reviewing the invisible life of addie larue by v.e. schwab

if someone knows the tiktok i'm referring to pls let me know
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[@jnayy2472]

this is definitely a cozy read book. i think i’ll enjoy it more without the anticipation of a ending. the hype of tictok really made me think more things was gonna happen. but the ending ugh it’s was nice and cute but i really wanted to cry and i didn’t. so i was upset. 😭

[@iemevandervennet3462]

Am I the only one who is very confused because of part 2 ? I began part 2 and I dont get it anymore , can u explain?

[@sixofbooks3909]

I also agree that Addie should have been more involved in the political ongoings of the centuries. But at the same time I guess she is supposed to be self-absorbed and isolated since she can't have any relationships. I still enjoyed it though :)

[@bookishsophia]

i'm glad you enjoyed it!! i do wish she had been more interested in the world at large but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ it be that way sometimes

[@santamonica4995]

She did get arrested by the germans for being a spy during wwii🕵️‍♀️

[@evabrazelwood1561]

This was honestly one of the most beautiful books ive ever read. Yes it was slow moving but the time jumps and her experiences of the world throughout different time periods were enough for me, i loved the way she wrote thoroughly and described everything, especially in the first market scene with her father or when she first arrived in paris. The writing style reminded me alot of the song of achilles which is one of the reasons i loved it so much.

[@too.many.games_]

Hey.. this book's description has been gnawing at me ever since it came out. Has anyone seen the movie The Age of Adaline starring Blake Lively? The idea is kind of similar. Plus the first name is exactly the same.

[@royami8627]

I've noticed the similarities too, it makes me wonder

[@anishadasari5694]

i’ve noticed that too

[@Rkhfb]

Me too

[@taliw7736]

YES totally mix up the names lol my sister read it actually it seems very unique

[@heidiheidi0]

the plots are quite different. only the name and the immortality part is similar.

[@zohalarbabzada9654]

Love the hair colour!

[@bookishsophia]

thank u so much!!! i was very nervous to change it

[@melaniel194]

I just finished reading Addie LaRue (I know I’m late to the game) and I couldn’t agree with you more, thank you for putting my feelings into words. I was just waiting the whole time for the part where I would be like ok yes this is why everyone loves it, but it just fell flat for me

[@Mandy_78]

I also read this book because everyone was raving about it, I kept waiting for things to happen but they never came.. Glad I’m not alone! Very underwhelming this one..

[@bookishsophia]

bless up! love when people validate my opinion lmao

[@wintersonnet]

Finally, an experience with this I can relate to. I had the same issues with the book.

[@amandamysong]

Wasnt a big fan of the end either, but mostly because I enjoy some extent of closure. I felt that the book could’ve ended where Luc said “Adeline.” It wouldve let the readers decide what might’ve went down after that scene (like, ‘ooo does she still hate him?’ Or ‘ooo they’ll get to live happily ever after’). It pretty much came out of nowhere when she switched the tone from calm (the one she set us up for), to revengeful, almost like she was marking the beginnings of a sequel. However, there is no sequel. The entire book was about her not backing down to Luc, and in the end, I felt like I was starting over, the drama being so repetitive. No closure for me lol, basically Addie will continue to repeat what she’s been doing the entire book (three centuries might I add)

[@bookishsophia]

yea i honestly felt no investment in the entire addie/luc storyline. it did not matter to me whether they loved each other or if she was going to ruin him... yawn

[@25kishkish]

I agree with you 100%! I was so intrigued with the story line which prompted me to read however I struggled to finish this book. I felt like the love story between Addie and Henry was underdevelopment and I did connect to them.

[@aeu8317]

you’re finally back!! i was planning to buy that book but i was waiting for your review because istg our opinions on books really match 🤣 and you’re my most trusted booktuber :> thank u

[@bookishsophia]

🥺🥺🥺 wow i am so touched thank u

[@monisharmuk]

Agree to each and every point! It was the similies in the beginning, I rolled my eyes that it gave me a headache..

[@jaz_luo_studio]

The commentary I have been hearing about this book from you and Cindy has been quite interesting! I totally hear what you're saying about normalizing DNFing books - something I need to put into practice more! Currently reading The Poppy War based on your recommendation though and enjoying it so far! Btw, you look great in this vid, Sophia! :)

[@bookishsophia]

omgggg i am so glad you're reading the poppy war!! i can't wait to hear your complete thoughts

[@dhruvipatel927]

omg ur back!!!! edit after watching the video: I was curious about your opinion on this book (though lol I already knew it you weren't crazy about it cuz you reviewed it on Goodreads yesterday) because I DNF'd this I think at 70 pages, as it was not the vibe I was feeling at that time. Don't think I will pick it up again either. This year I'm really trying to love myself and only read books I want to read and not ones I FEEL like I should be reading. At this point it's hard enough to tell the difference between the two that I have to force myself to think for 5 seconds about why I'm picking up a particular book. Idk if it will be to your taste exactly but I did really like Legendborn by Tracy Deonn because of the way it incorporated diversity into a regular YA fantasy book. And also for a fun YA contemporary I recommend Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett!

[@bookishsophia]

ooh i have heard really amazing things about legendborn!! i will try and check it out. i need to be more intentional about reading diversely so thank u for the rec!

[@dangerouskoala6611]

Lollll yes addie as a women of color would of been a whoooooooooooole other story!! I’m down for it tho!

[@dinopower3698]

This book is so white. But let me tell you. I love when you talk about books. It really makes life worth living.

[@madhunishamajumder7628]

I respect opinions but this book was not boring AT ALL. Its one of the most beautiful and well articulated books i have read in a long time. It makes you think. It makes you question life. It makes you change your perspective. I would definitely recommend everyone to read it.

[@amishalakhani4485]

Ok but the ending made me sob

[@taurustravells]

YOUR HAIR IT LOOKS SO GOOD

[@nooriman5944]

Right? 😍

[@bookishsophia]

thank u thank u thank u 💛💛💛

[@annabanabanana]

I feel like if you like where the crawdads sing you would like addie larue. I don’t know why I guess because both are super hyped and super slow without a satisfying ending

[@nooriman5944]

The book may be longer than it needs to be but I would still like to read it still because the concept of giving up relationships in order to get more freedom is fascinating to me. I would however read it fast, skipping paragraphs or pages that feel unimportant. Great review btw!

[@bookishsophia]

ahaha that's essentially how i read it too. no shame in skimming!

[@yasmiennaciri6001]

Thank you for making this review! It's laying next to me, but i'm scared to start.💕

[@bookishsophia]

haha, the beginning is super intriguing! i hope you enjoy it!

[@ErinEPeterson1]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Slow clap. Agree so much, thought I was missing something

[@bookishsophia]

omg ty for making me feel less alone lmao

[@__cierra_7317]

Diversity needs to be better for sure, I want to see more within books

[@bookishsophia]

full agree

[@vantaefemke]

I was enjoying this book until I had see some reviews, I'm now at the very last pages and I hadn't realized how repetitive this book was until these reviews

[@elenathegreat]

the sunken cost dnfing fallacy is such a thing, I feel you

[@elenathegreat]

also I knew before that I probably wasn't going to read this because it sounded boring, and knowing nothing happens and that it relies on just lyricism is super helpful because i can tell that it's really not a book for me and my tastes

[@bookishsophia]

lmaooo "it sounded boring" the way ur radar is so accurate queen

[@SonofSaradoc]

Watch this ONLY if you’ve read the book. Good discussion. But spoils the surprise of 75% of the story.

[@dinopower3698]

It’s not just your physical beauty. Your intellect.

[@londonzhou418]

Will you ever post video again？

[@garydadaian2868]

Before watching your review, I too gave this book 3 stars for exactly the same reasons. It was very well written but reading about conditional and arbitrary Faustian deals was just not for me. I suppose if you like that genre (or "Rosemary's Baby" e.g.), then this book is for you. Thank you Sophia.

[@pollyannae]

soo glad that you're back!

[@bookishsophia]

🥰🥰 this is so sweet thank you

[@anna-nx8zi]

i 100% agree w everything you said!! your analysis was so great

[@iqa1734]

I rarely read novel and i thought i was the only one feel that way when i read it.

[@AMeier-gs2wn]

This is my bff favourite book so I read it. I thought it was very pretty but I didn't want to read the book anymore. I think it was kind of slow for my taste and there was always something missing. I love the idea but I would have executed it differently. Thank you for reviewing the book

[@jennieloev5412]

I love your analysis of the book! Great points.

[@heyimsasa]

welcome back! i think 2.5 is so kind for such a boring book with such glacial pacing. i also felt wronged because it was marketed as like a girl meeting the devil and i thought it was gonna be a romance with the devil. i was duped.

[@bookishsophia]

lmaooo that must've been such a sad failure of expectation. i would like to read that book tho, what a great premise

[@doyourbest999]

I embrace the DNF bc there are so many good ones out that I need to make time for. Life’s short! Feel free to skim through unnecessary chapters/passages too. Zoe Deschanel is so quirky!! 🍩🍩🦮🥦

[@bookishsophia]

(i skimmed thru a lot of this novel oop) but yes i def gotta embrace the DNF more. idk why i get so scared by the idea

[@shavaughnhope145]

Yessss I gave the same rating, the premise was so interesting and I was definitely captivated the first 150 pages but then it became so repetitive. Pretty writing and words but they held no substance.

[@vangogh422]

We need more. I miss you!!!!

[@bookishsophia]

💛💛💛💛 ily thank u so much

[@tamalbanerjee5456]

Tbh this book has literally been my best read in 2021 so far although the only other books I read are primarily children's books (wonder, one and only Ivan, and a few more). The books i had the highest expectations from were Song of Achilles and this one. Didn't really like song of Achilles but this one tho-

[@sarahg4613]

I love your hair!!

[@bookishsophia]

thank u so much 💛💛💛💛

[@saby1243]

I was just thinking of Cindy's review as you were talking, haha! I liked how you recognized some of the book's strengths while still acknowledging that it just wasn't for you. :) Sometimes, it's just like that. How's med school treating you by the way?

[@bookishsophia]

thank u so much!! med school is definitely tough, but we're making it through!! thank u for asking 💛

[@ryanng754]

I broken so many friendship after watch netflix a month.

[@dearrivarie]

I just finished this book for a buddy read and the writing and storyline was so repetitive I'm lowkey annoyed at myself for spending money on this book 😐 I think I went into this (still) hoping to be blown away even with all the comments about how whitewashed the story is because the premise sounded so compelling but I agree with a lot of what you said - this could definitely be shorter and I can't wrap my mind around how she lived in NYC for so long and never found Chinatown 😂 sending lots of good vibes for your next read and med school!!! 💕

[@bookishsophia]

lmao i know NYC is such a food capital and she really went to the same neighborhood bar every day. thank u so much for ur sweet words!! 💛💛💛

[@ayesha36]

I just started reading this and I'm kind of curious now, because a lot of your criticisms are ones that I often have with other books so I wonder if I'll feel the same way. Edit: Yeah it wasn't for me. 2/5 or so.

[@beautifulday1996]

very much agree with you! i didn't mind the writing and felt connected to the characters' struggles, but as you said: it really was the concept and its possible conclusions that kept me reading and the actual execution left me a bit 'meh'. it's a shame, i was really looking forward to this book but now i keep thinking that it could've been so much more impactful (for me personally), for example by leaning more into the historical aspect etc. anyways, i know that ve schwab wrote the story she needed to write and i'm glad it resonates with so many people as well...

[@bookishsophia]

truly the premise was so promising!! i feel like the concept would've been such a good writing exercise and i would've loved to see how different writers approached it

[@hellothere_8372]

Ohh can you please make a video about how you felt about the last movie of the tatbilb series? I remember you reviewing the book some years ago and I honestly really want to know how you feel about the movie! X

[@bookishsophia]

i am definitely considering it!!! i will try, thank u for the rec 💛

[@jadely7349]

I had to come find a review page to make sure I didn’t read it correctly but I had similar feelings about this.

[@MrMagoo-rg8er]

No hunger games song birds and snakes trailer review?

[@ShannonsChannel]

Fantastic review. I just started reading this!

[@elorablake2564]

i totally agree the book was essentially rlly boring and did not meet my expectations. the characters are rlly nice but they don't have any depth to them at all. i feel like the plot seemed rlly interesting in the summary but the actual book was not what i expected at all. i always here people saying the "love triangle" in the book is so good but i'm like what love triangle?! luc loves her but he can't since he's a god and henry loves her but she loves both of them?

[@amandahawkins7214]

I felt the same! And I feel like this was more a historical fiction than a fantasy. =)

[@taliw7736]

I heard my sister share about this I think it could have more twists or be more unexcpected. Haha great review

[@xxyy2113]

So happy to see you back, are you going to post more regularly again?

[@bookishsophia]

ahahaha.......... probably not med school is lowkey killing me but i will try my best 💛💛

[@luciekolarova5351]

I feel like I only hear people gushing about the book saying it's the best read ever so it's interesting to get a different perspective. :)

[@bookishsophia]

i was surprised at how disappointed i was! i'd heard such good things

[@ahmadkadri7795]

I was waiting for the plot. It never came.

[@mrsvictoriacoburn8486]

The fact that I spent 17 hours of my life listening to this on audible…😞 extremely slow and dry.

[@nataliemartin8018]

Ok good! Someone’s review I agree with!

[@isbaileyreading]

Always love when you surprise us with a video! I also didn’t enjoy Addie Larue..

[@bookishsophia]

oop i'm sorry u didn't like it either but i'm glad to not be alone 💛

[@anna-nx8zi]

i think the name of the tiktoker is Ayman!! not sure abt her account nme. this video was greattttttt!!

[@ryanng754]

Friendship never like the invincible life of addie larue as a sex worker. First, no one like erotic as resemble woman need just no string attach to have baby. They can go on one have partner without a children. Does not matter if is about sex worker live for centuries and how they work in france , later, found love in new york. Many people read history talk about prostitute in france during 1813.

[@Stromausfall81]

Boring? It was so wonderfully written and not boring at all.

[@GwendolynKensinger]

100% agree about it being completely boring. That's why it made it on my worst of 2020 list haha

[@bookishsophia]

lmaooo i'm sorry that is such a bummer but ty for making me feel less alone!

[@ramonabadelita2738]

Bro the book is amazing just stop overthinking and enjoy the relatioships between the characters i feel like this is what schwab wanted ( she didnt work so hard on the plot as she did on the characters and the way they changed and learned how to love)

[@bellewong9349]

unrelated but where is your top from! Looks rly cool

[@bookishsophia]

it's from jing! jingus.com/collections/womens-tops/products/wellesley-vintage-collar-blouse

[@sebby5336]

MORE REVIEWS

[@-venus1027]

Where are your earrings from?!

[@SantReads]

hahahaha, I agree with everything you said especially though about not DNFing because of the sunk cost. 😂 I wonder if it's just the asian in us that's guilt tripping us about the economics of this. 😂

[@bookishsophia]

ahahah honestly maybe!!! i just feel like my time is valuable and i don't wanna think i've wasted it just to give up on a book

[@dinopower3698]

Oh by the way can you please do a review of Midnight Sun?

[@jasminisabelle9669]

What do you have against white/european people?

[@dinopower3698]

Can you please read Midnight Sun?

[@dinopower3698]

Wow you are literally the most beautiful human being in the World.

[@danieloshea3326]

I'm a guy and I want to read it I just bought it you think it's appropriate for a man or is it more of a lady's book?

[@bahar3902]

I hated this book 😔 And that's coming from someone who's LOVED her previous books

[@bookishsophia]

oof, i haven't read anything else by her, but i don't feel super tempted to after this one...

[@bahar3902]

@@bookishsophia I would still recommend them because they're much better than this, but I'd say go for something that has a premise that actually interests you

[@dinopower3698]

Your hair is on point.

[@sibellyeduarda]

🇧🇷

[@dinopower3698]

Omg I can’t even imagine they way the book would change if she was a woman of color For real.

[@musicalnerds101]

What kind of LGBTQ rep? This is the first I’ve heard of it mentioned for this book. Did their conflicts have a lot to do with that or was it other stuff?

[@inconceivablebluefox1]

From what I remember a few of the main characters were gay or bi, but it didn't really play into the conflict that much besides a very minor love triangle that doesn't really go anywhere

[@lisathebookcat4669]

Addie and Henry are both bisexual. There is some conflicts there with one of Henry's exes that can be considered a bit spoilery. However we also meet a past love interest of Addie who I feel helps in understanding how lonely Addie's life must be since no one can remember her.

[@bookishsophia]

ooh, it looks like some other people answered your question before i did. but both of our main characters are likely bi, although nothing is precisely labeled. they both have lovers of different genders at different points in the story, and one character says he is attracted to person first, not gender

[@daniellehuisman2407]

Oh i felt like addie was bi and henry was pan (the way he described his sexuality once kinda gave that impression)

[@dinopower3698]

Hey we miss you. Hey I really want to be your friend

[@CormanoGoneWild]

This book stank! Very smelly!

[@dinopower3698]

Hey I just want to say your the most beautiful woman I ever saw and I want to get married to you.

[@dinopower3698]

May I ask you without seeming to edgy what is your ethnic background?