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literarybutterfly's review against another edition
3.0
Massey does a great job at creating an insidiously spooky atmosphere in Nana. It gets real disturbing at times. I could see it translate well into a movie adaptation. What prevented me from enjoying this book more was the disconnect I felt from the characters. It might have to do with how the reader knows more than the characters about what's actually going on for most of the book. Otherwise, I think Nana is a really interesting horror book that uses supernatural elements to explore the impact of toxic and abusive parents.
jeninthebooks08's review against another edition
3.0
This is wild. In a weird way.
There are quite a few plotholes, weird sex scenes, and misogyny en masse. Do not go into this book if you have any of the following triggers: S/A, death of animal, cheating.
There's untapped potential and we're left with what feels like a rushed ending.
The writing is captivating and accessible. I read it in two sittings, kept turning the pages.
The characters are not that likeable or smart. Except Pat. Not a fan of the tropes in here either, but that's a personal preference. I really didn't like the "boys can't help it" attitude, borderline justifying lying and cheating behavior. Not sure if this was an intentional choice made by the author, but either way, it turned me way off.
There are quite a few plotholes, weird sex scenes, and misogyny en masse. Do not go into this book if you have any of the following triggers: S/A, death of animal, cheating.
There's untapped potential and we're left with what feels like a rushed ending.
The writing is captivating and accessible. I read it in two sittings, kept turning the pages.
The characters are not that likeable or smart. Except Pat. Not a fan of the tropes in here either, but that's a personal preference. I really didn't like the "boys can't help it" attitude, borderline justifying lying and cheating behavior. Not sure if this was an intentional choice made by the author, but either way, it turned me way off.
anu_10's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
fezamadoodle's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
melaniegreenfield's review against another edition
2.0
I listened to the audiobook and while the narrator did a great job, that was probably the weirdest book I’ve ever listened to. Read more like a soft core porn than horror.
em_harring's review against another edition
3.0
This book is 90s horror camp meets Lifetime, so if that's not your thing, you probably won't enjoy this.
I love a good campy horror, so I found the plot and melodrama quite fun and entertaining. I also appreciated the commentary on aging and the beauty standard, especially as it applies to women.
Where this novel really fell flat for me was in the characterization. There's something about the way that Massey writes that's both nostalgic (again, harkening to that 90s vibe), but it also doesn't completely work for me. The man also cannot write women. Everything is tits and ass and that can get more than a little grating.
I also didn't love the way that the author represented sexual assault in this. Big content warning for rape. It felt really reductive, especially for male survivors.
A mixed bag, really. I enjoyed the campy nature of the book, but the characters and some plot points left me wanting.
I love a good campy horror, so I found the plot and melodrama quite fun and entertaining. I also appreciated the commentary on aging and the beauty standard, especially as it applies to women.
Where this novel really fell flat for me was in the characterization. There's something about the way that Massey writes that's both nostalgic (again, harkening to that 90s vibe), but it also doesn't completely work for me. The man also cannot write women. Everything is tits and ass and that can get more than a little grating.
I also didn't love the way that the author represented sexual assault in this. Big content warning for rape. It felt really reductive, especially for male survivors.
Spoiler
Troy, the husband, is raped by Nana, but because she's hot and because he orgasms, he's like yeah it was rape but I guess I liked it, which is pretty gross.A mixed bag, really. I enjoyed the campy nature of the book, but the characters and some plot points left me wanting.
stina_33's review against another edition
dark
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? It's complicated
2.0
The Prologue was the best part of the book! It was fast paced, haunting and hinted @ possible otherworldly beings. I was immediately sucked in and I just knew I was going to devour this book in a day or 2.
Unfortunately that's where my interest ended. The writing style of the remainder of book turned me off. The way Grace speaks is very odd and immediately sets the tone that something sinister is going on w/ her, and it plays out as the book goes on. However it becomes very predictable, repetitive, and droll. What you think is happening, is happening.The ending was just that, the end of a book that I could mark as completed on Goodreads
TW Conversations regarding sexual assault of two males is dismissive, and mentions the victims possibly enjoying it in an attempt to minimize it
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
nikki290680's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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? No
3.5
bookswinefood's review against another edition
4.0
What the f***??? OMG!!!! What the hell???? ❌ No way!!!! She did WHAT???
imanin10's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the book and I was definitely on the edge of my seat for some parts but the women in this book were so overbearing. The main character Monica was so infuriating. I felt really conflicting emotions for the husband, Troy, but he was kind of your “typical” hated husband. The ending was one that didn’t invoke the right emotions for me. Sorry for being so vague but I don’t want any major spoilers. I did love some parts which is why I gave it stars but it definitely was not a scary book for me. Maybe a light thriller with some more sinister aspects. I have some questions after finishing. It was a good read that passed the time. As another person noted the ending did feel rushed. Around chapter 50 ish it did feel like he was quickly trying to wrap it up and give the readers some answers while trying to keep it obscure. I’m glad I gave Brandon Massey a chance because he’s been on my TBR for a while.