Best Classic Novels For Adults (2024 Updated)

The title of this book caught my attention first. When I read the novel, I found the characters vastly different but all seeking a connection to family. The cover art was vivid, and that further drew me in.

The morals value and content are very bad and not worth reading. After reading a few chapters we knew the book subject matter was nothing we should read, and therefore got ride of the book. We wish that there would be a page to describe the book’s subject matter and contents, as the name does not give any indication.

I was hooked. I kept saying “one more chapter” a fabulous read full of those OH MY GOD moments.

“We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other. ” The Song of Achilles, set in ancient Greece ‘in the age of heroes’ follows the perspective of protagonist Patroclus and his life’s journey up until the trojan war.

Patroclus, strong willed, yet weak bodied, son of King Menoitius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus of Phthia where he comes into the acquaintance of Peleus’ son, Prince Achilles. The unlikely relationship between the two evolves from a hazy friendship, later maturing into one of intimacy, tenderness, and love.

Madeline Miller presents this elegant and devastatingly beautiful story, contemporarily reimagining Homer’s mythological tale ‘Iliad’. This reconceptualisation of a tale as old as history presents modern and ancient philosophies of changing gender expectations and the influence of power and agency over the aspirations of both male and female characters.

As far as queer literature goes, this is absolutely one of the most perfectly and beautifully crafted pieces ever written. I found that regardless of the gender of the two protagonists, this book merely showcased two people, who, were simply and utterly, in love.

As a historically fictional and mythological retelling, Miller characterises the heroes, gods, and men over the course of the book, achieving this by emphasising the importance of honour, pride, and legacy.

Personally, I discovered that the characterisation of Achilles after he receives a prophecy from the Fates before the battles at Troy, alludes to the suggestion that, after the battle, ‘his honour is all that will remain’.

Miller skilfully articulates historical jargon throughout the book, in such a way that it would be comprehensible to anyone who wishes to read it. After finishing this story, I would unequivocally recommend this book for anyone over the age of 15 interested (or not) in ancient Greek mythology.

To those who wish to read this story, be prepared to have your heart – metaphorically – ripped into a thousand tiny pieces.

Madeline Miller is a sweetheart and a goddess for this one. I love the song of Achilles, and I will always have a place in my heart just for it. This is one of those books that you never want to finish, you know it would break your heart but you still read it and after reading it you sit in your tears, and you wish it has a different ending or at least a resolution in the ending that goes like, “and then they lived happily ever after”, but I guess we don’t always get what we want.

Not a summary but my wishes, likes, and dislikes: Anyway,I’m glad that Thetis later chose the right thing the do and redeemed herself. I didn’t like how Briesis ended, I dislike phyruss and I kinda like that he died.

I didn’t have any dislike for Hector, he was a good man who was fighting for the honor of his family. I despise Agamemnon because he had a hand in what happened to Patroclus, although Achilles pride was a huge contributor (reminded me so much of Arthur and Merlin).

I wish patroculus dad would’ve known the brave, strong man his son grew up to be. I wasn’t happy for the man Achilles became after the death of Patroclus. I wouldn’t say I was happy, happy at the end because I don’t think they found peace, but I’m glad that at least they found something almost like peace in the darkness of the afterlife.

✨”Go,” she says. “He waits for you. ” IN THE DARKNESS. two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy, dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun✨😭.

This is my first greek mythology book. Considering I haven’t read greek mythology, I take into account that I can not compare them to one another but at the same time, I feel you shouldn’t compare books as they are different from one another.

But this book in my opinion in reading greek mythology was interesting and made me understand and learn more about this type of genre. In fact, if you ever choose to read this book, it will shatter your heart into a million pieces.

The plot revolves around two boys growing up with and realising that their love for each other is far more than the traditional brotherly love that is anticipated between two men. The Song of Achilles features an exiled prince who is so charming and skilled that he is ready to be the greatest warrior of his generation, a prophecy, a never-ending conflict, and a thousand emotions related to each chapter of the book.

This book also includes some Greek mythology and is fascinatingly fantastic. Would I read it again yes definitely, I think I still need to understand the concept of greek mythology to get into it,but it was a good read.

l love this book. great novel. great writing. I like when first I read a book and then I watch a movie. if I would saw a movie first I would never read the book, cause movie is nothing with book. book is much more better much more interesting.

I can recommend it to everyone.

Bought as a gift last year for my sisters birthday, didnt expect much due to the bargain of the price but my expectations were pleasantly exceeded. The quality is amazing and my sister loved it 🙂 defo recommend.

The first time I read Emma, I really honestly didn’t enjoy it. It wasn’t until I read it a second time before I fully appreciated the amazing sense of humour in the book. It was fun to realise just how vain and conceited Emma was, but also how ultimately sweet she was.

Oh, and the clothbound version- Utterly gorgeous, and it is a fantastic addition to my library!.

I give this book all of the stars. I had read several Colleen Hoover books before picking up Verity at the recommendation of a friend. She did tell me that it’s a bit different from the other books by CH that I had read, which intrigued me.

It was worth every second I spent reading it. I couldn’t step away and was genuinely shocked by the ending. Synopsis: When small-time writer Lowen is approached to shadow/cowrite the remaining books in an accomplished series by bestselling author Verity Crawford after she was in a terrible car accident that left her unfit to finish the series herself, Lowen unknowingly accepts to take on more than the job entails.

After being invited to spend a few days going through Verity’s office, Lowen stumbles upon an unpublished work of Verity–an autobiographical account of Verity’s life. Strange occurrences in the house leave Lowen unsettled and afraid of Verity, whose husband, Jeremy, and doctors believe to be a shell of the woman she was.

Is Verity really as helpless as Lowen has been told and the events she thinks have happened all in her head? Or is Lowen correct and Verity is faking the extent of her injuries after lying to Jeremy for years about who she really was and is a threat to him and their son? Lowen must decide if Verity is still the monster she reads about in chapter after disturbing chapter of the hidden pages Verity had stowed in her desk or if her growing feeling or Jeremy are clouding her judgment and her perception of reality isn’t as it seems.

“I hear the crack of his skull before the splattering of blood reaches me”. From the very first paragraph, Verity by Colleen Hoover had me hooked. I don’t normally read thriller’s, but Verity has literally been everywhere since it published this week and I was intrigued.

Lowen Ashley is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime to complete a series of a renowned author who was in a car accident. What unfolds is a psychological head trip which sees Lowen uncover the grisly truth of Verity’s neglect and murder of one of her twins.

Or does it? Is it the truth, or is the something even more sinister afoot? Verity had me literally guessing right until the end, the book was a virtual rollercoaster and I still am left wondering whether the truth ever come out.

This book is a highlight for me so far, and I think will keep me guessing long into the year. Highly recommend, stepping out of my reading comfort zone has definitely unveiled a winner for me.

Verity is the first book I’ve ever read by Colleen Hoover, and definitely won’t be the last. She draws you in with her writing to where you forget you’re reading–you’re just that invested in the story.

I’ve been meaning to read her books for a long time and think this thriller was a fun and wild one to start out with! Verity’s husband, Jeremy, hires a writer, Lowen, to finish writing a popular series by his wife, who was in an accident and can’t complete the series.

Jeremy also invites Lowen to stay at the house with him and Verity and gives her complete access to Verity’s office for research on the series. Almost immediately Lowen comes across an unfinished autobiography Verity was writing.

What Lowen reads in that manuscript is so disturbing, she immediately begins wondering if she should show it to Jeremy. Knowing that Lowen has begun falling for Jeremy, I wasn’t one hundred percent sure that she had the purest of intentions; however, the confessions were pretty shocking, and I found myself leaning towards telling Jeremy.

As if this all wasn’t creepy enough, the scare factor was increased by events unfolding in a way that I couldn’t tell if what Lowen was seeing and experiencing were real or not. I’ve said this many times and will keep saying it–I love not being sure about whether a narrator is reliable or not! The only reason I rated this book four stars instead of five was that I didn’t like Lowen falling for Jeremy.

I thought it was predictable and a bit sudden. Bottom line–this book was a roller coaster, the kind that goes zero to sixty in five seconds. From the first page, you are LAUNCHED into the story. I flew through the book and was brought out of a major reading slump I previously was struggling to get out of.

Things that happen in Verity are played with to where you can’t tell if you’re imagining things or not, and I love an author’s ability to do that.

beautifully written story by Mary Shelley with tragic and hauntingly heart breaking elements. The clothbound cover is nice to handle with gorgeous detailed hearts. I highly recommend this book and this specific edition, as it includes the notes of Mary Shelley and two short stories by Lord Byron and Dr John William Polidori.

Frankenstein is one of my favourite books, so I was stoked to see this hard cover. The quality is fantastic and the book itself is gorgeous, I’ve purchased many of these special editions and will continue to do so.

Great gift idea – my loved ones adore them.

I had to read this for school and unfortunately it was boring. It could have been cut down into a lengthy short story, or short novel. The monster’s POV and the last couple chapters were moderately engaging (moderate used very generously) but the novel largely consists of the whining of Frankenstein.

I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into this novel, but it was well worth the investment of my time! The blending of historical fact with fiction is Lisa’s strong suit. Creating strong, memorable characters and story lines is her gift.

I am consistently amazed how Lisa Wingate is able to create such fascinating stories based upon little-known historical events, create totally believable life-like, sympathetic characters then, as their stories unfold, make you feel as though you are experiencing the events of their lives right alongside them.

At the end of Lisa’s novels, I am always saddened that I’ll be losing touch with what have become beloved friends. Just as her previous New York Times best-selling novel, Before We Were Yours, brought to light a tragic period in our history involving an adoption scandal in Tennessee during the early part of the 20th Century, The Book of Lost Friends was sparked by the discovery of a project to preserve the records of freed slaves desperately seeking family members after the Civil War via letters (advertisements) placed in a magazine called the Southwest Christian Advocate which was circulated throughout the South.

The ads were posted on bulletin boards and read at the pulpits of African-American churches in the aftermath of the Civil War. Freed slaves wrote what little they knew of their splintered families in the hopes that someone would help them reconnect with their lost loved ones.

Some of these advertisements are included in the novel. The heartwarming stories woven around this theme are written with such compassion, authenticity, love and sincerity! In 1875, Hannie Gossett is a six-year-old slave child who witnesses her family being sold off by an unscrupulous family member of her plantation owner who thought he was sending them to safety in Texas.

As the family is torn apart and sold off, Hannie listens as her mother recites their names, the names of those who took them and where each family member was taken. It is the only record Hannie has of her family.

Before leaving her, Hannie is given a gift by her mother that will help her to identify other family members, should she be able to locate them at some future date. A series of events brings together Hannie, who, as a now freed slave is share-cropping on the plantation where she was raised hoping to one day own the land, Lavinia, the spoiled pampered daughter of Hannie’s former owner, and Lavinia’s creole half-sister, Juneau Jane, as they take on a quest that will affect each of their lives.

Their journey is full of misadventure, danger and a series of events which bonds them together in unexpected ways. Along the way, they discover the Lost Friends advertisements. It is a heartrending and emotional story of three young women on an incredible journey.

Bennie Silva is a new teacher working off her student loan debt by teaching in an underprivileged school located in Louisiana in 1987. Unable to motivate her.

I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into this novel, but it was well worth the investment of my time! The blending of historical fact with fiction is Lisa’s strong suit. Creating strong, memorable characters and story lines is her gift.

I am consistently amazed how Lisa Wingate is able to create such fascinating stories based upon little-known historical events, create totally believable life-like, sympathetic characters then, as their stories unfold, make you feel as though you are experiencing the events of their lives right alongside them.

At the end of Lisa’s novels, I am always saddened that I’ll be losing touch with what have become beloved friends. Just as her previous New York Times best-selling novel, Before We Were Yours, brought to light a tragic period in our history involving an adoption scandal in Tennessee during the early part of the 20th Century, The Book of Lost Friends was sparked by the discovery of a project to preserve the records of freed slaves desperately seeking family members after the Civil War via letters (advertisements) placed in a magazine called the Southwest Christian Advocate which was circulated throughout the South.

The ads were posted on bulletin boards and read at the pulpits of African-American churches in the aftermath of the Civil War. Freed slaves wrote what little they knew of their splintered families in the hopes that someone would help them reconnect with their lost loved ones.

Some of these advertisements are included in the novel. The heartwarming stories woven around this theme are written with such compassion, authenticity, love and sincerity! In 1875, Hannie Gossett is a six-year-old slave child who witnesses her family being sold off by an unscrupulous family member of her plantation owner who thought he was sending them to safety in Texas.

As the family is torn apart and sold off, Hannie listens as her mother recites their names, the names of those who took them and where each fami.

I highly recommend this book! It takes us to two time periods- post Civil War and 1987. We meet the 1987 teacher, new to an impoverished southern Louisiana town, who is trying to reach her students. We meet three girls from the past who go on a journey reluctantly together : the pampered daughter of a plantation, her half-sister from New Orleans, and a former slave from that plantation.

I loved how the author tied the two time periods together, and the other characters in the book are interesting too. I was lucky to attend a virtual chat with the author! I am also very familiar with an area that could have been the same town in the book, but if I wasn’t, Lisa’s descriptions put you there.

You can almost smell the flowers in the overgrown garden. It’s the first book I’ve read of hers, and now I want to read others! I will certainly revisit this one too!.

For me, his best work. This book is literary history. Almost 100 years after its publication and everything that literature has evolved, it is still the thread that many authors pull for their books today.

Mystery and intrigue until the end. It is an accessible story, in which it will be easy to immerse ourselves. A very well thought out novel with a very well constructed plot. The book proposes a great variety of characters with a differentiated voice and their own traits.

Agatha Christie is a classic of literature of mistery. And Then There Were None is wrapped in an atmosphere of mystery and anguish that disturbs the characters and the reader.

This is my all time favorite mystery novel! Agatha Christie is hands down one of the best writers when it comes to this genre. If you are looking for a book that will have you at the edge of your seat the whole time, has nonstop plot twists, and will leave you with your jaw on the floor then this book is the perfect choice! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do, happy reading! P.

S. the movie is just as amazing :).

This definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I knew who did it, I found out I wrong and the ending was nothing I expected. It was a little slow at first and with so many characters it was sometimes hard for me to remember who was who, but as the book went out I became invested and found myself yelling out loud to the characters.

Definitely want to ream more from Agatha Christie.

It came in good condition. I’ve read a few King books so far and enjoyed them, heard this one was pretty good, too. Can’t wait to read it!

There is nothing better in the world than the smell of a paper back novel. Pure enjoyment from start to finish…classic. I would recommend this book for anyone who is of age.

I read this eons ago, but I have given away all of my old hardcover books. I am now re-reading my old favorites, and I am glad this was one of them.

Bradbury’s poetic descriptors of a tale so haunting and real make it so easy to live in the fantastical world of storms and carnivals; you see the age in the mirrors, though never expressly said; you feel the unnameable desire to go on, to keep exploring, whilst simultaneously knowing it brings doom.

You are a child and an elder, an innocent and a sinner, walking hand-in-hand through the known and unknown. It also makes an incredible difference if you read it whilst listening to “ominous instrumental” music through your earbuds.

I think this a great read. I’m sure everyone had read or at least knows what this book is about but even though I knew the plot, reading the book was worth the time. I think it is written very well.

Such a classic from an iconic writer. I suggest everyone read at least one of his books who is into horror

By far one of the best novels I’ve ever read. Doerr does an incredible job juxtaposing the storylines of a German genius-soldier and a brilliant blind girl. There were both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments in the book, and the structure was unlike one I’ve ever seen, with some chapters spanning pages and others only being one or two pages long.

This book is not like your typical WWII story; it delves into identity, family, free will, and endurance. I was instantly attached to most of the characters in the book, and the multiple points of view make it all that more immersive.

I enjoyed Marie-Laure’s story most of all; though she is incapable of seeing anything, she still “sees” and uses the skills she’s adapted to to her advantage. I highly recommend this book to someone wanting to experience an emotional roller coaster.

This book has that as well as a bit of everything else: history, fantasy, romance. It has moments that will make you smile and moments that will make you cry; moments that will make you close the book and moments that will keep you up at night, reading page after page.

Arguably best of all, it does what many novels don’t: it gives a clear ending for every character.

This book was so beautiful and haunting. I fell in love with so many of the characters, and loved how their lives were weaved together. Knowing the time period this was set in, I knew the ending would hurt.

And it did, though I didn’t shed as many tears as I expected. The writing was incredible, the descriptions so vivid. It did a superb job of showing the reader how the characters felt through their actions, rather than telling.

Whilst the short chapters (on average 1. 5 pages) helped to make this read a little quicker, it was still quite a slow book. I really enjoyed being able to savour it and get to know the characters, however there were some points where it felt a little too dense and slow.

The folk who study such things inform anyone interested that the range of light perceived by humans is a small fraction of the spectrum of light which actually spans. The light we cannot see inhabits the world giving it distinction depth and definitions beyond the distraction our limited vision offers.

This wider spectrum it seems can only be seen when one closes one’s eyes and by allowing one to remember the light that infuses one’s being with the same intensity it illuminates all that is. Marie-Laure LeBlanc lives in Paris with her father who is principal locksmith for the National Museum of Natural History.

Having lost her sight at age six due to a congenital defect she learns to navigate her neighborhood from a model carved by her father. She is smart brave and willing to explore what is around her. Her blindness has allowed her vision to be of breadth and depth beyond her environs.

Werner Pfenning is an orphan living in Zollverein a coal mining complex just outside Essen Germany. There he witnesses the brutal results of inflation joblessness and poverty brought about as the results of the Marshall Plan after WWI.

With his sister Jutta he learns to navigate life at Children’s House the orphanage in which they reside. He learns early that electricity as it pertains to radio waves is as natural to him as breathing ñ he has the ability to ‘see’ the elections as they travel through the conductors transponders and wires leading to the production of sound.

The year is 1934; both of these youngsters will come of age in a time of global conflict the breadth of which will change the course of history. As the years pass their once peaceful inclusive country spirals into chaos and irrationality as war draws near and these two disparate people are drawn toward each other.

When they finally meet it seems that all the light that is was waiting that moment to shine its brightest. Anthony Doerr takes a moment in history a rare gem two people with huge obstacles and knowledge of communication to weave a story that is enthralling enchanting and deeply moving.

This book is literature at its best using fiction to speak truths hidden by facts; it leads the reader to see familiar history through a lens that newly directed. In placing the book at a time when the world was learning about ‘connectivity’ and on the cusp of destroying itself the author heightens the tension and magnifies the power of seeing what exists beneath what is apparent.

War is destructive yet it cannot annihilate hope. Evil can be powerful but it can be defeated by those willing to resist its domination and allure. Gems are made valuable by those who seek them but they remain nothing more than stones often found in a creek.

This is a book worth re-reading. By its end the reader has all the information about the characters needed to want them never leave. By the time for goodbyes the parting is too soon in arriving. The world has changed having become much smaller by the ability to ‘visit’ others across the world instantly.

The world has remained unchanged its people waiting to be lit by all the light we cannot see.

Loved this book so much! It is written beautifully & such a good read. It should be noted that there are multiple racist comments throughout the book which may be triggering to some (and obviously very offensive), as well as the topic of mental illness.

I recommend looking up the TWs first!.

some pages were horribly folded, the cover was ripped which made it look hideous. other than that, everything is fine. came fast, thank you! just hoping its not missing any pages but im super excited to read!.

Average arrival time and no where in the description did it say the poor condition this product is in. Looks like it has been used to squash a fly or spider as looks like there is blood on the front.

Has clearly been used for studies as it is full of underlinings and covered in someones notes. Not impressed.

Helen was surprised to find a great person and friend in Sully. Sully was surprised to find that Helen and he not much in common except needing a friend and confident. They both fell for the other and in the end could not do without the other.

Helen’s niece , Dr. Leigh, could not bring herself to commit to a man she was deeply in love with. Rob Shadon, the pub owner, fell deeply for Leigh. Having already raised 2 sons , he was really astounded when Leigh presented him with her little surprise!! Great book.

Highly recommended.

I devoured this book. I started it at Christmas time and I read it almost straight through. I couldn’t stop, I couldn’t put it down, and I just had to know that everyone ended up happy. I was invested in the characters relationships, I wanted to be part of their loving family, and I needed to know what was going to happen with them.

While this is Leigh and Rob’s story I loved that it was Sully’s story also. Sully was in need to his happy ever after and this was written perfectly for him. I love his wit, his sense of who he is, and the fact that he didn’t let the Helen sway him from what he wanted, which was her.

He knew that he was older and that his life was slowing down but he was willing to do whatever it took to keep her happy and with him. Rob and Leigh’s story is a hot, slow-moving romancing. The heat is scorching but they take the relationship part slowly.

Neither is ready for marriage but they both realize that they have to commit to each other to make it work for them. While they are in different places in life together they are perfect. Rob balances out Leigh’s need for control and Leigh gives Rob some fun that he much needed after raising his two boys alone.

The Best of Us is the perfect, loving romance story. The characters have real relationships with family and friends.

I just started reading Robyn Carr’s books and really enjoy them. I’m almost finished with the Sullivan Crossings series. I like the variety of characters and how she tells each of their stories. If you’re looking for a little something different in a “chick” book I recommend her writing.

If you’ve ever involuntarily blurted out ‘And I’m Britt’, this is the book for you. If you’ve pounced on this book before reading the blurb, allow me to enlighten you: this is a novel, not a super long episode of Crime Junkie in book form.

Not that I’d ever open a book, see A Novel after the title and question every assumption I’ve ever made. All Good People Here (A Novel) primarily takes place in Wakarusa, Indiana, where Ashley and Britt grew up.

In 1994, six year old January Jacobs died. Everyone in town knew Krissy, January’s mother, murdered her but the case has officially remained unsolved. “You don’t want to go back to that sad little town where that terrible thing happened.

” Margot hasn’t lived in Wakarusa for twenty years but has returned to care for her beloved Uncle Luke. When a young girl is reported missing in a nearby town, Margot believes the person who killed her childhood friend has struck again.

Margot is determined to use her crime reporting skills to solve the cases but she seems to be the only one seeing their similarities. This may be a small town but many of its residents are living with secrets.

“What did you do?” Hearing the story from Krissy and Margot’s perspectives, you learn about the dynamics of the Jacobs’ family, how the investigation into January’s death unfolded and the impact it has had on everyone close to the case in the subsequent years.

A few key details about January and her death made me think of JonBenét Ramsey. Once I made that connection, I had trouble seeing anything else. I enjoyed tagging along as Margot followed up leads, although I did get a bit bogged down at times with what was happening with Luke.

I guessed some of the reveals but, rather than being disappointed by this as I usually would be, it made me feel like I was being a good Crime Junkie. It’s taken me two weeks since finishing this book to attempt writing a review and that’s mostly due to the last time we see Margot in this book.

Readers will likely either love or hate this scene. I loved it but, because I don’t want to get all spoilery, I can’t tell you why I loved it and that’s what I really want to talk about. I’m looking forward to reading future books by Ashley.

Until then, I’ll keep getting my Crime Junkie fix whenever I can and remembering to always “Be weird. Be rude. Stay alive. ” Content warnings are included on my blog. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this book.

Three days. That’s how long it took to read this book. First I want to begin by saying this: In 2020 when COVID hit and the shutdowns happened, I was straight BORED. I wasn’t working, my kids were home, and my husband wasn’t working any of his side jobs.

So I turned to a podcast. And that podcast was Crime Junkie. I put zero thought into what podcast. I just chose one and went with it. Still 2 years later, multiple podcasts, and Crime Junkie is still my favorite.

When I found out she was releasing a book I KNEW I had to read it. I had very high expectations for this book. I want to say that this was an excellent book and most definitely lived up to the hype. What I wish however, was some more closure in the ending.

Now, I won’t say more because I don’t wanna ruin it. But for me I could have handled ONE MORE CHAPTER. I will say though that coming from the creative side of my brain, I knew what she was doing by NOT having that full closure.

It for sure left my brain spinning and going into circles on what would have happened. And is that real life? Yes. Something I appreciate about this book: I did NOT figure out “whodunit. ” I had my suspicions and granted the person who did it was one of them, I just wasn’t for sure.

I loved how it all came together in the end. Overall this was an excellent thriller! I highly recommend!.

The book was OKAY… The storyline is pretty cool, but the book is extremely slow to start. Like, not-interesting-until-page-120, slow to start. There are also quite a few run on sentences in this book, which is frustrating for me personally.

The “f-word” is often used unexpectedly & unnecessarily as well. It doesn’t fit with the theme of the conversation or book, ever. The writing seemed to get lazy toward the ending. The second to last chapter, when everything “goes down” (for lack of a better term) it is rushed and can be classified as unrealistic.

Overall, the book was alright. The ending was a surprise – that’s for sure. Definitely not my favorite, though.

Having lunch with our daughter yesterday, she related details of a time when she was seventeen and I had a problem with food at a restaurant and she had had to drive me to the doctor for an allergic reaction.

I asked her how she could remember it so well seven years later. ‘You might recall the good times, but you never ever forget trauma,’ she responded. Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore reminds me of this as I journeyed along with her as she experiences her adult years out of sync with time chronology.

And what a trippy journey it is! Imagine if at the stroke of midnight each year on your birthday you were randomly swept along to a year of your life that might be four or five decades down the road or three decades back to an earlier point in your life.

How might you learn to live your life to the fullest, appreciating each moment, not taking people, places, or any relationship for granted? How might that change you forever? This is an extraordinary book that is both thought-provoking and fun, philosophical and unexpected.

Looking at life through out-of-order sequences can cause a momentary uneasiness, but also a rare glimpse into moments of the truly sublime. Pick up Oona Out of Order as a treat for yourself and your own appreciation of life.

This book was very intriguing – an easy and enjoyable read! It is a great twist on how to look at life regardless of your perspective/time period. I found the characters likable and the story relatable as we all try and navigate our way through life and love.

I just did not like the main character. I like time travel, but did not like the use of vulgar language, drug use, etc.

“The problem with books is that they end. They seduce you. They. pull you inside. And you go deep and leave your possessions and your ties to the world at the door and you like it inside and you don’t want for your possessions or your ties and then, the book evaporates.

”3. 5 stars. This book was a wild ride. During lockdown, I started this new thing (actually, You started this all) of listening to an audiobook at night as I’m starting to wind down for bed, skincaring, etc.

I chose to listen to this audiobook specifically because I’d heard great things about the narrator (10000% deserved praise, Santino Fontana is incredible) It started off normally, I’d listen for about 10-15 ish minutes a night, give or take, but then I just … couldn’t stop.

I stayed up late listening, or started my nightly routine earlier just so I could continue listening. If I was driving (which, admittedly, I do a lot less of these days), I was listening to this. Towards the end, I stayed up until 4 AM because there wasn’t a single moment I could just casually stop at.

This book is terrifying. It doesn’t have any ghosts, no crazy sci-fi aspects, nothing howling at the moon, but there was definitely still a monster. You was horrifying because it is very real, it’s not some made up monster but one that can very easily exist in our lives.

Imagine reading this story from outside Joe’s perspective. Terrifying, isn’t it?Which, speaking of Joe’s perspective, having him be the narrator was such a crazy idea. Crazy… but absolutely brilliant.

Joe is so so messed up and being in his mind is such a wild ride. It’s absolutely disgusting and I felt like I needed a shower (or several) but it also really messes with you. I had such intense whiplash.

Joe is deluded and crazy but he’s also witty, sometimes charming, and just … what the heck. There’s this tiny, morbid part of you that sometimes even roots for Joe or gets mad at others for messing things up and that’s … terrifying.

(view spoiler) And let’s not forget the second person narrative which really messed me up, but in a good way, especially when listening to the audiobook. Now the actual writing was … okay. I did occasionally alternate and read the physical book and the writing was nothing exceptional.

Actually, I don’t know if I could have finished reading this book as just a book. The audiobook though. Wow. Just wow. Santino Fontana is an absolutely fantastic narrator and truly brings Joe (and in turn, the book) to life.

His sarcasm, skepticism, rants, and descents into obsession are all just brilliantly executed. He also adds another layer of likability to Joe that really skews our perspective and makes us think. At the end of the day, it’s not the writing but the concept that makes this book special and it shines in the audiobook.

I also think this is why this book translates so well as a Netflix adaptation (which, just as good, if not better than the book. Penn Badgley does an A+ job. I now hate him but also love him). You is really ugly and hard to read, but it’s just as hard not to.

It’s almost like a car crash you can’t look away from, you just need to know. It’s a thriller that truly sends shivers up and down your spine because it’s very much possible. The idea is brilliant, the story uniquely written, and the audiobook is an absolute blast to listen to.

You was interesting and highly engrossing from the very beginning. I enjoyed that the story is from 2nd narration. The story is a little bit creepy, but not too creepy. It does feature lots of stalking, violence, and murder, just so people are aware before starting the book.

This was definitely very different than what I have ever read before. Creepy. Odd. Messes up with your mind but addicting. This book is not for everyone. *Note: I read this way before the TV series came out.

Still haven’t watched it yet. I am so conflicted in whether I like or hate Joe Goldberg. He is a creepy,smart, psychotic stalker. I should dislike him for that but sometimes I don’t. He is a hopeless romantic that needs help.

But I don’t think any help will actually help him. He knows what he is doing therefore none of his actions are acceptable. Joe meets Guinevere Beck at the bookstore he works at and is instantly obsessed.

He will do anything for her, and he does. Every other character in this book isn’t any better than him in a way. Yes they don’t stalk and hurt people but their actions and personality aren’t the greatest either.

This book is a crazy read. It will make you so conflicted because you will hate yourself for liking this guy.

You will fall in love with the main character Jojo as you weave through his complicated life of race, addiction, abandonment, death and most of all love. This is a great story pulls you through the past and present as a biracial child in the Deep South comes of age.

It is a worthy read.

First, the writing is outstanding. That, in itself, makes it well worth reading. Second, the story provides a close-up look on many current social issues- the role grandparents play in raising their grandchildren, drug addiction, the responsibilities children have for their younger siblings, etc.

all told through the eyes of each of the main characters.

Just couldn’t get into this, but I don’t like mysticism in my reading. Interesting characters. Had shades of Hillybilly Elergy. Was very disappointed because this book comes so highly rated. I guess I have to ask “by whom”.

This leather bounce hardcover edition of Jane Austen novels into one beautifully, periwinkle-covered edition is a must-have for Austen fans. Beautiful. I wondered how my book order would come from Target.

They all came very nicely packed. And better service/ packing than most bookstores. We recommend.

Beautiful cover. Binding was smashed a little during shipping. Great to have all novels together. However, print is rather small to read.

A beautiful hardback book beautifully ornamented. Well worth the money.

I have many Nora Roberts trilogy sets. I have been looking for this book for a while. As usual, she writes a great story that you feel a part of! Real life characters and fantastic detail of everyday scenes, people and emotions bring the stories to life.

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts Owen Montgomery owned the inn along with his brothers and their spouses among other buildings in town. The brothers know carpentry and architecture. They had plans to open by Jan 15th and it was closing in on Dec.

Avery MacTavish owned and ran the pizza place across the street from the Inn. She often would let Owen sit and do his calculations and other quiet business things before he had to head back to physically work at the Inn.

They meet to help others fix up the Inn and Owen has a family/friend party on New Year’s Eve and she stays the night. Other plans are made about other buildings he owns and more plans for the Inn. Love not only the Irish legends but the whole family and how they help one another out of any circumstance they have gotten themselves into.

Didn’t realize this was the 2nd of the trilogy and that’s probably why it took me a bit of time to get into the characters. Now they are like friends and I know who is who. Still not sure about why the bedrooms at the Inn are names but I’m sure I’ll discover that in the first book.

The Inn is about to open for guests and many of the clan have seen/interacted with Elizabeth the resident ghost. When they have more time they will try to figure out who Billy is the one she’s waiting for all the time.

Weddings and other venues for the Inn fit right into their plans. Symbols to represent other things in their lives hold a special meaning. Gonna be fun to read the book prior to this and the one following.

This is an amazing trilogy of books. I picked up the first one at a used book sale and loved it so much that I had to have books two and three. Of course I went straight to EBAY and got them both for a really good price.

The first leaves you hanging on some of the characters and you have to run, not walk, to get the second and third to follow up.

Jennifer spins another amazing novel that spans a lifetime and discusses Motherhood, racism & sexism even the dreaded CANCER. It is very relevant.

I’m reading this now. What a great insight into growing up “different” in the 60’s. I’m a little over halfway through and didn’t want to put it down last night to go to sleep.

Great book! I love Jennifer Weiner’s books because they are all so different from each other. Mrs. Everything kept my attention throughout.

I wasnt expecting to enjoy it but it was an excellent read. The battle bits were gory but well described with just enough detail. The internal conflicts, particularly of Mr March could be applied to any modern day character.

I’m keen to hear the comments from the other members of my book group. It’s not a genre I would choose but I found it a fascinating read.

Slow start but hard to put down after you figure out they go back in time and then move onto the current time. You could tell the book was older but it was in good condition, no torn or dog eared pages.

Some writing in the back of the book but did not interfere with reading the book.

I had read and enjoyed “People of the Book” and so sought out other titles by Brooks. Like me she is an Australian now living in the USA. I have bought on ebay and it is coming in the mail “Nine Parts of Desire” a non fiction account of her years in journalism among women of the veil.

In our busy society it is sometimes hard to find the focus to get through a book. I have found that easy with Geraldine Brooks. Her characters are intellectual, vibrant, sensual and also spiritual. Brooks has the skill to weave imaginary scenes with her knowledge of politics, history, religion.

The Pulitzer for “March” was well deserved!.