Eva Aviana Otilie

The book draws from the real-life horrors of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, where children were kidnapped and sold to wealthy families in the 1930s and 1940s. The story is told through two parallel timelines: one following Rill Foss, a young girl whose life is torn apart when she and her siblings are taken from their riverboat home, and the other centred on Avery Stafford, a present-day lawyer who begins to uncover her family's long-buried secrets.
Wingate excels in creating a haunting atmosphere that captures the reader's attention from the very first page. The portrayal of Rill's ordeal is heart-wrenching and emotionally charged, making it impossible not to sympathise with her plight. The historical aspect of the novel is well-researched, providing a grim reminder of a dark chapter in American history that is not widely known.
However, while the historical narrative is compelling, the contemporary storyline is less engaging. Avery's character feels somewhat underdeveloped, and her personal struggles seem trivial compared to the harrowing experiences of Rill and her siblings. This disparity between the two timelines weakens the overall impact of the novel, as the modern-day narrative often feels like an unnecessary distraction from the more gripping historical plot.
Another point of contention is the pacing. The novel starts strong, but the momentum begins to wane as it progresses, particularly in the middle sections. Some parts of the story feel repetitive, and the resolution, while satisfying, is somewhat predictable.
Despite these flaws, “Before We Were Yours” is a powerful read that sheds light on a disturbing piece of history. Wingate's writing is vivid and evocative, and the novel's emotional depth will resonate with readers who enjoy historical fiction. However, the uneven pacing and the less compelling contemporary storyline prevent it from being a truly outstanding work.
In conclusion, “Before We Were Yours” is a solid read, particularly for those interested in historical fiction, but it falls short of being a masterpiece. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts, but the imbalance between the two narratives keeps it from reaching its full potential. Hence, a 3.5-star rating feels appropriate for this emotional yet uneven novel. 

 A novel that weaves together history and fiction, creating an intricate tale set in the backdrop of the early 20th century and the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Concept and Plot The novel explores the story of Esme, a young girl who becomes fascinated by words discarded by the male lexicographers of the Oxford English Dictionary. The concept of exploring language through a gendered lens is innovative and thought-provoking. The book provides a detailed and vivid picture of the historical period, capturing the nuances of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The novel's deep dive into words and their meanings, especially those overlooked or deemed unimportant, offers an engaging exploration of language and its impact on society. An aspect I appreciate in fiction. I enjoy when I can let my linguistic wanna be loose.
he novel's pacing is uneven, with some sections feeling slow and overly detailed, while others rush through potentially significant plot developments. Certain plot points are predictable, reducing the tension and surprise that could have added depth to the narrative.
Character Development Esme is a compelling and empathetic character whose passion for words drives the narrative. Her growth from a curious child to a thoughtful adult is one of the novel's highlights. The novel features a diverse cast of supporting characters who enrich the story and provide different perspectives on the central themes.
Some characters feel underdeveloped, lacking the complexity and depth that would make them more relatable and engaging. The development of certain characters feels inconsistent, with some shifts in behavior or perspective occurring without sufficient buildup or explanation.
Writing Style Williams has a talent for descriptive language, painting vivid pictures of the setting and evoking the era's atmosphere. The novel demonstrates meticulous research and attention to historical detail, enhancing the authenticity of the narrative.
The writing style sometimes swing between compelling and disengaging, with sections that captivate followed by those that feel drawn out or lack focus. At times, the narrative becomes bogged down by excessive detailing, which can detract from the story's momentum and dilute the impact of key moments. 

The story begins with the gruesome murder of an eleven-year-old boy in the small town of Flint City. All evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and forensic data, points to Terry Maitland, a beloved Little League coach. Detective Ralph Anderson arrests Terry in a highly public manner, convinced of his guilt. However, as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Terry has a solid alibi: he was out of town at a writers' conference during the time of the murder. 

As the seemingly airtight case against Terry unravels, Detective Anderson and his team uncover a series of bizarre and inexplicable events. The evidence starts pointing towards a supernatural entity, an “outsider” capable of taking on the appearance of others and committing heinous crimes. This revelation forces Anderson to confront his own beliefs and understanding of reality.

Stephen King excels in creating deep, multi-dimensional characters. Ralph Anderson is a dedicated detective whose world is shaken by the case, challenging his rational mind. Terry Maitland is portrayed as a sympathetic character, a man whose life is shattered by false accusations. Holly Gibney, a recurring character from King's Bill Hodges Trilogy, plays a crucial role in the investigation with her unique insights and determination.

“The Outsider” explores several profound themes. It examines the nature of evil, suggesting that it can lurk in the most unexpected places. The novel also delves into the impact of false accusations on individuals and communities, highlighting the fragility of reputation and trust. Additionally, King touches on the conflict between rationality and the supernatural, challenging characters and readers alike to reconsider their beliefs.

King's writing in “The Outsider” is taut and gripping. His ability to build suspense is evident from the very first chapter, drawing readers into a complex web of mystery and fear. The dialogue is realistic, and the detailed descriptions create vivid images that enhance the overall sense of dread. King's characteristic wit and deep understanding of human nature shine through, making the characters' reactions and interactions believable and engaging.

I am not too sure about this book if I am being honest. Like I cant really say what I liked or even disliked about it.
It was supose to be really good. So I feel somewhat let down by it all if I am totally honest.
I like the fact that it involves book so much tho. And it isnt all scary scary vrime but also i just dont know. I dont know what I think

 Strengths: -Powerful Themes: Butler masterfully delves into the harsh realities of slavery and the lingering effects of racism. The novel challenges readers to confront the past and consider its implications for the present, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read. - Engaging Concept: The time-travel element is not just a gimmick but a central thing that Butler uses to explore the intersections of history and personal identity. It creates a sense of urgency and tension that keeps me engaged. - Character Complexity: Dana is a strong, relatable protagonist. Her courage, resourcefulness, and moral dilemmas make her a compelling character, and her evolving relationship with Rufus adds layers of complexity to the story. - Emotional Impact: The novel effectively conveys the emotional and psychological toll of slavery, both on those who endure it and those who witness it. Butler's vivid descriptions and thoughtful character development allow the reader to feel the weight of Dana's experiences.
Weaknesses: - Pacing: While the story is engaging, there are moments where the pacing slows, particularly in the middle sections. Some scenes feel repetitive, which makes one feel like it starts becoming relative and the flow in my reading stops up. - Narrative Structure: The back-and-forth between the present and the past, while integral to the story, occasionally disrupts the narrative flow. 

  “Mockingjay” wraps up Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy with a bang, but it's not without its flaws. The book dives deep into the harsh realities of war, which makes for a powerful read, but there are a few things that didn't quite hit the mark for me.First off, the way Collins portrays the impact of war is spot-on. It's gritty, dark, and doesn't sugarcoat anything. Katniss's struggles and the trauma she faces feel real and raw, which adds a lot of depth to her character. The themes of loss and the blurry lines between good and evil are really well done and make you think.That said, the pacing of the book felt a bit off. The first half seemed to drag, with long periods where not much happened. I understand that it was building up to the climax, but it did feel a bit slow. Also, the romantic subplot didn't quite work for me. It felt forced and didn't add much to the story.When the action finally picks up, it's intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, some plot twists felt a bit sudden and not fully explained. The ending was realistic and fitting for the story, but it left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. Like it just built up but then the actual climax was just a let down.All in all, “Mockingjay” is a solid conclusion to the Hunger Games series. It has some great moments and really makes you think, but it also has its share of pacing and plot issues. I'd still recommend it to fans of the series, but just keep in mind that it might not live up to all your expectations.  

A queer retelling of Jane Austen's classic novel, “Pride and Prejudice.” Set in the 19th century, it offers a fresh perspective by focusing on a romance between a non-binary character and another person of the same gender, while staying true to the themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth that are central to Austen's original world:

Good Parts:
1. Unique and Fresh Perspective:
   - The retelling through a queer lens is one of the book's strongest features. By introducing non-binary and same-sex relationships into a historically heteronormative setting, Novoa breathes new life into the familiar narrative. This inclusion not only provides representation but also explores the nuances of identity and love in a historical context.

2. Faithfulness to Austen's Themes:
   - Novoa adeptly retains the core themes of “Pride and Prejudice,” such as class disparity, pride, and societal norms. The dynamics between the characters and the challenges they face in overcoming prejudices are thoughtfully reinterpreted in this new context.

3. Engaging and Rich Prose:
   - The writing style is both engaging and rich, capturing the essence of Austen's prose while also being accessible to contemporary readers. The language used effectively conveys the time period and the intricacies of social interactions.

4. Strong Character Development:
   - The main characters are well-developed, with the protagonist showing a compelling arc of growth and self-discovery. The exploration of gender identity and the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters are handled with sensitivity and depth.

Bad Parts:
1. Pacing Issues:
   - The novel sometimes suffers from uneven pacing. Certain sections, particularly in the middle, can feel slow or overly detailed, potentially detracting from the overall flow of the story. This can make the book feel longer than it is, especially during less action-packed scenes.

2. Predictability:
   - For those familiar with “Pride and Prejudice,” the plot developments can be predictable. While the unique elements of the retelling add fresh interest, the overarching storyline follows closely to the original, which might lessen the sense of suspense or surprise for some readers.

3. Secondary Characters Underexplored:
   - Some of the secondary characters, while interesting, do not receive as much development or exploration as they could. This leaves certain aspects of the story feeling a bit shallow or rushed, especially in comparison to the richly developed main characters.

4. Historical Accuracy vs. Modern Sensibilities:
   - While the book is set in the 19th century, some readers may find the modern sensibilities and language used by the characters somewhat anachronistic. This blend of modern and historical elements may not always feel seamless, occasionally pulling readers out of the immersion in the period setting.

 “The Girl on the Train” was a book I was really excited to dive into, but it ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. The premise sounded intriguing—peering into the lives of strangers from the vantage point of a train window. It's a setting ripe for mystery and suspense, and the author does set up a compelling scenario. I mean atleast in theory.
However, as I got deeper into the story, I found myself losing some of that initial enthusiasm. The characters felt flat, and I struggled to connect with them. The protagonist, Rachel, had a lot of potential as an unreliable narrator, but her constant state of intoxication and the circular pattern of her thoughts made the narrative drag. And not in the way that can be interesting at times.
The plot had its moments of tension, but overall, the pacing felt uneven. There were parts where the story really picked up and I was exited to see what happened next, but then it would slow down with repetitive reflection or way less fun side plots. The twists were decent, though not as surprising as I'd hoped—they felt a bit too ... rehearsed and planned out. It does not feel like the characters doing an action but rather the author deciding they will do this.
In the end, “The Girl on the Train” wasn't quite the thrill ride I was expecting. It had some interesting elements and a strong setup, but it didn't quite deliver on the suspense or character depth I was looking for. It's a decent read if you're into psychological thrillers, but for me, it just missed the mark. So for me it is a sad 2.5 read. 

So this is a childhood reread for me. Thought this could be an Infian read as it takes place in Agra. Turns out that it is a norwigian book so gor my private read the world it checks off Norway.
This is a lovley refead with lots og thought provoking scenes. A little too simple in writing style but still too many good memories to bump it down

Now, where to even start.  The book is amazing in its thorough exploration of global power dynamics, blending scholarly insights with accessible writing. Like I be actually not confused. It offers valuable perspectives on geopolitics and international relations, encouraging to critically consider the complexities of the modern world. However, there is some points were I was needy for deeper analysis. Overall, it's a highly recommended read for its informative content and thought-provoking approach. Like there is some point where I feel the book just is maybe not good enough with controverial subjevts and may feel a tiinie bit biased. So that is a bummer for me honestly.
cause I honestly enjoy the series so muvh and I woudl recomend it. Just sucks that it may not always be great at handling the controversies

This book persoanlly is probely the best untill now. It was actullay the last book I stopped at last time so good to have atleast come over that part.
I find that in this one we get to see more of the lore that I know (judging from the tv series) start forming. Like the bigger PLOT taht will eventually make the end finnaly starts properly

Såååå
Vet ikke helt hvor jeg skal begynne med denne omtalen.
Jeg elsker konspetet av denne boken. Jeg liker at de drar inn de pågående probrelmene og debattene i det norkse samfunnet. Jeg liker ikke kjærlightene. trengte ikke det, klarte meg bra med ‘bare' det politiske og hvordan hun kommer seg igjennom det universet.