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heamarhar's reviews
102 reviews
The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I put in my review that this was a slow-paced book, but I read it in less than a day because it was so compelling. And yes, it is "pulse-pounding" as stated in the description (source: my heart, pounding, for the entirety of the last 5 chapters). This book is horrifying because it reminds you that monsters aren't always obvious - they can look like regular, upstanding, highly regarded people. When I read the author's acknowledgements, I was shocked to see this is her debut thriller as it's so beautifully written!!!! I do wish we could hear more about what happened "after" - but I think it ended at a really respectable place.
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
4.0
An interesting, action-packed take on the chain letters of yesteryear.
You get thrown into the action from the very first chapter, learning more about character motivations as those involved with The Chain delve deeper into life-or-death territory. This certainly did not go in the direction I thought it would when I started reading - there's basically a resolution halfway through and then everything kicks into gear again all the way to the end of the penultimate chapter. I loved fitting the puzzle pieces together. There are some things I'd have done differently if I was a link in The Chain, but I think Rachel really proves herself to be a fierce protagonist who I wouldn't want to go up against in a cage match.
This was a book club pick, and I think it was a winner!
You get thrown into the action from the very first chapter, learning more about character motivations as those involved with The Chain delve deeper into life-or-death territory. This certainly did not go in the direction I thought it would when I started reading - there's basically a resolution halfway through and then everything kicks into gear again all the way to the end of the penultimate chapter. I loved fitting the puzzle pieces together. There are some things I'd have done differently if I was a link in The Chain, but I think Rachel really proves herself to be a fierce protagonist who I wouldn't want to go up against in a cage match.
This was a book club pick, and I think it was a winner!
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Quick q for any psychologists out there... Why do I always picture Grant O'Brien as the quirky love interest?
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was fine. A little too "white liberal feminist" for me though, honestly. The last 2 chapters had a lot happening very quickly after a very slow beginning. It had its cute moments in a very aspirationally-lovey-dovey, could-be-a-Tina-Fey-movie way.
Quick q for any psychologists out there... Why do I always picture Grant O'Brien as the quirky love interest?
The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Karin Slaughter is a sacred name in my household. Always excellent, gripping, horrific, human storytelling. This had me laughing, crying, and trying not to vomit from the gorier details all in one day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Gore, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Abortion, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide, Terminal illness, and Pregnancy
Minor: Transphobia
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This would maybe be a 4-star read if not for Clover's personality. She's pushing 40 and can't seem to grow up and talk to people because she's hung up with the idea that her career and interests are too weird? And they aren't even actually weird?? There's an annoying layer of both pretentiousness and "I'm not like other girls" woven throughout this story (think ~wE liKe BooKS aND NoT OuR PHoNEs, we'RE sUcH A RaRE brEEd~). The only character I actually liked was Claudia. Everyone else was either selfish or annoying or a mixture of both.
DESPITE THAT, this was actually very heartwarming and made me tear up a bit while reading. There were some sideline happenings that I felt weren't necessary (at all), but overall it was a feel-good read about life, death, love, loss, grief, and friendship.
DESPITE THAT, this was actually very heartwarming and made me tear up a bit while reading. There were some sideline happenings that I felt weren't necessary (at all), but overall it was a feel-good read about life, death, love, loss, grief, and friendship.