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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- 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.
The two parts to this book read more like separate short stories, despite the way the two families come together at the end; this made the narrative flow tough for me to get through. Regardless, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ writes her many characters beautifully; the way she imbues each of them with a fleshed-out backstory is admirable and doesn't bog the story down--it made me want to read more about all of them. The sense of place and culture is equally impressive and rich.
As you may have surmised from the synopsis, this does not have a happy ending, but it's worth a read for the descriptions of Nigerian politics, culture, and socioeconomic interplay.
The two parts to this book read more like separate short stories, despite the way the two families come together at the end; this made the narrative flow tough for me to get through. Regardless, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ writes her many characters beautifully; the way she imbues each of them with a fleshed-out backstory is admirable and doesn't bog the story down--it made me want to read more about all of them. The sense of place and culture is equally impressive and rich.
As you may have surmised from the synopsis, this does not have a happy ending, but it's worth a read for the descriptions of Nigerian politics, culture, and socioeconomic interplay.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Murder
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This starts off slowly, but once again, Emily St. John Mandel has managed to create a world and structure that is so rich and full of depth I couldn't stop listening to it; the audiobook narrators do her beautiful writing justice. It's much more beautiful than I expected any pandemic-oriented book to be, and the characters are incredibly compelling.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and War
Of Manners and Murder by Anastasia Hastings
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable Victorian-era cozy mystery; there are enough red herrings to keep it interesting. The conceit of Violet taking over her aunt's advice column is also a fun framing device. Some of the plot points and characters feel surface-level--for example, introducing potential romantic interest Eli Marsh so late in the story--but I hope they'll be explored more in sequels. On the other hand, I'd like to see less of Violet's younger sister Sephora in the sequels; I found her annoying, but I understand why Anastasia Hastings included her.
This is an enjoyable Victorian-era cozy mystery; there are enough red herrings to keep it interesting. The conceit of Violet taking over her aunt's advice column is also a fun framing device. Some of the plot points and characters feel surface-level--for example, introducing potential romantic interest Eli Marsh so late in the story--but I hope they'll be explored more in sequels. On the other hand, I'd like to see less of Violet's younger sister Sephora in the sequels; I found her annoying, but I understand why Anastasia Hastings included her.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Murder
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nasty little piece of work. It is horror and fantasy that, at its best, is punctuated by the political and socioeconomic reality of Argentina in the 1960s-1990s. This strong sense of place--even of the Other places--usually means the novel moves along at a clip, but it drags when it loses that connection. (For example, I found my mind wandering when reading the portion of the book set in London.)
The story also garners strength from its central character, Gaspar, who is subjected to heartbreaking physical, mental, and emotional abuse, mostly by his father, Juan, even though it theoretically comes from a place of love and protection. (The amount of times I rolled my eyes and sighed "ok Juan" every time he pulls the "I DID THIS TO SAVE YOU FROM THE ORDER" routine...) It was hard to read, but it also made it more satisfying to watch Gaspar gain his own sense of power amidst the darkness. While I expected Mariana Enriquez to lean more into the lore of the tumultuous, grisly underworld she created, these more human moments broke up the story more--there are atrocities and brutality, but at least they vary in type.
Steel yourself before starting this one. It's going to be one hell of a ride.
This is a nasty little piece of work. It is horror and fantasy that, at its best, is punctuated by the political and socioeconomic reality of Argentina in the 1960s-1990s. This strong sense of place--even of the Other places--usually means the novel moves along at a clip, but it drags when it loses that connection. (For example, I found my mind wandering when reading the portion of the book set in London.)
The story also garners strength from its central character, Gaspar, who is subjected to heartbreaking physical, mental, and emotional abuse, mostly by his father, Juan, even though it theoretically comes from a place of love and protection. (The amount of times I rolled my eyes and sighed "ok Juan" every time he pulls the "I DID THIS TO SAVE YOU FROM THE ORDER" routine...) It was hard to read, but it also made it more satisfying to watch Gaspar gain his own sense of power amidst the darkness. While I expected Mariana Enriquez to lean more into the lore of the tumultuous, grisly underworld she created, these more human moments broke up the story more--there are atrocities and brutality, but at least they vary in type.
Steel yourself before starting this one. It's going to be one hell of a ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicide attempt
Central Places by Delia Cai
challenging
emotional
reflective
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.
I was afraid this would veer too much into Sweet Home Alabama territory, but there's more nuance and less stereotyping here. While the transitions are a little clunky--some of the character motivations are unclear or don't make sense--Audrey's reframing of her sense of self is gradual enough to feel realistic and relatable; she doesn't transform overnight from the NYC gal she's become over the past several years. Her mother, though harsh, also becomes a sympathetic character eventually. Overall, this is a reflective yet entertaining book on what one's idea of home and family can become.
I was afraid this would veer too much into Sweet Home Alabama territory, but there's more nuance and less stereotyping here. While the transitions are a little clunky--some of the character motivations are unclear or don't make sense--Audrey's reframing of her sense of self is gradual enough to feel realistic and relatable; she doesn't transform overnight from the NYC gal she's become over the past several years. Her mother, though harsh, also becomes a sympathetic character eventually. Overall, this is a reflective yet entertaining book on what one's idea of home and family can become.
Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
funny
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
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book feels incredibly slow as Jojo Moyes sets up her premise--Nisha's entitled, abrasive personality and the suspension of disbelief don't help the pacing. The lack of realism persists throughout the novel as three sets of people (which eventually become two sets of people) frantically try to regain a pair of red Christian Louboutin heels. The highlight of the book is the eventual friendship between Nisha, Sam, and a few other key players. If you love a good revenge story, the ending will satisfy you.
The first half of the book feels incredibly slow as Jojo Moyes sets up her premise--Nisha's entitled, abrasive personality and the suspension of disbelief don't help the pacing. The lack of realism persists throughout the novel as three sets of people (which eventually become two sets of people) frantically try to regain a pair of red Christian Louboutin heels. The highlight of the book is the eventual friendship between Nisha, Sam, and a few other key players. If you love a good revenge story, the ending will satisfy you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Mental illness
Maame by Jessica George
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I put this one off for a while because I knew it would be heart-wrenching, and it is. At twenty-five years old, Maddie is not only the primary caretaker for her father, who has Parkinson's disease, but also has no support from her mother or older brother, both of whom are conspicuously absent at inconvenient times (her mother in Ghana and her brother in...various places) and contribute nothing financially. On top of this, she loses her job for an infuriating reason.
Through Maddie, Jessica George explores the themes of racism, sexism, and abuse in an occasionally funny but often devastating way; I wanted to both hug Maddie and scream at her to remove herself from dangerous situations. While a little slow at times, the way George structures Maddie's days feels organic; her development is believable, which makes what she experiences all the more frustrating. If you're worried about this feeling like a depressing slog, don't be; the ending is incredibly satisfying.
I put this one off for a while because I knew it would be heart-wrenching, and it is. At twenty-five years old, Maddie is not only the primary caretaker for her father, who has Parkinson's disease, but also has no support from her mother or older brother, both of whom are conspicuously absent at inconvenient times (her mother in Ghana and her brother in...various places) and contribute nothing financially. On top of this, she loses her job for an infuriating reason.
Through Maddie, Jessica George explores the themes of racism, sexism, and abuse in an occasionally funny but often devastating way; I wanted to both hug Maddie and scream at her to remove herself from dangerous situations. While a little slow at times, the way George structures Maddie's days feels organic; her development is believable, which makes what she experiences all the more frustrating. If you're worried about this feeling like a depressing slog, don't be; the ending is incredibly satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual assault
The Cartographers by Amy Zhang
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I had a tough time with this one. (It didn't help that the marketing blurb somehow both reveals too much of the plot and is wildly misleading.) I appreciate Amy Zhang's raw exploration of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and other aspects of mental health, particularly in young adults. This comes up not only for Ocean, but also for her roommates Georgie and, to a lesser degree, Tashya. Speaking of them, I loved the dynamic between the three girls--the way their relationships develop and the way they support each other is oddly heartwarming.
But Constantine. Constant. I couldn't stand him. I suppose that's the point, but I found myself skimming all of the Google Doc exchanges between him and Ocean. It was like all the worst, overly esoteric discussions I had in grad school. I understand Zhang's reason for including them, and some readers might enjoy them, but they didn't work for me.
I think this is worth picking up for Ocean's mental and emotional journey. Just, you know, skip the Google Doc ramblings if you don't want to think too much about philosophy or The Meaning of Life.
I had a tough time with this one. (It didn't help that the marketing blurb somehow both reveals too much of the plot and is wildly misleading.) I appreciate Amy Zhang's raw exploration of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and other aspects of mental health, particularly in young adults. This comes up not only for Ocean, but also for her roommates Georgie and, to a lesser degree, Tashya. Speaking of them, I loved the dynamic between the three girls--the way their relationships develop and the way they support each other is oddly heartwarming.
But Constantine. Constant. I couldn't stand him. I suppose that's the point, but I found myself skimming all of the Google Doc exchanges between him and Ocean. It was like all the worst, overly esoteric discussions I had in grad school. I understand Zhang's reason for including them, and some readers might enjoy them, but they didn't work for me.
I think this is worth picking up for Ocean's mental and emotional journey. Just, you know, skip the Google Doc ramblings if you don't want to think too much about philosophy or The Meaning of Life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this! It's filled with compelling characters, intelligent dialogue, and a steamy romance--basically, my perfect book.
I was worried the book would veer into preachy territory re: external beauty, but it's actually a realistic, raw portrayal of what it means to confront one's own biases regarding Western beauty standards--and throwing in "being a teenage girl" to make things more complicated. I appreciate how TJ's decision to not remove her body hair is a fraught and nuanced one; she initially does it to take a stand and defend her cousin and, yes, deals with people who recoil at her new look, but she also has to figure out why she feels revulsion about her own body hair and why it manifests in self-loathing.
I wish I had something like this when I was a teenager debating whether to shave my legs for the upteenth time in a week (despite it being winter and not showing my legs at all).
I was worried the book would veer into preachy territory re: external beauty, but it's actually a realistic, raw portrayal of what it means to confront one's own biases regarding Western beauty standards--and throwing in "being a teenage girl" to make things more complicated. I appreciate how TJ's decision to not remove her body hair is a fraught and nuanced one; she initially does it to take a stand and defend her cousin and, yes, deals with people who recoil at her new look, but she also has to figure out why she feels revulsion about her own body hair and why it manifests in self-loathing.
I wish I had something like this when I was a teenager debating whether to shave my legs for the upteenth time in a week (despite it being winter and not showing my legs at all).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Sexual content
The Second You're Single by Cara Tanamachi
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book because it’s set in Chicago and the premise seems cute, but all of the characters seem to have about two or theee traits that define them. Sora, our main character, wears size 14 clothing, has had terrible luck with men and treats herself poorly as a result, and LOVES bacon. (I almost DNF’d this because of the amount of times she brings up bacon.) Jack has some kind of insta-love for Sora and used to be chubby as a kid, which he thinks about often. There are some sweet moments—mostly around family—but the romance is not compelling.
I wanted to love this book because it’s set in Chicago and the premise seems cute, but all of the characters seem to have about two or theee traits that define them. Sora, our main character, wears size 14 clothing, has had terrible luck with men and treats herself poorly as a result, and LOVES bacon. (I almost DNF’d this because of the amount of times she brings up bacon.) Jack has some kind of insta-love for Sora and used to be chubby as a kid, which he thinks about often. There are some sweet moments—mostly around family—but the romance is not compelling.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy