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colourbandit's reviews
247 reviews
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter by
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was a nice little collection of festive themed stories covering a huge variety of topics and characters. We heard from many different perspectives, ranging from a tree to young children enjoying the magic of Christmas.
I found that although there were elements of coziness within the collection, it was mostly very reflective, and almost dwelling more on the less happy aspects of Christmas time. Many of the stories didn’t leave me feeling uplifted so to speak, but thinking about my own experiences and the experiences of others.
Two particular stories as highlights for me were A Christmas Memory, and The Loan, both of which I fell in love with and thoroughly enjoyed.
Overall, a lovely collection of Christmassy stories for an element of reflection and quiet time in the festive period.
I found that although there were elements of coziness within the collection, it was mostly very reflective, and almost dwelling more on the less happy aspects of Christmas time. Many of the stories didn’t leave me feeling uplifted so to speak, but thinking about my own experiences and the experiences of others.
Two particular stories as highlights for me were A Christmas Memory, and The Loan, both of which I fell in love with and thoroughly enjoyed.
Overall, a lovely collection of Christmassy stories for an element of reflection and quiet time in the festive period.
Worried Whippet: A Book of Bravery by Jess Bolton
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a lovely little graphic novel. I immediately fell in love with our main character Jess, and loved her journey from anxiety to confidence, working through it with Buddy. The ending was absolutely lovely too as Jess found new friends and worked through her loss.
The illustration was absolutely beautiful and every single drawing was so impressive, I couldn’t stop looking at all the details. The artist did a wonderful job of depicting each pup’s emotions and their changing personalities. It was just excellent.
The illustration was absolutely beautiful and every single drawing was so impressive, I couldn’t stop looking at all the details. The artist did a wonderful job of depicting each pup’s emotions and their changing personalities. It was just excellent.
Shopaholic Abroad by Sophie Kinsella
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really enjoyed getting back into this series and the characters from the first book. Again it was very frustrating at times as Becky continues to battle her shopping addiction, and it makes you want to scream over some of the decisions she makes, but it’s all part of the fun of the book!
Luke and Becky as a couple continue to drive me nuts and I really enjoyed how Becky actually took some action with the relationship during this book - although of course everything resolved before the end! I loved the ending of the book with the auction and Becky taking ownership over her life, and I’m excited to see where we go in the next instalment.
Luke and Becky as a couple continue to drive me nuts and
Pet Sematary by Stephen King
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Surprisingly not an amazing read from King by my standards! I did enjoy his writing and the storyline on the whole, and I was gripped to find out what happened next, but honestly I just wasn’t creeped out enough I think.
The ending was the best bit for me. We’d worked hard to get there with a lot of build up (as per King standard) and it was worth it. We’re left open-ended with the epilogue (potentially with King planning for a future follow-up book at that point), and it really cements the whole concept of the burial ground and its supernatural elements/pull.
I really enjoyed Jud as a character, exploring his history with the town and the Pet Sematary, giving his knowledge to Louis(whether wilfully or not) . King did a great job with Church, and I did feel a pretty big sense of unease whenever he was featured, and Ellie’s premonition dreams were a really nice touch too. The ending when Gage comes back worked really well and added elements that I wasn’t expecting, however I felt the plot on the whole was a little predictable from the middle point onwards unfortunately.
I loved the author’s note right at the start and it really sets the book up well, and was something I kept thinking back to through the book. Maybe that gave me too high expectations?
I’ve read a few of King’s books now and do really enjoy them every time, and will absolutely be back for more, but this one is bottom of the pile for me.
The ending was the best bit for me. We’d worked hard to get there with a lot of build up (as per King standard) and it was worth it. We’re left open-ended with the epilogue (potentially with King planning for a future follow-up book at that point), and it really cements the whole concept of the burial ground and its supernatural elements/pull.
I really enjoyed Jud as a character, exploring his history with the town and the Pet Sematary, giving his knowledge to Louis
I loved the author’s note right at the start and it really sets the book up well, and was something I kept thinking back to through the book. Maybe that gave me too high expectations?
I’ve read a few of King’s books now and do really enjoy them every time, and will absolutely be back for more, but this one is bottom of the pile for me.
The Saturday Morning Park Run by Jules Wake
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another random library find which I absolutely adored. There were just so many elements that drew me to this book, with the first of course being the theme of Parkrun being integrated. It took a while to get into this as the actual topic and it didn’t actually fill the majority of the story so I am little surprised about the title of the book, but that’s no major criticism.
There were lots of little side-plots through the book, from Claire’s sister and her nieces, to Bill the hairy carpet dog, and the smattering of romance throughout. And of course Hilda has to be mentioned. I adored her as a character as we very gradually learn more and more about her life and experiences. She was so quirky and fascinating, lacking boundaries in the best way.
This book was cozy, explored the joys of finding new hobbies and running, the dissonance of changing your life plan (and the stigma and shame surrounding this), and the importance of work-life balance. There were so many important topics discussed and it just kept bringing me back for more. I would love to read more by this author and will definitely be seeking more of her books out!
There were lots of little side-plots through the book, from Claire’s sister and her nieces, to Bill the hairy carpet dog, and the smattering of romance throughout. And of course Hilda has to be mentioned. I adored her as a character as we very gradually learn more and more about her life and experiences. She was so quirky and fascinating, lacking boundaries in the best way.
This book was cozy, explored the joys of finding new hobbies and running, the dissonance of changing your life plan (and the stigma and shame surrounding this), and the importance of work-life balance. There were so many important topics discussed and it just kept bringing me back for more. I would love to read more by this author and will definitely be seeking more of her books out!
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I loved reading this book and was so hooked by every story told by Dolly and everything that she wrote. Her writing style has magic woven through it and everything is described in such a memorable way, I loved it.
It was a little crazy at times, but it was so fun because of that, and hearing Dolly’s reflections was also hugely interesting. I raced through it, and honestly it was just great.
It was a little crazy at times, but it was so fun because of that, and hearing Dolly’s reflections was also hugely interesting. I raced through it, and honestly it was just great.
Soul Eater by Michelle Paver
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I found this instalment of the series became a lot darker and more serious than the first couple of books as we start to learn a lot more about the Soul Eaters and the history of Torak’s father. I also loved hearing more about Torak’s experiences spirit walking, and his developing relationship and trust of the Raven clan.
There was of course the classic thing with these books of issues being resolved by pure luck,especially towards the end when Torak and Renn were rescued , but other than that, these continue to be very enjoyable books that I look forward to coming back to.
There was of course the classic thing with these books of issues being resolved by pure luck,
Misery by Stephen King
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I genuinely can’t remember a time in recent months where I’ve been quite this hooked on a book before, never wanting to finish a reading session, and thinking constantly about what might happen next outside of when I’m reading. That’s the magic of Stephen King I guess!
It had been such a long time since I’d picked up a book by King, potentially due to my months-long slog with It last time haha, but I thought it would be perfect timing coming up to Halloween. Having watched the film of Misery previously, I vaguely remembered the plot but couldn’t recall the ending or some of the more intricate plot points, so this was like a new experience for me.
King brings such an incredible approach to his writing in books like this where they are so believable, and that fact in itself makes the book so anxiety-inducing. Annie as a main character had such depth and was absolutely terrifying given her unpredictability. You genuinely could never know what she was going to do next, or how far she’d go, with personality changes at the flick of a switch.
Seeing the story from Paul’s perspective worked so well as we learned tiny bits of information about Annie and her background alongside our main character, increasing the terror bit by bit and heightening Paul’s paranoia alongside this. The ending really drove it home for me from a point of hopelessness to survival, and inevitable aftermath and processing.
I’m remembering why I love King’s writing so much and I’m already craving another read from him - his writing is genuinely addictive. Of course I’ll be back for more but I’ll absolutely remember this as a King classic for good reason.
It had been such a long time since I’d picked up a book by King, potentially due to my months-long slog with It last time haha, but I thought it would be perfect timing coming up to Halloween. Having watched the film of Misery previously, I vaguely remembered the plot but couldn’t recall the ending or some of the more intricate plot points, so this was like a new experience for me.
King brings such an incredible approach to his writing in books like this where they are so believable, and that fact in itself makes the book so anxiety-inducing. Annie as a main character had such depth and was absolutely terrifying given her unpredictability. You genuinely could never know what she was going to do next, or how far she’d go, with personality changes at the flick of a switch.
Seeing the story from Paul’s perspective worked so well as we learned tiny bits of information about Annie and her background alongside our main character, increasing the terror bit by bit and heightening Paul’s paranoia alongside this. The ending really drove it home for me from a point of hopelessness to survival, and inevitable aftermath and processing.
I’m remembering why I love King’s writing so much and I’m already craving another read from him - his writing is genuinely addictive. Of course I’ll be back for more but I’ll absolutely remember this as a King classic for good reason.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I loved the concept behind this book and thought it was so original. The whole storyline of the food and wine tour was fab and made me want to do their exact holiday so badly.
I struggled a little with Theo as a narrator and found them quite frustrating and self-sabotaging. I’m sure it was an intentional choice but I didn’t love the way they assessed and handled situations often, especially in contrast to Kit.
I also found that the story started to drag an awful lot towards the end and unfortunately became quite repetitive, just feeling to me like it was time to wrap things up instead of visiting another 4 cities. I did however enjoy the way each character on the tour with them developed so much as we progressed, and as we learned more about their intricacies and relationships.
Despite my issues with the book, it was majorly sexy - there’s no other way of putting it really lol. And sexy in a really unique and interesting way due to the rules put in place by our main characters. Maybe I’ve just not yet read enough queer romance but I haven’t come across this previously, exploring the cavern of different ways to experience sex as a queer couple, even one who are “straight presenting”.
It had a lot of good and unique elements which I appreciated, but also some frustrations on my part, which may just be personal preference. However, I’ll definitely continue exploring the world of McQuiston and am already excited for my next read of theirs!
I struggled a little with Theo as a narrator and found them quite frustrating and self-sabotaging. I’m sure it was an intentional choice but I didn’t love the way they assessed and handled situations often, especially in contrast to Kit.
I also found that the story started to drag an awful lot towards the end and unfortunately became quite repetitive, just feeling to me like it was time to wrap things up instead of visiting another 4 cities. I did however enjoy the way each character on the tour with them developed so much as we progressed, and as we learned more about their intricacies and relationships.
Despite my issues with the book, it was majorly sexy - there’s no other way of putting it really lol. And sexy in a really unique and interesting way due to the rules put in place by our main characters. Maybe I’ve just not yet read enough queer romance but I haven’t come across this previously, exploring the cavern of different ways to experience sex as a queer couple, even one who are “straight presenting”.
It had a lot of good and unique elements which I appreciated, but also some frustrations on my part, which may just be personal preference. However, I’ll definitely continue exploring the world of McQuiston and am already excited for my next read of theirs!
Spirit Walker by Michelle Paver
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was the second in this magical series by Paver. It had the same wonderfully cozy and familiar vibes as the first book, bringing back the well-loved characters I’d missed too.
I found Spirit Walker a little repetitive at times with Torak’s dangerous moments and elements of tension mostly revolving around the same theme (aka drowning). Also, I found that a lot of the ways Torak gets out of trouble are very unrealistic and pure luck over and over. However, I found the reveals towards the end about Torak and his family so, so interesting and I’m really looking forward to how this plays out going forwards in the series.
Overall, despite a few snags, I did really enjoy spending time with this book and can’t wait to pick the next one up soon.