Scan barcode
frances_frances's reviews
295 reviews
Adèle by Leïla Slimani
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, and Sexual violence
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Another solid Lisa Jewell novel with characters who have realistically complex inner lives and personal relationships. This isn't one of her best books though. The whole Owen character and plot was a bit strange. I'm not really sure about her handling of incel culture. But still, well written and engaging as usual.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Infidelity, and Sexual harassment
The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up
A really solid, fast paced thriller. I don't have any obvious complaints about this book, on paper it's great. I didn't always love reading it though. I'm not really sure why, because it's technically great but somehow also fell a bit flat for me.
A really solid, fast paced thriller. I don't have any obvious complaints about this book, on paper it's great. I didn't always love reading it though. I'm not really sure why, because it's technically great but somehow also fell a bit flat for me.
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book had a ton of flaws and at times was laughably over the top. The Madeline plot felt haphazardly thrown in and Jo felt totally unnecessary. And there's a rape scene that I found gratuitous (especially after the ending was revealed). This book was also fast-paced and the prose flowed easily. I do appreciate Alice Feeney's writing style. Once I surrendered to the ridiculous/over the top aspects of the book, I actually enjoyed the ride. Far from perfect, but certainly engaging and entertaining. (Although I still feel icky about the way sexual violence was used)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Rape, Sexual violence, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Medical content, Car accident, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
3.0
2.5 stars rounded up - This was my first Rachel Hawkins book and it was fine...Her writing style is easy to get into and many of the characters were quite entertaining. Jane and her backstory did kinda feel like a knockoff of a Gillian Flynn character - a young white woman who comes from trauma/poverty who's rough around the edges but clever and willing/able to lie when she finds it necessary. Jane's thoughts and feelings about the rich women she walks dogs for was funny and felt authentic. But, her relentless fear about her sketchy past in Arizona catching up with her was tiresome. When we find out the full story, it's a bit underwhelming.
The climax of the book was kind of a let down as well. The crime/mystery at the center of the story wasn't well executed in my opinion. It was a bit flimsy and I was totally confused by Eddie's actions. I don't understand what his motivation was for pursuing a serious, long-term relationship with Jane.
This book had potential and the end result wasn't a total bust, but it did feel like a rough draft in some ways.
The climax of the book was kind of a let down as well. The crime/mystery at the center of the story wasn't well executed in my opinion. It was a bit flimsy and I was totally confused by Eddie's actions. I don't understand what his motivation was for pursuing a serious, long-term relationship with Jane.
This book had potential and the end result wasn't a total bust, but it did feel like a rough draft in some ways.
Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on Our Sex-Obsessed Culture by Sherronda J. Brown
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I have a degree in gender and sexuality studies and I'm also on the ace spectrum. And yet this book exposed me to concepts and perspectives I've never encountered anywhere else. I had never heard the term "compulsory sexuality" or engaged with such robust writing about asexuality. Sherronda J. Brown's work is truly groundbreaking.
This book was intellectually engaging and challenging. It made me reexamine a lot of things and validated the complicated thoughts and feelings I've always had around sex. It was affirming and healing to read about asexuality from a person who is ace themselves and who can so skillfully and lovingly argue their theories and perspectives.
This book was intellectually engaging and challenging. It made me reexamine a lot of things and validated the complicated thoughts and feelings I've always had around sex. It was affirming and healing to read about asexuality from a person who is ace themselves and who can so skillfully and lovingly argue their theories and perspectives.
Abolish the Family: A Manifesto for Care and Liberation by Sophie Lewis
4.0
3.5 rounded up - love the concept and ideas presented but not a fan of Sophie Lewis's presentation and organization; more detailed review to come
What Did You Eat Yesterday?, Volume 1 by Fumi Yoshinaga
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
A coworker lent me a copy of this manga and it just wasn't for me. The concept was cute but it didn't capture my interest.
My Solo Exchange Diary Vol. 2 by Nagata Kabi
3.0
I feel similarly about this book as I did about the first volume, [b:My Solo Exchange Diary Vol. 1|36655084|My Solo Exchange Diary Vol. 1|Kabi Nagata|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1522274916l/36655084._SX50_.jpg|58429339]. My review for Volume 1 is pasted below:
Like its predecessor, My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness, this book contained many interesting insights regarding mental health and navigating relationships. Plus, the illustrations were delightful, funny, and impactful. That being said, this book was much harder to get into than My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness. It meanders and discusses events that are still unfolding. The uncertainty is realistic to life but not as compelling to read. I still really appreciate Nagata Kabi's artistic voice and will be checking out her other books.
Like its predecessor, My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness, this book contained many interesting insights regarding mental health and navigating relationships. Plus, the illustrations were delightful, funny, and impactful. That being said, this book was much harder to get into than My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness. It meanders and discusses events that are still unfolding. The uncertainty is realistic to life but not as compelling to read. I still really appreciate Nagata Kabi's artistic voice and will be checking out her other books.
Misery by Stephen King
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was disturbing but also sometimes hilariously over the top (in the best way).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, and Injury/Injury detail