Rebels by Accident by Patricia Dunn B-
This was young-adult fiction and reminded me of an I Survived book. It takes place in Egypt during the Mubarak riots a few years ago. I thought the overall story and writing was good and some of it was a little corny, but I think that's because it was young-adult. I don't read so much of that these days, so the little things stick out. I'd call this "realistic fictional non-fiction". It was good enough that I read it in 2-3 days and, when I couldn't sleep one night, finished it at 3am. The end was sad.
The String Diaries by Stephen Lloyd Jones A
I really enjoyed this story. It was time travel meets mystery meets fantasy meets historical fiction. It was weird and creepy and kind of enthralling. I couldn't stop listening. I can't really say too much about it without giving away plot twists, but read the synopsis and if it seems like you might be a little bit interested, I'd give it a shot. This had been on my TBR list for a year or more and I'm glad I finally pulled the trigger on it.
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout D+
Meh. This was very short and very sad and very anger-inducing. I was angry at Lucy's parents, I was angry at Lucy for being so passive, and it was just an annoying feeling. It wasn't even really a novel. It was like a character study with Lucy as the narrator and she was unreliable in that role.
It wasn't the worst thing I'd ever read. But if it'd been 400 pages (twice the length), I'd have not finished it.
Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin B+
A murder mystery of sorts. I enjoyed it well enough to keep listening and it was one of those passed-the-time-just-fine books. I would recommend it if you like a good Lifetime movie.
Progress this year is slow and steady...Well, not really steady. But slow, right?
Linking up with Jana and Steph!
I always trust your reviews and end up adding new books to my Wish List! I wish I read faster than I do ;)
ReplyDeleteI might need to look into The String Diaries now--sounds intriguing!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about My Name Is Lucy Barton. Just thought it was super annoying! The String Diaries sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteAudible had Black Eyed Susan's as one of their Daily Deals last month and I forgot to get it! Will keep it on my TBR. Have a good one!
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by The String Diaries even though it doesn't sound like something I'd typically like. What the heck, I might try it!
ReplyDeletei keep seeing that lucy barton book everywhere, but it didn't sound like i would enjoy it, and now i'm very glad i didn't get it. i'll skip that one. i am glad you really liked the string diaries, it's on my list and i hope i love it as well :)
ReplyDeleteI had My Name is Lucy Barton from Netgalley and just couldn't get into it, so it is currently abandoned...who knows if I'll ever go back to it, honestly. The String Diaries sounds pretty intriguing!
ReplyDeleteThe String Diaries sounds right up my alley and is going on my reading list. I'm going to pass on the Lucy Barton book because it doesn't sound like something I'll happily finish. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI had similar feelings about Black-Eyed Susans. It was good, but it never got me excited. this is the first bad review of the Lucy Barton book i have seen. I'll have to look into it more before I pull the trigger on that one.
ReplyDeleteBlack Eyed Susans is on my TBR but I've been taking my sweet time getting around to reading it. Not really sure why.
ReplyDeleteI want to be intrigued by The String Diaries but I generally don't like historical fiction. I have been trying to branch out in what I read, though, so maybe I'll give it a shot.
Rebels by Accident sounds interesting...a little bit different YA for me, when I read YA. You summed up Black Eyed Susans perfectly.
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