genannj's reviews
332 reviews

Sonny Boy by Al Pacino

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informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

I really enjoyed this candid, witty, well-written memoir by the great Al Pacino. I will recommend this one to others
The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring 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

5.0

I really liked this historical fiction book. This was one of those novels that are not about the World Wars yet has a lot of history written in it. I definitely would like to read more about the historical topics introduced in this book. In my opinion, that’s what a good piece of historical fiction does.  It makes you want to learn more about something that introduces you to. This book tells a heartwarming story of all the sacrifices one woman makes for her child. The story was just so engaging that I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend this five-star read. 
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-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

5.0

My daughter actually introduced me to Ashley Winstead and I’m so glad she did. I really liked this very engaging story of friendships, secrets, and murder. The book kept me guessing until the very end which, in my opinion, defines a great thriller. I plan to check out more by this author and highly recommend this five-star read. 
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell

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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 absolutely loved this book! I was so engrossed in the story and just wanted to keep reading and reading it. Jewell keeps you guessing and trying to figure it out until the very end. This one ranks right up there with None of This is True, Then She Was Gone, and The House We Grew Up In. I highly recommend this five-star read. 
A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner

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

4.0

I liked this book because it helps you realize how awful the Civil War was. So many books candidly describe how awful World War I and II were and often the Civil War is not described with the frankness that it is in this book. So many other books just choose to gloss over the Civil War.  I would definitely recommend this book to others. 
The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White

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challenging 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? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

White is such a brilliant writer. Let me tell you, she does not disappoint with this book. This book was a gripping, page turner, that I did not want to put down.  They were a lot of twists and turns in the novel that I did not expect and the outcome of the story was not apparent until the very end.  I definitely highly recommend this book.  

No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 59%.
I really was bored, and just not that interested, in listening in depth and repeatedly about Parkinson’s disease. 
The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

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informative mysterious sad medium-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

5.0

This book dealt with a different historical topic than most of Meissner’s other books I have read, and yet one I have a huge interest in - the Salem Witch Trials. I found the story to be engaging and interesting with a nice little twist. I was immersed in finding out the conclusion of the story until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.  
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell

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

4.0

Although, I do not think this is one of Jewell’s best books, I still enjoyed it. From the very beginning, I wanted to keep reading to know more.  The twist towards the end happened so quickly that I had to reread it a couple times because I thought I missed something.  I would recommend this book if I knew someone was looking for a psychological thriller to read. 
The Birth House by Ami McKay

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

3.0

After waiting for my turn for this book through my library, I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. It was slow moving in the beginning, and I seriously considered DNF’ing it. I’m glad I stuck with it because it picked up and got better. It had some good character development and some good historical events mentioned but because of the slow start and many parts that were uneventful, I feel this book deserves only an average, three star rating. If asked about this book, I would say it’s worth the read.  It’s definitely not a book where I would brag about how good it is.