Wow, I had high hopes for this one, especially with the promise of it being for fans of “Jennifer’s Body” (a cult-classic that is permently e4.5 Stars
Wow, I had high hopes for this one, especially with the promise of it being for fans of “Jennifer’s Body” (a cult-classic that is permently etched in my brain, shout out to Diablo Cody). With that promise, I think I expected a dark, cannibalistic comedy. But, the tragedy of this story cuts so much deeper and that made me love it even more than I was initially expecting. I will try my best to set up this book without revealing too much, because it is a special trip to go on by yourself.
At 14-years-old, Ronny finds herself in an in-between of sorts. She is about to enter high school, her “perfect” older brother is moving to go to college, and her immigrant parents are possessive of them without ever revealing too much about their pasts (or secrets). In the wake of a (trigger warning) tragedy and (trigger warning, part two) an attempted sexual assault, Ronny finds herself with a seemingly incurable hunger. A hunger for human flesh. THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S A CANNIBALISM BOOK!
There are so many aspects of this book that were painfully relatable. Dang perfectly captures the awkward in-between of being a young teenage girl, wanting to be an adult but also recognizing you’ll never be a child again (especially as the fucked up world strips away your innocence). Ronny experiences multiple life-changing events in a short time frame and at such a young age, it feels like she is scrambling for some stability and comfort.
Come for the cannibalism, stay for the emotional sucker punch (speaking of which, this book could also be recommended for fans of the film “Sucker Punch”). If you enjoy coming-of-age stories, immigrant experiences, cannibalism, revenge, or have ever lived in the state of Missouri (trigger warning part three, this book takes place in Missouri), this book is for you!
There were so many times I lowered my book, closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Experiencing everything through Ronny was such a tragic experience, and I am so thankful I got to experience it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a free e-ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!...more
I FINALLY read “Reservoir Bitches,” and it quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year. I was scared this“cursed is the one who trusts in man”
I FINALLY read “Reservoir Bitches,” and it quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year. I was scared this was going to fall into the “overhyped booksta” category, but… ALLOW ME TO ADD TO THE HYPE! I’ve been stuck in a slump and feel like I’ve been not reading great stuff lately, but “Reservoir Bitches” is excluded from that.
I usually don’t read a ton of short stories, my brain likes going into the depths with characters for hundreds of pages, rather than having it cut off at 20 pages. But, after this and “Stag Dance”… I might try more short story collections!
I will say, major trigger warnings for this book. Every story has a tie to violence towards women (I mean… that is the entire point of the book). But, it is an incredibly important and impactful read. I never cry while reading, yet this book made me tear up. The voice is incredible, there still are some moments that made me laugh, and the characters were all so original and distinct. But, be warned, this is a very heavy book. However, oh my god, it is a new favorite and I need to buy a copy ASAP. I see myself returning to this over and over. ...more
Mona is a writer and instructor at a university, she is nominated for an incredibly prestigious literary award. As she heads to Sweden, she meets authMona is a writer and instructor at a university, she is nominated for an incredibly prestigious literary award. As she heads to Sweden, she meets authors from all across the world. There are plenty of awkward, satirical, sexually-charged, and resentful conversations between writers. Often leading to a funny anecdote or two.
As a writer, this book had a lot of promise, but I felt it just didn’t deliver. I was ready for the punchy digs and reflections on what it means to be a writer. A lot of ideas seemed half-fleshed out, the “twist” felt forced and like a last ditch effort to make things more exciting for an overall stale book. It was just… boring… ...more
When I started this book, I was immediately sucked into the writing and thought “ooo this is gonna be a good one.” The prose was gorgeously vivid. ButWhen I started this book, I was immediately sucked into the writing and thought “ooo this is gonna be a good one.” The prose was gorgeously vivid. But then as it went on… I felt like that was all it had? Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It just felt as if there was little conflict or momentum. It was a very, “live with us for a moment” type of book.
If you enjoy the scenes in space movies where it is a quiet montage of astronauts working on their research and contemplating their existence, this book is that. It’s a lot of looking at the earth and reflecting on life.
This book is like listening to “celestial white noise” on YouTube and writing in your journal about your very boring day. Little do you know, the entry for tomorrow is going to be a bonkers, but you don’t know that and we don’t know that, and we don’t even get to read it.
Murakami, I love your writing style and prose but… What are these sex scenes, bro?
Was super stoked to reaPlot and Storylines: 2 Stars Writing: 4 Stars
Murakami, I love your writing style and prose but… What are these sex scenes, bro?
Was super stoked to read another Murakami book after loving the bizarreness of “Kafka on the Shore.” Then I read the author’s note in which he said there was no surrealism and this was his attempt to write a “real” love story… Uh oh…
Toru Watanabe is one of those characters that made me go “go girl, give us nothing” the entire book. How are you so emotionally detached and boring and still have all these girls flocking to you? Maybe that was the surrealism I was looking for the entire time cause AIN’T NO WAY.
(Also, idk if it was just me, but Midori and Naoko were so similar, it took me maybe 2/3rds of the book to be able to discern them without extra effort. It helped that one of them has the same name as an alcohol) ...more
After Lena’s husband dies, her best friend, son, and pregnant daughter in-law, go on a “family business-trip”, as her son opens a new hotel. But, a grAfter Lena’s husband dies, her best friend, son, and pregnant daughter in-law, go on a “family business-trip”, as her son opens a new hotel. But, a group of women living in tents on the beach pull Lena into their madness.
“Ecstasy” by Ivy Pochoda felt exactly like a hallucinogenic bad dream. Primarily consisting of flashes of images, which made for a speedy read, but severely lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and there wasn’t much to sink your teeth into besides the primary storyline. It felt like watching a trippy episode of “White Lotus,” except “White Lotus” has more to explore.
The prose was fascinating at first, but as time went on the novel seemed to drag. Pochoda wrote chapters from different character perspectives, however, most of the characters’ chapters are told in third-person, which seemed pointless, except for when it jumped to first person. For example, a single scene will occasionally jump perspective 5 or so times, but offers nothing new as they are all told in third-person. If you removed the chapter breaks and titles, it would read as one on-going scene. Which made me wonder… Why not just tell the entire story in third-person, but jump to first-person when needed? The needless perspective jumping felt clunky and slowed momentum dramatically.
While I hit some bumps, it was a quick read that felt like watching a movie. It was a lot of: what we see visually is what we know and there isn’t much beyond that. We can make interpretations and assumptions, but for the most part, what you see is what you get.
This book overall had a fascinating concept, but the lack of depth in character motivations and the overall conflict was a bump for me. I am okay with intentional vagueness, but “Ecstasy” took that to an extreme. The poetic language was beautiful and there were some stunning visuals (along with some horror-centric scenes that genuinely made me feel nauseous, which I appreciated). But, overall, it fell flat.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review! ...more
This was a more challenging read than I was initially expecting. I had a coworker recommend this book years ago and I finally got around to reading itThis was a more challenging read than I was initially expecting. I had a coworker recommend this book years ago and I finally got around to reading it! I guess I expected a straightforward memoir revolving around transitioning gender in a relationship (because that is what it was initially pitched to me as). But, this book is so much more. It is described as "genre-breaking," which I agree with. Nelson explores art, gender, queerness, Motherhood, etc.
"The Argonauts" tends to be fragmented, getting little blurbs here and there on varying topics, with some frantic jumping, so I found myself occasionally getting lost. But, this "jumping" became more spread out and easier to digest as I continued reading. Nelson would reference niche artists, art pieces, or philosophers that I wasn't quite familiar with, so I found myself wondering where the references stopped and when the "memoir" began. Dare I say, I felt I was getting stunted on due to my lack of knowledge in certain niche fields.
Overall, a very important book, I appreciated the nuances it dove into, happy I finally read it. Occasionally difficult to understand (I searched many new vocabulary words and found myself rereading sections trying to "find" what was happening). But, I believe its significance in queer literature is definitely warranted.
Don’t let the four stars seem low. The more I think about it, I think it leans more towards 4.5 stars. I’m writing this review a little over a week afDon’t let the four stars seem low. The more I think about it, I think it leans more towards 4.5 stars. I’m writing this review a little over a week after I finished “Martyr!” and I am still thinking about it. I loved the overall concept and following Cyrus as he becomes obsessed with the ideas of “martyrdom,” also what makes something a “meaningless death.” I wasn’t aware this book jumped character perspectives, which was a fun surprise. Sometimes I get whiplash from books with various perspectives, but not this one. It was always a fascinating exploration into other characters. It was heavy, bizarre, but lovely. Also, the candid discussions of alcoholism, addiction, mental health, suicidal ideation, sexual identity, and more were just… breathtaking.
It could’ve just been the time I was reading it, sometimes I found myself getting lost and unable to keep up and re-reading paragraphs. Certain things weren’t clicking on my initial read. I do plan on re-reading it. “Martyr!” hasn’t left my brain and I don’t think it will. ...more
"Daughters" by Kirsty Capes follows the two daughters of a renowned artist. Their mother was known to THIS ARC GOT ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP!
4.5 Stars
"Daughters" by Kirsty Capes follows the two daughters of a renowned artist. Their mother was known to the world as a brilliant and innovative painter, but to Mattie and Nora, she was a neglectful and troubled entity. Nora and Mattie (and Mattie’s daughter) grapple with the loss as they attempt to manage their mother’s legacy and mend their estrangement to one another.
I found this book comforting in the way that I find family dramadies such as the film “Skeleton Twins” or the play “August: Osage County” comforting. It was so incredibly relatable; beautifully articulating the hardships that come with being a mother, daughter, or sister. Capes also tackles difficult subjects such as mental illness, abusive family dynamics, and death with refreshing grace and earnestness. I often find myself cringing at mental illness portrayals in media, whether that be because they feel inauthentic or forced, but that was not the case with "Daughters". It was painful, familiar, and at times uncomfortable, but it was never fake.
Aside from the dark realness of it all, the story still contained plenty of dramatic and “out-there” moments to keep you invested. It made me feel like I was watching one of the 2010s indie, dark comedy films that I have found myself so attached to.
I can’t wait for this book to be released and I am adding it to my list of books to physically buy, as I see myself returning to it again and again in the future. It was truly a fantastic, entertaining, emotional, familiar, and bonkers ride.
Thanks so much to @Abramsbooks and @NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review....more
“Maggie; Or, A Man and Woman Walk Into a Bar” is a darkly funny yet bitterly melancholic debut that is perfect to add to your “Sad Girl Sum(3.5 Stars)
“Maggie; Or, A Man and Woman Walk Into a Bar” is a darkly funny yet bitterly melancholic debut that is perfect to add to your “Sad Girl Summer” TBR list.
The novel follows a Chinese American mother as she grapples with the news that her husband is having an affair AND that she has breast cancer.
The story is told primarily in quick bits and bite-sized chunks, making it a breezy read, however I found myself slowing down from the relatable tragicness that follows our unnamed protagonist. While the “quick bits” showed how disjointed and fragmented our protagonist’s life had become (it almost felt like she was struggling to find something to hold and grasp onto in the whirlwind), it occasionally had me just wishing there was more development between the bits. There were tons of beautiful and poetic anecdotes, but I was wishing to see some moments more fleshed out. Sometimes the quickness and rehashing of events felt repetitive, however I think that is just the cost of obsession and processing that the protagonist is going through.
I absolutely adored the references to folktales and mythological stories, even ones that are familiar feel new, as Yee tells them as they were told to her by her Mother, and we have the privilege of her passing them on to us!
It was fascinating to see the protagonist attempt to cope with everything, she begins by just fully surrendering, but overtime takes control of her own narrative.
This was a delightful debut with an incredibly dry-wit but I bet it’ll leave several people without dry eyes.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the free advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review (special thanks as it is my first ever ARC! AHHHH!)
After a few pages of the first story, “Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones,” I was locked in. That story follows a gender-apocalypse, another story focAfter a few pages of the first story, “Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones,” I was locked in. That story follows a gender-apocalypse, another story focuses on a secret romance at a quaker school and the fallout, the last story on a cross dresser who is torn between two worlds. The novel on a group of lumberjacks working on an illegal logging outfit as they have a dance in which some can choose to be “women” for the event.
The distinct voice of each story was what brought me in, every person was so clear, the vernacular changed with each story. Yet, it was beautifully cohesive. I felt pretty “eh” about “Detransition, Baby” but this made me so stoked for all to come from Torrey Peters. ...more
“Mayra” by Nicky Gonzalez follows Ingrid as she receives an invention to stay with her estranged high-school best friend, Mayra, in a mansion3.5 Stars
“Mayra” by Nicky Gonzalez follows Ingrid as she receives an invention to stay with her estranged high-school best friend, Mayra, in a mansion of sorts in the secluded everglades. Unexpectedly, Mayra’s partner, Benji, is there as well, and is always ready to cook them a beautifully delicious meal and keep the house in pristine condition. However, the weekend getaway quickly turns into a claustrophobic, labyrinthian, haunted house nightmare that confronts some of their darkest thoughts (mainly… Mayra and Ingrid’s falling out as friends).
While this novel is pitched as a “haunted house” story of sorts (which was probably my favorite part of the book, despite not making up much of the book) the primary focus is on Ingrid and Mayra’s friendship. Gonzales captures the nuances of drifted friendships, the ones that in your youth will seemingly last forever. They confront each other about what led them astray, but an ongoing love for one another never left. Someone play, “Girl, So Confusing” by Charli XCX. There are several flashbacks that perfectly showcased their friendship as well, that also sucker-punched me in the gut with a wave of nostalgia.
Maybe I’m biased, but I absolutely adore the setting of a haunted house. The mansion in this story reminded me a lot of the Winchester Mansion with all of its quirks: angled hallways, themed rooms, hidden windows, doors to no where. Even though there was seemingly endless space, it was still easy to feel trapped, lost, and on edge. But, it took a long time to get to see the mansion in its full glory. I was hoping at least for some more breadcrumbs to the quirks earlier on before the “full send” into the bizarreness of the haunted house aspect. The house as a “character” was explained in a few lines at the end, rather than showed to us throughout the book.
It did take me awhile to get into the book, the first quarter of it or so, I was slumping. Once, I got past that point though, I was sucked in and couldn’t stop reading. So, if you are okay with a slow-burn, you’ll be alright. I adored the descriptions of scenery, this book felt sticky with humidity from its swampy surroundings. The friendship was tackled beautifully, even when discussing the more painful moments.
Overall, I felt that there was a good skeleton, I was just hoping there was more meat to sink my teeth into. But, I had a very fun time reading this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a free e-ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!...more
This book is a cautionary tale of being surrounded by “Yes Men.” Stephen King, I’m talking to you. I know you are Stephen King but please… Tighten thiThis book is a cautionary tale of being surrounded by “Yes Men.” Stephen King, I’m talking to you. I know you are Stephen King but please… Tighten this stuff up. I thought the same thing with 11/22/63, just like… A SMIDGE MORE CUTS PLEASE.
I almost rated this book 2 stars cause it was dragging and somehow so little was happening? I felt lost keeping everything straight. But, the overall concept and main storyline are so great, I bumped it up to a 3.
There are many fantastic moments, you just have to push through so much muck to find them. ...more
This might be the most tense I have felt reading a book in a long time. A solid thriller that oddly enough reminded me of being sick at home as a kid This might be the most tense I have felt reading a book in a long time. A solid thriller that oddly enough reminded me of being sick at home as a kid and watching "Snapped" on Oxygen, but obviously way more in-depth and way less leeching on actual true crime stories as a means of profit.
I needed this to reset my feelings on Stephen King from bad to alright after "Doctor Sleep". ...more
I came across this book after listening to an episode of “So Many Damn Books” with Mona Awad. They discussed it in length on why it is one ofScrappy.
I came across this book after listening to an episode of “So Many Damn Books” with Mona Awad. They discussed it in length on why it is one of her favorites she reads almost every year in the Springtime, so you know I had to check it out.
This book healed something in me, maybe it was reading something that I would’ve absolutely loved in high school. There are a lot of books I’ve been reading lately where I’ve thought, “I’m thankful I didn’t read this in high school.” But, this is a book that made me go, “I wish I DID read this in high school.”
Though it focuses on a teenage runaway (and it probably would’ve made me itchy to run in high school) and hits a lot of the same tropes in that field, the writing and prose is just… so good. There is an ongoing theme of “fever” with the main character that just hit so perfect at capturing the fire of adolescence. It didn’t feel like a cautionary tale written by scared mothers to push anti-drug propaganda (I’m looking at you, “Go Ask Alice.”) It just felt real. Not proclaiming “DON’T LET YOUR LIFE GO DOWN THIS ROAD!” It was purely just a look at where certain decisions led someone, a teenage girl.
While envisioning it in my mind, I saw it like the cinematography in “Trainspotting” or “Skins”.
One of those reads I was expecting to be “meh”, that I ended up adoring. It just hit a nerve that I wasn’t expecting, a familiarity (even though my youth was not at all like Sara’s). I need to get a physical copy so I can mark it up ASAP.
Also, as I said previously, they literally snort coke off the cover of “Go Ask Alice”. Like C’MON! THAT IS INCREDIBLE!...more
Another book that made me SLOW DOWN. Maybe it was because everything was happening so quickly? Maybe it was the chaos in my personal life? Regardless,Another book that made me SLOW DOWN. Maybe it was because everything was happening so quickly? Maybe it was the chaos in my personal life? Regardless, I took this book way slower than expected.
The pacing is quick, sometimes jumping 5 years in 2 pages. But, I found the reasoning behind that quote powerful. Stoner almost becomes a spectator to his own life. There is a quickness of life that is difficult to grasp and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it tackled in as beautiful as a way as it is in this book.
It was painful and at times scarily relatable. But, a good reminder to attempt to be as present in your life as possible. Love deeply. Also… being ambivalent CAN be damning.
(I did love this book. Maybe in the future it’ll feel more “five stars” to me? I think I read it during a tricky week of my life. But, I do see myself returning to this book several times in my future. I also think it is BOLD that everyone is calling it the “perfect novel.” There is no way for it to reach that expectation? I set my hopes too high. It was still incredibly good though.) ...more
I know five stars might seem bold to some, but… I had a blast reading this. I’ve been eager to read Murakami for awhile now, but was dissuaded due to I know five stars might seem bold to some, but… I had a blast reading this. I’ve been eager to read Murakami for awhile now, but was dissuaded due to everyone talking about his not great portrayals of women, and while those opinions are completely valid, I think I got lucky by starting with “Kafka.” I didnt find the women detestable, thought they still had a good amount of depth (that obviously wasn’t explored a ton because they weren’t one of the protagonists), but sure it could be argued they were only there to serve Kafka’s arc. I am hesitant to read more of his stuff because of that, but also stoked for more Murakami because… what the fuck did I just read?
Putting that aside, I don’t remember the last time a book completely took over me like this. Sure, I’ve had my other five star reads (I think we’ve established I’m almost too generous with my ratings just because… well I just love reading so it’s hard for me to HATE a book). But, this book was so wild in a way that I love and that kept me unable to look away like a car crash. This book isn’t a direct path, there is a lot of deciphering and dissecting to be done as you read, and I appreciated it so much cause it slowed. me. down. I purchased a physical copy while reading this because I was stoked to transfer my annotations from my Kindle to a physical copy (also I’m already wanting to read it again).
I couldn’t stop talking about this book. It got to the point where my boyfriend would ask me for updates on “Kafka” just because we both were living for the drama. Then he asked me to stop giving him updates because he wanted to read it (he hasn’t read a book in years). Like I said, doesn’t mean it was a perfect book, but it kept me hooked in a way I hadn’t been in a long time.
Absolutely, positively bonkers. I know I love my weird shit… But god DAMN....more
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