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sicksadlit's reviews
503 reviews
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
5.0
Avery, Bonnie and Lucky Blue have become estranged in the year following their sister Nicky’s shocking and unexpected death. When their balanced and harmonious four becomes a sharp and unfamiliar three overnight, the surviving sisters flee their home city of New York to Europe, London and Los Angeles respectively as they each grapple with their grief and guilt over the parts they played in their sister’s death and whether or not they could have, or should have, done more to prevent it.
I loved Cleopatra and Frankenstein and I was interested to read Blue Sisters knowing it took Coco Mellors five years to write it and only two to write Blue Sisters. But if there’s one thing Mellors never fails to deliver on, it’s building compelling characters. I completely devoured this novel. Coco Mellors is such an exquisite writer, each of the Blue sisters felt so real, so completely developed and interesting with all their complexities, flaws and incredibly unique characteristics that are so true of a group who share DNA but are very much their own people.
I completely lost myself in the world of the Blue girls and on multiple occasions forgot I was reading the story instead of watching it happen in real life. I only surfaced from the chapters to marvel at the incredible artistry and craftsmanship of the book. I become engrossed and wholeheartedly invested in the journey of Bonnie, Avery and Lucky. I saw myself in each of them with their desire to numb their pain with alcohol and internalise their emotions rather than talk about them for fear of vulnerability and rejection. Blue Sisters is a story about grief, trauma, love and family. It reminds us that whilst none of us is perfect and we may find ourselves frustrated by our relatives, we are all facing our own internal battles and during the times where we most want to run away from the pain, those are the exact moments we should lean into it and more importantly, lean on those who love us unconditionally.
Blue Sisters delivered on Mellor’s reputation in spades, and more, as a novel that I know I will return to and reread (along with Cleopatra and Frankenstein) for years and years to come. Mellors holds her own against literary heavyweights such as Donna Tartt with her ability to create complex and engaging stories that will stand the test of time. Congratulations Coco on another phenomenal body of work. It is a true honour to read your writing and I’m so excited for whatever you next have in store.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Australia for the advanced copy of Blue Sisters.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.0
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I did knot expect to like this but I did!
I've read all of Ali Hazelwood's books and usually my biggest bug bear is the lack of resolution and character development in the second half of the novel, but I felt like she nailed it in this one.
All the characters had neat and tidy conclusions and despite the sliiiiggght ick I got from the whole concept of Wolf seggs, I was still shocked to find I enjoyed this the most of all Slayzelwood's work.
5 stars!
I've read all of Ali Hazelwood's books and usually my biggest bug bear is the lack of resolution and character development in the second half of the novel, but I felt like she nailed it in this one.
All the characters had neat and tidy conclusions and despite the sliiiiggght ick I got from the whole concept of Wolf seggs, I was still shocked to find I enjoyed this the most of all Slayzelwood's work.
5 stars!
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
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
5.0
What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?
Wow, bold of Oscar Wilde to drop this bombshell of a classic and then never write another novel again.
The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of putting youth, beauty and aesthetics above all else.
It also serves as a stark reminder of how hollow life can become if you gain everything you've ever wanted, without having to work for a single thing. How entitled and self-obsessed one can become when people will do anything for you at the drop of a hat, just to be in your orbit.
It's impossible not to draw modern day comparisons between Dorian Gray and the likes of deified pop-culture icons such as Taylor Swift, The Kardashians and the Royal Family. How much that level of worship and idolisation would change a person, despite their best efforts to remain true to themselves.
There is a reason this novel is considered a Classic. The fact that Oscar Wilde wrote this in 1890, and yet the themes and ideas still ring true more than 100 years later is a testament to the roots within human nature with which this story is ground.
We can all relate to Dorian Gray in his unrelenting pursuit of youth, beauty and popularity.
We can relate to Lord Henry and his regrets for youth lost and ultimate fear of mortality and inevitable death.
We can relate to Basil, for pouring his whole heart and soul into something which is ultimately meaningless and outside of his control.
This is a story that will stay with me, and I will be truly better for it.
Wow, bold of Oscar Wilde to drop this bombshell of a classic and then never write another novel again.
The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of putting youth, beauty and aesthetics above all else.
It also serves as a stark reminder of how hollow life can become if you gain everything you've ever wanted, without having to work for a single thing. How entitled and self-obsessed one can become when people will do anything for you at the drop of a hat, just to be in your orbit.
It's impossible not to draw modern day comparisons between Dorian Gray and the likes of deified pop-culture icons such as Taylor Swift, The Kardashians and the Royal Family. How much that level of worship and idolisation would change a person, despite their best efforts to remain true to themselves.
There is a reason this novel is considered a Classic. The fact that Oscar Wilde wrote this in 1890, and yet the themes and ideas still ring true more than 100 years later is a testament to the roots within human nature with which this story is ground.
We can all relate to Dorian Gray in his unrelenting pursuit of youth, beauty and popularity.
We can relate to Lord Henry and his regrets for youth lost and ultimate fear of mortality and inevitable death.
We can relate to Basil, for pouring his whole heart and soul into something which is ultimately meaningless and outside of his control.
This is a story that will stay with me, and I will be truly better for it.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, Ottessa, you are "quite a gal!"
No one manages to simultaneously repulse and intrigue me quite like Ottessa Moshfegh. When I read her work, I know I'm about to be thoroughly disturbed and I am here. for. IT.
Eileen did not disappoint. The story of Eileen Dunlop's miserable life spent living with her emotional (and at times, physically) abusive, alcoholic father and working at the local Boys Prison was exactly as uncomfortable as I've come to expect from Moshfegh's work.
Moshfegh somehow manages to get right under your skin and touch nerves you never thought existed. Reading Eileen move through life selfishly and disgustingly (intentionally ripping clothes in a store, wiping her dirty mouth on scarves for sale, touching herself and then shaking hands with someone before washing them... that sort of thing) somehow had me absolutely hooked and I could not put the book down before finding out whether or not Eileen managed to find happiness or not.
Ottessa's work is not for the faint of heart.
Often the reviews are scathing of the body horror and grotesque descriptions.
But that is part of the magic in my opinion.
I read Ottessa Moshfegh when I want to be disturbed. And she never ever fails to disappoint!
No one manages to simultaneously repulse and intrigue me quite like Ottessa Moshfegh. When I read her work, I know I'm about to be thoroughly disturbed and I am here. for. IT.
Eileen did not disappoint. The story of Eileen Dunlop's miserable life spent living with her emotional (and at times, physically) abusive, alcoholic father and working at the local Boys Prison was exactly as uncomfortable as I've come to expect from Moshfegh's work.
Moshfegh somehow manages to get right under your skin and touch nerves you never thought existed. Reading Eileen move through life selfishly and disgustingly (intentionally ripping clothes in a store, wiping her dirty mouth on scarves for sale, touching herself and then shaking hands with someone before washing them... that sort of thing) somehow had me absolutely hooked and I could not put the book down before finding out whether or not Eileen managed to find happiness or not.
Ottessa's work is not for the faint of heart.
Often the reviews are scathing of the body horror and grotesque descriptions.
But that is part of the magic in my opinion.
I read Ottessa Moshfegh when I want to be disturbed. And she never ever fails to disappoint!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Dysphoria
You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
dnf at 3%
Reads like a creative writing exercise in high school. 🥱
Reads like a creative writing exercise in high school. 🥱
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
"Why are you so good to me though? I know I'm your niece, but we hadn't seen each other in so long."
"Because I love you, Takako." He said is without any hint of embarrassment. He seemed almost distracted. "I know, for you, I might be some relative you don't know that well but for me it's different. For me, you're an angel."
I LOVED this book. I wanted a cozy, sweet, Japanese read and that is what this book delivered in spades.
It was quite short and the storyline was simple. It clearly reads as a translated works with unusual language choices that can feel a little jarring, but for me, that is what added to the charm of this beautiful story.
Knowing that it was originally written in Japanese, and being able to identify many of the cultural nods and idiosyncrasies made me smile and in the end, I found myself tearing up with the profound weight of the message. It surprised me that I could be brought to tears by such a simple story, but I think that's what made it so powerful.
This is a story about family. About books. About facing your fears and feeling your emotions.
I related to Takako so many times, particularly when all she wanted to do was pull the covers of her futon over her head and sleep through the rest of her days.
In those moments, I wish I had an Uncle Satoru to love me unconditionally and pull me out of my thoughts and back to the surface.
This is a story I know I will return to and reread time and time again when I need a cozy reminder of what truly matters in life.
"Because I love you, Takako." He said is without any hint of embarrassment. He seemed almost distracted. "I know, for you, I might be some relative you don't know that well but for me it's different. For me, you're an angel."
I LOVED this book. I wanted a cozy, sweet, Japanese read and that is what this book delivered in spades.
It was quite short and the storyline was simple. It clearly reads as a translated works with unusual language choices that can feel a little jarring, but for me, that is what added to the charm of this beautiful story.
Knowing that it was originally written in Japanese, and being able to identify many of the cultural nods and idiosyncrasies made me smile and in the end, I found myself tearing up with the profound weight of the message. It surprised me that I could be brought to tears by such a simple story, but I think that's what made it so powerful.
This is a story about family. About books. About facing your fears and feeling your emotions.
I related to Takako so many times, particularly when all she wanted to do was pull the covers of her futon over her head and sleep through the rest of her days.
In those moments, I wish I had an Uncle Satoru to love me unconditionally and pull me out of my thoughts and back to the surface.
This is a story I know I will return to and reread time and time again when I need a cozy reminder of what truly matters in life.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
WASTE MY TIME 2K24
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
HOW did Donna Tartt write this at just 29 years old?!
“Donna Tartt's The Secret History is the original American campus novel. When Richard Papen joins an elite group of clever misfits at his New England college, it seems he can finally become the person he wants to be. But the moral boundaries he will cross with his new friends - and the deaths they are responsible for - will change all of their lives forever. The Secret History recounts the terrible price we pay for mistakes made on the dark journey to adulthood.”
Never before have I read a novel where the world is painted so vividly, that it feels like rather than reading the story as an outsider, you’re actually inside the book watching each scene play out.
I felt I could almost reach out and touch Richard, and he feverishly slept off the effects of alcohol and narcotics combined. Or smell the earthy, wet mud, caked into the knees of Henry’s pants.
The writing is truly exquisite.
Nothing in this book is there without a reason. Every single word exists to move the story along.
There’s not a ton of dialogue, but Donna Tartt so expertly designs each scene that the characters are already leaping off the page and those careful, curated moments of dialogue only further reinforce each character’s motivations and desires.
I can see why people don’t like this book. It’s a slow burn from start to end. But I do believe that those that don’t like it are (I’m sorry to offend but it’s true) missing the point entirely, as well as missing out on a true modern masterpiece.
Donna Tartt is an artist and words are her medium.
I have not read a book so expertly crafted, perhaps ever, and I want to climb inside these pages and live within this book.
Five stars. No notes. Sheer perfection.
Sign Here by Claudia Lux
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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 liked this!
There were definitely some weird plot holes with Peyote and Cal’s storyline, Cal in particular. Like, what tf was up with her dad/ the General and who were the brothers and where did they come from and how did we get from the OG camp to that etc etc
But aside from that, I enjoyed this as an easy, entertaining read.
There were definitely some weird plot holes with Peyote and Cal’s storyline, Cal in particular. Like, what tf was up with her dad/ the General and who were the brothers and where did they come from and how did we get from the OG camp to that etc etc
But aside from that, I enjoyed this as an easy, entertaining read.