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agreatgabsy's reviews
84 reviews
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
2.0
I was very curious about Didion because of her recent resurgence in popularity, so I decided to give this a listen in it’s audiobook form. What I found was a shallow meditation on grief that dances around meaning instead of delving into an honest and vulnerable introspective. I suppose that is in line with her concept of “magical thinking.” I couldn’t help but contrast this with Crying in H Mart, which was such a moving and relatable memoir about grief that rung true and honest to me. Makes me think that the recent obsession with Didion is more about aspirational aesthetics than anything else. I would never recommend this to someone experiencing grief. Maybe her fiction is better, I’ll have to still give it a try.
Sula by Toni Morrison
4.75
I mean, it’s Toni Morrison. No one writes more lyrical prose or more fulfilling stories. Morrison is always so insightful when it comes to love, whether it is familial, platonic or romantic, and this book does it all.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
2.75
I really don’t read romance novels and I had been wanting to give Emily Henry a try, and unfortunately this was pretty milquetoast. I mean, it was fine. I finished reading it but not out of desperation to know what happens. I’ve read better romance subplots in genre fiction. I’ve read better YA romance novels. If it was a movie, I probably would have been on my phone the whole time. Maybe I’d revisit her books but it would take some convincing. Right now I’m wondering what the hype is all about. The one thing I’ll give her is that she got a couple laughs out of me.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one, but it was so intriguing and gripping. Although I feel strongly it could have benefited from some tightening up and cutting bits and pieces, the writing itself was incredible. There’s not a single character in the book I liked and they all treated each other with both brutal cruelty and gentle tenderness. It was a fascinating whiplash. No one in this story is blameless. I don’t even think anyone in this story is good. It’s a scathing portrayal of unchecked privilege and youth in America. It reminded me in many ways of The Great Gatsby. And also of Heathers. Which is a strange combination but kind of accurate.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
4.75
A very short read that is so worthwhile to visit around Christmas. Like a short Dickens tale about what we owe to one another. Beautiful and touching.
Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
3.0
A fine read for something quick and cozy. The stories are moving but lack the depth in order to really make any lasting impact. But worth the read if you like the series and are looking for something to burn through fast.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
This is Rooney’s best and I’m surprised to be saying that since I love Normal People so much. She says so much in this book about relationships with the people we love and how complicated life is. The prose is absolutely stunning at times and the way important phrases get repeated is so evocative of natural thought, it pulls you in very closely to the characters. The characters are rich and complex and relatable, each in their own way. An incredibly effective and emotional piece of work.
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
3.25
It is a good story with interesting characters but I think thematically it lacks the maturity of Rooney’s other novels. This does make sense considering it’s her debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
I for sure have to read this again. I think I ingested maybe 40% of it.