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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially hesitant to request this, given the marketing blurb about Rachel developing a crush on her college professor, but I'm glad I did because this infatuation is such a small aspect of the book. This has some of the same self-destructive themes as Bridget Jones' Diary or Sally Rooney's books or other works about college students who have trouble taking care of themselves. (Curse my postpartum brain for not being able to think of them.) The result is a surprisingly funny reflection on the recession, the concept of adulthood and career goals, and what it means to be in a healthy relationship. It also feels like a slow descent into chaos that I couldn't stop reading; I spent some moments cringing, and the husband reveal made me narrow my eyes a bit. It's a fun read, though, and it'll go quickly.
I was initially hesitant to request this, given the marketing blurb about Rachel developing a crush on her college professor, but I'm glad I did because this infatuation is such a small aspect of the book. This has some of the same self-destructive themes as Bridget Jones' Diary or Sally Rooney's books or other works about college students who have trouble taking care of themselves. (Curse my postpartum brain for not being able to think of them.) The result is a surprisingly funny reflection on the recession, the concept of adulthood and career goals, and what it means to be in a healthy relationship. It also feels like a slow descent into chaos that I couldn't stop reading; I spent some moments cringing, and the husband reveal made me narrow my eyes a bit. It's a fun read, though, and it'll go quickly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion
You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a solid summer read--a fast-paced popcorn thriller following two women navigating the sinister secrets of the wealthy in the tech industry as they try to escape a private island. (The White Lotus comparisons are apt.) The pacing falters in spots, and there's an issue with tense congruity (some chapters are in past, others in present) that might be a conscious choice--can't get into it too much without revealing spoilers--or is an oversight that would hopefully be fixed before publication. Overall, it's a fun book with just enough cat-and-mouse drive and a twist that's easily predictable but still shocking enough to keep one reading.
This is a solid summer read--a fast-paced popcorn thriller following two women navigating the sinister secrets of the wealthy in the tech industry as they try to escape a private island. (The White Lotus comparisons are apt.) The pacing falters in spots, and there's an issue with tense congruity (some chapters are in past, others in present) that might be a conscious choice--can't get into it too much without revealing spoilers--or is an oversight that would hopefully be fixed before publication. Overall, it's a fun book with just enough cat-and-mouse drive and a twist that's easily predictable but still shocking enough to keep one reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual violence, and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping and Abandonment
Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the themes about feeling connected (or disconnected) to one's cultural identity and the familial relationships--especially the found family aspect between Arjun and Iyer Aunty--and I was excited for the fake dating trope. Overall, though, the chemistry falls flat, and the fake dating trope feels superfluous after a while; it doesn't have the effect I thought it would on Madhuri and Arjun's relationship. I also found the writing to be clunky and overly flowery, but that might be a personal preference.
I was excited for this one, and I'd try other books by Ananya Devarajan--I enjoyed her story in the college-set anthology Study Break, which prompted me to request this one--so I'm looking forward to seeing how her writing develops over time.
I enjoyed the themes about feeling connected (or disconnected) to one's cultural identity and the familial relationships--especially the found family aspect between Arjun and Iyer Aunty--and I was excited for the fake dating trope. Overall, though, the chemistry falls flat, and the fake dating trope feels superfluous after a while; it doesn't have the effect I thought it would on Madhuri and Arjun's relationship. I also found the writing to be clunky and overly flowery, but that might be a personal preference.
I was excited for this one, and I'd try other books by Ananya Devarajan--I enjoyed her story in the college-set anthology Study Break, which prompted me to request this one--so I'm looking forward to seeing how her writing develops over time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, and Chronic illness
My Murder by Katie Williams
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of solving one's own murder compelled me enough to request this. It's pretty decent as a speculative crime drama, though it's not the thriller the marketing claims it to be. It's more of a meditation on identity and postpartum depression--who are these women now that they've come back? Who is Lou as a mother? What do the people in their lives think about them? I'm sure the length hinders the book from really exploring these issues, but also, the "twist" is mildly interesting but less compelling than I thought it would be.
The premise of solving one's own murder compelled me enough to request this. It's pretty decent as a speculative crime drama, though it's not the thriller the marketing claims it to be. It's more of a meditation on identity and postpartum depression--who are these women now that they've come back? Who is Lou as a mother? What do the people in their lives think about them? I'm sure the length hinders the book from really exploring these issues, but also, the "twist" is mildly interesting but less compelling than I thought it would be.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Mental illness, Violence, and Pregnancy
Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is less of a swashbuckling adventure and more of a political tale that questions social, cultural, and gender norms, which is fine! Just, you know, market it accordingly. Once I settled into that I really enjoyed the book. The way Shek Yueng's pragmatism and strength play out within the slow-growing conflicts work well here, and the historical context Rita Chang-Eppig establishes is rich and enhances the story.
Again, it has a marketing problem, so some readers may be disappointed. But if you enjoy historical fiction and don't mind a more subtle read then give this a try.
This is less of a swashbuckling adventure and more of a political tale that questions social, cultural, and gender norms, which is fine! Just, you know, market it accordingly. Once I settled into that I really enjoyed the book. The way Shek Yueng's pragmatism and strength play out within the slow-growing conflicts work well here, and the historical context Rita Chang-Eppig establishes is rich and enhances the story.
Again, it has a marketing problem, so some readers may be disappointed. But if you enjoy historical fiction and don't mind a more subtle read then give this a try.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Murder, and Pregnancy
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I requested the book because of the premise--a reclusive best-selling author offers the only copy of his latest book to the person who wins a series of games, which reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Westing Game--but this ended up veering into saccharine-yet-tragic territory. There are also some characters I wish had been explored further--Lucy's sister, Hugo's brother, Christopher, even Jack--that made the story feel more surface-level. I did enjoy the games and wish more of those had been included, and I got a little emotional toward the end, so the story did work for me overall. I just wish it had been better executed.
I requested the book because of the premise--a reclusive best-selling author offers the only copy of his latest book to the person who wins a series of games, which reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Westing Game--but this ended up veering into saccharine-yet-tragic territory. There are also some characters I wish had been explored further--Lucy's sister, Hugo's brother, Christopher, even Jack--that made the story feel more surface-level. I did enjoy the games and wish more of those had been included, and I got a little emotional toward the end, so the story did work for me overall. I just wish it had been better executed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse and Terminal illness
Picture Day by Sarah Sax
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This fun, vibrantly illustrated graphic novel has a classic message--be true to yourself AND respect that the needs and desires of others may be different from your own--with a contemporary twist: our protagonist is obsessed with a YouTuber who, to be fair, teaches valuable life lessons. Viv is certainly annoying in her self-absorption, but that's natural for her character and to move the story along. This would be perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale who are looking for something fresh and relatable.
This fun, vibrantly illustrated graphic novel has a classic message--be true to yourself AND respect that the needs and desires of others may be different from your own--with a contemporary twist: our protagonist is obsessed with a YouTuber who, to be fair, teaches valuable life lessons. Viv is certainly annoying in her self-absorption, but that's natural for her character and to move the story along. This would be perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale who are looking for something fresh and relatable.
The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this better than the other book of Adiba Jaigirdar's that I've read--A Million to One--and I'm glad to see she returned to contemporary YA romance with this because it works well!
As an avid Great British Bakeoff fan, I loved the spin-off Jaigirdar creates and appreciated all the thinly veiled references to the show and other folks within the celebrity cooking sphere. I'm also glad she addresses the cyberbullying and racism inherent in reality TV, even a cozy cooking show. Love triangles can become annoying quickly, but I liked how this one resolves (and was not expecting the twist or secret motivations of a particular character!); my main qualm is that the book doesn't really address the reason Shireen and Chris broke up before the show. It feels like an oversight, but maybe it's a lesson in closure and expectations.
This book doesn't have a fairytale ending, and that's to its merit. Grab it if you're a fan of cooking shows and want something light and romantic.
I liked this better than the other book of Adiba Jaigirdar's that I've read--A Million to One--and I'm glad to see she returned to contemporary YA romance with this because it works well!
As an avid Great British Bakeoff fan, I loved the spin-off Jaigirdar creates and appreciated all the thinly veiled references to the show and other folks within the celebrity cooking sphere. I'm also glad she addresses the cyberbullying and racism inherent in reality TV, even a cozy cooking show. Love triangles can become annoying quickly, but I liked how this one resolves (and was not expecting the twist or secret motivations of a particular character!); my main qualm is that the book doesn't really address the reason Shireen and Chris broke up before the show. It feels like an oversight, but maybe it's a lesson in closure and expectations.
This book doesn't have a fairytale ending, and that's to its merit. Grab it if you're a fan of cooking shows and want something light and romantic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Racial slurs, and Racism
Perilous Times by Thomas D. Lee
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What a ride! Arthurian legend with a queer twist mixed with social commentary about climate change/activism--the combination works surprisingly well. While it drags a little toward the end, I found this to be immensely readable because of the characters (some of whom are hilariously dumb and some of whom are bitingly sarcastic--the types balance each other out nicely) and the Pratchett-esque humor. It's entirely different from what I've been reading lately, and it's refreshingly honest and full of adventure.
What a ride! Arthurian legend with a queer twist mixed with social commentary about climate change/activism--the combination works surprisingly well. While it drags a little toward the end, I found this to be immensely readable because of the characters (some of whom are hilariously dumb and some of whom are bitingly sarcastic--the types balance each other out nicely) and the Pratchett-esque humor. It's entirely different from what I've been reading lately, and it's refreshingly honest and full of adventure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I had high hopes for this one, so that might be why I'm rating it the way I am. But I really dislike romances that begin with a series of lies; thankfully they get resolved quickly. I did enjoy the aspects about compatibility matching re: the Chinese zodiac and seeing Olivia's passion for it, but otherwise I found her to be kind of annoying as a main character. Bennett also seems too perfect; I wish we had gotten to know even more about him and Olivia's family members to add some depth to the novel.
Despite its surface-level examinations, I did enjoy reading this and would recommend it for an AAPI.NH Heritage Month read!
Despite its surface-level examinations, I did enjoy reading this and would recommend it for an AAPI.NH Heritage Month read!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death