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marinkavandeursen's reviews
92 reviews
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I think I would have liked it better if I hadn't seen the show first.
Firstly: this story is incredible. It's a grim idea of what kind of future is possible and given the state of the world doesn't seem to far out of reach.
That said... the book (after the show) is slow. I came in expecting five seasons in one book which is my mistake but being able to picture Offred like we see in the show wasn't good for my reading experience either.
So all in all I highly appreciate the story and writing but my own expectations kind of killed the experience.
Firstly: this story is incredible. It's a grim idea of what kind of future is possible and given the state of the world doesn't seem to far out of reach.
That said... the book (after the show) is slow. I came in expecting five seasons in one book which is my mistake but being able to picture Offred like we see in the show wasn't good for my reading experience either.
So all in all I highly appreciate the story and writing but my own expectations kind of killed the experience.
Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
lighthearted
slow-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
3.0
Didn't like it as much as I'd hoped. Maya and Skye felt flat as characters with limited to no growth. Especially Maya, who I got bored of quite quickly. Felt like her only thing was getting revenge until the very last moment.
Jordy is the absolute worst but that was kind of the point. The other girls didn't really do anything for me and story wise it felt too slow.
There was more potential here because the idea of two contestants for a reality show falling in love with each other is still a fantastic arc.
Jordy is the absolute worst but that was kind of the point. The other girls didn't really do anything for me and story wise it felt too slow.
There was more potential here because the idea of two contestants for a reality show falling in love with each other is still a fantastic arc.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
This book is so very important. I never read it even when learning about WW2 in school. It's heartbreaking to know their fates and read about Anne's dreams and hopes. Wise beyond her years and gone absolutely too soon.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Not for me. I just couldn't get into it and maybe that's on my own high expectations.
That Secret Something by Emily Wright
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Jess and Rebecca felt forced. Lily annoyed me. It just wasn't for me.
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
I have laughed and I have cried. This book is beautiful in every way ❤️
Britt-Marie felt so real and relatable to me. Written so well that I could easily picture everything in my mind. Borg and it's people. A fictional town I now love with all my heart.
Britt-Marie felt so real and relatable to me. Written so well that I could easily picture everything in my mind. Borg and it's people. A fictional town I now love with all my heart.
Outdrawn by Deanna Grey
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
Crying happy tears!!
⭐️ 5+ stars!
Sage and Noah captured my heart. This is rivals to lovers done right!
⭐️ 5+ stars!
Sage and Noah captured my heart. This is rivals to lovers done right!
The Chocolate Lovers' Club by Carole Matthews
5.0
I loved loved loved this book! It is one of my favorite books. I've read it about three times and each time I get sucked into the story. Reading this makes you want some chocolate, everything is so well written, funny and with plenty of romance.
Something that it worth the read.
Something that it worth the read.