Lauren

I borrowed this from my library, but I decided to buy it because I know it's a book I'm going to want to go back to from time to time for quotes and inspiration. It was an interesting glimpse into 10 momentous days at the White House. It's a bit sad to read now considering the backwards steps our country has taken since then.

A disappointing book. There were quite a few typos that were distracting, but beyond that the main characters (the sisters) weren't very likeable and the supposedly smart characters would do dumb things. For example, deciding to take down the nazi flag from their home window as an act of defiance, which endangers the Jewish person they're harboring in their home. I spent much of the book annoyed, but I was invested enough to finish it. On the plus side, I like that the author tried to make the characters more complex, and somewhat more realistic as a result. Ultimately, I wouldn't recommend this book.

This book was not very well written and frustrating at times, but I'm being generous with my rating because it's such an important story to reflect on.

I'm amazed I even finished this book. It was entertaining at times, but the main character was insufferable. The story was more long-winded than it needed to be. I almost gave it 3 stars, but I have no desire to read the 2nd book in the trilogy, so I don't think it deserves that. I'm glad I borrowed this book from the library and didn't spend money on it.

This book was pretty mediocre at best. It didn't suck me in; I could easily put it down. It was very “meh.” I can't believe they turned it into a show. I gave it three stars because I managed to finish it at least.

I loved this book except the writing style was distracting - not Celie's style of writing/Georgia accent, but the letter format. The chapters were supposed to be letters from the sisters, but they'd be telling a story and switch to first person narrative for pages, but it would be a first person narrative from the perspective of someone else who had told them a story. It was confusing at times and their letters were not how people would actually write letters. If the author wants to tell a story in that way, then why do the letters at all?

Anyway, loved the story but was just distracted at times by the format and switching of narratives.

I listened to this book, which I feel like is the only proper way to do this one. It's very well narrated, though the book itself is not well written. At times it's just a weird stream of consciousness with cheesy “bumper stickers” and “inspirational” platitudes. It's trying to do much with those parts when really I just wanted to hear about his life. The parts when he's just telling funny stories about his life are the best parts and made me laugh out loud.

One of my favorite books and why I learned Dari. I actually have a copy of the book in Persian. I will re-read it again someday.

I have never read a book like this before. It's going to take me a while to digest it, but I appreciated the telling of real history through a fictional family.

Couldn't finish. While the premise sounds interesting to me, I tried to read this book several times and just couldn't. Judging by the other reviews, I'm glad to see I'm not alone or crazy. I normally give at least 2 stars if I didn't finish a book, to be fair to the parts I didn't read, but apparently much of the book has turned out to be fabricated.

This book was gripping and I'm still digesting my thoughts and feelings. It was very well written and I think it's a story that will stick with me. I was already sympathetic to the plight of migrants and refugees, but this story really paints a vivid, realistic picture of what that journey can be like.

I put off reading this book for about 3 years because I thought it would be a depressing and difficult read. I was right, but the story is compelling and an important one to learn. I am happy for the author that she was able to heal through the writing process and that she continues to advocate for Cambodia.

Better than I expected. A bit redundant, though I suppose that has purpose when you're trying to drive home a point.

I loved this book. It was very well written and I really enjoyed learning about Michelle's life. It also brought me back to a lot of historic moments and left me nostalgic for the Obama presidency. Politics aside, they're good people and I miss them. I will probably re-read this someday.

I rated this book pretty highly because I enjoyed reading all the tea he spilt but also just learning his perspective on how he grew up. I don't agree with all of his takes, of course, but it was a good glimpse into his life. As dumb as the monarchy is, the whole concept of it and their lives are still fascinating to me.

It was very well written, but for most of the book it was easy to put down and I could've just left it. I think maybe this genre just isn't for me.

This was a powerful story and might end up being my favorite book this year. Just an incredible story that left me teary eyed more than a few times.

The author's writing style was distracting. She would have a line of dialogue followed by a paragraph of context (thoughts/emotions/etc), and then by the time the next person spoke I'd forgotten what they were responding to. Aside from that, the plot was predictable. I feel very “meh” about this book.

I don't read mysteries very often, so maybe I'm easily impressed, but I really enjoyed this one.

One of my favorite books I've read, and one of those books I couldn't stop talking about. I still talk about it years later and want to re-read it. Fascinating history, especially as someone who has worked as a cryptologic analyst.

This is an aptly named book. Her mother was a nightmare of a narcissist and sadly, she is better off without her. It was a very interesting look into the life of a child actor, and one who never even wanted that life. I'm really glad Jennette went through therapy and has made so much progress to heal from her mother's abuse. A compelling book for sure.

I changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars because I am still thinking about this book. It was really well written, hilarious, and insightful. I loved his perspective on how languages connect people and what it was like growing up under apartheid. It's a book I would definitely recommend, and it's a fun read despite some heavy topics.

Started out loving it but by the end was wondering if I hated it?

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I have mixed feelings about the author, who seems like a lovely person, albeit a bit out of touch at times. Towards the end she goes on about how you can always find a way, but she's saying that from a place of privilege as a dual passport holder with one of those being U.S. It's odd because she makes efforts to acknowledge her privilege throughout the book while still having moments that show how out of touch she is. That being said, I appreciated her honesty and effort to not sugarcoat her experiences, while also pointing out the good. I have traveled a fair amount and that is how my experiences have been - many headaches and difficulties along the way but also amazing experiences I wouldn't trade.

Overall I really enjoyed reading her story and learning about her life. Toward the end, the chapters needed to be shorter and it got kind of meandering.