I didn’t find this one quite as compelling or novel as some of Gladwell’s other books, but the breakdown of how ideas are spread and the case studies illustrating the points are interesting. The audiobook is only 3 hours, so definitely worth a listen if you’re interested in the nature of virality. Though it doesn’t mention the influence of social media on these ideas, the afterword does include other interesting applications inspired by the principles.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
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This is my second Lisa Jewell book, and it gave me a very similar feeling to the first one. (The Night She Disappeared.) Although it held my attention, I couldn’t quite connect with the characters and didn’t find the (not-so-happy) ending to be as satisfying as I would’ve hoped. However, if you like unreliable main characters and a domestic mystery that runs a bit on the grittier side, check this one out!
⭐⭐⭐½
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So when I picked this book up, I don’t think I knew exactly what I was getting into. Covering recent high-profile events of violence, rape, pedophilia, and torture in detail—this is a stomach-turning and uncomfortable read.
And though the accounts Gladwell brings to the table are interesting, for the first 95% of this book, I didn’t actually know what the punchline was or how these topics connected.
At first this seemed to be a book about how difficult it is to actually detect when someone is lying. But then we also delved into topics of both coupling and alcohol. Disparate strands that I’m still having trouble trying together into the final conclusion.
Which (I think) is that in 99% of cases it doesn’t pay off to expect the worst of people, and we cannot turn murky grays into black and white. Honestly, I’m still chewing it all over. But if you’re looking for a different perspective to provoke thought (and you don’t mind dark topics), you might try this one. Though I do believe you have to read to the very end to see what he’s trying to get at.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Definitely enjoyed this heartwarming, magical adventure on the sea with its huge found family vibes, colorful cast, a sweet slow-burn romance, and old lore. Will definitely be reading book 2!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Malcolm Gladwell is one of the few nonfiction authors that can really draw me in. The way he writes and narrates his audiobooks makes me feel like I’m sitting across the table from him and he’s telling me a story and teaching me a history lesson at the same time. He showcases so much depth to the figures of history, their motivations, and the chain of events that led to huge world events in a way that’s both incredibly intelligent but also so accessible, I’m always drawn in. The actual audio of the interviews too ranging back fifty years were also a really awesome addition to this. My only critique is that the overarching story or theme of this book feels a little lost. It feels like, in a way, he was pitting LeMay and Hansell against one another, but that narrative feels a little murky. Then again, history is murky, so maybe he hit it just right.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
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Beautiful writing with an imaginative and unique fairy-tale-like adventure in an atmospheric world both cozy and dark. Lovable characters, a sweet romance, and a few twists along the way. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read book 2!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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What I liked:
What I didn’t like:
In general, there were lot of good elements here that just didn’t quite gel for me. If you’re looking for a new adult college romance with some spice though, you might want to give it a try.
⭐⭐⭐
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A interesting, quirky Sleeping Beauty retelling, but in the end I felt like this novella just needed a little more oomph to flesh the characters out. Recommended for those looking for quick read of an old tale that keeps the grim fairytale feel with a twist.
⭐⭐⭐¾
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Really liked the authentic-feeling WWII homefront setting of this one, and the whodunnit felt classic with some twists and turns to keep me guessing. But there were some elements that didn’t quite jive, and I found the ending to be too bittersweet for me. If you’re looking for a solid 1940s whodunnit without romance though, this might be for you!
⭐⭐⭐¾
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Okay, this one is really tough for me to review, because this was one of those rare instances where the audiobook narration really bothered me. And in some cases, it was nearly impossible for me to tell whether it was the writing that was throwing me off or the weird cadence of the narrator.
What I liked:
What I didn’t like:
So, I won’t be reading the sequel, but lots of people loved this book, so it could just be me! If the premise intrigues you, definitely check it out, but as much as I love audiobooks, I recommend you go print for this one.
⭐⭐⭐
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Hayley Reese Chow 