astrangerhere's reviews
1301 reviews

Bellwether by Connie Willis

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Due to the very nature of the subject matter - trends - it was always going to feel dated.  But as someone who is old enough to remember most of the trends referenced, it was terribly funny. 
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

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adventurous hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

It had a slow start for such a short work, but I really enjoyed the back half.
The Judge's House by Georges Simenon

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Not the best Simenon... 
The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett

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reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II by John W. Dower

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informative slow-paced

3.75

I wish this had been more about the people of Japan and been more balanced about the American exploitation during the occupation.  The title felt dated to me, but I did learn some things I didn't know.
The Complete Peanuts 1950-1952 by Charles M. Schulz

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funny relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Jane Austen at Home: A Biography by Lucy Worsley

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informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

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dark informative medium-paced

3.0

Harper Lee would never outwardly acknowledge the veracity of this account, and in fact there were many inconsistencies pointed out by the participants themselves.  As a project, it was an interesting literary experience. As history, not so much. 
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My Autobiography of Carson McCullers: A Memoir by Jenn Shapland

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories by Yu Chen, Regina Kanyu Wang

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0