Books matching: uneven pacing and character development
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- #1
Save:"Fake Dates and Mooncakes" by Sher Lee centers around two main characters, Dylan and Theo, who find themselves entangled in a web of fake dates. As they navigate this charade, readers are introduced to a rich tapestry of cultural elements, providing an immersive experience. Sher Lee's meticulous attention to detail shines through, making each cultural reference come alive on the pages. The story beautifully weaves together a captivating narrative with meaningful LGBTQ representation, exploring traditions, customs, and festivals seamlessly integrated into the narrative.
Dylan is just trying to help his Aunt keep the family take-out restaurant afloat, all the while still grieving the recent loss of his mother. Then in walks Theo, handsome, rich, and devastatingly charming, the polar opposite of Dylan. Yet, when Theo asks him to be his fake boyfriend for a family wedding, Dylan finds it impossible to refuse. Dylan is quickly thrust into the world of glitz and glamour, cagey relatives, and Theo's distant father, who is certain Dylan is nothing but trouble. explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, cultural understanding, and acceptance, intertwined with the development of Dylan and Theo's relationship.
- #2
Save:The Floating Book by Michelle Lovric is a historical novel set in Venice, offering a vivid exploration of the city in the 15th century. The book intricately weaves together multiple plot lines, focusing on characters like the Von Speyer brothers who aim to introduce movable type to Venice, the love triangle involving Sosia, Felice, and Bruno, and the story of Catullus and his works. The prose in the book is described as beautiful and lyrical, painting Venice as a fairy tale realm of story and myth, while also delving into themes of love, betrayal, and historical accuracy.
The narrative of The Floating Book progresses through various character arcs and plot twists, often intermingling realistic historical elements with supernatural occurrences. The book delves into the lives of diverse characters, including the aristocratic Catullus, the Von Speyer brothers, and the enigmatic Sosia, all set against the backdrop of Venice's vibrant and intricate society. The writing style, although praised for its beauty, has been critiqued for occasionally becoming too overwhelming with its poetic prose, and for including elements of excessive sexual content that some readers found distracting.
- #3
Save:Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow South by Beth Macy is a nonfiction account of the lives of albino African American brothers, George and Willie Muse, who were either kidnapped or joined the circus. The book delves into the brothers' experiences as sideshow acts in traveling circuses, their return home, and the challenges they faced in the Jim Crow South. Macy's writing style captures the historical events of the early 20th century, including the racism prevalent during that time, the evolution of circuses, and the struggles of the Muse family.
Their world was so blindingly white that the brothers had to squint to keep from crying. On a clear day, it hurt just to open their eyes. They blinked constantly, trying to make out the hazy objects i... - #4
Save:'Dream Lake' by Lisa Kleypas is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Alex Nolan, a divorced man battling his demons and alcoholism, and Zoe Hoffman, a gentle and caring woman who works as a cook. The plot revolves around Alex's struggle with his past, his relationship with Zoe, and the presence of a ghost that becomes intertwined with their lives. The writing style is described as emotional, touching, and hauntingly beautiful, with elements of magical realism and a focus on character development and relationships. The story also touches on themes of family, love, addiction, and dealing with challenges such as dementia.
The ghost had tried many times to leave the house, but it was impossible. Whenever he approached the front threshold or leaned through a window, he disappeared, the sum of him dispersing like mist in ...
(Also, see 87 recommendations for the series Friday Harbor ) - #5
Save:'All the Little Moments' by G. Benson is a heartwarming story that follows Anna as she navigates through grief, love, and new responsibilities after the sudden loss of her brother and his wife. The plot revolves around Anna finding unexpected support and love from her friends Lane and Kym, as well as her family, while raising her brother's children. The writing style is described as genuine and emotional, with a perfect balance between the sadness of grief and the joy of building new relationships.
The car turned down a quiet street and Anna blinked rapidly as she realised it was her parents’ already. Her neck ached from sitting so stiffly, and she turned awkwardly in the passenger seat. In spit... - #6
Save:'Shame' in the series 'Secrets And Lies' by author Ainsley Booth tells the story of Grace and Luke, a couple struggling to recover from the husband's infidelity. The plot explores the aftermath of the affair, focusing on both characters' growth and their journey towards reconciliation. The writing style is described as intense and emotional, with readers praising the realistic portrayal of the complexities of relationships and the depth of character development.
The novel delves into taboo subjects with courage, presenting a gritty and honest narrative where boundaries are respected, and characters are willing to work through their issues. Despite the heavy emotional moments, the story is praised for its authenticity and the strong, resilient nature of the protagonist, Grace. Readers appreciate the organic development of the happily ever after (HEA) and the exploration of second chances in relationships.
- #7
Save:The Fall by Simon Mawer is a gripping novel that intertwines the lives of two men, Robert Dew and Jamie Matthewson, against the backdrop of mountain climbing. The story delves into themes of friendship, love, betrayal, and hero worship, capturing the atmosphere of crags and the exhilaration of rock climbing. The narrative spans generations, exploring the relationships between the characters and the impact of past actions on the present. Mawer's writing style is praised for its ability to draw readers into the world of mountain climbing, creating suspenseful and engaging storytelling.
Birmingham is something of a border territory. You wouldn’t think it to look at the place, but the fact is that beyond Birmingham you are quite suddenly out of the embracing clasp of London, that disp... - #8
Save:'On Black Sisters' Street' by Chika Unigwe is a novel that delves into the lives of four African women who have been lured to Europe to work in the sex trade. The book explores the traumatic childhoods and difficult circumstances that led these women to become prostitutes, highlighting their struggles, hopes, and tragedies. Through alternating between the present day in Belgium and the women's pasts in Africa, the author weaves a story of sisterhood, loss, self-respect, and broken dreams. The writing style includes a mix of straightforward narration and dialect, providing a realistic portrayal of the characters and their experiences.
The novel presents a compassionate and thought-provoking look at the lives of these women, showing them as unique individuals caught in situations that seem hopeless, yet ready to grasp at any opportunity for a better life. It sheds light on the complexities of their choices and the challenges they face, while also highlighting themes of resilience, strength, and defiance in the face of adversity.
THE WORLD WAS EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD BE. NO MORE AND DEFINITELY no less. She had the love of a good man. A house. And her own money—still new and fresh and the healthiest shade of green—the thought of i... - #9
Save:The March by E.L. Doctorow is a fictionalized account of General Sherman's march through Georgia and the Carolinas during the Civil War. The novel delves into the lives of a wide cast of characters, including freed slaves, Confederate soldiers, and Southern aristocracy, as their paths intertwine during this tumultuous time. Doctorow's writing style is described as beautiful, thought-provoking, and enjoyable, offering multiple viewpoints and exploring the impact of this historic event on individuals.
AT FIVE IN THE MORNING SOMEONE BANGING ON THE door and shouting, her husband, John, leaping out of bed, grabbing his rifle, and Roscoe at the same time roused from the backhouse, his bare feet poundin... - #10
Save:Kissing Galileo by Penny Reid is a romance novel that delves into the complexities of body image and self-acceptance. The male protagonist, Victor, grapples with body dysmorphia and insecurity after undergoing a significant physical transformation. The book explores his emotional journey as he navigates his new body and relationships, particularly with the intelligent and confident female protagonist, Emily. Set in a professor-student dynamic, the story balances themes of physical transformation, insecurities, and the evolving relationship between the characters.
The second stage is virtually naked. The nipples might be covered with a bit of sequin, but not always. Typically, all that is needed is a strategically placed triangle secured to the front lady parts...
