designsbymeghen's reviews
230 reviews

It’s been a while since I’ve read a YA book, but this story was pretty good. It feels like a necessary story to read from the perspective of someone on the spectrum without being patronizing. It illustrates how people can unintentionally infantilize a person by not giving them a chance to be their own person simply because they’re different. I also really loved the dad; he was so precious. 

There was so much variety in this anthology! I especially enjoyed the audiobook and how each story was brought to life by each narrator. The short story format made me want several of these narratives to be full-blown novels. My favorites were The Rider by Tanarive Due, Your Happy Place by Terence Taylor, and Hide and Seek by P. Djeli Clark. 

All of my worst anxieties and fears about motherhood were portrayed in this book. It is such intimate writing that the author can get you right into the mind of Blythe, the main character. The emotional turmoil she faces with her firstborn and the generational trauma are anxiety-inducing and heartbreaking. I started listening to this book with my husband, and it was pretty eye-opening for him to read from a woman's perspective and the emotional turmoil that comes with childbirth. I could absolutely see this turning into a movie, and it makes me want to read more of her work. 

I will always be in awe of how well-researched Jodi Picoult’s books are. This one was full of family dynamics and what growing up and attending school can entail. Not to mention a full-blown school shooting and trial. She managed to humanize Peter so (too) well that I was rooting for him at the end.

Part of it because Josie’s boyfriend Matt was such a piece of shit and deserved it IMO. I’m a little disappointed in the ending. I had guessed earlier that Josie had something to do with Matt’s death. I wish we had more information on what went into her trial. I guess she likely had a fair sentencing; I just wanted her not to have any consequences because, again, Matt was such a POS.

 

 I roved the two main characters and how this story was told from their point of view. Even though he’s not named, I love that this is a total “fuck you” to Ted Bundy and everything he was. There was zero romanticization of him, which is precisely what he deserves. I was a little confused about who was who for a bit, but that’s partially my fault because I was reading The Five simultaneously 😅 Overall, I was captivated by Knoll’s writing style, and I’d love to read more of her work. 

Telling the story of these five women is a very noble undertaking. The book is packed full of details about what life was like during the Victorian Era, and the storyline is very information-driven. I am so thankful I was fortunate not to have lived during such a bleak period. Women were subjected to insane hardships if they didn’t follow the marriage-to-baby life path. In comparison, men can literally get away with abuse and murder while their character somehow remains intact. The most depressing connection the author made is that thousands of cases of violence against women continue to happen today, mentioning Rapist Brock Turner as a prime example. While this book is very well-researched and written, I am not a history buff. I almost DNF this book several times because the content is a little dry, but that is only my personal reading preference. So please take my rating with a grain of salt. 

This is such an important story. It got very heavy at times, but know that it does end on an upward note. Russell’s storytelling is beautiful and poetic. She does a brilliant job portraying the trials and tribulations so many young women and girls experience throughout their lives. I found myself nodding along to many circumstances in this book that I have personally experienced. Men need to do better. With so much noise around the Me Too movement, there is a lot of pressure for all victims and survivors to come forward in naming their abusers. I especially loved Vanessa’s character because she articulates how complicated and messy her abuse was. It’s not always black and white. I can’t recommend this book enough. 

Oh, how our lives are intrinsically connected. The ripple effect our actions have on ourselves and others is endless. This story does a great job of looking into that ripple and exploring the joys and tragedies resulting from it. Human existence is complicated and messy. It’s sorrowful and wonderful. It shows how, too often, women are left to endure violence from men. There is a lot of trauma in this book that I cannot directly relate to, but it breaks my heart to know that so many people find themselves in impossible situations like Lavender and Hazel. Blue is the embodiment of “good” despite all of the bad that preceded her existence. 

No matter how many books you read or stories you hear, the things that happened during World War II are unimaginable. It takes a monumental amount of bravery to dig your head out of the sand and fight back against what everyone in power is telling you to do. Reading about their personal struggles hits home, mainly because these were ordinary people just like me. It makes you question what you would have done in their situation. What would you be willing to risk to survive? I enjoyed the dynamic personality differences between the two sisters and how they each found a way to fight back against evil. 

I love this author, and I loved this movie, but I had never read the book. These are such fucked up characters in the best way. Both Nick and Amy are selfish, self-righteous, and delusional. Their twisted love/hatred spiral is toxic and psychopathic, and I loved every minute of reading this book. The author holds back just enough information to keep you on your toes and guessing. At first, I didn’t think the narrator for Nick was a good fit, but he grew on me after a bit. This book makes me want to read all of Gillian Flynn’s books.