katieg's reviews
371 reviews

The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson

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

4.0

Sparse, sharp writing that really matched the Finnish winter setting. This book’s unique characters explore the navigation, and manipulation, of social contracts, asking what do we owe our neighbors, and where are the lines of courtesy drawn. Great read.
Bluesman Complete by Rob Vollmar

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3.5

Really compelling fast paced story, the art was detailed and suited the tone of the story, I just wish it been used more within the storytelling to really take advantage of its medium, I feel like this could have been fully prose and not have lost any impact.
True Grit by Charles Portis

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4.0

I just loved Mattie with my whole heart.
A Line in the World: A Year on the North Sea Coast by Dorthe Nors

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reflective medium-paced

3.0

Great nature writing. The anecdotes at the heart of each essay/chapter varied in strength and focus. I wish there was a bit more chronology between chapters and more references to past ideas as the book continued. Still a very calming and reflective read.
Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata

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2.0

The writing was great, sparse and observant in a way that really matched the setting, but unfortunately the plot and characters were incredibly boring, Shimamura especially felt incredibly vacant which meant I failed to be compelled by the relationship at the center of the book.
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo

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4.5

A great example of slowly introducing the reader bit the world and characters instead of forcing the exposition. The writing and characters are both intense and sensual and Vo has a keen vision of the beauty and worthiness of human life and community, even under the worst circumstances. All things end but they may be risen again.
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0