation. Nearly every line of dialogue is the same so I don’t feel the need to finish it.
mirajuliee's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
jxlia's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
liomane's review against another edition
5.0
Sports books in general are pretty underestimated. When done right, though, they can be powerful. I loved the Netflix adaptation, so I picked the audio book up, and it's just as good. I loved how unapologetically herself Beth Harmon was, and it was so refreshing to see a story where she didn't get defensive about it, even if it was unrealistic. I could feel her emotions when she was playing her matches. The author described chess moves by their impact, which helped me as someone who doesn't play chess (you don't need to know chess to read this book btw).
haylztalez's review against another edition
4.0
A really entertaining read. I’m not a chess player and I still felt like this was accessible and the story is heart warming and inspiring. Also love me some women power.
pad9's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot. Knowing a little bit of chess, its history and mechanisms, makes the read that much better. The character is very interesting but less likable than the character in the Netflix series. So, if you don't know anything about chess and want lite entreatment go watch the mini-series.
For me though, I think I would have enjoyed even more if I knew more about the game and its subtleties. As it is, I still got emotionally invested in the descriptions of the games. I guess that is what sports fans feel when they watch games on tv.
For me though, I think I would have enjoyed even more if I knew more about the game and its subtleties. As it is, I still got emotionally invested in the descriptions of the games. I guess that is what sports fans feel when they watch games on tv.
melissaa123's review against another edition
5.0
SPECTACULAR!! What an absolute piece of artwork by Walter Travis. I’m so glad I read this book before diving into the Netflix series.
The main character, Beth, is orphaned at a young age, and begins playing chess in the basement of the orphanage with the janitor. It quickly becomes apparent that Beth is a chess prodigy, and chess slowly engulfs her entire life. As our young antihero battles her way through chess tournaments, she also battles her addiction to “tranquilizers” and eventually alcohol. The author does an amazing job equating her love of winning to her addiction. Both chess and substances cripple her desire to experience life and stunt her ability to form meaningful relationships. Every character, every interaction, every moment in this story is complex and calculated, just like chess.
The author clearly did his research, as he was able to create excitement and buildup around a game that readers may know nothing about (like me!). I’m so impressed by this book and cannot wait to read more by Walter Tevis. I highly, HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you have not already watched the show! 10/10.
The main character, Beth, is orphaned at a young age, and begins playing chess in the basement of the orphanage with the janitor. It quickly becomes apparent that Beth is a chess prodigy, and chess slowly engulfs her entire life. As our young antihero battles her way through chess tournaments, she also battles her addiction to “tranquilizers” and eventually alcohol. The author does an amazing job equating her love of winning to her addiction. Both chess and substances cripple her desire to experience life and stunt her ability to form meaningful relationships. Every character, every interaction, every moment in this story is complex and calculated, just like chess.
The author clearly did his research, as he was able to create excitement and buildup around a game that readers may know nothing about (like me!). I’m so impressed by this book and cannot wait to read more by Walter Tevis. I highly, HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you have not already watched the show! 10/10.
mikaylawithlove's review against another edition
4.0
I think I'm at more of a 3.75 or 3.5, maybe. The story is good and a thrill to read, but it's very easy to get caught up in the chess scenes and they can be especially difficult to understand if you don't play chess regularly (and I definitely do not). I had trouble visualizing what was happening and almost wanted a chess board next to me at all times so I could try to follow along. I loved the way the book ended. Tevis did not draw the plot out to show Beth returning home to Benny or wrap up any of those loose ends there. The story didn't need that to happen and the reader is left with the feeling that everything is as it should be.
bookedupgirl's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A short book but packed with SO much. I wanted to read it before watching the Netflix show and I totally devoured this in one sitting it was so captivating!