Elle

Beautiful read

Reviewed: 01-19-21

It was easy to anticipate much of the storyline, but in this case that didn't take anything away from the experience.

Carey Mulligan was flawless except for her Newfoundland pronunciation.

Matt Haig is fast becoming one of my favourite authors in both adult and children's fiction. His style is imaginative yet grounded in a wonderful fashion.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

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1 person found this helpful

Worthy second book

Reviewed: 01-05-21

I was very pleased - although surprised - to find a follow-up book to one of my favourites: Ready Player One.

At first we follow Wade along for a catch-up of events. It's not as exciting as the world-building beginning of the previous book, rather quite a downer (albeit a necessary one for the story).

It cleverly navigates the underdog-to-hero-to "live long enough to see yourself become the enemy" theme with its protagonist getting to display the characteristics, realise it and overall act very human.

It could never be the same as the last book, and it doesn't pretend or aspire to be that. Still it tries to achieve some grandeur in other ways... it just somehow falls short.

Where the first book had a red thread and divided its time wisely, this one feels less well executed. In some parts we get excruciating details while other - more interesting parts - are skimmed past. It makes for an uneven read.

Cline has done his homework on the trivia once again, but much of the magic is lost. The frame story's premise also ruins what could've been another epic quest. A lot of the ingenuity that delighted me in the last one isn't there in this one.

In the end I'm happy there was a second book, but I wish more time had been spent evening it out, and making it as magical as the previous one.

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As good as The Handmaid's Tale

Reviewed: 04-22-20

I found this book to be an equal to the original story. If you liked 'The Handmaid's Tale', you'll likely enjoy this too. Both stories build the world and takes a plot forward. Neither has the kind of dramaturgy typical for most modern novels, but both are captivating in another way. If you lived not knowing what happened before or after THT, skip this one, but for me this rounded things off nicely.

I also appreciated all narrators in this version.

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Enjoyable as always

Reviewed: 09-01-17

The Sunday Philosophy Club series has a quiet and philosoohical tone with humorous insight. The books each feel like a personal friend of mine, which I can enjoy with plenty of recognition and many smiles. The series feels very real to me, and this latest installment is another joyful listen with the wonderful Davina Porter making it even more colourful and lovely.

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Light and different

Reviewed: 03-08-17

With such an unsympathetic lead character this book sometimes made me feel rather embarrassed, yet it also made it feel slightly more realistic.

Overall I enjoyed the book and will continue the series.

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Bailey is back!

Reviewed: 02-26-17

I was a little sad when I finished A Dog's Purpose, so having this available felt great. It didn't completely match up to the first book, and I preferred the previous narrator, although this one wasn't bad either. So if you liked the first book, I believe you'll like this too!

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Stephenie delivers again!

Reviewed: 02-12-17

...Not quite at her 'The Host' level, where the scenario was incredible and the story amazing. But The Chemist delivers and wouldn't need a world-famous writer to succeed either. Meyer again shows off her talent when it comes to suspense as well as unique and entertaining characters. The protagonist, Julianna/Alex, is the next step coming from shy/useless Bella to physically weak but determined Melanie. We still find a petite brunette at the centre, but Alex is the smartest, most resouceful and badass we've seen so far in Meyer's books, a woman who can take care of herself. Even with the questionable occupation she held, she's quite a good role model for women in general. Although I would have liked some of Wanda's (The Host) compassion in her.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, I would recommend it to people who liked The Host, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next!

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Fascinating perspective (Contains spoilers!)

Reviewed: 09-22-16

This is not the best book ever. I did not listen to it all in one go.

But I loved being in the head of this person, trying to figure him out as he shares his view of the world. It's intriguing to say the least!


SPOILER ALERT!
In his own mind this man is rational, and stalking, kidnapping and murdering is things other people can simply force you to do to them by their own bad behaviour.

I love his twisted sense of love and how he thinks. I'm not sure a person like him exists, but it's a captivating character for certain.

I would definitely recommend this book.

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Lovely tale

Reviewed: 03-15-16

Loved getting so many different perspectives and ages, and they all came together really nicely!

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One good, one less good narrator

Reviewed: 03-01-15

*Contains minor spoilers*

Overall I enjoyed this conclusion to the series. I feel like it could have been more somehow, that it was too easy sometimes. Also I missed Jill and Angeline. Jill appears at the end, but I'm not ok with leaving this world and these characters just yet.

I really hope Richelle will do another series in this universe!

The male narrator was really good, he could have done the whole series if it was up to me. Emily Shaffer however is just not that great. She can do young and annoying characters quite well, and the occational stern man sounds alright. Previously making Adrian British however, is inexcusable! And her voice is just kinda... unpleasant. It lacks that smoothness and nuances I'd want in a narrator.

She's not terrible, they could certainly have done worse. I mean, it's gotta be difficult to narrate well. But that's what they're being paid to do. So please, stop hiring Emily Shaffer to narrate entire books. Voice acting, having one clear role, I believe, world be a better fit.

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