evreardon's reviews
1192 reviews

What Happens After Midnight by K.L. Walther

lighthearted

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This was a huge letdown after The Summer of Broken Rules. 

I listened to the audiobook and that may have colored my view of the book because the narrator sounded super whiny.  This felt aimed at a young teenage audience and I think I would have felt this way even reading it as a 17-18 year old (the age of the characters in the book). 

Things I did love: the setting of the boarding school, the Schitt’s Creek references, the idea of the prank & scavenger hunt, the inclusion of a character with diabetes. 

Things that bothered me: the severity of the punishment for sneaking out and walking AROUND CAMPUS, the characters had no chemistry and I didn’t feel the love, and the synopsis pretty much gave everything away. 

Overall, this was a miss for me. 

I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

challenging emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Too much, too little, too late. Not interesting or introspective enough. 

Yearbook by Seth Rogen

funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

This was so great. I’m glad I listened to it as an audiobook.  I didn’t know much about Seth Rogan before reading this and he told an interesting story. 

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

This was perfect, fluffy, and just the holiday romance I needed

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was so fun! What a whirlwind. The pages absolutely flew by, I didn’t even realize how far I had gotten in such a short pan of time. 

I haven’t read a Harlan Coben but I’ve seen his books everywhere. I loved that it was set in New England/ NJ because those are my stomping grounds. 

There’s definitely some suspending of disbelief regarding travel time from Maine to NJ and prison breaks and … but! What’s a story without a little suspension of disbelief? 

I’m sure there’s going to be a movie or show made from this. It’s going to be so good on the screen.

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

This was delightful. Such a fun read! I devoured this. 

My only complaint is that there definitely could have been more spice if this is supposed to be a romcom. There was barely any mention. 

Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-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

3.25

I accidentally read this in a day. Oops. 

I loved all the musical aspects of this! I definitely wish there were more. 

I really liked the story. I think the characters could have been a bit more fleshed out but the second chance romance of it all was great. 

I feel like there was a few details missing. But it was still a fun read. 

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

funny reflective slow-paced

2.5

This wasn’t what I was expecting. Poehler rambled and talked about way too many things. She talked about more existential or life things that I had wanted. I really wanted more of her life and/or her experiences.  

Overall, the book was okay. I listened to the audiobook and liked hearing Seth Meyers read his chapter. I think having Ian McKellan & Kathy Bates was a little over the top. 

The It Girl by Ruth Ware

challenging mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this so I didn’t pick it up when it was first published. But on a whim, I bought it when I went to a Ruth Ware signing and I’m glad I did. 

This was pretty good! It’s not my favorite but it was an enjoyable read. I loved the settings of Oxford & Edinburgh.  I wish the descriptions of Edinburgh were more … prevalent? I miss that city. 

The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Angela Kinsey, Jenna Fischer

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.25

Before starting this book, I had not willingly sat through an entire episode of The Office.  I wasn’t a huge fan of the comedy and it just wasn’t my style. I had read spoilers, I knew a lot about the Jim & Pam romance. I knew I hated Michael Scott. I had seen clips, memes, etc but not more than one episode in consecutive order. 

When I was about 40 or so pages in, I caved. I NEEDED to start watching the show. After the first three episodes, I realized, I loved the characters and the comedy when Michael Scott wasn’t in a scene. And I love Steve Carrell but I truly despise 90% of Michael Scott. 

Reading Jenna & Angela share their love of the show and all kinds of behind-the-scenes insights made me fall in love with it, too. I now look forward to watching a couple episodes a night and can’t wait to see their recollections of a moment or storyline appear on screen. 

Now that the book is over, I know I HAVE to listen to their podcast. It’s so fun reading this book written by best friends. Their love comes across so clearly. 

Absolutely adored this. All the pictures were  such a nice touch, too.