Reviews tagging 'Grief'

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

19 reviews

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I really really enjoyed this book, and I was even more excited to learn that it was based on a historical event. (How do we not learn about someone that terrorized NYC for like decades??) I was just in love with Marion, and omg I hated her father so bad.
Also! Omg that her sister died!! The trauma!!!!
I'm excited to read more by this author; I feel like her research was really intentional. And I really appreciate that.

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booksandbabble's review against another edition

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hopeful mysterious tense medium-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? No

4.5


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vannahcabana's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

I picked this book up on a whim from my library’s new books bookshelf. I have to say it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Loosely based on a true historical event, it details the journey of Marion separating from her family and following her dancing dream. There were little twists throughout that kept me reading. It did not end like I thought It would. I really recommend if you’re into historical fiction with mystery and twists! 

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serenas_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0


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silverhill's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-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

4.75


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kimveach's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

4.25

I loved learning about the Rockettes.  I had never heard of the Big Apple Bomber and enjoyed how the author worked the mystery into the story about Radio City Musical Hall and the dancers.

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imstephtacular's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25


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readingwithmeredith's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-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

4.75


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luverbyrd's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

I've heard that there was a "Big Apple Bomber", but never really the details. Davis does sum up what she took creative liberty on versus the historical truth in her author note, which I appreciated. The changes she made though breathes a new story to get you interested in the past.
This book was emotional and gripping plus an added entertainment spice delving into the Rockette world of the 50's.
I don't want to say much more because I went in knowing very little and was fully immersed in the characters and events.
"Spectacular" read!

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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense medium-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? No

4.0

 The Spectacular is a piece of historical fiction set in New York City in 1957. I felt Marion’s passion for dance and loved seeing her pursue it despite the objections of her conservative, domineering father and her boyfriend. I enjoyed the glitz and glamour of the Rockettes and of Radio City, as well as learning about the Big Apple Bomber, based on a real man who planted pipe bombs in prominent city buildings for a period of sixteen years before being caught as a result of criminal profiling. What didn’t work was the key role Marion played in the investigation and in bringing the bomber to justice. It felt too artificial and contrived for my taste. 

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