What is the latest book you bought or borrowed because of a review you read? Did it live up to your expectations? Why or why not?
Amy R.
A review by a friend led me to reading THE HEARTS OF HORSES by Molly Gloss.
I loved the story, but I'm a horse girl, so it's pretty much a given. However, it led me to purchasing some of Molly Gloss's other work and following her on Twitter.
Audrey A.
THE HELP.
I would give it a 3.5 --- I expected a 5.
Jessica S.
DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth
K Ferg
THE SHACK by William P. Young
NO it did not live up to my expectations! It was a good book, but I was told it was so deep that it would change my life and the way I thought about things. I was prepared for a much bigger reaction to this book and found it lacking.
Kay S.
THE VIOLETS OF MARCH by Sarrah Jio.
Yes, it lived up to my expectations, mostly. It was a little slow going at first, but I got into the puzzle of family secrets as time went on. My only criticism is that I would have liked to know the characters even better.
Jennifer C.
I haven't read a book that I didn't read a review on for a very long time. I am currently reading THE DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, which I am thoroughly enjoying, and I am not a "witch, vampire, daemon" fan! Who knew?
F Tessa B
UNBROKEN: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand.
Bought it because of reviews. Absolutely loved it and have recommended it highly to several people (including my husband).
Patricia F.
I just bought CRITICAL CARE by Theresa Brown and have read half of it. It is very intriguing. I wanted to read it because it is written from the perspective of a first-year nurse on an oncology floor. Ms. Brown makes the reader understand how nurses think as opposed to doctors.
Yes, it has lived up to my expectations because I wanted to see how nurses are trained and how they think about situations, since my husband recently passed away after being hospitalized for four months. He had esophageal cancer. I often wondered about the nurses, especially the night shift nurses, and how much training they had had and if they really understood what they were doing.
Kathryn M.
BLOOD RANSOM by Lisa Harris
The reviews promised something rich in detail with an emotional message, as well as a powerful thriller. I'm about halfway through and it's living up to my expectations. I'm also excited this is the first in a new series!
Gaymarie H.
THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE by David Wroblewski
Elizabeth V.
The book I'm reading right now: THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot
No, it did not live up to my expectations. You cannot always rely on the honesty of book reviews. In this case, the author devotes too much of the book to the family's misunderstanding and lack of intelligence. The way I see it and the way most scientists saw it, it didn't much matter to the story (nonfiction) of Henrietta's cells and what their lives have led to. However, I haven't finished the book, so my opinion may change. But amazon.com calls the book the best of 2010, and that it is not. My opinion won't change about that.
Debbie
THE SWEET GUM TREE by Katherine Allred
Yes, it did live up to my expectations. It was a completely sweet story of a small-town romance between two friends, full of honest emotion. I loved it!
Lynn B.
THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE by Julie Orringer
It totally lived up to it's reputation. I like to read other people's reviews who have read the book, like on GoodReads, and then decide.
Janice H.
IN THE WOODS by Tana French.
Yes, it definitely exceeded my expectations. I expected just another good mystery, but it is exceptional --- from the construction of the story, and how tightly woven it is, to the engagement I felt with the characters, and how deftly the author builds suspense. Hard to believe this is a first novel!
Ann H.
Jodi Picoult's SING ME HOME
No, it did not live up to my hopes and expectations. It was good enough that I read the whole book, but it was my least favorite of her books. It was kind of boring.
A. Thaxton
TOYS by James Patterson.
Yes, but I have liked some of James Patterson's other books better.
Melodie S.
That would be A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness and it was so not worth my time! Wanted to love it...didn't at all!
Wendy
I read THE DISCOVERY OF WITCHES (by Deborah Harkness) based on the great reviews it was receiving. It took about 75 pages to get into it, but then I ended up loving it!
Ellen
Most of the books I buy, I buy because of Bookreporter.com! I read about them in your newsletter and reviews. Examples of the latest are CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER by Tom Franklin, SARAH'S KEY by Tatiana de Rosnay, and THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbo. You are my book source and you're never wrong!
Bea
THE STORY OF BEAUTIFUL GIRL by Rachel Simon.
It turned out to be slow and boring. I couldn't finish it.
Phyllis P.
RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein
Enjoyed the book but did not quite live up to the review.
Eileen K., Ph.D
THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain
It is a fabulous book as it investigates the interactions that take place in the life of Hadley Richardson and Ernest Hemingway. It reminded me of the book by Nancy Horan, LOVING FRANK. The fluidity of the writing in McLain's book is unparalleled. It is a rich and provocative tale about Paris in 1929.
Sandra P.
THE FINKLER QUESTION by Howard Jacobson
I didn't enjoy the book at all. It took me forever to finish.
V. Hedden
THE TRINITY SIX by Charles Cumming.
Yes, it lived up to my expectations. I enjoyed it very much because of the historical aspect.
Rosalie S.
THE POSTMISTRESS by Sarah Blake.
I was terribly disappointed with the book. I could never get into the characters or the premise of the story. I have read many WWII books and this is by far the worst in my opinion.
Lois C.
INNOCENT by Scott Turow and THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbo
They are both on my Kindle today after reading your reviews!
Linda B.
All by Theodore Jerome Cohen: FROZEN IN TIME, UNFINISHED BUSINESS, and END GAME.
They did live up to my expectations; however, I thought the writing was a bit simplistic. But what a story!
Heather L.
ENOUGH ABOUT LOVE by Herve Le Tellier and I loved it!
I like reviews that give a very brief synopsis of the story but that also explain why or why not someone recommends it. For example, if a book is described as slow or overly descriptive, it's not for me! By the way, LOVE your site!
Carol C. of Lebanon Twp, NJ
I bought CLARA AND MR. TIFFANY after reading Bookreporter.com. I love her themes and couldn't wait to read it that I bought the hard-cover book. I am enjoying it immensely and can't wait for the renovation to the NY Historic Society to be complete so I can go see the Tiffany lamps. Thanks for the great review.
Denise L.
THE LITTLE GIANT OF ABERDEEN COUNTY. I loved it!
Sheila K.
MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND.
I just loved it. The characters were wonderful, as was the plot. It exceeded my expectations, which were quite high.
Wendy
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen
Judie
MOLOKA'I by Alan Brennert
Linda J.
THE PASSAGE by Justin Cronan.
I didn't think it was as good as the reviews led me to believe.
Tricia D.
THE THOUSAND AUTUMNS OF JACOB DE ZOET was a little hard to get into, but by the end I had become a devoted follower of David Mitchell. Great language and historical research. This book will become a classic.
Marian S.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
It exceeded my expectations. The book brought out the inner feelings of the old man in an exquisite manner. I loved the humor of his personality. Being 74, I could certainly relate to his different feelings.
Marion M.
THE TROUBLED MAN byHenning Mankell.
I put it on reserve because of the great reviews it got. It was good.
Christina P.
SAVE ME.
Yes, better than expected. I like Lisa Scotoline's stand alone novels and the new direction her writing is taking.
T. Thomas
THE PASSAGE by Justin Cronin.
This book received rave reviews and I finally read it. I was very disappointed. It was a long, tiring read. The ending was a cliché --- a cliff hanger. Cutting about a third of the book would have helped.
Suzanne N.
My book club bought A RELIABLE WIFE based on glowing reviews. We thought it was the WORST book of the year, primarily because none of the characters had any redeeming virtues. We could not see why it got such great reviews, and we decided not to go by reviews any more.
Heather J.
THE PEACH KEEPER, by Sarah Addison Allen
Yes, I enjoyed the book, and probably would not have ever read it, but I read a review of it, and thought I would give it a try. Glad I did!
Sharon W.
THE HELP
It absolutely lived up to the review. I relived some turbulent times and learned some new things I missed the first time around!
Ruthann
DISTURBED by Kevin O'Brien.
Yes, it was excellent.
Michelle A.
MOLOKA'I by Alan Brennert.
It turned out to be a fantastic book
Stephanie
For my book club, I chose I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith, based on a book review I read.
Yes it did, and more! It was a wonderful read, and I can't wait to discuss it with my friends.
Mary F.
THE READING PROMISE by Alice Ozma
Definitely worth reading because it shows a way to have a lifetime closeness with your family.
Rita P.
I'LL WALK ALONE by Mary Higgins Clark.
It was not nearly as good and I would expect from Ms. Higgins's novels.
Karin D.
THE INFORMATIONIST by Taylor Stevens.
I loved it...couldn't put it down!
Rita
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein
Angela
The book was ROOM by Emma Donoghue.
Yes it did live up to expectations. It was one of best novels I have read!
Traci W.
The book I bought because of a review I read was TICK TOCK by James Patterson.
This book not only lived up to my expectations, but it also exceded my expectations! This book was hard to put down, the twists and turns just kept coming through the very end!
Jackie H.
BEACH HOUSE by Jane Green.
It began in an interesting way, but splintered into too many stories --- hard to follow and not very compelling. When one young husband and father decided he was gay, that was just too much for me and I stopped reading.
Edward H.
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA by Colleen McCullough.
It met my expectations. I wanted it to exceed my expectations. I read the 6 previous books in the series so I pretty much knew what to expect.
Amy G.
THE INFORMATIONIST by Taylor Stevens.
Yes. It was excellent. I liked the main character, Michael, and the book kept my interest all the way through.
Beverly
BLACK ORCHID BLUES by Persia Walker.
Yes, it lived up to my expectations based on the online review I read. It was a well written review that gave the permise of the storyline without giving the story away. The reviewer explained her reading experience and provided an excellent analysis what worked in the story based on its genre.
Betty Jo H.
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein
Betty Jo H.
HALF BROKE HORSES by Jeannette Walls
Bobbie D.
THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain
I was compared it to LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan, but I didn't think it was nearly as good. Just an okay read.
Don G.
THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain
It DID live up to expectations!
Pamela G.
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins.
I read glowing reviews of it and I absolutely loved it.
Diane C.
CITY OF DREAMS by William Martin
EXCUSE ME, MY BRAINS HAVE STEPPED OUT by Pandora Poikilos
Mary B.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen.
I loved it.
Bea
THE STORY OF BEAUTIFUL GIRL by Rachel Simon.
It did not live up to my expectations. I didn't think it was about anything particularly new or intriguing.
Toni G.
FALL OF GIANTS by Ken Follett
Yes, it's historical fiction at its best with characters that stand up and walk right off the page into your life. Other than the weight of the hardcover version, there's everything to like --- plus it's the first book of a trilogy.
There's more Ken Follett to come!
Anita L.
THE BIRD SISTERS by Rebecca Rasmussen.
I think the book is beautifully written, but perhaps because my life has been so busy, I have not been able to enjoy it completely. I've put it aside to read something else.
I still plan to read it, the author is very kind on FB and Twitter, and I feel more compelled to follow through when the author is so kind.
The Pagan
NOIR by Robert Coover
It did not live up to my expectations. The first few pages were fantastic and then it became repetitive and self-indulgent. It bears out my rule: 'never trust a review of this type of book, i.e. crime, from a literary magazine," in this case the TLS.
Melinda J.
THE AMISH MIDWIFE by Mindy Starnes Clark which I read about first on Bookreporter.com.
I wanted something light for my new Nook and this book was a good choice. While maybe not the best book in the world, it was an enjoyable quick read and I would read more things by this author.
Louise
UP FROM THE BLUE by Susan Henderson
I believe this was on a list I've been compiling from the reviews on Bookreporter.com. However, I just ordered it a few days ago so can't tell you, at this point, how much I like it.
Marjorie C.
ROOM by Emma Donoghue.
Yes it met my expectations. It was so different from anything that I have read and I enjoyed every page of this book.
Sandra
All the hoopla about ROOM by Emma Donoghue that I had to read it, and I'm probably one of the few who didn't like it. Somewhat depressing and I'm thinking this just wouldn't happen this way.
Robert R.
THE FIFTH WITNESS by Michael Connelly. It totally lived up to expectations and I rated it 5 stars. I have read other books by this author.
10 ANNIVERSARY by James Patterson. I rated that 3 stars...wasn't his best work
Betty B
The latest book I borrowed from the library was EVE by Iris Johansen.
I am not a fan of this author because I find her books are all very similiar but I thoughly enjoyed reading this book and could hardly put it down. It proided us with the background of Eve, and the child she always fights to find. I started this book with no expectations and was so thrilled with the book and the story.
Tamara
I just read ELIZABETH I by Margaret George, recommended on a blog review.
I absolutely loved the book and have written about it on my Facebook page and Twitter.
Gary
I will read everything reviewed by Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub and agree with him almost 100% of the time.
Terry
STILL MISSING by Chevy Stevens
It lived up to my expectation and then some...
John S.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MARK TWIN, Volume 1.
Fascinating account of America's greatest literary artist, in my view. Candid, sometimes controversial view of the times and people. My favorite part is the description of his longtime friendship with President/General Ulysses S. Grant.
Steven S.
THE SIXTH MAN by David Baldacci.
The review said it was not up to his prior novels, but I found it to be a page-turner by the end.
Steven S.
THE JEFFERSON KEY by Steve Berry.
Found the review right on. A good mystery and quite the page-turner. I am going to read the his previous novel now, THE EMPEROR'S TOMB, as I missed it when I was in China.
Karen T.
THE MURDER ROOM by Michael Capuzzo.
It lived up to my expectations. It's about how a group of detectives, psychologists, profilers, forensic artist Frank Bender on AMW, and psychics solved crimes. A very interesting read.
Lisa
ROGUE ISLAND by Bruce deSilva and PURGATORY CHASM by Steve Ulfelder
Yes in both cases --- although the book covers were misleading, at least to me, which is why I didn't pick them up at first.
A. Thaxton
TOYS by James Patterson<
As always this novel is one of James Patterson's books you cannot put down once you start reading it. It did live up to my expectations because you just have to keep on reading the novel until you get to the end.
Amy G.
THE INFORMATIONIST by Taylor Stevens
Kay N.
Almost all the books I select are from reviews. There are so many...
CUTTING FOR STONE went beyond my expectations as the story was so compelling and beautifully written. I did part of it in Audio and the reader was one of the best I ever heard.
Also THE DRESSMAKER OF KHAIR KHANA (Gayle Tzemach Lemmon) as it shows that one person can change the world and was uplifting for so many women.
Kathy M.
HISSY FIT by Mary Kay Andrews.
I read it because of the mention on Bookreporter.com that it was available as an e-book for $1.99. Tried it and loved it. And then figured out I live in the same town as the author! Can't wait for SUMMER RENTAL.
Toni G.
FALL OF GIANTS by Ken Follett greatly surpassed my expectations and upped my anticipation for the next book in the trilogy.
Janet
I borrowed THE DRY GRASS OF AUGUST (Anna Jean Mayhew) from the library.
I had read good things about it, comparing it to THE HELP and SECRET LIFE OF BEES.
It did not live up to the hype. It was just OK and lacked follow through.
Robert R.
THE FIFTH WITNESS by Michael Connelly.
The subject interested me, and I loved the book. All of the books I read are based on reviews I get from Bookreporter.com and the summaries I read. Once familiar with the authors I read all past work.
Mary
THE KITCHEN HOUSE (Kathleen Grissom).
it was a very good book. I hope the author comes out with a sequel. I will definitely buy it.
Summer Dove
THE HELP.
Yes, it is excellent, and I look forward to the movie.
Elizabeth
THE GOOD EARTH by Pearl S. Buck
It was a wonderful re-read. I enjoy books about different cultures.
Elaine W.
I read an online review of THE LONELY POLYGAMIST (Brady Udall) and picked it up at my local library.
It exceeded my unofficial length limit at 602 pages, but I decided to plunge in anyway. The book was so captivating that I read straight through in 3 days. As a result I no longer have a page limit on books I read, and I put more stock in online reviews than ever.
Kathy C.
LEAN ON PETE by Willy Vlautin was recommended by a friend.
It turned out to be FABULOUS. I read it in two days and went through a box of tissues because I cried through the whole book. It was WAY better than I thought it would be.
Santa Fe Cowgirl
PENELOPE'S DAUGHTER by Laurel Corona
Yes, it told about that time in Greek history during the Trojan War. It takes place on the Isle of Ithica and at Sparta. Helen of Troy is a main character. That was always a part of history that I liked, but never read very much about.
Peggy .
Actually the book was THE MERCY SELLER by Brenda Rickman Vantrease. However, reading the review, I noticed that THE ILLUMINATOR was mentioned, which preceded it. I chose to read that one first and was very glad I did although either could be read as a stand alone.
Reading both painted a much more thorough and absorbing picture of the 14th and 15th Century England and Europe at the time when what eventually evolved into the Protestant Reformation had begun to take root. Questions had begun to arise about the need for the Latin-only Bibles and the Roman Church only having access to the Scriptures. Ms. Vantrease skillfully blends this political and religious history with a tale of family complete with memorable characters. A great accomplishment of drawing the reader into time and place. So glad I read the first review that led me to read both and now a third, THE HERETIC'S WIFE.
Janet
THE WEIRD SISTERS by Eleanor Brown.
I read a review and was curious about the use of first person plural narration. Also I like Shakespeare. The review was good and though I do not always like family drama novels, I was pleased with this one. In fact, I tweeted the author to see if there would be a follow-up but she said she was working on something else now.
Doris L.
CHASING FIRE by Nora Roberts.
It did not live up to expectations because the author spent too much time on technical aspects and not enough on her usual character and place descriptions. Not as good as THE SEARCH.
Helen W.
THE SIXTH MAN BY David Baldacci.
Yes, it lived up to my expectations. I love Sean and Michelle and anytime I see a review that features them in a Balcacci book I buy it. It was just excellent.
Carol P.
THE STORY OF BEAUTIFUL GIRL by Rachel Simon.
I have read about half of it. So far, it's lived up to my expectations.
Pam S.
READING MY FATHER by Alexandra Styron.
I am loving it!!! I've read William Styron's work over the years and knew he suffered from depression. His daughter does a wonderful job of showing him as a great writer, as well as her family's difficult time growing up with his mental illness.
Diana H.
The last book I bought on a review was STILL ALICE (Lisa Genova).
It was even better than I expected. Telling the book from Alice's point of view was refreshing. This book was full of poignant moments. Truly wonderful. I will definitely pay more attention to Bookreporter.com's Bets On section.
Jean
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein.
Yes, it did live up to what the reviewers had said. Really liked it.
Mary Lynn
THE PEACH KEEPER (Sarah Addison Allen)
It is a wonderful story even though I am not quite done with it. I first read about it on Bookreporter.com, and would recommend to everyone.
Diane S.
THE BUTTERFLY'S DAUGHTER by Mary Alice Monroe
The characters were interesting, and the book was well written. Also, the info on the Monarch Butterfly, at the beginning of each chaperter, was interesting.
Mary F.
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
Yes, it was better than I thought it would be, I will recommend it to everyone
Sylvia C.
THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE by Julie Orringer.
Msannie9181
THE HELP was the last book I read solely on reviews, and I liked it, but not as much as most of the reviewers did.
Mary B.
I read THE MIDWIFE'S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain.
Yes it did live up to my expectations. I love her books and this one was so sad but I really enjoyed it. It kept me trying to figure out what was going to happen.
Lou P.
THE FORGOTTEN FOUNDING FATHER by Joshua C. Kendall, reviewed in the NY Times. Bought the book because of the review, but have not yet read it.
Marjorie C.
THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbo. Haven't finished reading it yet.
