kba76's reviews
2639 reviews
Boys I Know, by Anna Gracia
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Boys I Know is a book that delivers exactly what it says. June is our main character, daughter of two Taiwanese high achievers, and she is about to finish school. She has little idea what she wants to do with her life or where she wants to go, and the book follows her as she progresses through her final months of school and comes to a decision about her future.
June is a character who grows as the book progresses. Desperate to be seen as mature, June frequently makes decisions that emphasise her youth. Through the focus on three boys and her shifting relationship with them we watch June start to make her own way in the world.
It was frustrating to see such a clever girl follow a rather stereotypical approach to relationships. It was interesting to see her examine her relationships in light of her growing sense of self, though it didn’t really seem to offer anything new.
June is a character who grows as the book progresses. Desperate to be seen as mature, June frequently makes decisions that emphasise her youth. Through the focus on three boys and her shifting relationship with them we watch June start to make her own way in the world.
It was frustrating to see such a clever girl follow a rather stereotypical approach to relationships. It was interesting to see her examine her relationships in light of her growing sense of self, though it didn’t really seem to offer anything new.
Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A love story, but not at all what I expected. It took time to feel my way into the story, and there’s a substantial part of the book that had me wondering how it could be a love story with the characters apart. However, as the book draws to a close I found myself captivated by the sentiment behind it.
Set in the time of America’s Civil War, our focus is Ada Monroe and her potential husband, Imran. The book opens with Ada and her father moving to their new home. Outsiders who are used to having money, neither is wholly comfortable in their new life. Ada, however, is taken by the gentle overtures made to her by Imran and when he has to leave to fight in the war he does so with a tacit understanding between them that they will have a future.
The book then tells the story of what happens to them during the harsh war years. Ada’s father dies and she is uncertain how to make a life for herself. Under the tutelage of the young drifter Ruby who comes her way, Ada learns about her world and how to forge a life on the Cold Mountain. Meanwhile Imran is injured and deserts, before determining to make his long walk home to claim the hand of the woman he loves. They spend years apart, and there are lots of incidents along the way that help us to see how their characters are developing.
As the book draws to its end, Imran and Ada draw closer. Once they are reunited we see the terrible impact war has had, and yet there was a real sense of hope and optimism as people felt able to seize opportunities and to live the life they wanted rather than what had been dictated to them.
Things did not end as I expected at all. However, there was a subtle poignancy to the closing stages that I found quite stunningly presented. This book had been pressed on me years ago by someone who thought I’d enjoy it…I wish I’d had the chance to let them know that they were absolutely right.
Set in the time of America’s Civil War, our focus is Ada Monroe and her potential husband, Imran. The book opens with Ada and her father moving to their new home. Outsiders who are used to having money, neither is wholly comfortable in their new life. Ada, however, is taken by the gentle overtures made to her by Imran and when he has to leave to fight in the war he does so with a tacit understanding between them that they will have a future.
The book then tells the story of what happens to them during the harsh war years. Ada’s father dies and she is uncertain how to make a life for herself. Under the tutelage of the young drifter Ruby who comes her way, Ada learns about her world and how to forge a life on the Cold Mountain. Meanwhile Imran is injured and deserts, before determining to make his long walk home to claim the hand of the woman he loves. They spend years apart, and there are lots of incidents along the way that help us to see how their characters are developing.
As the book draws to its end, Imran and Ada draw closer. Once they are reunited we see the terrible impact war has had, and yet there was a real sense of hope and optimism as people felt able to seize opportunities and to live the life they wanted rather than what had been dictated to them.
Things did not end as I expected at all. However, there was a subtle poignancy to the closing stages that I found quite stunningly presented. This book had been pressed on me years ago by someone who thought I’d enjoy it…I wish I’d had the chance to let them know that they were absolutely right.
This is How You Fall in Love, by Anika Hussain
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Zara and Adnan have been friends since they were young. Every one they know has, at some point, suggested they would make a perfect couple. They have always mocked the suggestion…but when Adnan falls for Cami, the new girl with a protective father, the pair decide to pretend to be in a relationship to keep the truth hidden.
So much of the drama here could have been avoided if people talked. I’m not convinced anyone in real life makes things that complicated. However, the story wouldn’t have been as entertaining!
When Zara finds herself in her own potential love story, things get a lot more complicated. Determined to try and keep her side of the bargain, things get very messy.
From start to finish it’s hard not to find these two so endearing. Though their actions may have been crazy, they were carried out with good intentions. Problems arise, but welcome to see the importance of being true to yourself and not being over concerned with keeping others happy.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
So much of the drama here could have been avoided if people talked. I’m not convinced anyone in real life makes things that complicated. However, the story wouldn’t have been as entertaining!
When Zara finds herself in her own potential love story, things get a lot more complicated. Determined to try and keep her side of the bargain, things get very messy.
From start to finish it’s hard not to find these two so endearing. Though their actions may have been crazy, they were carried out with good intentions. Problems arise, but welcome to see the importance of being true to yourself and not being over concerned with keeping others happy.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
Notes from a Small Island, by Bill Bryson
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
There’s something inherently amusing about someone travelling round Britain determined to find something exciting to write about. Bryson adopts the persona of an amiable outsider, unsure about customs but quite charmed. Unfortunately, upon reading this many years after I’d initially picked it up, I no longer felt amused by his observations. I enjoyed reading about places I know and have visited, and following his rather curious itinerary, but I was struck by an overwhelming sense of artifice. So much seemed to be about showing his cleverness and it all felt rather too close to the bone on occasion.
Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Apart from loving Angus, the half wild-cat pet who has a habit of chasing cars, the main feeling I had throughout reading this was who’d be a teenage girl? It was quite painful.
Our main character, Georgia, is selfish and obsessed with her minor dramas. Convinced she’s the funniest thing alive, most of her time seems to be spent thinking of ways to make her friends laugh. Self-absorbed, she was a character it was hard to not be intensely irritated by.
There were so many comments made in this that have not aged well. References were dated and the attitudes shown by many of the characters really don’t seem to be likely to have much sway with readers now.
When I first read this it was new out and rather risky. Now it just feels a bit embarrassing.
Our main character, Georgia, is selfish and obsessed with her minor dramas. Convinced she’s the funniest thing alive, most of her time seems to be spent thinking of ways to make her friends laugh. Self-absorbed, she was a character it was hard to not be intensely irritated by.
There were so many comments made in this that have not aged well. References were dated and the attitudes shown by many of the characters really don’t seem to be likely to have much sway with readers now.
When I first read this it was new out and rather risky. Now it just feels a bit embarrassing.
Practical Magic, by Alice Hoffman
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
A tale of witchcraft and family bonds, examining how sometimes those we love most are the ones who can cause most upset.
Sisters Gillian and Sally were sent to live with elderly aunts when they were young. They soon became accustomed to being stared at and mocked. Magic was accepted by them, but they each had to move away in order to find out who they really were.
Both sisters are cursed by their inability to find love. We see them attempt to make a life for themselves, but they come back to each other in times of need.
There were some lovely passages and I liked the idea behind this. It felt like a rather unusual book, and I found myself wanting to know more about their family background.
Sisters Gillian and Sally were sent to live with elderly aunts when they were young. They soon became accustomed to being stared at and mocked. Magic was accepted by them, but they each had to move away in order to find out who they really were.
Both sisters are cursed by their inability to find love. We see them attempt to make a life for themselves, but they come back to each other in times of need.
There were some lovely passages and I liked the idea behind this. It felt like a rather unusual book, and I found myself wanting to know more about their family background.
Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Along for the Ride is a coming-of-age story with a twist. Auden has had difficulty sleeping ever since she was aware of her parents arguing at night. Since they split up it's a habit she's maintained.
As a student about to head to college, Auden came across as quite immature even though she's clearly treated differently by her mum. She has little sense of how to interact with people her own age, and isn't really sure what she's interested in. When she decides to go and spend the summer with her father and his new wife she isn't quite sure what she's letting herself in for.
The resort of Colby is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. Auden finds it a strange place, but on one of her nocturnal jaunts she comes across Eli, someone who she finds herself increasingly keen to spend time with.
Obviously Eli has a bit of a past, and everyone is surprised that Auden manages to bring him out of his shelf and start to live again after the death of his best friend.
This was all quite predictable, but I liked the sea that people are not always as you think and taking the time to find out about them often leads to unexpected things. I hated her parents, particularly the dad, but at least there was a suggestion that even that might move forward. If I'd read something like this as a teenager I would have lapped it up!
As a student about to head to college, Auden came across as quite immature even though she's clearly treated differently by her mum. She has little sense of how to interact with people her own age, and isn't really sure what she's interested in. When she decides to go and spend the summer with her father and his new wife she isn't quite sure what she's letting herself in for.
The resort of Colby is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. Auden finds it a strange place, but on one of her nocturnal jaunts she comes across Eli, someone who she finds herself increasingly keen to spend time with.
Obviously Eli has a bit of a past, and everyone is surprised that Auden manages to bring him out of his shelf and start to live again after the death of his best friend.
This was all quite predictable, but I liked the sea that people are not always as you think and taking the time to find out about them often leads to unexpected things. I hated her parents, particularly the dad, but at least there was a suggestion that even that might move forward. If I'd read something like this as a teenager I would have lapped it up!
Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
My biggest gripe with this is that I seem to be one of the few people who really hates Groundhog Day, and the idea of reliving a specific day over and over sounds a hellish experience. The other issue I had is that Sam takes an awfully long time to come to the realisation that she and her friends have been really unpleasant people and made the lives of others unnecessarily unpleasant simply for fun.
The recklessness and selfishness of these girls frustrates me. I know Sam has a moment of realisation and tries to atone, but even this is tinged with selfish behaviours.
That aside, the book is structured in a way that allows us to relive each day with Sam looking for small differences and thinking about the ultimate purpose for her to escape this experience. There’s some interesting characters but because of the book’s premise we never really get to see them developed.
I’m sure many love this book but it frustrated me too much to be enjoyable!
The recklessness and selfishness of these girls frustrates me. I know Sam has a moment of realisation and tries to atone, but even this is tinged with selfish behaviours.
That aside, the book is structured in a way that allows us to relive each day with Sam looking for small differences and thinking about the ultimate purpose for her to escape this experience. There’s some interesting characters but because of the book’s premise we never really get to see them developed.
I’m sure many love this book but it frustrated me too much to be enjoyable!
Stung, by Bethany Wiggins
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
In this world there has been an attempt to prevent the death of bees that went horribly wrong. The new creations caused a horrific flu-like virus in humans, killing off many. An attempt to make a cure was made but this causes awful side effects. The world is now split into those who live inside the wall and those on the outside struggling to survive.
Our main character wakes up somehow having lost four years of her life. Our sleeping beauty has no idea how the world has changed and is immediately in danger.
People are hunting her because she offers hope.
There was little new here. The story was rather slow to get going and then some elements (such as the romance) came from nowhere. The general impression was of a story that had potential.
Our main character wakes up somehow having lost four years of her life. Our sleeping beauty has no idea how the world has changed and is immediately in danger.
People are hunting her because she offers hope.
There was little new here. The story was rather slow to get going and then some elements (such as the romance) came from nowhere. The general impression was of a story that had potential.
Thin Air: A Ghost Story, by Michelle Paver
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Grimly atmospheric, haunting and deeply unsettling.
Thin Air is told through the eyes of Stephen Pearce, the late addition to an expedition to try and be the first party to climb Kangchenjunga in 1935. Following in the ill-fated footsteps of an earlier party, we journey with the group as they travel to the foothills of the mountain and then attempt their challenge.
I’ve never been anywhere this high or remote, but Paver brings the experience to vivid life for us. She captures the beauty and menace of the mountains, showing us how easy it can be for someone to succumb to fears in the face of their own humanity.
The superstitions held by the local climbers play a large part in this book, and we are never certain whether the group are indeed haunted by something lurking in this dangerous wilderness or whether we are watching the gradual deterioration of men pushed to their physical limits.
It’s hard not to be captivated by the exhilaration of the climb and the descriptions of the journey. Of its time, the attitudes shown by the English travellers were nothing to be proud of. The climax occurred quite unexpectedly and didn’t focus on the character I thought was most affected by the journey.
Thin Air is told through the eyes of Stephen Pearce, the late addition to an expedition to try and be the first party to climb Kangchenjunga in 1935. Following in the ill-fated footsteps of an earlier party, we journey with the group as they travel to the foothills of the mountain and then attempt their challenge.
I’ve never been anywhere this high or remote, but Paver brings the experience to vivid life for us. She captures the beauty and menace of the mountains, showing us how easy it can be for someone to succumb to fears in the face of their own humanity.
The superstitions held by the local climbers play a large part in this book, and we are never certain whether the group are indeed haunted by something lurking in this dangerous wilderness or whether we are watching the gradual deterioration of men pushed to their physical limits.
It’s hard not to be captivated by the exhilaration of the climb and the descriptions of the journey. Of its time, the attitudes shown by the English travellers were nothing to be proud of. The climax occurred quite unexpectedly and didn’t focus on the character I thought was most affected by the journey.