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irxren's reviews
68 reviews
Morning, Noon & Night by Sidney Sheldon
3.0
The storyline revolves around the unexpected arrival of an illegitimate daughter after the death of a billionaire father, stirring up both the wealth and the ire of her newfound family. It's a quick and engaging read with a solid plot and some intriguing twists.
Sidney Sheldon's writing style, characterized by short scenes and time jumps, makes for a compelling and easy-to-follow narrative. The constant twists in the plot prevent it from becoming too predictable. While the dialogue may feel a bit stiff and not always true to life, the overall story is enjoyable. The storyline requires a bit of suspension of disbelief but Sidney Sheldon fans will be used to this. Overall, it‘s a fun read.
Sidney Sheldon's writing style, characterized by short scenes and time jumps, makes for a compelling and easy-to-follow narrative. The constant twists in the plot prevent it from becoming too predictable. While the dialogue may feel a bit stiff and not always true to life, the overall story is enjoyable. The storyline requires a bit of suspension of disbelief but Sidney Sheldon fans will be used to this. Overall, it‘s a fun read.
Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon
2.0
This story is about a young lady who works in Silicon Valley and feels like someone is stalking her. We are also introduced to 2 other ladies and their brief encounters with love interests. These love interests are found brutally murdered.
While the plot had its strengths and kept me engaged, I can't give it a higher rating because I knew the major plot twist and the theme of the book before I even began. The story zips by at a fast pace, making for a quick read. Yet, my hang-up lies in the writing style, which felt somewhat flat.
As I flipped through the pages, it was like watching a movie where things happened without much depth. When I reached the end, there wasn't that satisfying punch of a big reveal or anything particularly extraordinary. It's not that I was disappointed, but the story lacked that wow factor I was hoping for.
While the plot had its strengths and kept me engaged, I can't give it a higher rating because I knew the major plot twist and the theme of the book before I even began. The story zips by at a fast pace, making for a quick read. Yet, my hang-up lies in the writing style, which felt somewhat flat.
As I flipped through the pages, it was like watching a movie where things happened without much depth. When I reached the end, there wasn't that satisfying punch of a big reveal or anything particularly extraordinary. It's not that I was disappointed, but the story lacked that wow factor I was hoping for.
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
3.0
The Elephant Vanishes is this quirky compilation of 17 short stories that took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't help but notice how the book shines a light on the themes of loneliness and the struggle to break free from the chains of conformity in modern Japanese culture. Some stories resonated with me, while others left me scratching my head, but all in all, it was a pretty enjoyable ride.
Picking a favorite story was like trying to choose a favorite flavor of ice cream—impossible! The writing was solid across the board, leaving me with that lingering aftertaste that makes you pause and ponder. And speaking of nuances, oh boy, Murakami throws in these strange details that practically beg you to read between the lines.
It's a peculiar book indeed.
Picking a favorite story was like trying to choose a favorite flavor of ice cream—impossible! The writing was solid across the board, leaving me with that lingering aftertaste that makes you pause and ponder. And speaking of nuances, oh boy, Murakami throws in these strange details that practically beg you to read between the lines.
It's a peculiar book indeed.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
4.0
This book was a quick read with an intriguing premise. A therapist takes a new job hoping to work with a famous patient, a murderer who has never spoken since the night of her crime. The author's writing style is well-suited for a thriller, keeping me hooked despite some frustrating moments. One highlight was the reference to Alcestis, tying Alicia Berenson's story to Greek mythology, which was well done. The unexpected twist at the end was a pleasant surprise.
I'm giving it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 stars on Goodreads. The reason for the slightly lower rating is that I struggled to distinguish between reality, delusions, fantasies, and lies. The ending felt rushed, and I wished for a bit more depth in character development - they felt too simplistic.
I'm giving it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 stars on Goodreads. The reason for the slightly lower rating is that I struggled to distinguish between reality, delusions, fantasies, and lies. The ending felt rushed, and I wished for a bit more depth in character development - they felt too simplistic.
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
4.0
Before I Go to Sleep takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the mysterious and gripping life of Christine, a woman who wakes up every day with a blank slate, unable to remember anything about herself. The story unfolds as she pieces together her identity with the help of labeled pictures and her husband's guidance, only to discover a shocking truth about her past through a mysterious doctor.
Christine's character is brilliantly crafted, and I found myself completely immersed in the labyrinth of her mind. The narrative is so intense that it literally made my heart pound, creating a thrilling experience that kept me hooked from start to finish. The novel's creepiness adds an extra layer of intrigue, making it hard to put down. The author skillfully keeps you on the edge of your seat, making the anticipation for the revelations all the more satisfying when they finally unfold.
Christine's character is brilliantly crafted, and I found myself completely immersed in the labyrinth of her mind. The narrative is so intense that it literally made my heart pound, creating a thrilling experience that kept me hooked from start to finish. The novel's creepiness adds an extra layer of intrigue, making it hard to put down. The author skillfully keeps you on the edge of your seat, making the anticipation for the revelations all the more satisfying when they finally unfold.
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
After a sleepless night filled with tears, I find myself compelled to articulate my thoughts on a book that unexpectedly became the highlight of my week. I approached it with skepticism, given its weighty subject matter, but the author managed to weave a tale that was both tender and heartwarming, defying my expectations.
The protagonist, Clover, a death doula well-versed in thanatology, navigates the complexities of her profession with grace. Having lost her parents at a young age, she was raised by her educated grandfather. As she fulfills the dreams of those on their deathbeds, Clover clings to their advice, regrets, and the memories forged in their intimate final moments. This narrative unfolds as the journey of a vulnerable woman transforming into a better version of herself, unlocking opportunities for love, happiness, and heartbreak.
The book encourages us to be there for our loved ones, creating a safe space for conversations about this natural part of life. It prompts reflection on the inevitability of death while posing a profound question: How do we live a good and beautiful life?
5.0
“Grief is just love looking for a place to settle.”
After a sleepless night filled with tears, I find myself compelled to articulate my thoughts on a book that unexpectedly became the highlight of my week. I approached it with skepticism, given its weighty subject matter, but the author managed to weave a tale that was both tender and heartwarming, defying my expectations.
The protagonist, Clover, a death doula well-versed in thanatology, navigates the complexities of her profession with grace. Having lost her parents at a young age, she was raised by her educated grandfather. As she fulfills the dreams of those on their deathbeds, Clover clings to their advice, regrets, and the memories forged in their intimate final moments. This narrative unfolds as the journey of a vulnerable woman transforming into a better version of herself, unlocking opportunities for love, happiness, and heartbreak.
The book encourages us to be there for our loved ones, creating a safe space for conversations about this natural part of life. It prompts reflection on the inevitability of death while posing a profound question: How do we live a good and beautiful life?
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
1.0
Who Moved My Cheese is often hailed as an easy and quick read in the realm of inspirational self-help literature. However, despite its popularity, my experience with the book left me somewhat underwhelmed. Following four characters on a journey through a maze in search of cheese, which symbolizes their life desires, the narrative tone feels overly patronizing.
While the book touches upon the concept that fear can either drive us to action or paralyze us, I found the book's insights too superficial to truly resonate. Instead of delving into meaningful reflections, it opts for a straightforward narrative that may not satisfy those seeking deeper insights into life's complexities.
While the book touches upon the concept that fear can either drive us to action or paralyze us, I found the book's insights too superficial to truly resonate. Instead of delving into meaningful reflections, it opts for a straightforward narrative that may not satisfy those seeking deeper insights into life's complexities.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
5.0
Nothing could have prepared me for the sheer brilliance of this book. Nothing.
It's the captivating tale of four orphans, led by the sharp-minded Reynie Muldoon. These kids, all having faced family tragedies in their own ways, may seem average at first glance, but their destinies intertwine when they're brought together by a mysterious test. This test is no ordinary one; it's designed to identify individuals capable of taking on an underground mission, one fraught with peril, where the stakes are nothing short of saving—or potentially destroying—the world.
The beauty of this book lies in its unparalleled creativity and intrigue. The characters, including the brainy Sticky, clever Reynie, spritely Kate, and the ever-annoying Constance, come to life in a way that's both real and charming. The plot not only offers a gripping story but also carries a deeper metaphorical meaning, making it an enriching read for all ages.
It's the captivating tale of four orphans, led by the sharp-minded Reynie Muldoon. These kids, all having faced family tragedies in their own ways, may seem average at first glance, but their destinies intertwine when they're brought together by a mysterious test. This test is no ordinary one; it's designed to identify individuals capable of taking on an underground mission, one fraught with peril, where the stakes are nothing short of saving—or potentially destroying—the world.
The beauty of this book lies in its unparalleled creativity and intrigue. The characters, including the brainy Sticky, clever Reynie, spritely Kate, and the ever-annoying Constance, come to life in a way that's both real and charming. The plot not only offers a gripping story but also carries a deeper metaphorical meaning, making it an enriching read for all ages.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
At first, I wasn't sure about this book. It wasn't like what I usually read, and I hadn't read anything by Reid before. I thought I'd just skim a few chapters, thinking it might not be for me. But from the start, I was hooked. Evelyn Hugo's story is really interesting and kept me wanting to know more. The mystery around her seven husbands and her search for true love kept me turning the pages. It might not be totally new, but it felt different and left me wanting more.
As I got into Evelyn's world, I admired her more and more. She made some controversial choices in her career but stood by them. She played the Hollywood game smartly, dating famous men and using her looks to get what she wanted. Even though she faced a lot of sexism, she kept going and sometimes even used it to her advantage. Evelyn, a bold Cuban woman in a tough industry, dealt with manipulation and deceit but stayed strong. She knew her flaws and the compromises she made for fame, which made her character more interesting.
This book made me feel so many things—happy, sad, confused, mad, frustrated, and curious. Overall, I truly enjoyed this read.
5.0
“Do you understand what I’m telling you? When you’re given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn’t give things, you take things. If you learn one thing from me, it should probably be that.”
At first, I wasn't sure about this book. It wasn't like what I usually read, and I hadn't read anything by Reid before. I thought I'd just skim a few chapters, thinking it might not be for me. But from the start, I was hooked. Evelyn Hugo's story is really interesting and kept me wanting to know more. The mystery around her seven husbands and her search for true love kept me turning the pages. It might not be totally new, but it felt different and left me wanting more.
As I got into Evelyn's world, I admired her more and more. She made some controversial choices in her career but stood by them. She played the Hollywood game smartly, dating famous men and using her looks to get what she wanted. Even though she faced a lot of sexism, she kept going and sometimes even used it to her advantage. Evelyn, a bold Cuban woman in a tough industry, dealt with manipulation and deceit but stayed strong. She knew her flaws and the compromises she made for fame, which made her character more interesting.
This book made me feel so many things—happy, sad, confused, mad, frustrated, and curious. Overall, I truly enjoyed this read.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
3.0
Clock Island took me on a nostalgic trip back to my beloved childhood reads. The island itself is a creative wonderland, filled with charming riddles that added a fun twist to the story. Meg Shaffer did a commendable job of tapping into my imagination and bringing out my inner child.
However, there were moments that felt a bit cheesy due to the writing style leaning towards the juvenile side, which wouldn't have been a problem if the book had been marketed as a middle grade novel. This mismatch made the writing feel out of place for adult audiences, and the story also seemed to lack focus, as it initially appeared to revolve around the game aspect but ultimately delved into deeper themes like emotional trauma, dreams, and facing fears, resulting in a bit of disappointment.
However, there were moments that felt a bit cheesy due to the writing style leaning towards the juvenile side, which wouldn't have been a problem if the book had been marketed as a middle grade novel. This mismatch made the writing feel out of place for adult audiences, and the story also seemed to lack focus, as it initially appeared to revolve around the game aspect but ultimately delved into deeper themes like emotional trauma, dreams, and facing fears, resulting in a bit of disappointment.