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Chelsea (449 KP) rated Zoo in Books

Sep 7, 2017

Zoo

James Patterson | 2013 | Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller

6.5

(13 Ratings)

Book Rating

I am not generally a Patterson fan, but I have got to disagree with the many poor reviews I hear about this book because they are completely unfair. The story was plot driven, exciting, scary, and imaginative. I liked it.

It does NOT deserve to be called the "worst novel ever written." I know of PLENTY of books I liked A LOT less than this one. No, this book is not the next literary masterpiece, but that isn't the point. Sure the characters aren't deep, and Oz himself is kind of an idiot despite having figured out what happened, but truthfully, most of the characters acted pretty realistically and served their purpose. Maybe the science wasn't 100%, but I don't think it was impossibly wrong either.

Could it have been better? Yes. Was it awful? No. I happily read this book in three days, and I even watched a little of the series, even though it's completely different. I was actually torn between 6 and 7 stars, but I did kinda wish it ended differently.

Kudos

Sarah (7800 KP) rated Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog in Books

Mar 3, 2018

Sweet and Heartwarming

This book is never going to win any literary prizes. However if you'e after a heartwarming laugh out loud tale, then this is definitely the book to come to. John Grogan does well to get you engaged in not only the life of his dog Marley, but also of himself and the rest of his family. Which is good, as a tale solely about canine capers might soon lose it's appeal. Through John's depiction of Marley you can't help but find him and his exploits adorable, albeit saying a silent prayer that you don't own a dog like him.

For animal lovers alike this is a great read. For dog lovers and owners, this is a must read as I'm sure everyone can identify with some of these canine behaviours. My parents have a silly Dalmatian, but even she isn't a patch on Marley and it's so good to read a book that makes you giggle at all the doggy traits you recognise. I dare you not to have shed a tear by the end either.

Kudos

Mitchell Knutzen (16 KP) rated Till We Have Faces in Books

Feb 21, 2018

Till We Have Faces

C. S. Lewis | 1956 | Science Fiction/Fantasy

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

No Belief In Relious Fairy Tales Necessary To Enjoy (0 more)

Best Lewis Novel By Far

More than a simple retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth, this is a masterwork of storytelling by an author often hobbled by his well known and, in my opinion, laughably ridiculous religious beliefs. Yet unlike so many others that let these beliefs dissolve their efforts of mainstream fiction into so many pieces of nonsense too hamstrung by foolishness to ever assemble something coherent, let alone worth reading, Lewis often managed to rise above it, as with (for the most part) his deservedly beloved Narnia chronicles. Till We Have Faces is nothing short of brilliant, beautiful, at times achingly sad, and very profound. Those of you not fooled by the Jesus parade, but who love a damn good book written by a master of his craft, do yourself a HUGE favor and read this gem of a book. Then do the literary world a favor by passing along the good word (lol, couldn't help myself) that this may be the best book that nobody has heard of.

Kudos

Sarah (7800 KP) rated Love...and Sleepless Nights in Books

Aug 13, 2018

Love...and Sleepless Nights

Nick Spalding | 2013 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry

8.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

Fun and lighthearted

Whilst Nick Spalding will never win any literary prizes for this series of books, he really does well to sum up real life situations and emotions. The writing is good but what really makes this story entertaining is the characters. Laura and Jamie are a very relatable couple and their diary/blog entries are so down to earth and realistic. I doubt anyone could read this book (or any others in the series) and not find a handful of comments, thoughts or situations that they’ve experienced in their own life. This story is also pretty funny and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.

It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short - I finished it in less than 2 hours so it’s one you can easily get through. One I’d recommend trying if you’re stuck with a fairly long commute - I may leave books 3 and 4 for my next long distance train journey for work!