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paperbackportals's reviews
697 reviews
The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
I started it but, personally, had a hard time getting into it. The political aspects were difficult to follow. It just wasn’t for me, but might be for you!
All I Want for Christmas by Wendy Loggia
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
Cute. Magical. Christmassy.
The Magician's Daughter by H.G. Parry
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
Hmmm I’m not sure what has happened. I desperately wanted to love it, but I feel like I am trudging through the story. I believe it is the wrong fit for me at this time.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Clara at the Door with a Revolver: The Scandalous Black Suspect, the Exemplary White Son, and the Murder That Shocked Toronto by Carolyn Whitzman
informative
slow-paced
This wasn’t my preferred type of reading - fairly dense historical research - however it is very well researched and laid out informative narrative about a curious incident from the 1800s, which highlights past class and society divides in Toronto. Highly recommend if this is your style of reading.
And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
And Then She Fell is part psychological thriller, part sci-fi, and part scathing critique of colonialism. It’s got all the spooky vibes and deals with difficult and serious topics such as postpartum psychosis, mental health, the importance of community, racism, and generational trauma.
This might sound like a lot, but Alicia Elliott has delved into these topics with slight of hand that takes the reader on a mind-bending adventure that intrigues and frightens while also educating you.
I’m so captivated by her twisting and circular narrative and know that I will need to revisit this book again.
This might sound like a lot, but Alicia Elliott has delved into these topics with slight of hand that takes the reader on a mind-bending adventure that intrigues and frightens while also educating you.
I’m so captivated by her twisting and circular narrative and know that I will need to revisit this book again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, and Colonisation
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit
The Strangers by Katherena Vermette
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
My lending period ended, and I have a lot others ideas like to read.
It Happened One Christmas by Chantel Guertin
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Review: It Happened One Christmas by Chantel Guertin
This feel good romance is the perfect read for your upcoming holiday tbr.
Zoey is trying to find the perfect location to shoot her Christmas movie, and that location is Chelsea, Quebec. Why Chelsea when she could use closer, and more cost-effective and less complicated, locations to L.A.? Because Chelsea holds her only positive Christmas memory from her childhood. She returns, determined to get permission to have her movie filmed on location, only to be thwarted by the weather and the handsome town mayor.
This Canadian Christmas romance is adventurous and heartwarming with a strong female protagonist. I love that it was set locally - I actually drove past Chelsea while reading it. I got to learn about some new Christmas traditions, and it even had a bit of heat to warm up the frosty setting.
If you’re looking for Hallmark-esque holiday read, look no further. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
I was hoping for a mystery but I’m 35% in and nothing has really happened except the book is missing…
All of Us Villains by C.L. Herman, Amanda Foody
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
It was darker than I anticipated. I think I wasn’t I quite the right mood.