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The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump. Essays and Reportage, 1986-2016
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Of all the great novelists writing today, none shows the same gift as Martin Amis for writing...
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman
10.0
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The Penguin English Library Edition of Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne 'I am got, I know not how,...
Dear Committee Members
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Finally a novel that puts the "pissed" back into "epistolary." Jason Fitger is a beleaguered...
Sarah (7800 KP) rated If It Bleeds in Books
Jul 3, 2020
Masterful writing
I know I'm biased when it comes to Stephen King as he's my favourite writer, but I don't think anyone can deny how brilliant a writer he is. Not pretentious, just masterful writing, and this definitely comes across in this collection of stories.
The titular story and the one with the returning Holly Gibney, If It Bleeds, is definitely the best story in the book. After reading The Outsider I've definitely had a better appreciation of Holly as a character so it was nice to see her back again, especially as this story follows on in a way from the events in The Outsider. The other 3 stories in this book are good, but they don't quite match up to If It Bleeds, to the point where the first stories are barely memorable. They're also not quite as horror filled as you would come to expect from King, which was slightly disappointing. In all honesty if it hadn't been for If It Bleeds, this collection probably would've only gained itself a 6. Still I'll always enjoy reading a Stephen King book, even if this collection isn't one of my favourites.
The titular story and the one with the returning Holly Gibney, If It Bleeds, is definitely the best story in the book. After reading The Outsider I've definitely had a better appreciation of Holly as a character so it was nice to see her back again, especially as this story follows on in a way from the events in The Outsider. The other 3 stories in this book are good, but they don't quite match up to If It Bleeds, to the point where the first stories are barely memorable. They're also not quite as horror filled as you would come to expect from King, which was slightly disappointing. In all honesty if it hadn't been for If It Bleeds, this collection probably would've only gained itself a 6. Still I'll always enjoy reading a Stephen King book, even if this collection isn't one of my favourites.
Beth Ditto recommended The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill in Music (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Bag of Bones in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This is my first encounter with this famous author and I was quite pleased with it. When I started reading the book it didn’t make me very excited. To this time I think that it could’ve been at least 150 pages less than it actually was. In my opinion, the beginning was too dragged and the information which actually was necessary could’ve fit in couple chapters. Once Mike actually gets to Sara Laughs then all the fun begins. I liked the characters chosen for this novel, they were realistic and very believable.
The plot was quite layered, and there were multiple stories unfolding in this book, that kept me intrigued. The book is perfect for a big screen, and if the right crew would’ve worked on it could be an amazing thriller. I had an opportunity to see the screen making with Pierce Brosnan and it didn’t make me very happy. I loved Mr King’s writing style and little clues of what will happen. So, overall, I had a slow beginning with this book but once I got to the fun bit I couldn’t put it away. I will definitely indulge myself into more of Mr King’s writing.
The plot was quite layered, and there were multiple stories unfolding in this book, that kept me intrigued. The book is perfect for a big screen, and if the right crew would’ve worked on it could be an amazing thriller. I had an opportunity to see the screen making with Pierce Brosnan and it didn’t make me very happy. I loved Mr King’s writing style and little clues of what will happen. So, overall, I had a slow beginning with this book but once I got to the fun bit I couldn’t put it away. I will definitely indulge myself into more of Mr King’s writing.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Tales From Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, #5) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is the fifth installation of The Earthsea Cycle.In this book is a collection of short stories from different eras and locations within Earthsea. There are tons of links to other tales in this series throughout this book, including character crossovers. There's even a whole section on describing Earthsea at the end, giving a real in-depth history of the land and it's cultures.
I am getting a little bored with this series, but I think it's just because of how the writing has a rather archaic feel. This writing really does help create the universe, but it's just not my thing. I appreciate how effective it is in creating the world of Earthsea and immersing you in the book, though.
My favourite tale in this book is the final one, where a woman is allowed entrance into Roke School. I'm interested in seeing if equality returns to Earthsea - women with power are looked down upon, whereas sorcerers, wizards and especially mages are respected for their power.
I will stil finish reading this series, despite not loving it as much as I maybe should. 3 stars.
I am getting a little bored with this series, but I think it's just because of how the writing has a rather archaic feel. This writing really does help create the universe, but it's just not my thing. I appreciate how effective it is in creating the world of Earthsea and immersing you in the book, though.
My favourite tale in this book is the final one, where a woman is allowed entrance into Roke School. I'm interested in seeing if equality returns to Earthsea - women with power are looked down upon, whereas sorcerers, wizards and especially mages are respected for their power.
I will stil finish reading this series, despite not loving it as much as I maybe should. 3 stars.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Brave New World in Books
Sep 10, 2019
Interesting idea, but poorly executed
I tried to read this many years ago, and I remember getting a couple of chapters in and giving up, but I couldn't recall why so decided to give it another go.
I can now see why I gave up on this book. The plot itself is a great idea, and similar in a way to the wonderful 1984. However unlike 1984, I found this book to be very poorly executed and i just couldn't get into the writing style at all. I love the idea of a dystopian future, but a lot of the features of this future society feel like they've been named by a child and a lot aren't explained enough to truly comprehend what's going on. The writing style too comes across as very confused and I really struggled with it. The characters are a good idea and flawed, but rather underdeveloped. In fact the whole book feels quite underdeveloped and its only a chapter or so at the end that I truly enjoyed.
I really wish this had been better written, as it's a fantastic idea for a novel.
I can now see why I gave up on this book. The plot itself is a great idea, and similar in a way to the wonderful 1984. However unlike 1984, I found this book to be very poorly executed and i just couldn't get into the writing style at all. I love the idea of a dystopian future, but a lot of the features of this future society feel like they've been named by a child and a lot aren't explained enough to truly comprehend what's going on. The writing style too comes across as very confused and I really struggled with it. The characters are a good idea and flawed, but rather underdeveloped. In fact the whole book feels quite underdeveloped and its only a chapter or so at the end that I truly enjoyed.
I really wish this had been better written, as it's a fantastic idea for a novel.
Everything All at Once
7.0
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Part mysterious adventure, part love letter to the power of books, this is a brilliantly woven novel...
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Night of Ash (Odriel's Heirs #2.5) in Books
Feb 1, 2023
NIGHT OF ASH is book 2.5 in the Odriel's Heirs series and we catch up with Aza and co as they recover from the last battle but realise the war isn't yet over.
It's not a long book and you will definitely have to have read at least Idriel's Children before this one but, oh man, it packs a wallop! The writing is so good, I was crying over a character I hardly met! Samar Bhalla is there and gone but what an impact he had. And that, my dears, is how good this author's writing is!
Night of Ash bridges the gap between Idriel's Children and Time Orphan, which I honestly can't wait for. Novellas aren't usually my thing but this one makes no apologies. It is bold and full of action, killing me with emotion. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY recommended by me. Just make sure you read the whole series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
It's not a long book and you will definitely have to have read at least Idriel's Children before this one but, oh man, it packs a wallop! The writing is so good, I was crying over a character I hardly met! Samar Bhalla is there and gone but what an impact he had. And that, my dears, is how good this author's writing is!
Night of Ash bridges the gap between Idriel's Children and Time Orphan, which I honestly can't wait for. Novellas aren't usually my thing but this one makes no apologies. It is bold and full of action, killing me with emotion. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY recommended by me. Just make sure you read the whole series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!