genannj's reviews
332 reviews

The Girls by Emma Cline

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was a real disappointment to me. I have heard the book mentioned in a couple other books that I read, especially on cults, and I was expecting way more from it than what I actually got. Throughout most of the story, I found myself thinking. “What is the point?” I read this book as a buddy read with my daughter, and when I posed this question to her, she said it was a coming-of-age story. I guess this is true, but I’ve read many books that have did a much better job of telling that type of story.  While my daughter liked the book, it really fell flat for me.  I would consider this a mediocre book at best.

I also did not like the author’s writing style because it was often hard to tell if she was telling the story in the present time or telling the story back in the past. Most authors will state the dual timelines with a year, a city, or by stating now and then.  This author did not use any of those techniques.  If asked about this book, I would not recommend others read it. 
Drinking Games by Sarah Levy

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

This was an interesting and well told essay
The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell

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

4.0

This book was good and I liked reading it, but I was a bit surprised by the lack of a good twist. This book felt more like a regular fiction book than a thriller which is probably why I was so disappointed. Comparing some of Jewell’s other books that completely loved, and had great twists, I was a little underwhelmed.  Would I recommend this book to a friend? Probably, if asked about but it’s not one of those books that  I can’t wait to tell others about because it was so shocking and so good. 
The Dark Bones by Loreth Anne White

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was not one of my favorites by White. I think it was because it’s heavily set in mountains/forest and I’m not a big nature person.  The story still kept me guessing, engrossed, and wanting to know the outcome of it all making it a book I would recommend to others. 
Tressa - The 12-Year-Old Mum: My True Story by Katy Weitz, Tressa Middleton

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This book was incredibly sad but was definitely told honestly and candidly.  I hope that today this young woman is living a happy and successful life. Tressa deserves it with all that she has endured in her life. 
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book brought to light for me many of the horrors the Syrians experienced. Due to my own lack of knowledge, I had no idea that these things happened in Syria. I think this author does a good job of weaving Syrian history into a realistic, likable story.  I would recommend this book to others in the hopes that they learn more about Syria and the experiences of Syrian refugees. 
Life with My Sister Madonna by Christopher Ciccone

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medium-paced

3.0

I usually only rate memoirs on the quality of the writing and actual story telling instead of the context of the story. I don’t think it’s fair to rate the memoir on the context of the book because it’s someone’s story.  

I rated this memoir three stars because I thought the story time was mediocre.  I also thought it didn’t focus as much on Madonna as it should have. I feel like her name was used as a the selling point to get people to read this memoir. The memoir focused more on the brother, Michael, than it actually did on madonna.  
The Hospital: How I Survived the Secret Child Experiments at Aston Hall by Barbara O'Hare

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emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

4.0

This story was heartbreaking. It is horrific that it is actually a true story. Barbara was a courageous young lady to endure everything she did and seek justice later in her life. I definitely recommend this memoir to others.  
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

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informative inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is another sad depiction of a shameful part of American history. This story of slavery was a little different than most because it really focused on the friendship of four slaves from different plantations. My only critique of the book is that it does not have more of a definitive ending.  I would recommend the book to others.  
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book! It had me feeling all the feels. At times I had tears in my eyes and other times I was downright angry.  The book had a totally unexpected ending that I did not see coming. I would definitely recommend this book to others.  I also intend to read more books by. Chevy Stevens in the hopes that they are all this good.