Take a photo of a barcode or cover
daniela_is_reading's reviews
169 reviews
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
5.0
I enjoy reading historical fiction and 'The Frozen River' didn't disappoint. It's inspired by journal entries of a midwife, Martha Ballard and her involvement in solving a murder in the late 1700s. A murder that shocks the small town and causes many whispers amongst the locals.
I fell in awe with Martha and her husband Ephraim. Their bond, their devotion, well their love is just the pure and rare kind. My kind of romance. If you enjoy historical fiction, murder mystery, and a love/ romance like Martha's and Ephraim's, this one is for you.
I fell in awe with Martha and her husband Ephraim. Their bond, their devotion, well their love is just the pure and rare kind. My kind of romance. If you enjoy historical fiction, murder mystery, and a love/ romance like Martha's and Ephraim's, this one is for you.
The Girl in the Green Dress by Jennifer Haynes, George Blair-West, Alley Pascoe
5.0
The Girl on the Green Dress is my first memoir of the year and I'm a little speechless to be honest. What an amazingly courageous and resilient women Jeni Haynes is.
Jeni tells her horror story of growing up with her father (or as she so adequately puts it, 'The Monster') who repetitively raped and tortured her on a daily basis since she was born. To survive such heinous abuse, Jeni developed over 2500 multiple personalities, also known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and then as an adult she brought 'the monster' to justice. Jeni spoke up and fought against the stigma and labels that came with a multiple personality diagnosis, and the difficulties faced in a court of law to prove that a crime such as those experienced by Jeni occurred.
At times it was a challenging and sickening read. Jeni thoughtfully does give the reader warning when she is about to go in more detail of some of the unthinkable abuse she suffered. I chose to read on and don't regret it. But yes it was so hard if not, the hardest thing I have ever read. So please know yourself and don't take the warnings lightly. Skip to the pages she advises if needed.
Although I gave this memoir a 5 star, I would struggle to recommend it due to the content nature and triggers.
Jeni tells her horror story of growing up with her father (or as she so adequately puts it, 'The Monster') who repetitively raped and tortured her on a daily basis since she was born. To survive such heinous abuse, Jeni developed over 2500 multiple personalities, also known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and then as an adult she brought 'the monster' to justice. Jeni spoke up and fought against the stigma and labels that came with a multiple personality diagnosis, and the difficulties faced in a court of law to prove that a crime such as those experienced by Jeni occurred.
At times it was a challenging and sickening read. Jeni thoughtfully does give the reader warning when she is about to go in more detail of some of the unthinkable abuse she suffered. I chose to read on and don't regret it. But yes it was so hard if not, the hardest thing I have ever read. So please know yourself and don't take the warnings lightly. Skip to the pages she advises if needed.
Although I gave this memoir a 5 star, I would struggle to recommend it due to the content nature and triggers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, and Medical trauma
Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie
3.0
I enjoyed the first half of the book which is based on two teenage's
friendship and experiences in the late 80s in Pakistan.
A time when Pakistan dictatorship comes to an end and a women comes to rule.
Maryam and Zahra are an unlikely pair, but somehow their friendship works. That is until decades later, when different ideologies and decisions made threatens their once solid friendship.
It was the second part of the book, when Maryam and Zahra are adults, that totally threw me. It felt like I was reading a completely different story with two new characters. There was no flow and the storyline was underwhelming.
The first half of the book was a solid 4 or even 4.25, but unfortunately the second half brought my rating down.
friendship and experiences in the late 80s in Pakistan.
A time when Pakistan dictatorship comes to an end and a women comes to rule.
Maryam and Zahra are an unlikely pair, but somehow their friendship works. That is until decades later, when different ideologies and decisions made threatens their once solid friendship.
It was the second part of the book, when Maryam and Zahra are adults, that totally threw me. It felt like I was reading a completely different story with two new characters. There was no flow and the storyline was underwhelming.
The first half of the book was a solid 4 or even 4.25, but unfortunately the second half brought my rating down.
The Very Last List of Vivian Walker by Megan Albany
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Fanatic Heart by Tom Keneally
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Although I enjoy historical fiction, I struggled getting into the plot and the characters. Very slow.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
5.0
You don't have to love gaming to appreciate this novel. I'm not a gamer, but surprisingly, I enjoyed reading about the intricacies involved with creating a game whilst simultaneously watching the fallouts and development of Sam and Sadie's friendship.
They are very unique, driven, creative, alluring, yet flawed characters. It makes for an even more convoluted friendship.
A well written novel, both genius and touching. I loved it.
They are very unique, driven, creative, alluring, yet flawed characters. It makes for an even more convoluted friendship.
A well written novel, both genius and touching. I loved it.