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Alexis S. - Reviews

1 to 9 of 9
The Constant Gardener
The Constant Gardener
Author: John le Carre
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.1/5 Stars.
 22
Review Date: 7/28/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I really did not enjoy this book, although I do not tend to like Le Carre's writing style to begin with. This story in particular, though, I felt was full of a lot of suspense build up and build up and then when you find out what happens, you think "that's it? All that build up for this?" I also felt this was a unique attempt from Le Carre in delving into a more political theme (i.e. the corrupt pharmaceutical companies). To put my feelings for Le Carre aside, though, I asked others who are Le Carre fans and they said they did not care for this book either and prefer his spy novels.


Dead and Dateless (Dead End Dating, Bk 2)
Dead and Dateless (Dead End Dating, Bk 2)
Author: Kimberly Raye
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 340
Review Date: 7/28/2009


I really enjoy this series. It's light romance/mystery and has a good sense of humor. A quick read.


Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter, Bk 1)
Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter, Bk 1)
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 1367
Review Date: 3/19/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I was very surprised to find I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't traditionally read this level of graphic romance, but I surprised myself and couldn't put the book down. I have to admit it did make me blush a lot, though, as some of the sex scenes were a little more graphic than I am used to. The overall story was really good, though, and I have already ordered the second book in the series. :)


For Pete's Sake
For Pete's Sake
Author: Geri Buckley
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 28
Review Date: 10/25/2009
Helpful Score: 2


The story was quite boring and predictable. There was nothing new or original in this book and the writing was not all that great. The ending seemed to quickly (and unrealistically) resolve issues that had been building up and building up throughout the book. I probably won't read another book by this author.


Marked (House of Night, Bk 1)
Marked (House of Night, Bk 1)
Author: Kristin Cast, P. C. Cast
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1193
Review Date: 7/28/2009


I really enjoyed this book and have already ordered the next in the series. Initially the synopsis reminded me of "Twilight", but I do not believe this book even compares to "Twilight" (i.e. "Twilight is much, much better). That being said, I really enjoyed the story and was very interested in the characters. The romance is a little juvenile, but it is a young adult book so it is to be expected. Also, the problems the characters encounter are also a little juvenile, but again, it is a young adult book. Sometimes it is nice to reminisce about when life was much simpler and less complicated. Regardless of those issues, the story was written well, and the plot kept me very interested so I very much enjoyed the book. I will definitely continue reading the series.


The Need
The Need
Author: Helen Phillips
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 1.8/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 8/27/2023
Helpful Score: 1


This was one of the worst books I have ever read. Perhaps it is because I am not a mother but I thought the story was pointless and boring. I'm sure the constant reference to breast milk and nursing were somehow symbolic but the symbolism was lost on me. The main character was (to me) weak and pathetic. The jacket story synopsis was completely misleading and did not match the actual story at all. Will not read anything from this author again.


The Next Thing On My List
The Next Thing On My List
Author: Jill Smolinski
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 259
Review Date: 7/28/2009


I read this for a book club and I enjoyed it. Other members thought it was a little too simple and predictable for their tastes. It's a light story about a woman coming into her own and finding herself. The plot is very predictable, but I thought it was uplifting and pleasant to read.


The Reader
The Reader
Author: Bernhard Schlink, Carol Brown Janeway (Translator)
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 152
Review Date: 7/28/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I really, really enjoyed this book. There are so many layers to the characters and it portrayed the issues very realistically. I have a very close German friend and the main character and his battle in dealing with Germany's history are very true to today's German middle-aged population (at least from my experiences). I have read the other reviews and I can see how this book can be taken either way. If you are interested and know about the effects of World War II on current German culture, you will probably get a lot out of this book. If you don't, there are still so many layers to the characters that I think you can still enjoy it. It is definitely a very deep and serious book, though, so if you are looking for a light and happy read, this is not it.


Water for Elephants (Audio CD) (Unabridged)
Review Date: 5/28/2011


I found this book completely offensive and I can't believe it was on the bestseller list for so long. The main characters are completely pathetic and meek and it only took about 2 disks before I didn't care what happened to any of them. I did not realize there would be so much animal abuse in the book. The main character just sits by as the circus animals are abused, and refuses to confront their attacker because he is the husband of the woman he loves. The woman he loves also suffers abuse from this awful man and does nothing to defend herself. Then, to top it all off, there are a number of completely disgusting and gratuitous sex scenes that I found completely unnecessary to the story. Overall, I hated this book and still can't figure out why it was so popular.


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