User Profile

Kiarazard

Kiarazard@ramblingreaders.org

Joined 1 year, 10 months ago

Reader of mostly #contemporary #fiction, occasionally #thrillers, #fantasy and #scifi, in English and Italian.

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Kiarazard's books

Currently Reading

Lionel Shriver: The new republic (2012, Harper) 3 stars

This book is a satire about terrorism and journalism, written in a sharp language that I found quite difficult, hard, especially in the first half. The main character is obsessed with various "larger than life" charismatic types. Not particularly likeable but I wished him well while reading. I discussed the novel with my #bookclub and we all agreed something doesn't quite work, although the description of the journalists' life is very real and some of the reflections are interesting. #LionelShiver #TheNewRepublic #satire #bookstodon @bookstodon

Pat Barker: The Silence of the Girls (Paperback, 2018, Hamish Hamilton) 4 stars

"From the Booker Prize-winning author of the Regeneration trilogy comes a monumental new masterpiece, set …

Review of 'The Silence of the Girls' on 'Storygraph'

No rating

I found it painful. Years spent studying Greek history and the women were always overlooked, and still are

Candice Carty-Williams: People Person (2022, Orion Publishing Group, Limited) 3 stars

Review of 'People Person' on 'Storygraph'

3 stars

This was a nice book to read, a reflection on acceptance and family bonds. I find the characters are a bit flat, but the stories are interesting. 

Orhan Pamuk: My Name is Red (Hardcover, 2006, Alfred A. Knopf) No rating

From one of the most important and acclaimed writers at work today, a thrilling new …

Review of 'My Name is Red' on 'Storygraph'

No rating

Interesting passages and a good female character, but far too long and with too many detailed descriptions about miniatures and the philosophy behind them... I didn't get to the end. 

Min Jin Lee: Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist) (2017, Grand Central Publishing) 4 stars

Review of 'Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)' on 'Storygraph'

4 stars

This is a family saga that follows a Korean family in Japan from before the WWII to the present day. The writing is simple, easy to read and interesting. Overall a good book, enlightening. 

Ian McEwan: Sweet Tooth (2012) 3 stars

Sweet Tooth is a novel by the English writer Ian McEwan, published on 21 August …

Review of 'Sweet Tooth' on 'Storygraph'

No rating

I've enjoyed it. A little slow and dry at times but the ending makes sense of everything. Do not expect a spy story. 

Review of 'Inseparables' on 'Storygraph'

5 stars

The books tells the story of a deep friendship between two young women, both smart and capable but also constrained by the expectations of their family and society at the time. The writing is excellent, a pleasure to read. Considering that it is a story based on the Author's life and her friend Zaza, it's amazing how modern their ideas were and appalling how those young women were oppressed by their role. Overall an excellent read.

Julie Dachez: Invisible Differences (2020, Oni Press) 5 stars

Review of 'Invisible Differences' on 'Storygraph'

5 stars

This graphic novel is the story of Marguerite and her invisible challenges. When she finds out about Asperger's syndrome, she sets up to find doctors that help her get an assessment. The diagnosis changes her life, explaining all her challenges and differences. And she finds out she's not alone.
I found this story informative, especially because girls often are not diagnosed as criteria are based on men, but also positive and pleasant to read. The illustrations are lovely, neat and expressive, and the text is concise and interesting. I liked the colour accents.
In UK the estimate is 1 child out of 100 in the autistic spectrum - this is a good way to raise awareness and remind ourselves that we should all be kinder to others, we don't know what life they're living.

Review of 'Another Us' on 'Storygraph'

4 stars

This is an easy to read and cheerful novel although it touches serious issues like autism, parenting, relationships. I can relate to most of the story, as I have a son who might have high functioning autism and it was refreshing to read a story so close to home, but less stressful than reality. and overall positive What changes if you have or not have a diagnosis, a label? How does that affect the way you interact with other people, the way they see you? Should you work full time if you have a child with special needs? There are no deep answers here, but the book raises some good questions. The writing style and the pace are good, I recommend it to those who want a light read with some interesting topics.

PS. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review - thank you.