kelsey

It’s a hard beginning to listen too.

Reviewed: 11-06-22

Brief overview: Narration and performance were great. I enjoyed listening to the book. Not the best book but also not the worst book. I think the basis of the book itself is really good however I think it could have been executed a lot better and still had the drama and twists.

A little more in depth opinion on book:
At first I thought it was a super depressing book and characters, and wondered if I could even continue the story in hopes the main character would take back control of her life. It was becoming extremely difficult to listen to. But I do get that was the point the author tried to make to the reader but it was painful to hear how a woman was so defeated from her failed marriage.

And then it was a half a book about how rich and ostentatious her life was when she was married, which was ironic because she would always follow receiving said gift with how ostentatious it was to have been given.
There was too much emphasis on the gifts she received in the book. In ways it was like an influencer trying to show off their new bags or dresses from “X” brand etc. in a subtle way - like subliminal messaging from the authors? I understand why the gifts needed to be elaborate but again, the occurrences and descriptions were way too frequent/over the top.


(Small spoiler ahead for a trigger warning. If you have a need to know if a trigger warning when it comes to books/movies you should maybe read ahead)



I feel there should be a trigger warning for abuse even though I know it would give a twist or two away. I just wouldn’t want someone to come into this book blindly and then have to listen to detailed information about a woman’s abuse. Especially if the reader themselves have history with this.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Surprised myself when i ordered it but Glad I read this

Reviewed: 11-05-22

I think I spontaneously chose this one and was surprised after the fact that I had due to it being “a perfect couple in distress” but I’m glad I did.

It turned out to be a good book with some good twists and turns. The narration was also so good. I enjoyed both narrators and felt they worked so well as their characters voice. Avery with her confidant voice and Marissa with her motherly style voice but still has some guilt behind it.

I liked that the narrators gave us more of an ending with details as it felt very well rounded of an ending vs just explaining and ending the book that some authors tend to do. I felt each character got the ending they needed. Would definitely recommend this book as I finished it in one day and even stayed up later than usual to finish. I think it will be hard for some other books by these two authors to compare to this one, but I’ll give the others a shot.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The narration throws you off at first but you get used to it.

Reviewed: 11-05-22

The narrators have that deep Texan southern accent that at first was a little obnoxious (yes I’m from the south and still found it to be annoying at first) but then you get used to it. The narrators did a good job despite the thicker accent.
It was a good book with lots of helpful detail, but it’s not a book that you HAVE to read. But you’d still enjoy it if you did. I wish there was more dedication to the why’s and the what’s at the end because I felt it fell flat on “the passion of crime.”

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A great book without needing to compare to kind worth killing

Reviewed: 11-05-22

If you liked kind worth killing, you will like this. There are different very much in their own ways, I wish more people rate a book more on the book itself vs comparing it to another book by the same author.
Nonetheless this is still a great book! Swanson delivered a great twist to his characters lives and the chapters with different perspectives helped to add the different perspectives of what everyone is experiencing which adds to the dynamics of the story. Would very much recommend!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Actually quite good with an original story

Reviewed: 10-28-22

I was hesitant of this book due to reviews of ted’s narrator and some other little grievances over minuscule things. But I thought it was a really good book. Finished it in no time - the switch of narrators was well done along with descriptions. Even though some parts were repeated through different perspectives they each offered new information. I would highly recommend this book. Even if you don’t absolutely love it, you still really like it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Well worth a listen

Reviewed: 10-18-22

If you read (and loved) Silent Patient, you will enjoy this book. It’s not the full 5/5 story that is SP - however the writing is similar which is something I quite enjoy about Alex Michaelides style. Both stories bring something so new to world of mystery.
He’s properly descriptive, without making the story feel boring or wishing for it to end. I love how he twists and turns his story. As someone who not only enjoys psychological backgrounds but Greek mythology as well - I think I’ve found my new favorite author.

I wish there had been a little more info in regards to a few of the relationship and passing characters, including the “big on,” because even though it was such a troubling type, overall it left me wanting to know more about the two. (Trying not to spoil!)

I would love a sequel to learn more about what happens from the epilogue.

I also will happy listen to whatever Louise Brealey narrates.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Inspiring, eye opening

Reviewed: 08-19-22

Amazing to hear of the perseverance of not just Malala, but also her family and her community’s fight for children’s and women’s rights in the classroom. Not just for their home state and village but for the world. For all of them to be so brave when every day is a risk to go to school, it’s truly inspiring. They didn’t give up.
Women, and those support us, will change the world.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Like learning from a friend.

Reviewed: 04-29-22

I first learned of Sasha Sagan from a podcast she was featured on and realized quickly she shares a similar voice and story telling style of that of my favorite aunt, who I haven’t been able to visit with as frequently as I would like. So to be able to listen to the book, was a treat in its own.

After learning about her father and his role in society, i began to see the name everywhere. Along with the fact that this young woman didn’t believe in an afterlife because there was no proof to be, really intrigued me. It’s not something that is talked about enough, especially living in the south where religion is especially connected to all aspects of life - to which i cannot relate to.
So it seemed the next thing to do was read For Small Creatures Such as We.

I cannot get enough of this book. It’s like learning from a friend, as it keeps you engaged through her personal anecdotes and offers references to other areas of our world that may share celebrations but celebrate in their own ways entirely, and more. If you love anecdotes from someone’s life that helped shape them, learn from lessons and how to see from new perspectives - while also learning about the world, this is a book for you.
I think she uncovers a secular life in a beautiful way, as I myself am not entirely convinced of an afterlife. She explains her secular mindset in a very open, judgement free way, which I believe anyone can relate to (religious or not.) A beautiful book that I hope everyone has the opportunity to listen to.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful