I always feel a bit weird rating or reviewing a book that deals with personal happenings. After all, I'm not in the position to judge or rate someonesI always feel a bit weird rating or reviewing a book that deals with personal happenings. After all, I'm not in the position to judge or rate someones life. But I do have to say that I enjoyed my reading experience of this book tremendously! This mostly, I think quite obviously, has to do with the fact that I'm a massive Monty Python fan, and Michael Palin is just one of my favorite human beings in general. So reading about the creation of pretty much EVERYTHING to do with the Python's was an absolute delight to me and very interesting. Adding to that the fact that the years 1969 - 1979 are just a fascinating time period in my opinion (due to historical and cultural events, but also because my parents were born during that time, so it's fun to see what the world was like when they were growing up) made this a perfect piece of entertainment.
I'm someone who keeps their own diary - it's one of my most valuable items and the writing is one of my most important rituals. So I felt an instant connection to the entries in here, simply because I know what it's like to document your life in such a way. You also get, I think, a very special kind of insight into someone's life this way, it feels more personal and authentic. This made the mentioned world events seem more tangible to me, way more "real" than a Wikipedia article (which is how I normally learn about stuff that happened 20+ years ago). It also gave me a whole new view on pretty much everything and anything that happened with Python - the creation of their show and movies, but also their relationships with each other. Seriously, I rewatched a lot of their stuff (professional work, but also interviews etc.) during and after reading and I suddenly felt a whole new connection to it, because now I had background information!
If you're a fan of Monty Python and want to find out more about their productions and lives, I highly recommend this wonderful collection. It can't get more intimate than this. I'm very much looking forward to reading the other two volumes of Michael's diaries!...more
This book was utterly charming and adorable! It's truly one of the sweetest and most wholesome stories I have ever read.
I've been a huge fan of "HeidiThis book was utterly charming and adorable! It's truly one of the sweetest and most wholesome stories I have ever read.
I've been a huge fan of "Heidi" since I was a young child, since my mother first introduced me to the fantastic Anime adaption from 1974. The show was one of my absolute favorites and its been dear to my heart ever since. Having watched the episodes over and over again throughout the years, I've become very familiar with the storyline, so nothing in this book was new or a surprise to me. But that's not a bad thing at all! It was still exciting to experience this tale in its original written form for the first time.
For a children's book, these characters are incredible well developed and versatile. All of them are amazing in their own way, and all of them contribute to the story. But Heidi, without a doubt, is one of the best and cutest characters I have ever encountered. She's just so nice and friendly, joyful and open-minded. The plot is relatively simple, but it's executed in a way that makes it exciting and suspenseful for young and older readers alike.
I wish I would have read this sooner, while I was still a child, because I just know I would have adored it so much and it would have made a big impression on me. I think I could have learnt some valuable life lessons from it (for example, that good things take time or to find joy in little things). Of course the Anime also includes and teaches these values, but the book still goes a bit deeper and further with it.
Oh well, thankfully you're never too old to learn something! And now I'm at an age where I can say that I'm looking forward to reading this book to my future children some day, because I know 100% this Heidi will be in their collection....more
It's been two months since I've read this book and I still haven't managed to write a review. I think that's because I feel a bit intimidated. This boIt's been two months since I've read this book and I still haven't managed to write a review. I think that's because I feel a bit intimidated. This book was just so good, I know I won't be able to write a review to do it justice.
I immediately fell in love with Pip (it literally took one sentence), and as the story went on, I fell in love with the rest of the characters as well. Every single one of them was unique and utterly charming in their own way and definitely memorable. This book could have been several hundred pages longer and I wouldn't have complained, because I felt so involved with everyone's life and just wanted to know more and more.
And the writing style...gosh, it was to die for! I can't put my finger on it, but Dickens has a certain way with words that just fills me with so much joy. It was such a comforting read somehow? I feel like he's the writer I've been waiting to discover for a long time. I can't believe I didn't read more of his books sooner! I wasn't even halfway through the book when I decided I need to read the rest of his works as soon as possible.
I "only" gave it four stars in the end, because I originally thought that there were some unnecessary parts. But the more I think about it, the more I think it deserves a higher rating. I'm sure that when I reread this book (and I know without a doubt I will do so at some point), it will get a full 5 star rating....more
Maybe I need to start off this review by saying that I'm a massive fan of Elton John. He was a huge part of my childhood, because 'The Lion King' was Maybe I need to start off this review by saying that I'm a massive fan of Elton John. He was a huge part of my childhood, because 'The Lion King' was my favourite movie and I watched the VHS of it to shreds. My mother then showed me her CDs of the guy who wrote the soundtrack and I was amazed by his voice. I stopped listening to him for many years, because I went through a phase where I would only listen to alternative emo music and ignored everything else. But when I rediscovered him in my late teens...and man, something changed in me! I remember how I listened to "Tiny Dancer" and had some kind of epiphany. It was the purest and most special feeling, something I can't put into words. So yeah, to say I expected to love this book is an understatement.
But I still didn't expect it to love it as much as I did! I pretty much read it obsessively, I just couldn't stop. This doesn't happen to me very often, especially not when reading non-fiction. I'm generally not a big fan of memoirs, but this was an entirely pleasant (and surprising) reading experience for me. I felt weirdly emotionally connected to the story (is that the right expression?). I often felt like I was actually sitting down with Elton himself, and he was just telling all those things that happened to him. I laughed (so incredibly much) and cried and got excited and nervous. I felt more enthralled by this memoir than by some adventure novels I've read.
This is a very personal book. Elton doesn't shy away from talking about the mistakes and stupid things he did in the past. He's very self reflective and often uses a self-ironic tone. He also talks openly about his opinion regarding some other artists and his experiences with them. It's a very interesting and candid book and I loved it so, so much! I already know I will pick it up more often in the future and I'm already very much looking forward to it....more
Okay, I'll be honest: I didn't have a very good start with this book. I tried reading it in its original language at first, but I figured out rather qOkay, I'll be honest: I didn't have a very good start with this book. I tried reading it in its original language at first, but I figured out rather quickly that this wouldn't work out. I just didn't get along with Austen's "outdated" writing (obviously it wasn't outdated back when she wrote the book, but to someone who only knows contemporary English, it almost seems like she is writing in a whole different language altogether).
Thankfully, I was gifted a German edition of the novel for Christmas, and I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was to finally read this classic story, which is mentioned and cited so often! But, oh no, once again: I didn't have a very good start. Yes, I found the first 100 pages entertaining, but I didn't understand what was so seemingly special. I was becoming more and more worried that I was missing something and would end up disliking this book, which is always included in those "Best Books Of All Time, That Everybody Definitely Needs To Read" - Lists. But then, more and more started happening, things got more and more interesting and I wished more and more that I could be right there with the characters, to talk (and gossip) about all those events!
I still don't think that this is the most exciting or extraordinary book I have ever read. But it doesn't need to be! The time period it was written in needs to be taken into consideration, and for that, it is definitely astonishing. I would have never expected the amount of dry humor (which I loved very, very much) that is in there. And despite being written so long ago, the story still holds up! Obviously not every single part, but the family quarrels definitely feel timeless.
I now fully understand why this book is so well-loved, and I cannot wait to reread it (probably soon - and then I will try my luck with the English version again)!...more
I'm currently in a reading slump and not a single book is looking appealing to me right now. However, I just couldn't say 'no' to this adorable cover!I'm currently in a reading slump and not a single book is looking appealing to me right now. However, I just couldn't say 'no' to this adorable cover! The fact that there a beautiful illustrations throughout made it even better. The entire layout of this book definitely deserves its own honourable mention - it fits the story so well and makes it even more heartwarming. And the best thing was (of course), that the story (despite my reading slump) was able to hold my attention and make me feel all cozy. It was definitely the perfect book to read during this cold wintertime!
' Winterhouse' is classified as a Childrens/Middle Grade book - a genre I don't read very often, because I fear that the writing or the individual plot points will be too childish for my liking. However, it didn't take long to convince me that this is a book that can easily be read and enjoyed by all ages! The suspense was there from (literally) page one and lasted till the very end. The words that were used were appropriate for children, but weren't dumbed down either. The characters are smart and don't shy away from showing it (without boasting about it or feeling superior).
Talking about the characters - I can't get how cute they were!! Especially the friendship between the main character Elizabeth and her new-found friend Freddy warmed my heart, they were just beyond precious. They treat each other with so much respect and acceptance; the thought that kids might read this book and learn how to treat their fellow peers makes me so happy.
Puzzles and riddles play a big part of the story, which I found to be unique and which I totally loved. It made the plot even more fun and exciting. I felt like I was solving everything together with the characters and it made me feel even closer to them. It animated me so much that I suddenly felt the need to buy a bunch of crosswords and jigsaws!
I just cannot get it into my head that this is the debut novel of the author!! Everything was just so wonderful and perfect...I'm telling you: Ben Guterson will go on to write many, many more fantastic books! It's kind of funny how I was worried about reading this in the beginning, because it ended up being one of my favourite books I've read in the entire year.
I only have to criticise one tiny little thing: I would have liked a bit more insight into Elizabeth's life before she visits Winterhouse, to get a better understanding into her living situation with her aunt and uncle. The same goes for Freddy's relationship with his parents. However, taking into consideration that this is only the first part of a trilogy, it isn't that big of a deal. I'm sure we will learn more about these things in the following books. And oh boy, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for the sequel to come out......more
This novel was absolutely terrifying, especially because it somehow seemed so real. While reading, I was constantly guessing how the whole thing was suThis novel was absolutely terrifying, especially because it somehow seemed so real. While reading, I was constantly guessing how the whole thing was supposed to end, because I really couldn't come up with a possible and fitting solution. But of course, Stephen King knew what to do! He left so much room for an individual interpretation, which is why this is one of my favorite endings to a book ever.
I talk about how much I love King's writing style in every single of my reviews of one of his books, so I won't go into it again. You just need to know that this book contains the exact type of writing I adore so much and makes me such a huge fan of his works. There aren't as many characters involved in the story as there are in many of his other books, but they all were well developed and independent, and they all left an imprint on me.
I didn't know all too much about the plot beforehand, but I think this was perfect for the story to have the effect on me that it had in the end. I found it so hard-hitting and depressing. I already know that I will definitely reread this book at some point, but I will have to thoroughly mentally prepare myself before I do so....more
This was one of the best-written books I have ever read. There was something so special about the writing style, I can't really put it into words. It This was one of the best-written books I have ever read. There was something so special about the writing style, I can't really put it into words. It was just so "fitting" and transported me right into this fascinating world. I knew absolutely nothing about the Geisha tradition going into this book, and I feel like I've learnt so much! It is extremely evident that the author did a lot of extensive research and clearly appreciates the Japanese culture. I never would have guessed that I could become so invested in the life of a single girl, who is growing up in a country I don't have any connection to, and who is living a lifestyle I've never thought all too much about before.
I thing the exquisite writing style is what truly makes this book. Of course the plot is interesting as well (especially if, like me, you don't know anything about all the work that goes into becoming a Geisha), but without Arthur Golden's wonderful storytelling it would have been only half as good. He made me feel things I wouldn't have felt otherwise. He managed to make even the most mundane things sound exciting and interesting. I especially need to mention the fact that there were many things happening I would have found disgusting and appalling under different circumstances (this is not a critique on the book itself; these situations are realistic and an attribute to the time period the book takes place in). However, the author pulled me so far into the story and had such a beautiful way of describing things, that I just couldn't bring myself to be angry at anything.
All in all, this was an absolute perfect book to me. If I were to teach a writing class, I would definitely choose this novel as an example on great storytelling. It deserves all the hype and acclaim it gets....more
This book is an absolute masterpiece and it makes it clear in every single sentence. I think it is best to go into it without knowing too much about tThis book is an absolute masterpiece and it makes it clear in every single sentence. I think it is best to go into it without knowing too much about the plot. You just got to take it as it comes, so to say.
Before reading, I was worried that I might have trouble with the writing style. English isn't my first language and the older a book is, the more trouble I seem to have with the writing (because of obsolete words, unusual sentence structures, ect.). However, my worry was totally for nothing in this case. I found the entire book very easy to read (which is even more surprising considering the heavy topics that get dealt with). I also loved how there were many little passages and repetitions of certain phrases. It seemed fitting somehow.
I would have never guessed that the blend of a war story with Science Fiction could work so well! It gives it so much room for analysing and interpretation. Honestly, I could write a thousand more reasons why I loved this book, but in the end I would just repeat myself, because I seriously just loved every.single.little.thing! I highly recommend everyone to give it a shot....more
Another wonderful installment in this fantastic series! J.K. Rowling's writing style continues to blow me away. The way she writes is just so easy to rAnother wonderful installment in this fantastic series! J.K. Rowling's writing style continues to blow me away. The way she writes is just so easy to read and always makes me feel super "comfortable" in the world she created. And what a wonderful world that is! My love for each character grows bigger and bigger with every book. Their development is very well done - it's realistic and believable.
This book explores a lot of Lord Voldemort's past, which was great, because you learn so many things that make this character even more interesting. The way these flashback scenes were integrated was so well done and perfectly fit into the story. I also found the overall concept of the Half-Blood Prince very nice. My most favorite thing about this book has to be Draco's arc and storyline, though. He is one of my top fictional characters ever created, and to see him playing such a huge role made me incredibly happy.
(view spoiler)[There is just one little thing I've got to complain about: Harry's and Ginny's devoloping relationship. I just don't see it?? I don't know, I just feel like Harry's feelings came out of nowhere. For a while I was even wondering if Ginny slipped some Love Potion into one of his drinks... Ron and Hermione on the other hand...💖 (hide spoiler)] ...more
I don't think I (once again) need to mention how much I love J.K. Rowling's writing style. She is able to create this magical world filled with lovablI don't think I (once again) need to mention how much I love J.K. Rowling's writing style. She is able to create this magical world filled with lovable, interesting and layered characters with simple, but very effective words. Her storytelling is the perfect blend of humor, sadness, suspense and pretty much everything else that makes a good book, and it's going to be something I will highly miss once I finish this wonderful series.
One might think that the fifth book in a series doesn't bring much new stuff to the overall plot and might even just be written to prolong the finale, but this is not the case here. The story that gets told helps to establish and develop so many things - no book of the series has been a filler so far! Despite the book being so long (my copy has 800 pages), no line is boring or unnecessary. I didn't even feel like I read so many pages, because it was so entertaining.
Like in my review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I need to praise the portrayal of friendship! These characters are just normal teenagers with normal conflicts and fights, and I'm so happy that (besides all the fantastical elements) these ordinary things find a place in the story as well. This makes this adventure so much more special, because you truly see these characters grow up and learn!...more
Most of what I said in my review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone can also be applied to this installment in the series: The writing style Most of what I said in my review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone can also be applied to this installment in the series: The writing style was easy to read, but not simplistic in the slightest. It's definitely a book that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age. The world (unsurprisingly) was magical and the characters so incredibly lovable. I also really liked that there a bit more insight into the school lessons than in the first one. I don't think I need to say more - these books are just an absolute must-read!...more
I...I don't know what to do with myself now that I've finished reading this perfect series.😭💖RTC.I...I don't know what to do with myself now that I've finished reading this perfect series.😭💖RTC....more
Man, I really hope no one ever tries to make me choose my favorite King-book, because I would never be able to make a decision. Every time I read one Man, I really hope no one ever tries to make me choose my favorite King-book, because I would never be able to make a decision. Every time I read one of his books, I'm absolutely blown away by the amazing writing style and by how fast the (sometimes massive amount of) pages fly by.
Even though this story was (once again) told in great detail, I never felt like scenes were unnecessarily drawn out. I thought the plot progressed at an appropriate speed with a fitting development. I would say that the story in general had many realistic aspects. The concept of a dome suddenly appearing over a town might sound outlandish and far-fetched, but the execution was done in a very believable way. The characters behaved in completely normal and humane ways (both good and bad, calm and agitated).
At first I was quite intimidated by the big number of different characters. I got to know them pretty well rather fast though, as they were all described in good and memorable ways. They all had several facades to them, which made them very authentic and (some more than others) lovable. I'm sure that you would find all these types of people in a real town. Stephen King just knows how many different character traits there are in the world and he never fails to include many of them. This helps immensely to paint a picture of a town and all the different people that live in it.
He also knows how to write out of the perspective of all those different kind of people. It doesn't matter if we see the viewpoint of a man or a woman, a child or a senior, an established wealthy person or a messy alcoholic, or even (in some instances) a dog. He manages to hit the nail on the head with every single perspective. Sometimes, the story was suddenly told by an outside-narrator and a different tense. I often find these sudden changes in the middle of a story confusing and rather annoying, but (of course) King knows how to do it in the right way and use it to his advantage. He only uses this "tactic" sparsely, which is what makes the story feel even more intense once past tense changes into present tense. It really helps to deliver the point the story is trying to make.
Lastly, I also would like to show my appreciation for the little ordinary things included throughout the book. Despite all the drama and all the things that happen, there is still time found for a mum wanting her son to clean his room, kids playing games and so on. This adds another layer of realism, which makes me love this book even more....more
Oh, this was such a delight to read! I didn't think a story about a family mystery could be so entertaining throughout, while still staying realistic Oh, this was such a delight to read! I didn't think a story about a family mystery could be so entertaining throughout, while still staying realistic and not going too over the top. Kate Morton just has the absolute best writing style for stories of this kind. She has a way of completely trapping you in the story she's telling, so that you lose yourself in it and just can't find a way out. And that's something highly positive! This is only the second book of hers I've read, but I'm already certain I'd have a wonderful time just reading her grocery list.
This novel consists of over 50 chapters, each one of them told from a different point of view and taking place in a different time period. Sound like it's going to be confusing, right? Well, Mrs. Morton did her magic once again, and managed to not be confusing at all. I have no idea how she did it, but I was always able to picture everything that happened perfectly and each character had a distinctive voice, which made it easy to tell them apart.
If I had to describe the plot in one word, I'd use "magical". It had so many layers, all very well thought out and interesting. There are many little details that get mentioned throughout. Some might call those details unnecessary, redundant or too elaborate, but as someone who loves long books with attention to minor things, it was an absolute joy to read such a fine work.
I have to say, I was quite surprised at some of the dark themes that played a part. This especially concerns the ending, I really didn't expect this revelation. It was (surprisingly) fitting though, and I'm glad the author didn't shy away from going down this route. Lastly, I also feel the need to express my appreciation of the included fairy tales by Eliza Makepeace. I'd love to read more of them; they gave me a really comfy, warm and fuzzy feeling and reminded me of my childhood. Just lovely!...more
This was such a delight to read! I absolutely loved every single second I spent in this universe, and I could have gone on reading forever...
The book This was such a delight to read! I absolutely loved every single second I spent in this universe, and I could have gone on reading forever...
The book includes many characters. I tend to get confused by that, but thankfully all of them were well developed in this case. They had different personalities and character traits, so I was able to easily tell them apart and picture them in my head. The Relationships between each of them were all kept on a realistic level. None of them were too close or too distant. Especially the amount of contact/closeness between the house residents and the working staff at Riverton Manor seemed believable to me and never over the top.
The writing style was very nice and "comfortable" to read. It was perfect for the time period the story plays in, and I felt like I was a part of this world. The transitions between the past and the present were done very well and it all fit together (better than I would have expected).
I also liked how some script pages, letters, E-Mails and articles were added into the story. This helped to explain some of the background stories in an easy way. I can't stand it when characters have conversations in which they provide huge amounts of information to each other (including every single little detail)! It's always so awkward and unnatural. By providing these little extra snippets, the author prevented those stiff interactions in a simple, but smart way.
I found the romances that took place believable as well, and also rather "tender". I can't explain exactly what I mean by that; I was just touched by it in some way. It made me feel things - which does mean a lot, since I'm normally not too overly excited about the romance aspects in a book. These developing relationships had an appropriate speed (especially for the time period) and was kept at a convincing level.
There are also two portrayals of the aftereffects of the First World War. Those weren't done unnecessarily dramatic or over the top, either. They were kept at bay (to a believable point), and I really liked and appreciated that.
The only little thing I have to complain about is the lack of mention of the characters ages. I sometimes wasn't sure how old I should picture them. I would have liked a clearer distinction of the age differences between each of them and between the years that passed. This is such a tiny little thing, though. It didn't really intervene with my reading experience.
I truly developed a big love for everyone involved at Riverton Manor, and I absolutely just need a movie or TV-Show based on this fantastic book!...more
A wonderful and very high-quality photography book, that's perfect for fans of James Dean and everyone who would like to find out a bit more on how thA wonderful and very high-quality photography book, that's perfect for fans of James Dean and everyone who would like to find out a bit more on how the most famous pictures of him came to be. :)...more
This was an amazing book and the pages (over 1000 in my edition) just kept flying by!
Let's start with the main character: Jake is a realistic guy, whoThis was an amazing book and the pages (over 1000 in my edition) just kept flying by!
Let's start with the main character: Jake is a realistic guy, whose motivations and thought process is easy to follow and understand. I immediately found him to be very sympathetic (there was never a moment where I questioned his morals, opinions etc.) and he definitely has a place in my heart now. I also really liked all the other characters - both the heroes and the villains - and thought they all had a good and fitting development. We saw just enough of all of them to paint the picture that was needed for such a story. There is a very sweet romance in the book and I enjoyed reading about this realtionship a lot more than I had expected. I'm someone who rarely enjoys the romantic aspects in books, so this adds several plus points right away.
The way the past was presented was fantastic! It wasn't done over the top AT ALL, which makes me incredibly happy. Of course there were several song/tv/book references, but those weren't added just for the sake of establishing that, yes, we are in fact in the past right now. Instead they were charming and fitting. It just felt like the actual past, and not the romanticized and over the top past that is often presented in the entertainment industry. The exact "whys" and "hows" of the time travel are left kind of open, which I don't mind at all. I actually quite like it, because it often is better to just let things stand on their own and not explore it too much. I think exploring the exact way the time travelling is made possible would have been too much and irrelevant to the story.
Throughout the book, creepy things happen in small, often subtle, and always believable ways. I liked this, because it left a bigger impact on me than giant explosions, mass accidents or similar things would have done. They often were a small punch to my heart and were always completely unexpected. This shows how well Stephen King can build suspense and spread little clues without ever being over the top.
I had absolutely no clue how this story would end, and to say I was surprised would be a huge understatement. This doesn't mean that it was bad in the slightest, it was actually a lot better and nicer than I expected! Of course I had many ideas and theories on what might happen while reading (none of them turned out to be correct, even though I'm normally quite good at guessing endings correctly), which leads me to saying that overall the book is incredibly engaging and keeps you guessing throughout....more
This was my first, but definitely not my last, Agatha Christie book, and I truly loved it! It was a wonderful mystery that kept me Actual rating: 4.5 🌟
This was my first, but definitely not my last, Agatha Christie book, and I truly loved it! It was a wonderful mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through. I really liked the structure of the novel. Each character getting their own chapter was a genius idea, it really helped me to get to know them. All of them seemed realistic and well developed, which was surprising, considering the amount of people and the rather short length of the book. The writing style was very atmospheric and enjoyable to read. It matched the genre perfectly....more
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