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Those People
Those People
Louise Candlish | 2019 | Thriller
7
7.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
This novel was many times funny, though it was not meant to be. The self-absorption and narcissistic nature of most, if not all, the characters make this a sort of parody of the situation. The character development and the clear agenda each one has feels very color-by-numbers and, even though they are one-dimensional, they are very realistic and relatable. The concept is novel although the plot is a bit discombobulated. I enjoyed the thoughts and feelings this book evoked in me perhaps more than the book itself. The exploration into the human condition and how the relationships begin to break down was fascinating.
  
Animal Farm
Animal Farm
George Orwell | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.8 (80 Ratings)
Book Rating
Highly political and relevant (0 more)
A bit odd (0 more)
Clever but a bit weird
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time and thought I would fit it in as a quick filler while I have essays to write. I had great expectations for the novel and whilst my expectations were met, I wasn't overwhelmed. I guess like 1984, the time in which the novel was written makes the work a classic. Its a simple read and cleverly structured. Using animals make the book simpler and perhaps easier to carry a political message without getting too messy. All in all, I'm not blown away but I did enjoy it.
  
Into the Fire
Into the Fire
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The great thing about reading the fifth novel in this thrilling series is that you know what to expect and Gregg Hurwitz does not disappoint! While this novel had a few wonderful debuts (Dog the Rhodesian Ridgeback) the best “new” element was seeing Orphan X vulnerable and human. Although it has been said and implied throughout the previous books that he can/does get hurt, his exceptional training and amazing (reflexes? talent?) proficiency make it highly unlikely. To see him struggle with physical challenges as well as his spiritual and emotional ones continues to round out this character we have come to know (somewhat) and love (unequivocally)!
  
Shtum
Shtum
Jem Lester | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The cover of this book has statements such as "Ten-year-old Jonah can't speak, but it is time his family listened," and "Jonah has never spoken, yet somehow he communicates better than all of the adults in his life." While Jem Lester's debut novel is about Jonah, a child with severe Autism, it is also about a whole lot more than that. This is why I entitled my review of this book, "The Volumes of Silence" despite the cliché. You'll understand better what I mean, from my review of this wonderful novel here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/05/27/the-volumes-of-silence/
  
At the Stroke of Nine O'Clock
At the Stroke of Nine O'Clock
Jane Davis | 2020
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
On the 12th of August 1949, Big Ben was prevented from chiming at 9pm by four and a half minutes because a flock of starlings perched on the minute hand. This event initially panicked the British public, who didn’t know that it was only birds that stopped the clock. In Davis’ new novel, this is not only a starting point for her story, but also a metaphor for the lives of three fictional women living in post-WWII era London, whose lives are about to intersect. My #bookreview of this newly released novel is on my blog here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2020/07/14/four-and-a-half-minutes/