_jaclynreads's reviews
14 reviews

This Love by Lotte Jeffs

emotional hopeful reflective medium-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

3.5

This was such an interesting story, and I loved seeing how the different relationships ebbed and flowed. Mae and Ari had such a beautiful friendship, and I think we all yearn to feel that type of connection with another person, whether that's romantic or platonic. Lotte Jeffs did an excellent job highlighting a variety of queer love and relationships, so the book offered a lot of representation throughout. Most importantly, we see just how important found family is, no matter what happens. The characters are all beautifully flawed, and it really adds to the complexity of the story. We see love, joy, excitement, heartbreak, disappointment, and regret so realistically portrayed on all sides of the story. 

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense 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

4.5

 Come to this book for the love of literature and how it can bring us together, stay for the power of friendship and resilience of women.

This book broke my heart in all of the best ways! This is a beautiful work of historical fiction that will resonate with many readers. As you follow the lives of the four core women, you see the highs and lows of their everyday lives. These women are wonderfully created, and you will walk away with so much about family, friendship, feminism, and the power of a good book. Margaret, Charlotte, Viv, and Bitsy navigate so many difficult topics from fertility to adultery, even what it's like to feel unfulfilled in your life. The theme of feeling unfulfilled radiates throughout the book, whether it's being unfulfilled in their marriage, in the world at large, in the workforce, or in motherhood. No matter what you've been through or are going through, you will find someone or something to connect with in this book. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Miscarriage

You Didn't Hear This from Me: (Mostly) True Notes on Gossip by Kelsey McKinney

funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

This was so fun to listen to! I think the audiobook format for this is especially fitting, and would highly recommend it. While I have not listened to the podcast, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was interesting learning some of the history of gossip alongside anecdotes galore. I was so drawn into every section of this book, it just left me wanting more. I enjoyed McKinney's casual tone, and ability to make you feel like you were old friends catching up on all the hot goss you've missed. McKinney did a great job weaving herself throughout her stories and really letting her personality shine. This is a great, quick listen for anyone who loves a little gossip sesh (and who doesn't?)! 

How to Sleep at Night: A Novel by Elizabeth Harris

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

I really wanted to love this book. I thought it was an interesting mix of romance and political commentary, but it was a swing and a miss. I might give this 2.5 stars on a good day, because it was a great concept, but even that seems like a stretch. I am still confused by how abrupt the ending felt. I literally had to rewind the audiobook a few times to make sure that it really was just....over. I think there were a lot of missed opportunities here, but maybe future books from Harris will be stronger. 

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

informative medium-paced

5.0

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! The storytelling was captivating and the information presented was fascinating. It will make you look at a variety of social cults and trends in an entirely new light.

The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

This was a super interesting read! It highlights how social media will be our ultimate demise and has heavily contributed to the mental health crisis. It is definitely worth your time. 

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

emotional reflective sad tense medium-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

5.0

This gut-wrenching tale of found family, friendship, and road trips is a must-read. I was sobbing at the end and hung on every word throughout. This book is a great reminder that pain is a necessary part of life. 

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

emotional tense medium-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

5.0

I wish I could go to The Telegraph Club. This was a beautiful work that made me swell with joy and cry with heartbreak. It is a gripping story that will make you feel right alongside the characters. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I couldn’t believe how well this book was written! It made you feel like you were right there with the characters. I wanted to know more and had to remind myself that these were fictional characters. 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book was an emotional roller coaster in the best way, and I am so glad I read it. This is how you write a romance with well-developed characters and intricate storylines.