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Jenna � ❀ �'s Reviews > Noor
Noor
by
Well, this had potential. Unfortunately it failed to live up to it.
There are so many cool ideas and awesome tech but little of it was explained. Yes, it's fiction, but still. If the author doesn't even attempt to explain how new technologies work, then it loses plausibility.
For instance, we have a young woman who had her damaged organs and limbs replaced with mechanical, computerized parts. Ok, very cool. But, (view spoiler)
Like so many books being published in the last couple years, the writing is surface level, dumbed down. Unfortunately, there must be a market for this type of writing or it wouldn't have become so prevalent. I wonder if it's because of the popularity of audiobooks -- are they publishing books that translate well into audio that's entertaining to listen to, but on the page lacks any sort of substance? (Not a knock on audio books, just wondering if it's not as noticeable when it's heard.... after all, we don't speak the way good writers write, so perhaps hearing the book read just makes it sound familiar instead of dumbed down?)
It's an okay enough story, maybe, but I could have done without the romance. It added little and seemed like filler. It would have been better if the author had instead explored the technology instead of relying on insta-love to move the story.
Though there is a not-very-detailed but exceedingly corny sex scene, it reads like a YA novel and the protagonist comes across as a teenager instead of a young woman. (Excerpt from sex scene: "I slightly lengthened my legs, so that he could meet me with perfect sweetness". Really? "With perfect sweetness"???? 🤦♀�)
This is the second book I've read by this author and I doubt I'll read any more. There's just no substance. At least there was cool tech in this one, but again, if it's not explained how such things might work, then it's not believable.
Another complaint is that there are a couple chapters written in italics. This is another thing I've come across in more than a couple newer books. Do authors or publishers or whoever makes this decision no longer read The Elements of Style? Italicized words are hard on the eyes and should be used sparingly and not for more than a couple words or a phrase at a time.
I have to skip lengthy sections of books written in italics and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Is it necessary to write that way?? To me, it says the author is not sure of their ability to convey what they intend and/or they think the reader is stupid.
We're not.
If you tell us something happened in the past, we get it. We don't have to have the chapter written in italics to suddenly understand this happened prior to the rest of the story. Please stop treating readers as though we can't get something that basic. And how does this translate to audio? Does the narrator suddenly start talking with her nose pinched shut? Just stop with the italics already.
OK, rant session over.
This could have been a five star book. But:
(RIP Betty White)
by
Well, this had potential. Unfortunately it failed to live up to it.
There are so many cool ideas and awesome tech but little of it was explained. Yes, it's fiction, but still. If the author doesn't even attempt to explain how new technologies work, then it loses plausibility.
For instance, we have a young woman who had her damaged organs and limbs replaced with mechanical, computerized parts. Ok, very cool. But, (view spoiler)
Like so many books being published in the last couple years, the writing is surface level, dumbed down. Unfortunately, there must be a market for this type of writing or it wouldn't have become so prevalent. I wonder if it's because of the popularity of audiobooks -- are they publishing books that translate well into audio that's entertaining to listen to, but on the page lacks any sort of substance? (Not a knock on audio books, just wondering if it's not as noticeable when it's heard.... after all, we don't speak the way good writers write, so perhaps hearing the book read just makes it sound familiar instead of dumbed down?)
It's an okay enough story, maybe, but I could have done without the romance. It added little and seemed like filler. It would have been better if the author had instead explored the technology instead of relying on insta-love to move the story.
Though there is a not-very-detailed but exceedingly corny sex scene, it reads like a YA novel and the protagonist comes across as a teenager instead of a young woman. (Excerpt from sex scene: "I slightly lengthened my legs, so that he could meet me with perfect sweetness". Really? "With perfect sweetness"???? 🤦♀�)
This is the second book I've read by this author and I doubt I'll read any more. There's just no substance. At least there was cool tech in this one, but again, if it's not explained how such things might work, then it's not believable.
Another complaint is that there are a couple chapters written in italics. This is another thing I've come across in more than a couple newer books. Do authors or publishers or whoever makes this decision no longer read The Elements of Style? Italicized words are hard on the eyes and should be used sparingly and not for more than a couple words or a phrase at a time.
I have to skip lengthy sections of books written in italics and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Is it necessary to write that way?? To me, it says the author is not sure of their ability to convey what they intend and/or they think the reader is stupid.
We're not.
If you tell us something happened in the past, we get it. We don't have to have the chapter written in italics to suddenly understand this happened prior to the rest of the story. Please stop treating readers as though we can't get something that basic. And how does this translate to audio? Does the narrator suddenly start talking with her nose pinched shut? Just stop with the italics already.
OK, rant session over.
This could have been a five star book. But:
(RIP Betty White)
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Reading Progress
December 29, 2021
–
Started Reading
December 29, 2021
– Shelved
January 1, 2022
– Shelved as:
afrofuturism
January 1, 2022
– Shelved as:
african-authors
January 1, 2022
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-41 of 41 (41 new)
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Candi
(new)
Jan 01, 2022 08:48AM
Jenna, I just started a book last night that had an entire section just in italics and it got on my nerves immediately! Sorry this one failed to deliver for you... and for Betty. What a way to end a crappy year with that sad news yesterday.
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Oh boy, sounds like a mess, Jenna. When both the story and the way it's communicated are flawed, there is little hope.I despair the prevalence of poor writing and the absence of decent editing in so much of what is published these days, but I don't ascribe it to trying to target the audiobook market. It seems that a fair number of books seem more like screenplays than novels. How often do we see "Soon to be a Netflix movie/series"! Streaming services are hungry for content and the quality of writing in a book doesn't really matter if it's going to be adapted anyway.
I listen more than read in print, and I can assure you that I detect the same problems in that format. The Talented Miss Farwell, which I read just about a year ago, is a great example.
Here's hoping your next book is more satisfying!
Not a very resounding endorsement, Jenna. At least you've finally reviewed a book I don't have to add to my TBR.
Great review Jenna, think I’ll pass on this one!
Candi wrote: "Jenna, I just started a book last night that had an entire section just in italics and it got on my nerves immediately! Sorry this one failed to deliver for you... and for Betty. What a way to end ..."Yes, what a way to end a crappy year. Poor Betty White, but she did live a good and long life. As for the italics, we can hope this is only a passing trend and will soon pass into oblivion!
Barbara K wrote: "Oh boy, sounds like a mess, Jenna. When both the story and the way it's communicated are flawed, there is little hope.I despair the prevalence of poor writing and the absence of decent editing in..."
I didn't intend anything negative about audiobooks, Barbara, and sorry if it comes across that way. I wish I could listen to them but my brain doesn't absorb it or give me the opportunity to "chew" on the words.
I know some people absorb audio better than visual, and others have visual problems that makes audio a necessity. I was thinking that it might not be noticeable if one hears something that is "dumbed down" because when we speak, we don't tend to speak as good writers write. Does that make sense? But unfortunately from what you say it's still noticeable.
I think you've got a better point in that they're writing in hopes of the books quickly being made into series. It used to be that movies butchered books but a lot of the newer stuff translates better into a series.
(My only gripe about the popularity of audiobooks is that the libraries I belong to are purchasing many more of them than ebooks -accept for YA. They're only purchasing many of the new nonfiction titles, and even some novels, in audio format instead of ebooks. My eyes struggle with print so I only read Kindle these days, and I'm too poor to buy all the books I want to read.... and
Jerry wrote: "Not a very resounding endorsement, Jenna. At least you've finally reviewed a book I don't have to add to my TBR."LOL yes, that's one good thing about it, Jerry!
Maureen wrote: "Great review Jenna, think I’ll pass on this one!"You're a wise woman, Maureen!
Jenna wrote: �I didn't intend anything negative about audiobooks, Barbara, and sorry if it comes across that way. I wish I could listen to them but my brain doesn't absorb it or give me the opportunity to "chew" on the words. .."
I wasn’t offended, Jenna. :-). I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the marketing of books on the basis of their being picked up by a streaming service or made into a film. That would never be a reason for me to select a book to read.
That can backfire on me because it biases me against some excellent books simply because I know they were quickly made into films.
I also understand about savoring language. I read Wolf Hall in print and was very glad of it. I have an audio copy of Bring Up the Bodies and I think I haven’t started it because I feel I will lose the magic of the writing.
I’m hoping in 2022 to get my life under control enough that I can sit and read print again! It really is the best format.
Barbara K wrote: "I wasn’t offended, Jenna. :-). I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the marketing of books on the basis of their being picked up by a streaming service or made into a film. That would never be a reason..."Ok, good! Thinking you might be, though, prompted me to add something to the review to make sure no one thinks I was denigrating audio or those who listen.
It would never be a reason for me to read a book either, knowing it had been made into a movie or series. It is a shame though if that's what's happened to the quality of writing - that they're writing it in such a way that it catches the right person's eye and convinces them to put it into production.
Fingers crossed 2022 gives you a little time to sit down with print, and the concentration to enjoy it immensely.
The things that annoyed you also annoy me, Jenna. Sometimes, I don't even give the author a second chance. You were generous.
Well, at least you gave it the ole college try with this author, Jenna! Hope your next read is more rewarding!
And what a cutie Betty was until the end.
Debbie wrote: "Well, at least you gave it the ole college try with this author, Jenna! Hope your next read is more rewarding!"Thanks, Debbie. Fingers crossed!
Judith wrote: "And what a cutie Betty was until the end."She was, wasn't she.... So sad she didn't make it for the 100th birthday bash she planning later this month :(
Jenna,Thank you for the lovely Betty White tribute you slipped in here. What a woman!
Julie wrote: "Jenna,Thank you for the lovely Betty White tribute you slipped in here. What a woman!"
Yes, what a woman! I think my time would have been better spent watching Golden Girls reruns than reading this book....
Nice critique, Jenna :)) I'd say, giving this author a chance twice should suffice .. Not for me, I'm afraid ...
Beata wrote: "Nice critique, Jenna :)) I'd say, giving this author a chance twice should suffice .. Not for me, I'm afraid ..."Yes, I think so too, Beata, two chances is sufficient to know she's not an author I want to read. Not for me either.
I so agree with your whole review and your opinion Jenna. I feel the same way about these new age books. And the italics or boldened words drive me nuts. I think they are trying to tell us what to feel. I hate that the author thinks I am dumb. I sure as hell picked up this book so I must be dumb� Lol. Anyway, happy New Year.
Karina wrote: "I so agree with your whole review and your opinion Jenna. I feel the same way about these new age books. And the italics or boldened words drive me nuts. I think they are trying to tell us what to ..."LOL "I sure as hell picked up this book so I must be dumb" -- I must be doubly dumb that I picked up another book by her after disliking the first.
I'm glad I'm not the only person who is bothered by these things.... I worry I'm turning into a boring old curmudgeon if I'm the only one who is. But yes, it's as though they're trying to tell us how to feel, along with thinking we're dumb. I dislike the boldened letters too; there's no need for that, or the italics. A well-placed italicized word here and there adds emphasis but whole pages or paragraphs or chapters??
Ok, I'm done :) Happy New Year to you too, Karina!
Diane wrote: "Good review, Jenna! 'Happy 2022'"Thanks, Diane, and Happy New Year to you too!
Fabulous review, Jenna! Sorry this one was a disappointment for you, but Betty White's added commentary to your review made me smile 😊
Lisa wrote: "Fabulous review, Jenna! Sorry this one was a disappointment for you, but Betty White's added commentary to your review made me smile 😊"Thanks, Lisa, and Betty White was always good for a smile!
I'm sorry this was a miss but I loved reading your rant on the stupid sex scene and on italics 😂 Reading through the comments I do believe many books are dumbed down and written with the film right in mind. It's a sad commentary on society isn't it?
JanB wrote: "I'm sorry this was a miss but I loved reading your rant on the stupid sex scene and on italics 😂 Reading through the comments I do believe many books are dumbed down and written with the film righ..."
Yes, it's sad. I enjoy watching movies and tv shows but when the majority of the new books-into-movies/tv series have been better than the actual book of late...... Thankfully not all new books are following this mold. It does make sense the more I think about it, that it's not for audio but for screen that these authors are writing.
Jayson wrote: "Awesome review"Thank you, Jayson.
No substance???? Did we read the same book? redefining disabilities, talking deeply about the future of Africa, the cross between ancient cultures and technology, I mean I go on but the book had plenty of substance, if you didn't like it fair. Seems unfair to say it lacks substance.
David wrote: "No substance???? Did we read the same book? redefining disabilities, talking deeply about the future of Africa, the cross between ancient cultures and technology, I mean I go on but the book had pl..."My review is my opinion. Who are you to tell me I'm wrong? You loved it, fine. Maybe you don't have good tastes in books or know quality writing. We aren't friends and I don't care what your opinion is. Such arrogance. Would you like me to go on your review of this book and tell you you're wrong simply because it differs from my opinion of it?
Agree with you completely. I honestly was worried I had missed the point. Listening on audiobook I skipped back 3 or 4 times thinking I'd missed bits because of insta-love or lack of explanation about the mechanics of her abilities. The ending fell very flat for me.
Rachel wrote: "Agree with you completely. I honestly was worried I had missed the point. Listening on audiobook I skipped back 3 or 4 times thinking I'd missed bits because of insta-love or lack of explanation ab..."I'd have thought maybe I missed something too if I'd listened to it. Then again, I thought maybe I'd missed something anyway, even though another book by her fell flat for me too. She just doesn't seem to expand on anything or really flesh things out.
Sorry you didn't enjoy it much either but glad I'm not the only one.
I listened to this on audio book and no italics or any other stylistic choices come across through that medium.
Max wrote: "I listened to this on audio book and no italics or any other stylistic choices come across through that medium."There are perks to listening to audio; I wish my brain absorbed them better. I might have felt differently about this book had I listened to it.
You’re too generous with those three stars tbh. 🤣 this book was confusing as hell and the romance was dryer than the desert the book took place it
Slayer wrote: "You’re too generous with those three stars tbh. 🤣 this book was confusing as hell and the romance was dryer than the desert the book took place it"Yeh, it probably deserves only 1 star, Slayer! And you're right about the romance. That part should just be wiped entirely out of the book. Along with the rest of the book.
did feel like this was missing something...a lot, I guess. But I enjoyed Remote Control by Okorafor much more, and her short stories.
Hannah wrote: "did feel like this was missing something...a lot, I guess. But I enjoyed Remote Control by Okorafor much more, and her short stories."Thanks for your comment, Hannah. I haven't read any of her short stories and perhaps should give them a try.
I must dissent; The lack of detailed explanation of the science is a stylistic choice, and one which makes sense, given that there is also magic- a disappearing stoner wizard is not a strictly science fiction
The online connectivity is explained in the first chapter as part of the reason she decides to get the neural implants.
