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ayohaitch's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting way of dealing with a difficult topic. Useful way of looking at how depression can take hold of someone. It could however be triggering for anyone who suffers in this way!
kimwrites's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t think I would like this book. The subject matter is a difficult one for me. However, it was well worth the read. I found myself thinking a lot about my own choices and regrets. I was pleasantly surprised and satisfied by the ending.
thewhimsicalowl's review against another edition
3.0
"Maybe even the most seemingly perfectly intense or worthwhile lives ultimately felt the same. Acres of disappointment and monotony and hurts and rivalries but with flashes of wonder and beauty. Maybe that was the only meaning that mattered. To be the world, witnessing itself" (137-138).
A quick read (dissertation? who's she?) and a sweet reminder of the beauty of living. Think It's a Wonderful Life (1946) vibes but modernized and involving a mysterious library situated between life and death, housing infinite books that operate as portals to the lives one could have lived. The prose didn't dazzle, but the sentiment won me over in the end. I feel lighter after reading this one.
TW: The book does discuss self-harm and suicidality, so that's definitely something to be aware of.
A quick read (dissertation? who's she?) and a sweet reminder of the beauty of living. Think It's a Wonderful Life (1946) vibes but modernized and involving a mysterious library situated between life and death, housing infinite books that operate as portals to the lives one could have lived. The prose didn't dazzle, but the sentiment won me over in the end. I feel lighter after reading this one.
TW: The book does discuss self-harm and suicidality, so that's definitely something to be aware of.
cc_readsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pegtuttle's review against another edition
5.0
Listened to this with Carey Mulligan narrator. Five Stars. Great story and excellent performance by Mulligan.
chensly's review against another edition
3.0
An 'It's a Wonderful Life" type narrative that ultimately just doesn't quite deliver on its premise. Much of the narrative felt rushed and lacked the depth it could have had in exploring the theme of what could have been and the implications of our actions.
chloe_1709's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
noodlejasmine's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
I hope that I never stop thinking about this book. Life is fucking terrifying, but it’s also a beautiful thing, and I appreciate this book reminding me of that. Carey Mulligan was a phenomenal narrator and made this so effortless to listen to. It was a bit repetitive at times, but I definitely think that was on purpose and truly didn’t bother me.
“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see” -Henry David Thoreau
“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see” -Henry David Thoreau
delightsofdecay's review against another edition
4.0
Quick read! It was a little sentimental at times but not in an offputting way. I would recommend it to anyone who's ever had a really really really REALLY bad day.