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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Sarah in Books

Mar 15, 2018  
Sarah
Sarah
J.T. LeRoy | 2001 | Fiction & Poetry
8
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Also read my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/sarah-by-jt-leroy

Wow I don't know what to say really.

I think that most people rating this book have judged it based on the author's hoax at claiming this was a true story but if you ignore all that mess, what you find here is a really weird, heart breaking and hilarious novel. I think people need to start looking at this as a stand-alone novel and push the whole scandal to the side to see how brilliant this book actually is.

I wasn't sure why I decided to request this from Netgalley because it's the sort of book I'd normally steer clear of, but I'm glad I left my comfort zone to read this, because it was worth it.

Sarah will take you through every single emotion you can possibly think of, from love to terror to hope and you'll find yourself a bit lost once it's all over. I have another JT LeRoy book to start next, I'm hoping I like it just as much as this.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
  
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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Guest Cottage in Books

Feb 13, 2018  
TG
The Guest Cottage
Nancy Thayer | 2015
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sophie leads a calm and predictable life, but not necessarily a happy and fulfilling one, especially in the love department. When her husband announces he's leaving her, she decides to rent a cottage on Nantucket for the summer, along with her kids, Jonah and Lacey. At the same time, Trevor Black, a young widower with a four-year-old son named Leo, decides to rent a cottage on Nantucket, hoping it will get Leo (and himself) away from the memories of Leo's late mother.

All is well until Sophie and Trevor arrive on the island and realize they've rented the same house. The two decide to share the large house for the summer and quickly become fast friends. But are Sophie and Trevor destined to become more than friends?

I usually enjoy the occasional book like this, where the plot is predictable, but comfortable and sort of cozy. However, I just couldn't get into this one, especially the first half or so. In fact, I almost gave up, which I rarely ever do on a book. I couldn't find myself empathizing with Sophie or her predicament - she came across as a bland character, who gave you little reason to root for her. Also, while I know these books are based a bit on absurdity and implausibility, this one seemed particularly so. The fact that Sophie and Trevor so easily melded together in the house was amazing and that Sophie's older kids played so well with his younger one. Hmm. I can't imagine going on vacation and just agreeing to share my rental with another family!

The book picked up a little over halfway through, when Sophie took more control over her life and we finally found more about her back-story. Still, the book uses Sophie's piano-playing as a sort of backdrop, but it rings hollow at times, and is a little strange. I couldn't get into it - but that may just be me. I did enjoy the second half of the book more than the first and it certainly went faster and was more what I was expecting. Sophie became a bit more engaging and likable.

Overall, though, if you're looking for a light and fluffy beach read, there are definitely better ones out there.

(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.)
  
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Erika (17789 KP) rated The Witch's Heart in Books

May 1, 2021 (Updated May 1, 2021)  
The Witch's Heart
The Witch's Heart
Genevieve Gornichec | 2021 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
2
2.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oooof, apparently I should have read the synopsis more closely. The writing was good, and I would be willing to try another book by this author.
This book just wasn't my jam, my brain turns off as soon as the story line becomes solely about having kids and sacrificing oneself for family. I can't relate, and I find it completely snooze-worthy.
This rating is so low, because this just wasn't my cup of tea. It only gets a 2 because I liked the writing style. I know it's based on a myth, which is en vogue right now, but why can't strong, childless (by choice) women exist in books? This novel to me was just a growing problem that I'm having with novels in general at this point.