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readerette's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I didn't find the dialogue believable, but the inside look at the war was devastatingly tangible. It's fiction, of course, but feels very real, pulling no punches with emotional and physical trauma, the atrocities that come with war, and how serving in a world war (no matter in what capacity) transformed people, broke them, and sometimes put them back together again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Medical trauma, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism
tenderthunder970611's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This is a story about several women who became part of a business to offer donuts in the war. However, it was so much more than that. It was a slow read in the beginning but it began to build up. This is a work of fiction but it was one of the most non-fiction like fiction books I have ever read. Seeing through the author’s acknowledgements I do see that he had studied hard on the period. His work definitely shines through this book. It makes me happy that some of the happy scenes actually was inspired by real life events of the author. I highly recommend this book to people who love war stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Minor: Medical trauma
shannonsnell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Antisemitism, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, War, and Injury/Injury detail
ecidnac's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide and War
Moderate: Grief and Medical trauma
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
laheath's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Excellent account of a little-known division of women in the American Red Cross whose job was to improve troop morale by driving their Clubmobiles across Europe, following troops to the front lines to serve donuts and coffee. Although this is historical fiction, the author based the story on his mother's experiences, along with those of her colleagues, in this elite group. Don't be fooled by the simple cover picture or the seemingly light-hearted description. This was no cushy job, and their gripping story runs the gamut of WWII experiences including why they joined, friendships formed, danger at the front lines, R&R, involvement in the resistance, liberation of a concentration camp, and war injuries both physical and mental. Although this book drew me in at the beginning, I couldn't put it down for the last 20% or so.
Thanks to the publishers for including the all-important author's note in the audiobook.
Thanks to the publishers for including the all-important author's note in the audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide, Grief, Medical trauma, and Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Death, and Sexual harassment
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