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paperbackportals's reviews
697 reviews
Perception: A Photo Series by Kc Adams
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This collection of photographs and the accompanying explanation are a beautiful piece of social art that can provoke meaningful discussion.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I wanted to love this, but it just felt long and sad. A lot of sad. I can understand why so many do love it though. If you like magic realism and slow burn, epistolary love stories, check this out.
The Phoenix Crown by Janie Chang, Kate Quinn
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-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
5.0
The Phoenix Crown is one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint. I love both of the authors’ solo books and this fusing of their styles was amazing. I really enjoyed reading about a different time period (outside of world wars). The female protagonists were strong and inspiring and the plot drew me in from page one.
Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I had a hard time reading this one. I’m not sure if it was the timing or the fact that what I expected to be the climax was actually in the middle… it was too many sad emotions at this time.
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
slow-paced
3.0
I’m not sure what I think. It was unique, but I didn’t love it. However, it was an interesting take on the afterlife and life.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
challenging
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Heart wrenching and immersive. Kristin Hannah’s newest novel, The Women, is pulling back the curtain and giving the women that were in the Vietnam War a voice.
Ever since I picked up The Nightingale, I have been a huge fan of Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction. As a long time WWII historical fiction reader, The Nightingale introduced me to her beautiful writing, and then took me on a journey into 1970s Alaska, The Great Depression, and other time periods.
Her carefully crafted stories, immersive narratives, and complex yet relatable characters drew me into these time periods and their fierce female protagonists, and The Women is her newest achievement. It is a story not only of women who participated in the Vietnam War, but, through the perspective of Francis “Frankie” McGrath, Hannah also reveals the depth and breadth of emotion through service, return, and the too slow system of recognizing the effect of the war on those who served. She also describes and develops the deep camaraderie between those who serve together.
This story was a deeply moving experience that was further enhanced by the talented narration of Julia Whelan, who captured the beauty, the heartache, and terror with her amazing voice.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Heart wrenching and immersive. Kristin Hannah’s newest novel, The Women, is pulling back the curtain and giving the women that were in the Vietnam War a voice.
Ever since I picked up The Nightingale, I have been a huge fan of Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction. As a long time WWII historical fiction reader, The Nightingale introduced me to her beautiful writing, and then took me on a journey into 1970s Alaska, The Great Depression, and other time periods.
Her carefully crafted stories, immersive narratives, and complex yet relatable characters drew me into these time periods and their fierce female protagonists, and The Women is her newest achievement. It is a story not only of women who participated in the Vietnam War, but, through the perspective of Francis “Frankie” McGrath, Hannah also reveals the depth and breadth of emotion through service, return, and the too slow system of recognizing the effect of the war on those who served. She also describes and develops the deep camaraderie between those who serve together.
This story was a deeply moving experience that was further enhanced by the talented narration of Julia Whelan, who captured the beauty, the heartache, and terror with her amazing voice.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Mental illness, Medical content, and War
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, and Suicide attempt
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
emotional
slow-paced
4.0
A sad story of lost family, but also a beautiful narrative of connection.
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book was addictive because I liked Sally and wanted the best for her, but the story was so disturbing. The pacing was for the most part (until the last bit) perfect to keep you reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Violence, and Kidnapping