Simon Skinner

I decided to read “Gangsta Granny” after receiving a free copy while staying in the themed room at Alton Towers, UK. With typical Walliams humor that includes jokes about people's appearances, smells, and the inevitable fart jokes, the book was a blend of silly fun and engaging storytelling. Despite these childish jokes, which one might expect from Walliams' background in TV, the humor and storyline kept me entertained and made it easy to blast through the book an a few hours.

While the book was enjoyable, it hasn't particularly motivated me to delve into other works by Walliams. However, I don't regret reading it; it was a light-hearted diversion with a charming twist on the typical grandparent-grandchild relationship.

One notable aspect of “Gangsta Granny” is its ending, which, without giving away any spoilers, might be considered too mature for the intended age group. The conclusion could potentially cause some emotional upset for younger readers, which is something parents might want to be aware of.

Overall, I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. “Gangsta Granny” is a fun read, especially for children who enjoy a mix of humor and adventure. It combines a quirky storyline with the warmth of an unexpected family bond, making it a decent choice for young readers, albeit with a word of caution regarding its ending.

As an avid fan of the TV series I finally decided it was time for the book. I was not disappointed! Although darker and more graphic than the TV Series there was a character development for Dexter and the other main characters that was a lot deeper than I expected. Although the main plot of the book was not a surprise (due to obvious reasons) the ending left me in a place really looking forward to the next book. So on with the book series I shall go!

Although Foster by Claire Keegan had a nice style, it felt WAY too short for me. I couldn't get attached to the characters, and everything seemed rushed. Moments like the wake and the well felt glossed over, and the ending didn't hit as hard as I'd hoped. I ended up feeling disappointed, wanting more time to connect with the story and its people. Still, there's a gentle warmth here for fans of quiet, reflective tales. I just wish it had been given more time to shine. In the end, it left me wanting much more depth behind it.

I found this a tough read. As someone who has already started on a digital minimalist journey I was hoping to get something insightful from this book. Unfortunately the only way I can describe it was, “a blog post that took too long to read.”

That's not to say that i didn't get some useful facts from reading this book, it's just that I feel like it could have been condensed dramatically. Ironically, it could have been more minimalist.

After being captivated by the Netflix TV series adaptation of “Fool Me Once,” I was compelled to explore the original novel by Harlan Coben. My motivation stemmed from a sense that the series, while entertaining, might have glossed over nuances and complexities inherent in the source material. This assumption proved partially correct; the book indeed offers a deeper dive into the intricacies of the plot which the adaptation had trimmed or altered for dramatic effect.

Harlan Coben's “Fool Me Once” masterfully maintains a gripping sense of mystery that propels the narrative forward at an exhilarating pace. The storytelling is taut, with just the right amount of twists to keep the pages turning without resorting to the overly sensational additions found in the TV version. The book balances plot development with character depth, making for a reading experience that was both engaging and satisfying.

In conclusion, while the Netflix series introduced me to the story, the novel provided a more fulfilling and complex experience, resonating with a richness that the adaptation could only hint at. “Fool Me Once” is a testament to Coben's ability to craft suspense that is not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating.