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dianesloftis's reviews
4 reviews
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
3.5
It’s impossible to find some type of balance after reading Brendan Slocumb’s 2022 debut novel The Violin Conspiracy. A symphonically structured story that takes readers on an emotional journey through the eyes of a black classical musician, a male violinist that’s hell-bent on overcoming extremely challenging obstacles time and time again.
I’d suggest this to be more of a medium to slow paced Family Saga Mystery— rather than a Thriller. It’s authentic and historically rich, as well as educational. A unique book written for all levels from the simple-minded music lovers to the well-trained professionals.
There are numerous hard-hitting incidents that are no doubt impactful. I did find a couple to be a little over-the-top, though. However, I do appreciate the point of view and it being semi-autobiographical. Also, the constant profanity was off-putting and unexpected.
♟I do agree with the notion that The Violin Conspiracy is to classical music what The Queen’s Gambit is to chess.
I’d suggest this to be more of a medium to slow paced Family Saga Mystery— rather than a Thriller. It’s authentic and historically rich, as well as educational. A unique book written for all levels from the simple-minded music lovers to the well-trained professionals.
There are numerous hard-hitting incidents that are no doubt impactful. I did find a couple to be a little over-the-top, though. However, I do appreciate the point of view and it being semi-autobiographical. Also, the constant profanity was off-putting and unexpected.
♟I do agree with the notion that The Violin Conspiracy is to classical music what The Queen’s Gambit is to chess.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Cursing
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
So, this’ll go down in history as my first actual DNF— ugh! I am so aggravated that I just can’t even push through it. I do consider myself an avid reader. And yes, I have truly tried. However, this is an over-the-top plot read. It’s just loaded with unconnected characters and dramatic content that’s continuously downright sad— full of drawn out struggle after struggle. It occurred to me at some point that this story feels like a wanna be Fast & Furious. I just can Not do it. 😔 55% finished (according to my tablet) and 200 pages in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Infidelity, and Death of parent
Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, Drug use, and Sexual content
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Anyone that truly knows me is well aware of my genuine love for— well, we’ll just say, ‘circus- themed’ stuffs.. a childhood story.
Movin’ on… Anyway, this is a title that keeps getting mentioned quite often. And so here’s my approach: a read-along (e-book + audiobook) & then, enjoy the picture show!
🎪Water for elephants by Sara Gruen [2007]
🤡Audiobook narrated by David LeDoux
🍿Movie [2011] starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, et al.
#HistoricalFiction #Drama #Romance
My word this is such a good book! I did end up doing a read-along And Wow… Not only am I impressed by how well researched and complete the dual-timeline story is, but the narration for this book is incredible, too. It’s a dramatic, heart-pounding performance, honestly. The story, largely set aboard a traveling train circus, is action-packed and character driven while cleverly weaving a Biblical story throughout it. However, I didn’t fully grasp the latter, even though I kept noting the multiple Biblical references, until I read an author Q&A offered at the end of the book.
Quite possibly my book of the year.
⚠️ Warning: Mature Content and Language
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fatphobia, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Racial slurs
Biblical
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.25
Most certainly a solid detective story— though, this is my first-ever Agatha Christie read. As well as, my first of many Poirot novels.
I must say, that the manner at which an abundance of clues is given throughout the book is by far my most favorite detail. More-so, while I admit I felt largely lukewarm in regards to character connection, I was most drawn to interactions between Poirot & Hastings.
Also, I admire the historic, moral, and gender differences that work sorta as a behind-the-scenes, thought-provoking exercise, that’s laid out beautifully for the reader to digest in their own way.
As a debut, I see how Christie’s role and point of view having had first-hand experience has such a powerful impact on her works.
I must say, that the manner at which an abundance of clues is given throughout the book is by far my most favorite detail. More-so, while I admit I felt largely lukewarm in regards to character connection, I was most drawn to interactions between Poirot & Hastings.
Also, I admire the historic, moral, and gender differences that work sorta as a behind-the-scenes, thought-provoking exercise, that’s laid out beautifully for the reader to digest in their own way.
As a debut, I see how Christie’s role and point of view having had first-hand experience has such a powerful impact on her works.