irxren's reviews
93 reviews

Pride and Prejudice is a delightful dance through the social intricacies of 19th-century England, offering a witty and insightful critique of the era's economic pressures and social expectations, especially regarding women. Mrs. Bennet’s relentless quest to marry off her daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, adds a humorous yet poignant layer to the story, underscoring the precarious positions women found themselves in.

Though classics aren't typically my go-to, I made my way through Pride and Prejudice with a mix of reading and listening to the audiobook. Despite its challenging start, I found myself drawn into the intricate social maneuvers and charming interactions between the characters. Austen’s writing is both beautiful and sharp, showcasing a romance that has inspired countless adaptations.

Its timeless appeal and the dynamic character of Elizabeth make it a delightful read for those willing to dive into classic literature.

This book had me hooked from the beginning, tugging at my heartstrings and bringing back all the bittersweet memories of coming of age, first love, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with it. The first part of the story captured that intensity perfectly—the messiness of navigating unfamiliar feelings, the drama of teenage friendships, and how everything seemed to matter so much back then.

However, things took a turn in the second half. The story started to feel like a bad YA novel, with stilted dialogue and some awkward moments, especially when it came to the more intimate scenes. Yes, teenagers are often focused on certain things, but the way it was handled here just didn’t sit right with me.

Percy turned out to be a bit of a frustrating character. At times, I could empathize with her, understanding why she made certain choices. But more often than not, she came across as selfish, always seeking validation and doing whatever it took to keep it, even when it meant hurting others. It’s hard to root for someone who seems so wrapped up in her own happiness without much regard for others. And then there was the cheating trope, which really soured the whole experience for me. It felt unnecessary and out of place, dragging down what could have been a much stronger story. The multiple instances of infidelity didn’t just feel repetitive; they felt like they undermined the emotional weight of the relationships that had been built up earlier in the book.

Final Girls is a thriller that brings together three women—Sam, Quincy, and Lisa—each of whom survived a brutal killing spree, earning them the unsettling title of "Final Girls" in the media. The story picks up years after these traumatic events, with Quincy, the main character, trying to move on and live a normal life. But when Lisa dies under mysterious circumstances and Sam unexpectedly shows up on Quincy's doorstep, Quincy is forced to revisit her past and question just how well she knows the other Final Girls, and whether she can trust them.

While the book is undeniably bingeable with enjoyable writing and a satisfying ending, I found myself less connected to the characters. Sam’s aggressive personality contrasts sharply with Quincy's more passive nature, which left me frustrated at times. Additionally, the slower pace makes it less tense and chilling compared to Sager’s other works.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie introduces us to Sade Hussein, a newcomer to Alfred Nobel Academy who has recently lost her family and is struggling to adjust to her new boarding school life. Despite her difficult past and lack of social experience, she quickly bonds with Elizabeth and Baz. However, the story takes a dark turn when Elizabeth mysteriously disappears one night.

The book deals with heavy themes like sexual assault and misogyny with sensitivity and depth. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The middle part of the story drags because of too many routine school activities, making the plot feel slow and boring until the end.

The writing style might not be for everyone. Repetitive thoughts and dialogue can be annoying, and Sade's habit of pointing out clues only to take too long to figure them out can be frustrating. The plot twist, meant to be surprising, loses its impact because of the slow pacing and less engaging writing.

The book follows Alix Summers, a podcaster who meets Josie Fair, her birthday twin. After a chance meeting, Josie convinces Alix to start a podcast about her life, which seems interesting but quickly takes a strange turn. As the two women’s lives become more connected, things start to unravel.

The book starts off strong with an interesting idea, but it has a few big problems. One major issue is how it handles a character named Walter whose pedophilia is excused because of his role as a "good father," which doesn’t sit well, especially with how a 13-year-old victim is portrayed. This doesn't feel right, and it makes the story uncomfortable.

Another problem is the way the book jumps between characters and timelines. It’s hard to tell who is doing what, and it gets confusing. The plot feels messy, and the story doesn’t build up to the exciting twist that you expect. Instead, it just ends without any big surprises.

Overall, the book is entertaining in parts, but the confusing structure and the way it handles serious issues make it fall short.

The story follows Ethan, who goes back to his childhood neighborhood and stays in his old home while his parents are away. His best friend Billy disappeared a couple of years ago, and even though Ethan was there that night, he can’t remember what happened. The longer he stays, the more he starts to think Billy’s ghost is trying to send him a message.

What makes this book special isn’t the mystery or the paranormal angle, though. It’s really about grief, guilt, and letting go of the past. Hemlock Circle, the creepy neighborhood where people seem stuck, symbolizes how people get trapped by their own fears and secrets until they face them. Ethan’s journey is just as much about figuring out what happened to Billy as it is about learning how to forgive himself and move on.

The characters are what really make this story shine. Ethan, Billy, Henry, and their group of oddball, book-loving friends feel so real and relatable. By the end, you’re rooting for them, not just because of the mystery, but because you genuinely care about their friendships and the emotional stuff they’re dealing with.

I decided to give this book a try, even though I'm not usually a fan of young adult mysteries. To my surprise, I found myself loving it because of its quick-paced story and short chapters. In the first half, not much happened—it felt like more of an introduction. But things picked up in the second half, turning into an exciting thriller that kept me hooked. I had a feeling about who the culprit might be early on, but the story kept me guessing until the end.

The characters were a highlight for me, though I had mixed feelings about Lia. She didn't bother me too much, but her lack of respect for privacy annoyed me a few times. Despite that, I could see there were layers to her character that added depth to the story. I didn't mind the love triangle subplot either. It felt natural and added a layer of tension without overwhelming the main plot.

Margaret’s life changes in an instant. One devastating accident leaves her with severe injuries and turns her world upside down. All of her plans, dreams, and hopes for the future are suddenly over. This heartwarming novel explores how Margaret learns to cope with this new reality and the challenges it brings.

What I loved most about this story was how relatable and human Margaret felt. She’s brave, but she’s also vulnerable, and you can’t help but root for her as she navigates her way forward. The cast of characters around her really bring the story to life. Some will drive you crazy, others will make you laugh, and a few will steal your heart.

This isn't the typical kind of book I read, but I found it refreshing. It’s a simple, character-driven story that touches on family, loss, tragedy, and strength. Margaret’s journey reminds us that even when life throws you completely off course, it’s possible to find strength within and keep moving forward.

I was hooked from the first few pages of this story and couldn’t wait to see how everything would unfold. The plot revolves around Mary, a teenage girl who wakes up in a ditch, battered and with no memory of what happened, and Drew, whose girlfriend has vanished after a heated argument and who finds himself the prime suspect in her disappearance.

At first, I thought I knew exactly where things were headed, but the author threw in a few great twists that kept me on my toes. The characters felt real and relatable, especially since the teens didn’t act overly mature or unrealistic. It was refreshing to see them actually seek help when they needed it, which doesn’t always happen in books like this.

While I enjoyed the overall resolution, I wished there had been more focus on Lola and what she went through. It felt a bit unresolved, but perhaps that’s what made it feel realistic in the end. The conclusion was true to the characters, which I appreciated.

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand has a wonderful premise: women in midlife reconnecting for a luxurious getaway on Nantucket, each bringing their own life stories and struggles. It promises heartfelt moments, deep reflection, and perhaps a few revelations. And yet, I found myself struggling to fully enjoy it.

The biggest issue I had was with the pacing and focus. So much of the book delved into the characters’ pasts, which is fine in moderation, but it left the "actual" weekend—supposedly the heart of the book—feeling underdeveloped. The events of the weekend felt rushed, and despite some heavy themes being introduced (affairs, betrayals, and strained relationships), they were barely explored in a meaningful way. The emotional depth that could have elevated the story just wasn’t there.

There were also too many characters and storylines competing for attention. Between the detailed descriptions of their clothes, their pasts, and every item in the kitchen, it felt like the plot got lost in the noise.