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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
Your Driver Is Waiting by Priya Guns
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short book that I enjoyed, but I had to get used to the pacing. I was drawn to the biting, sarcastic, dry satirical take on the gig economy, urban life, and white allyship that Priya Guns employs in this book--I can see the connection to Taxi Driver, though this protagonist is slightly less unhinged, more sincere, and participates in a romance that didn't lend as much to the story as I thought it would. (Also, I started skimming the parts when Damani talked about her body and her YouTube therapist.) The buildup of social commentary leads to an explosive climax, though, and the ending is somehow both cynical and hopeful at the same time.
This is a short book that I enjoyed, but I had to get used to the pacing. I was drawn to the biting, sarcastic, dry satirical take on the gig economy, urban life, and white allyship that Priya Guns employs in this book--I can see the connection to Taxi Driver, though this protagonist is slightly less unhinged, more sincere, and participates in a romance that didn't lend as much to the story as I thought it would. (Also, I started skimming the parts when Damani talked about her body and her YouTube therapist.) The buildup of social commentary leads to an explosive climax, though, and the ending is somehow both cynical and hopeful at the same time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Islamophobia
Minor: Sexual content
Friday I'm in Love by Camryn Garrett
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
This book is so sweet and adorable--the flirting between Siobhan and Mahalia is a high point, as it feels realistic and not saccharine--but there's plenty of real-world problems thrown in. In fact, I was a little disappointed that some of the issues with money, Mahalia's dad, and Mahalia's relationship with Naomi weren't resolved better or explored more, but that might have made the book feel overstuffed and cumbersome. The writing feels a little middle-grade at times, but it's also authentically earnest in a way that made the reading experience quick and enjoyable.
If you're looking for a fun LGBTQ+ romance featuring an authentically flawed young woman, read this!
If you're looking for a fun LGBTQ+ romance featuring an authentically flawed young woman, read this!
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I feel the same way about this book as I do about Claire Heywood's previous work, Daughters of Sparta. I appreciate the feminist lens through which the myth of Perseus is historicized and rewritten and am grateful for Heywood's thoughtful contextualization in her notes. By removing any mythological / fantastical elements from the story, however, we're left with a bleak retelling that depicts Perseus as irredeemable and the main women in his life--Danae and Andromeda--wholly without agency and unable to separate themselves from him. (Medusa's story is the most engaging, and she's the most complete person without Perseus, but her section is by far the shortest.) The writing is also, again, fine but doesn't add as much depth to the story as I was anticipating.
I feel the same way about this book as I do about Claire Heywood's previous work, Daughters of Sparta. I appreciate the feminist lens through which the myth of Perseus is historicized and rewritten and am grateful for Heywood's thoughtful contextualization in her notes. By removing any mythological / fantastical elements from the story, however, we're left with a bleak retelling that depicts Perseus as irredeemable and the main women in his life--Danae and Andromeda--wholly without agency and unable to separate themselves from him. (Medusa's story is the most engaging, and she's the most complete person without Perseus, but her section is by far the shortest.) The writing is also, again, fine but doesn't add as much depth to the story as I was anticipating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This would be a tough, less engaging read for folks who never play(ed) video games or did not grow up during a time when these games were evolving and exploring different facets of technology and playability. Fortunately, I'm the target demographic, so I adored the references. It's worth noting that the themes of isolation, anger, grief, love, and friendship transcend the focus on video games, and to me that's the most beautiful part of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Medical content
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual violence
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong - and What You Really Need to Know by Emily Oster
informative
medium-paced
I’m having a tough time rating this one. Many of my friends rave about it, so I picked it up thinking it would be a better alternative to some of the more outdated or pedantic pregnancy book. But, like other literature, it’s worth questioning some of Emily Oster’s assertions.
I do appreciate Oster’s commitment to advocating for yourself in a medical setting by doing proper, unbiased research (without going into an anxiety spiral, of course) and having a clear idea of what you want to get out of your labor experience and how you want to go through your pregnancy. I’m all for taking in knowledge and learning more about how our bodies (and terrible healthcare system) work.
However, it is not a neutral presentation of statistics; there’s clear bias here. Also, as Oster herself states, she is not a medical doctor—even if she has “doctor friends” she consults. She gives advice about practices that should, well, probably be cleared by your medical professional first. Some of the studies she consults about more complex medical issues like C-sections or the way medications and exercise play into pregnancy seem overly simplified.
I can see this being valuable for, again, learning more about pregnancy and trusting when something isn’t right with your body/baby/etc. I just wouldn’t use this as a be-all-end-all pregnancy book.
I do appreciate Oster’s commitment to advocating for yourself in a medical setting by doing proper, unbiased research (without going into an anxiety spiral, of course) and having a clear idea of what you want to get out of your labor experience and how you want to go through your pregnancy. I’m all for taking in knowledge and learning more about how our bodies (and terrible healthcare system) work.
However, it is not a neutral presentation of statistics; there’s clear bias here. Also, as Oster herself states, she is not a medical doctor—even if she has “doctor friends” she consults. She gives advice about practices that should, well, probably be cleared by your medical professional first. Some of the studies she consults about more complex medical issues like C-sections or the way medications and exercise play into pregnancy seem overly simplified.
I can see this being valuable for, again, learning more about pregnancy and trusting when something isn’t right with your body/baby/etc. I just wouldn’t use this as a be-all-end-all pregnancy book.
Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- 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 in exchange for an honest review.
I love reading about cold, calculating women who successfully manipulate men. Rachel Koller Craft establishes a strong opening to Bea's story, as Bea has already clawed her way into a wealthy family's graces by way of dating the oblivious Collin. The narrative zips along quickly, and it's easy to cheer for Bea and her ambitions, but some of the threads and the payoff feel too easily attainable or don't get resolved well. (The ending feels particularly elusive.) Regardless, it's a fun way to pass the time, especially for those looking for something like The Talented Mr. Ripley.
I love reading about cold, calculating women who successfully manipulate men. Rachel Koller Craft establishes a strong opening to Bea's story, as Bea has already clawed her way into a wealthy family's graces by way of dating the oblivious Collin. The narrative zips along quickly, and it's easy to cheer for Bea and her ambitions, but some of the threads and the payoff feel too easily attainable or don't get resolved well. (The ending feels particularly elusive.) Regardless, it's a fun way to pass the time, especially for those looking for something like The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual assault
A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-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? Yes
3.75
This is the most I've enjoyed a Scarlett St. Clair book. Even though it's just Hades' POV of A Touch of Darkness, I found brooding, overpowered, horny Hades far more entertaining and far less annoying than Persephone; his relationships and interactions with mortals and his fellow gods are also more intriguing here. Still not much plot, but no one is reading (or, in my case, listening to) this for the plot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Violence
Minor: Drug abuse and Drug use
Isha, Unscripted by Sajni Patel
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This worked better for me than The Trouble with Hating You, likely because it feels more personal. I also loved the madcap adventures of Isha and her younger cousin, Rohan; their bond is a highlight of the book, though it makes it feel less like a romance than some readers may expect. Isha's drunken behavior is mildly annoying but hilarious, and I appreciate that she learns from/deals with the consequences of her mistakes. Her flirtation with Thirst-Trap (aka, Tarik) is bumbling and funny--though, again, it features less heavily in the story than a typical romance.
If you're open to a coming-of-age story with an imperfect character and romantic elements, try this. If you're looking for a straight-up romance, skip it.
This worked better for me than The Trouble with Hating You, likely because it feels more personal. I also loved the madcap adventures of Isha and her younger cousin, Rohan; their bond is a highlight of the book, though it makes it feel less like a romance than some readers may expect. Isha's drunken behavior is mildly annoying but hilarious, and I appreciate that she learns from/deals with the consequences of her mistakes. Her flirtation with Thirst-Trap (aka, Tarik) is bumbling and funny--though, again, it features less heavily in the story than a typical romance.
If you're open to a coming-of-age story with an imperfect character and romantic elements, try this. If you're looking for a straight-up romance, skip it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Always the Almost by Edward Underhill
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
This is a solid debut romance that does an excellent job highlighting the way our protagonist, Miles, navigates his sense of self and his relationship with others as he comes out as trans. I appreciate the way Edward Underhill depicts Miles' ex, Shane, and how both guys come to terms with their feelings toward one another, but I was also glad to see Miles' heartwarming relationship with Eric (who deserves all the good in the world, perhaps more than Miles could give at the beginning of this book). I could have done without some of the cheating, gaslighting, and other drama because I wanted to see Underhill explore more of Miles' family dynamics and other vulnerable moments, but I guess this also serves to highlight Miles and his friends as flawed humans and, well, teenagers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming
Moderate: Transphobia
Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- 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.
I was completely on board with this in the beginning--the coziness of the small Scottish town and its local businesses and characters reminds me of Legends and Lattes, and the characters don't devolve into stereotypes (except the one truly evil dude...but I was okay with that). I enjoyed the slow burn of the romance between Ruby and Brochan, but at some point the pacing of the romance started to feel TOO slow and then progressed rapidly; it could have been more even. The communication issues were a little frustrating too. Nonetheless, this is a charming read that you'll devour quickly if you want something quaint and Scottish.
I was completely on board with this in the beginning--the coziness of the small Scottish town and its local businesses and characters reminds me of Legends and Lattes, and the characters don't devolve into stereotypes (except the one truly evil dude...but I was okay with that). I enjoyed the slow burn of the romance between Ruby and Brochan, but at some point the pacing of the romance started to feel TOO slow and then progressed rapidly; it could have been more even. The communication issues were a little frustrating too. Nonetheless, this is a charming read that you'll devour quickly if you want something quaint and Scottish.