laurelthelorax's reviews
273 reviews

Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery

3.0

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Nothing really special other than being based on JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette. I enjoyed the growth of their relationship but didn't particularly care about either character, especially "Joe". His main personality trait was being infatuated with "Cate".

The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa

informative medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

This story was interesting and definitely different from any others I've read, but it just didn't capture my heart.

I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.5

I have a lot of friends that loved it, and I see their side of things, but I honestly just did not enjoy the way this story was told, it felt wayyy too long, and had many unnecessary side stories.

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No

2.5

This book was an interesting and avaluable point of view and topic. The discussions my book club had on it were fantastic. However, I feel the pacing and storytelling fell very short to make this an enjoyable read.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

lighthearted fast-paced

2.5

Fun, fluffy read. Nothing outstanding but scratches the light love story itch perfectly.

Blue Horses: Poems by Mary Oliver

fast-paced

2.5

This was just okay for me, especially compared to her other collections.

Finding Me by Viola Davis

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

This is an outstanding woman who exudes strength telling her story of how she went through the trenches of being a poor, black female to acquire such depth. It was devastating and heart wrenching and hopeful and beautiful. 

The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall

emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.0

This book just got better as it went on. In the first 30 pages or so, I knew I'd enjoy it because it had me laugh out loud, but getting to watch Freya process her situations, the friends rallying around her, and the sprinkle of happily ever after was equal parts hilarious and endearing. I laughed and I teared up. Quality content!

The Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon

emotional medium-paced

4.75

1950s, New York, Italian Gangsters, Civil Rights, interracial relations, drama, and MUSIC! This book was fantastic.