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lila_still_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This book attacked my mandolin-playing queer self on a personal level (I say this with so much love). Music does have a power greater than death- I lost both my grandfathers early in life and it does feel like I could maybe summon their ghosts when I play their old sheet music. Erica Waters taps into that feeling- I teared up at Shady's descriptions of how playing made her feel near to her father.
This story reminded me of Horrid, in a good way- some hurting, tough as nails ladies with dark family history trying to come into their own despite the ghosts.
[bc:Horrid|50358142|Horrid|Katrina Leno|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579613001l/50358142._SY75_.jpg|70471341]
Also-
The angst and awkwardness between Shady and the female component of her love triangle (bi-love triangles are a gift to YA) was just too real.
Read this if you like: spooky Florida stories, bluegrass, LGBTQANGST, modern gothics
I really enjoyed this book and read it so quickly- very excited that I have an ARC for The River Has Teeth.
This story reminded me of Horrid, in a good way- some hurting, tough as nails ladies with dark family history trying to come into their own despite the ghosts.
[bc:Horrid|50358142|Horrid|Katrina Leno|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579613001l/50358142._SY75_.jpg|70471341]
Also-
The angst and awkwardness between Shady and the female component of her love triangle (bi-love triangles are a gift to YA) was just too real.
Read this if you like: spooky Florida stories, bluegrass, LGBTQANGST, modern gothics
I really enjoyed this book and read it so quickly- very excited that I have an ARC for The River Has Teeth.
dawn_chen's review against another edition
4.0
Four stars!!! This is a very underrated 2020 new release. I was apprehensive at the beginning because the characters we're acting a bit toxic and even the main character wasn't that lovable (she kind of was judgemental towards people just because they aren't vegetarians like her). But all the toxicity was called out and abusive people who are toxic are called out by the narrative for their toxicity and wasn't excused or absorbed in any way. The mystery was nice if not a bit simplistic, but who am I to judge the mystery in my own story is quite simple as well. What really matters is the discussion of grief, the atmospheric writing, and most importantly, the people - the characters who are all flawed yet willing to grow. It was a very satisfying read.
PS: I actually really appreciate that the bi main character ended up with boy in the love triangle rather than the girl, because so many times I've read the narrative that even if you're bi you should choose girls more than guys because somehow guys are automatically more toxic than girls? Which is untrue and in this story where the wlw relationship is clearly less healthy than the mlw one, so it makes perfect sense who the mc choose in the end.
PS: I actually really appreciate that the bi main character ended up with boy in the love triangle rather than the girl, because so many times I've read the narrative that even if you're bi you should choose girls more than guys because somehow guys are automatically more toxic than girls? Which is untrue and in this story where the wlw relationship is clearly less healthy than the mlw one, so it makes perfect sense who the mc choose in the end.
kevinjwangler's review against another edition
5.0
What a great, great book. It's about bluegrass and music and tricky relationships, yes, but most of all it's about the ties that bind us to our family. It's about forgiving those around you... and also learning the importance of forgiving yourself.
It's also a lot of fun. GHOSTS! Bluegrass! (Everything I know about bluegrass, I learned from this book. That might be odd since I've lived in the Bluegrass State for nearly 20 years now.)
It also has WASPS. Oh my gosh, the wasps.
If you've read the book's description and you're at all on the fence about reading it, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. This isn't my typical read by any stretch but it was absolutely fantastic. I am so excited about Waters' upcoming novel "[b:The River Has Teeth|54426630|The River Has Teeth|Erica Waters|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602075767l/54426630._SY75_.jpg|84934817]".
It's also a lot of fun. GHOSTS! Bluegrass! (Everything I know about bluegrass, I learned from this book. That might be odd since I've lived in the Bluegrass State for nearly 20 years now.)
It also has WASPS. Oh my gosh, the wasps.
If you've read the book's description and you're at all on the fence about reading it, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. This isn't my typical read by any stretch but it was absolutely fantastic. I am so excited about Waters' upcoming novel "[b:The River Has Teeth|54426630|The River Has Teeth|Erica Waters|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602075767l/54426630._SY75_.jpg|84934817]".
lazalantinh's review against another edition
3.0
If the book had been as atmospheric throughout as the second half, it would have been an easy 5 star. Unfortunately, the first half was too slow to get started, repetive and boring and I almost dnf the book. But I love ghost stories, which is why I pushed through and was rewarded with a creepy but bittersweet story about dark family secrets and grief.
lizardsbooknook's review against another edition
4.0
ok WOW??? this was so much fun?? i wasnt expecting to like this book so much but something about the story kept me hooked the entire time???? ghosts??? magical fiddles??? murder ??? who dunnit??? oh BABY WHAT A RIDE???
my only complaint is how hung up the fmc was on sarah ?? it felt like this was a forced love triangle when it didn’t have to be
i’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time
my only complaint is how hung up the fmc was on sarah ?? it felt like this was a forced love triangle when it didn’t have to be
i’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time
satter_cw's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25