Reviews and Comments

ApparentParadox

ApparentParadox@outside.ofa.dog

Joined 1 year, 9 months ago

GWM living in Oregon.I used to love books that would really stretch me, but lately I've needed more solace from the books that I read.

My ratings are as follows: * 5 stars: it's truly a great book, and I'll want to re-read it again and again. * 4 stars: it's a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. I'll probably re-read it. * 3 stars: It's a fine book, just not special. I may re-read it if I'm looking to just relax and not have to think, but I would probably pick up a new book instead. * 2 stars: I finished it, but might have given up if I were in a different mood. * 1 star: I didn't enjoy the book and probably didn't finish it. I wouldn't blanketly recommend against it, because it might speak to someone else.

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stopped reading The Librarian of the Haunted Library by Brian Yansky (Strangely Scary Funny, #1)

Just not into it. I don't really see the point to the story. There are some interesting things, but not enough to keep me reading this.

Judi Dench: Shakespeare (2024, St. Martin's Press)

Nice in spots, but not as good as I had hoped

This is really only good for someone who is a huge Judi Dench fan and who also knows a lot about Shakespeare plays. Apparently it started as a series of conversations with Ms. Dench, and then was turned into a book. It was probably better as a series of informal chats. There isn't any real arc or over-all idea to the book. Just a bunch of vignettes.

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D.J. Heart: Alpha Bait

Bordering on non-consent

There are scenes in the book that border on non-consent, and definitely have "consent after the fact" which bothers me. I didn't finish the book for those reasons, but of the stuff that I did read, the character always gave consent after the fact, so maybe would have given informed consent before the activity, but it still bothers me.

reviewed Witches, Histories, & Murders by Scarlett Moss (Paisley Island Cozy Mysteries, #1)

I wanted to like this book, but really couldn't

I had hopes for this book, but really, it just didn't do it for me. It was pretty choppy with not a good story. Maybe subsequent books in the series will flesh things out, but it's not worth it to me.

Magda Alexander: Murder at Westminster (2022, Hearts Afire Publishing)

Amateur sleuth Kitty Worthington once more jumps into the fray to nab the wily murderer …

Enjoyable read

Content warning I wish that the murder had happened for a different reason -- because the duke had harmed his father.

Nothing particularly new, but some good reminders

Although this is somewhat a book about practicing the piano, it will apply to many other instruments as well. It's only 32 pages, so a quick read. Nothing that hasn't been said in other books on practicing, but it's always good to have a reminder.