I was flying back home and accidentally left my kindle in my suitcase. 10 minutes before my flight, I started searching for a fast paced thriller to rI was flying back home and accidentally left my kindle in my suitcase. 10 minutes before my flight, I started searching for a fast paced thriller to read to keep me company and I came up with two books. I started reading None of This Is True but I kept getting distracted. Hence, I switched to this novel and it was page turner from the first chapter. I had only managed to read around 35% yesterday, then continued a few chapters when I was back at home and finished it today.
It started strong. I really wanted to know what would happen, how the story would turn out, etc. However, the more time I spent reading the Perfect Marriage, the more I started noticing the flaws. Eventually, I lost interest in the story and was trying to finish for the sake of completing my GR challenge.
So why the one star rating? ➊ The prose, at its most charitable interpretation, lacks a certain maturity. I am not a writer and the sentences read like something I'd come up with. Not a good sign. I agree with many reviewers, the writing could've easily benefitted from another round of editing. In one example, Kelly was once described as having blue eyes after stating that she has brown eyes. The dialogue also made me cringe. It didn't feel natural at all. I don't think human beings communicate this way all the time... Some points were left unresolved, for example, the night mystery visitor which was so vague. I can guess his identity but it felt out of place.
❷ The characters are terribly written. The character portrayals showcase notable deficiencies, characterized by a lack of depth, nuance, and intricacy. As a result, the reader will probably fail to engage with the storyline, as the characters fail to evoke a sense of authenticity or complexity. Sarah and Adam's relationship never made sense to me. Sarah being mean to any woman who doesn't admire her. Adam being this meek misogynist entitled man. I mean, his childhood was barely tackled at all because he definitely has mommy issues. But nothing remotely compares to Eleanor. She is such a cartoon character. The evil mother who hates her daughter-in-law just because. Who adores her only son and blames his wife for his cheating. So many question marks about her character.
❸ The twists. Nope, not shocking. While I didn't guess the full scope of the final reveal, the most important part wasn't difficult to figure out. They also lacked any sense. The plot twists were underwhelming. The concept could've been a very well-written legal thriller but the author gave the impression that she barely knows anything about legal and police proceedings. How can the police get away with being so below the standards? How could they fail to do simple questioning work? It was ridiculous.
While the concept in this novel was promising, the execution miserably failed. It was a page-turner at first, correct. It was also fast to read. I believe with thorough research, this book could've made a good legal thriller. Instead, it feels all over the place with twists that make little sense, terrible character writing and juvenile writing style....more
I’m starting to get the feeling that this series has went long enough. I didn’t enjoy this book much. I’ll probably read the sequel but this one doesnI’m starting to get the feeling that this series has went long enough. I didn’t enjoy this book much. I’ll probably read the sequel but this one doesn’t have what made the first two bookd stand out. Maybe with a proper ending for the series i would’ve rated it 3 stars but since the ending left the room for a fourth instalment, won’t be doing that....more
Honestly, this book was so much fun. I wasn’t the most memorable. It didn’t feature the best characters. Nonetheless, I highly enjoyed the audiobook. Honestly, this book was so much fun. I wasn’t the most memorable. It didn’t feature the best characters. Nonetheless, I highly enjoyed the audiobook. One thing i comment about is that both perspectives sharing the same narrator without clear transitions between PoVs....more
I randomly picked up this book seeing that it has a high rating for its genre. At first, I didn't have much interest in the story but around 25% the sI randomly picked up this book seeing that it has a high rating for its genre. At first, I didn't have much interest in the story but around 25% the story picked up, and soon enough, I wasn't able to take a break from reading.
The story was very interesting in the sense you knew something was coming. Bit by bit, I was able to guess part of the twist as more plot progressed. However, while I had no issue with the ending itself, I wasn't completely satisfied with all of the plot twists given the fact that they became a tad too much.
I enjoyed reading None of This is True and I can say I am looking forward to reading other Jewell books because she is a talented thriller writer for sure....more
The Only One Left is one of the most popular thrillers released this year. I enjoyed it for the most part until the revelations and the plot twists atThe Only One Left is one of the most popular thrillers released this year. I enjoyed it for the most part until the revelations and the plot twists at the end became OTT.
The beginning was slow-paced but when things started happening, I couldn't stop reading. I was buddy reading this novel with my friend but she still hasn't finished. It was definitely gripping....more
I picked up Looking for Jane because it was on the GR choice awards list. I listened to the audiobook and all three perspectives had the same narratorI picked up Looking for Jane because it was on the GR choice awards list. I listened to the audiobook and all three perspectives had the same narrator. The story was interesting and admirable. The three timelines were linked well even though I suspected the plot twist early on. I don't think we needed it though.
The characters were okay, not annoying but not memorable. It was the audiobook picked randomly right after finishing The House of Eve. Frankly, I didn't know much about these kind of houses. I knew they existed but not the physical and emotional hardships the girls and women endured there. I'm really glad to see authors continuing to write about dark and unpopular parts of history.
The narrator however sounded too weird when trying to speak like someone is sad and it made me cringe. Nonetheless, it’s usually the type of audiobook I enjoy listening to. It didn't affect my overall experience but definitely removed any possibility of feeling much of a connection to those emotional moments....more
Very interesting story. Sadly, I didn’t particularly connect to any of the characters, which left me detached from the book. I empathised wit3.5 stars
Very interesting story. Sadly, I didn’t particularly connect to any of the characters, which left me detached from the book. I empathised with that they had to go through, yes but I appreciated this read mostly thanks to what I learned from it....more
I randomly picked up the audiobook because it had no holds on Libby. The cover looked familiar but I didn’t know much about this book. Thanks to quickI randomly picked up the audiobook because it had no holds on Libby. The cover looked familiar but I didn’t know much about this book. Thanks to quick GR search, it sounded interesting enough. And it was.
I learned a lot through it about natives in the US and especially in Michigan as well as the local tribes and their customs and beliefs. The portrayal of the the discrimination against these communities (and especially women) was well portrayed.
However, the first half of the book had lots of info dump. The second part got better but I had the feeling that the author was trying to handle too many issues all at once and all in the second half. A lot of things were repeated such as Daunis’ mother character (very one dimensional, we only got to see more of her later on and it wasn’t for many pages), our main character scientific approach and logic (seriously too many times), the “golden boy” hype, not trusting this Jamie or maybee trusting him? I can go on and on. the mystery part also felt overdone.
I might write more later but in sum, no regrets reading this book, there is room for improvement but nonetheless, solid debut that tackles some important topics....more
The novel felt too unbelievable sometimes with lots of parts in the past. No likable characters. I didn't hate any but didn't feel anything t2.5 stars
The novel felt too unbelievable sometimes with lots of parts in the past. No likable characters. I didn't hate any but didn't feel anything towards them. I was invested in the story once it got going but... I wasn't convinced of the story and motives by the end of the book....more
This book ended up being better than I expected given its low average rating. I started it with low expectations. I listened to the audiobook and it wThis book ended up being better than I expected given its low average rating. I started it with low expectations. I listened to the audiobook and it was difficult to keep track of the different characters since the narrator is the same. Once I became familiar with the characters, I started enjoying the story. The second half was so much better. I honestly had no idea what might happen next. The book was weird and gripping but I didn't forge any connection with the characters....more
Honestly, better than I expected but still, something even seem too unlikely for this unlikely to happen book. Sure it makes it fun on on hand but on Honestly, better than I expected but still, something even seem too unlikely for this unlikely to happen book. Sure it makes it fun on on hand but on the other, it affects the factor of thrill for me. I also didn’t like Nick much here....more
The audiobook was so fun to listen to. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. The book took an over the top realistic turn at the end but wh3.5
The audiobook was so fun to listen to. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. The book took an over the top realistic turn at the end but when i considered from a comical side, I didn’t mind much. It did mange to make me smile a few times and that’s great (I rarely do while reading). So it’s a entertaining summer/beach read but nothing memorable.
Of course, I will read the sequel. going to put the audiobook on hold right away. ...more
I bought this book many years ago. It stayed there sitting on my shelf until my friend asked to borrow it. I started reading it then (for some reason)I bought this book many years ago. It stayed there sitting on my shelf until my friend asked to borrow it. I started reading it then (for some reason) and was in for a long multigenerational story with lots of ups and downs. rtc....more
Originally, I didn’t want to read this book. The premise sounded very familiar and the hype? Well, never trust the hype when it comes to NA + fantasy Originally, I didn’t want to read this book. The premise sounded very familiar and the hype? Well, never trust the hype when it comes to NA + fantasy stuff.
But.
Just like when it comes to almost every popular book out there, I caved. And I’m so glad I did.
I read the first 100 pages in one sitting. I randomly decided to read this book and then found myself unable to stop turning the page. I needed to know what’ll happen next… I also needed to sleep because I had to wake up early for work. But who cares about that when there’s this girl doing some dangerous things to be part of an “academy”? I can’t resist this trope.
And the book mostly didn’t slow down. It’s far from being perfect but it is so fun and hence my 4 stars rating.
Ok so I’m really on the fence regarding this one. I loved the themes tackled in this book. It was truly eye opening. But I’m also a fair reviewer and Ok so I’m really on the fence regarding this one. I loved the themes tackled in this book. It was truly eye opening. But I’m also a fair reviewer and I truly can’t say that I felt much towards the characters, there was little growth in this book and especially for coming of age novel. While some things are clearer to Charlie, I didn’t get the feeling that she developed as a character. Another issue I had was this ridiculous ending. Further hints about it would’ve been appreciated. I’ll probably write more later on. ...more
Jennette was so honest and I loved it. I listened to the audiobook and I highly recommend that format since the author herself narrates it. I used to Jennette was so honest and I loved it. I listened to the audiobook and I highly recommend that format since the author herself narrates it. I used to watch iCarly often when I was a teenager but after that, I didn’t know what became of the actresses. The title and book cover honestly grabbed my attention and I recognised Jennette so I put the book on hold in my library right away. I’ve rarely read memoirs that are so open and transparent. Now my perception of Jennette completely changed (not liking the actress with the character!!) and I can only say I wish her the best in whatever career paths she chooses in the future....more
The book was okay, nothing memorable but the audiobook was fun. I'll write my review later.The book was okay, nothing memorable but the audiobook was fun. I'll write my review later....more
I loved this book. It's been a long time since I felt the need to write a review right after finishing a book. It's been even longer since I 4.5 stars
I loved this book. It's been a long time since I felt the need to write a review right after finishing a book. It's been even longer since I was wrong about a novel. This is why I choose to read books I have a feeling I won't like because, in this pile of not-so-interesting stories, there is a book like Daisy Jones & the Six that consumes you and leaves you amazed.
I know there are already thousands of reviews about this book but I'm sharing mine anyway, noting that I listened to the audiobook. So here are my two bits about it.
(my)background story (with the book): I believe before I proceed, it's worth mentioning my prejudgment concerning this book. I have been seeing this book everywhere since its release yet after reading the reviews, I realised I might not be into that. I am a huge rock fan. Especially that of the pre-2000s. While I no longer actively listen to these songs (except on rare occasions like when writing this review), I am still fond of this genre. But I also know how about the lives of the rock stars. I want to stick to the pretty things, aka the songs themselves, without the people behind them. I would've loved to watch one of my favourite rock bands perform in the 80s & 90s but I know their personality (goes without saying, not all) might not have been the best. In sum, I avoided reading this book because I didn't want to read about a glorifying addiction to substances and alcohol. Luckily, it didn't end up like that.
I was very hesitant when I started listening to the audio, but I gradually became invested in the story, the band, and what was going on in the book. This isn't my first book by Reid but it's certainly my favorite. It's obvious she's got talent from her other novels but here she created something unique, in my opinion. She created highly flawed characters and glued you to the page anyway.
I listened to the audiobook and since this book is written as a series of interviews with the band, managers, friends, and other persons, there is little narration going on. Each character was played by a different person. The narrators weren't just reading. They were voice actors. They were bringing their characters to life as if we were interviewing the real band. That honestly made it much more interesting to me than simply reading the book in the same tonality. I believe I appreciate the book more because I listened to the audio format and it's now definitely one of the best audiobooks I have listened to. I mean, we had actors playing some characters and of course, the queen of audiobook narration, Julia Whelan, was part of it. Summary: the audiobook is great. Highly recommended.
Now for the characters, I didn't have a favourite. In fact, I doubt we were supposed to love any. I believe the point was to reflect the inner struggle of different persons. Their flaws. How they perceive themselves and their actions and how other see them. I'm usually a very character-driven reader but in this case, I didn't mind. (Now maybe if I loved one of the leads, I would've given the book 5 stars.) I just saw these raw unapologetic characters. I sure rooted for them. I was supporting Billy for example with all my heart not to pick up that glass. I was sincerely hoping for Daisy to get help. I was rooting for Graham to find the partner he wants. I supported Karen and her life choices. I had some issues with Daisy. She was truly a brat and just used to everything happening easily for her. I sure liked her better towards the end but since supposed to be the main lead, I expected at least to feel some compassion towards her and I mostly didn't. I only wished she'd go to rehab. I know her character is supposed to be more complex than her actions in the book and while I acknowledge that it is, it doesn't mean I liked her. Meanwhile, Camilla was definitely one of the characters I liked best. She was so "solid" was it by her presence, faith in her husband, or actions. She's confident and knows what she wants. She's also ready to suffer a lot and work for it. I was disappointed by how she was portrayed in the movie. I didn't watch it yet but I saw the trailer before starting the book and I expected Camilla to be this weak needy wife. I couldn't have been so wrong. The trailer also makes it all about Daisy and Billy and for me, the book was so much more than their relationship.
Another aspect I appreciated about this book, that many might not, was the song-making process. Writing the lyrics. The story behind the verses. Practicing. Recording. Finalizing an album. Singing live. I would've loved to be with the crowd that night in Chicago or with the SNL audience that episode.
I understand now why this book is famous. And it deserves its popularity. I don't think I can give it 5 stars (although once I finished I wanted to) because I had some minor issues that affected my overall enjoyment. The end part was interesting and I wanted it longer but after all, the book is the band's story. I am also unsure how I feel about a certain part that was a bit convenient. Or at least, works for the story. Overall, I will say again that I loved the audiobook. Not at first. Not even in the middle. I only loved it when I reached the last 15% (or so). I'm glad I went with the audiobook since it brought the characters to life. And while characters don't need to have a personality to be a character, these ones surely did! If you are still hesitant about reading this book, I'd recommend to give it a shot. You might like it. You might hate it. At least, you've decided for yourself. We always have these prejudices around popular books and in this case, you should read it to form your opinion. There aren't many similar books out there.
Now I'm past my bedtime so excuse my typos, will be rereading tomorrow but if I didn't write now, I probably never will finish the review.
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