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aksmith92's reviews
148 reviews
Off with Her Head: Three Thousand Years of Demonizing Women in Power by Eleanor Herman
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
The Setup: Off with Her Head: Three Thousand Years of Demonizing Women in Power by Eleanor Herman is an incisive and timely exploration of the misogyny faced by women in authority throughout history. Herman delves into the historical "playbook" long used to undermine powerful women, from Cleopatra and Catherine the Great to contemporary figures like Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. Her analysis reveals persistent patterns of vitriol targeting female leaders based on gendered stereotypes, often focused on perceived ambition, appearance, and personal lives.
The book blends some factitiousness and humor with serious scholarship as Herman shares stories of slander and vilification across centuries, shining a light on the societal challenges that still exist for women in leadership roles.
What I Liked: NOTHING! Just kidding, although I must admit, it's always incredibly challenging to read about misogyny. It grinds my gears every time, and this book was no different. With that said, it was interesting to read about the showcased sexism throughout time and that even though women's rights and other gender equity practices have been in place for decades now, some things haven't changed. Those things that have yet to change are more insidious and usually pronounce themselves in narrative, media (for whatever that meant at the time), and societal norms. I was glad to glance back throughout millennia to see how those tactics were prolific and continue to this day. I learned a few things, particularly about history, that I needed to remember about or understand with the misogyny playbook at hand. I'm always interested in stepping back and learning about women in history since many have yet to be included in textbooks and other media.
What Missed the Mark: While I learned a few things, most weren't revolutionary or nuanced. Nuance is complicated here because so many things have been lost throughout time. At times, I felt like Herman was reading between the lines. While I fear she was likely correct, there were times when I felt there was a lack of explanation around some of the other atrocities associated with some of these women (Cleopatra, for one). Herman did mention she may have been a murderer (lol), but I felt the way Herman wrote about these women absolved them from all their crimes simply because they were victims of misogyny. Women can be many things: criminals AND victims of misogyny, but I think it's important to note it as such.
I will also state the two apparent reasons this could have been better. What others have already shared about this book: (1) this went on so long about the same thing over and over again - women have been told to smile so much more, men attack women's appearances when they have too much power, etc., which then meant there was a lack of actual solutions or ways to address these frustrating tactics from the misogyny playbook. The end chapter encapsulates some action or tangible solutions, but this book was simply about the atrocities women had to go through. I don't think Herman meant for this book to be the end all be all about how to address misogyny - we do not know since it's still around, but because there was a lack of addressing the problem, it made the book seem disjointed, and the pace was off.
(2) This book clearly emphasizes cis-heterosexual women and mostly white women in Western culture. A chapter at the end discusses the intersection between sexism and racism, which I appreciated. Still, the bulk of the book focused solely on European misogyny, including Christianity. Maybe Herman only wanted to discuss what she felt comfortable sharing based on her education and training. However, it felt that something was missing because of it. In the contemporary parts, there was also a lack of integration of LGBTQ+ items, except for the brief mention that modern women in power are regularly called lesbians by their haters.
Although some historical details were broad-brushed, this book made its point with clarity and wit, capturing a troubling reality with vigor and compassion.
The book blends some factitiousness and humor with serious scholarship as Herman shares stories of slander and vilification across centuries, shining a light on the societal challenges that still exist for women in leadership roles.
What I Liked: NOTHING! Just kidding, although I must admit, it's always incredibly challenging to read about misogyny. It grinds my gears every time, and this book was no different. With that said, it was interesting to read about the showcased sexism throughout time and that even though women's rights and other gender equity practices have been in place for decades now, some things haven't changed. Those things that have yet to change are more insidious and usually pronounce themselves in narrative, media (for whatever that meant at the time), and societal norms. I was glad to glance back throughout millennia to see how those tactics were prolific and continue to this day. I learned a few things, particularly about history, that I needed to remember about or understand with the misogyny playbook at hand. I'm always interested in stepping back and learning about women in history since many have yet to be included in textbooks and other media.
What Missed the Mark: While I learned a few things, most weren't revolutionary or nuanced. Nuance is complicated here because so many things have been lost throughout time. At times, I felt like Herman was reading between the lines. While I fear she was likely correct, there were times when I felt there was a lack of explanation around some of the other atrocities associated with some of these women (Cleopatra, for one). Herman did mention she may have been a murderer (lol), but I felt the way Herman wrote about these women absolved them from all their crimes simply because they were victims of misogyny. Women can be many things: criminals AND victims of misogyny, but I think it's important to note it as such.
I will also state the two apparent reasons this could have been better. What others have already shared about this book: (1) this went on so long about the same thing over and over again - women have been told to smile so much more, men attack women's appearances when they have too much power, etc., which then meant there was a lack of actual solutions or ways to address these frustrating tactics from the misogyny playbook. The end chapter encapsulates some action or tangible solutions, but this book was simply about the atrocities women had to go through. I don't think Herman meant for this book to be the end all be all about how to address misogyny - we do not know since it's still around, but because there was a lack of addressing the problem, it made the book seem disjointed, and the pace was off.
(2) This book clearly emphasizes cis-heterosexual women and mostly white women in Western culture. A chapter at the end discusses the intersection between sexism and racism, which I appreciated. Still, the bulk of the book focused solely on European misogyny, including Christianity. Maybe Herman only wanted to discuss what she felt comfortable sharing based on her education and training. However, it felt that something was missing because of it. In the contemporary parts, there was also a lack of integration of LGBTQ+ items, except for the brief mention that modern women in power are regularly called lesbians by their haters.
Although some historical details were broad-brushed, this book made its point with clarity and wit, capturing a troubling reality with vigor and compassion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Classism
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I began this book around Halloween, and while it wasn't jump-scary or terrifying in general, it had an odd element that was fitting for the season.
The Setup: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is a dark, atmospheric novel that blends psychological horror with themes of isolation, familial bonds, and societal prejudice. The story is narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine, or Merricat, Blackwood, who lives with her sister, Constance, and their uncle, Julian, in an eerie, secluded mansion on the edge of a small village. The townspeople shun the Blackwoods after a family tragedy involving the poisoning of Merricat's parents, which many believe was committed by Constance.
Somehow, Jackson creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread as Merricat reveals her disturbed inner world and the strict routines she imposes to keep her family safe. Her rituals and superstitions hint at an unstable mind, while her fierce loyalty to Constance emphasizes their inseparable yet complex bond. The arrival of their estranged cousin Charles disrupts their fragile peace, setting off a series of events that force the sisters to confront their past and dependence on each other.
What I Liked: This was an eerie story! It wasn't scary, and I wouldn't define it as horror (even psychological horror) like the summary states, but it sure was creepy. This novel had a considerable mystery element, making me continuously guess about the story. I like stories like this because they keep me highly engaged (which I was the entire time). The sisters and Uncle were quite peculiar; you wanted to know more about them and the family. I thoroughly enjoyed Jackson's writing style - a mix of lyrical prose and haunting simplicity; overall, the premise was quite enticing.
What Could Have Been Better: For a mystery, the reveal of the "plot twist," if you can call it that, was quite anticlimactic. I had guessed the reveal for a bit, and while I don't mind when I guess it right, I generally like seeing how it all plays out, which was done poorly here. I understand why Jackson did it this way - it weaved well with the characters, but overall, I was disappointed. Additionally, while the prose and premise were great, Jackson shared much without showing you a lot. Jackson did phenomenally with psychological depth with Merricat, our unreliable narrator, but so many things dragged on that weren't needed. Since it was such a character-driven story, I didn't let that impact my rating too much, but there were times when various "acts" were so long, while the mysterious reveal was barely a page. I'm sure all of it was done intentionally - Jackson was a fabulous writer, but I didn't love it here.
However, overall, this was a great book for the season, and I did enjoy it. I'm currently in the midst of moving, meaning my reading schedule is in a bit of flux, so this took me longer than anticipated, but I think this would be a great quick read, especially during the fall around Halloween or even winter.
The Setup: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is a dark, atmospheric novel that blends psychological horror with themes of isolation, familial bonds, and societal prejudice. The story is narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine, or Merricat, Blackwood, who lives with her sister, Constance, and their uncle, Julian, in an eerie, secluded mansion on the edge of a small village. The townspeople shun the Blackwoods after a family tragedy involving the poisoning of Merricat's parents, which many believe was committed by Constance.
Somehow, Jackson creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread as Merricat reveals her disturbed inner world and the strict routines she imposes to keep her family safe. Her rituals and superstitions hint at an unstable mind, while her fierce loyalty to Constance emphasizes their inseparable yet complex bond. The arrival of their estranged cousin Charles disrupts their fragile peace, setting off a series of events that force the sisters to confront their past and dependence on each other.
What I Liked: This was an eerie story! It wasn't scary, and I wouldn't define it as horror (even psychological horror) like the summary states, but it sure was creepy. This novel had a considerable mystery element, making me continuously guess about the story. I like stories like this because they keep me highly engaged (which I was the entire time). The sisters and Uncle were quite peculiar; you wanted to know more about them and the family. I thoroughly enjoyed Jackson's writing style - a mix of lyrical prose and haunting simplicity; overall, the premise was quite enticing.
What Could Have Been Better: For a mystery, the reveal of the "plot twist," if you can call it that, was quite anticlimactic. I had guessed the reveal for a bit, and while I don't mind when I guess it right, I generally like seeing how it all plays out, which was done poorly here. I understand why Jackson did it this way - it weaved well with the characters, but overall, I was disappointed. Additionally, while the prose and premise were great, Jackson shared much without showing you a lot. Jackson did phenomenally with psychological depth with Merricat, our unreliable narrator, but so many things dragged on that weren't needed. Since it was such a character-driven story, I didn't let that impact my rating too much, but there were times when various "acts" were so long, while the mysterious reveal was barely a page. I'm sure all of it was done intentionally - Jackson was a fabulous writer, but I didn't love it here.
However, overall, this was a great book for the season, and I did enjoy it. I'm currently in the midst of moving, meaning my reading schedule is in a bit of flux, so this took me longer than anticipated, but I think this would be a great quick read, especially during the fall around Halloween or even winter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Incest
Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Setup: Our Hideous Progeny is a unique blend of gothic fiction, feminist themes, and mad science, creating a darkly atmospheric reimagining. The novel delves into the exploration of ambition, obsession, and the consequences of scientific pursuit. The protagonist, Mary, is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. Along with her husband, Henry, Mary discovers remnants of her great-uncle's forbidden research. Desperate to establish themselves in the scientific world and escape financial strain, they continue Victor's controversial work of creating life from dead matter.
The novel not only delves into the technical aspects of their scientific endeavor but also raises thought-provoking moral and ethical questions. Mary's character is driven by a complex mix of ambition and defiance, challenging her time's patriarchal and imperialistic limitations. Her relationships—both with Henry and other characters like Maise, Henry's sister who becomes her confidante and ally—reflect themes of power, gender, and betrayal. The strong character development in the novel will make you feel connected and invested in the characters.
What I Liked: This was a great ride. I loved the prose, the plot, and, of course, Mary, who C.E. McGill depicted as a flawed and unique character who was also someone you wanted to root for. There were pieces of actual scientific historical context in this novel, but it wasn't like you needed to know it in depth to get it, but it was a lovely touch. Mary was brilliant, and I had such a great time reading about her researching things, figuring out the scientific community, and her beautiful relationship with Maise. I also completely loved her throwing wine in the face of someone ANNOYING [read to find out]. Overall, this was a fantastic book. Exploring Mary's relationship with the Creature was also done phenomenally well.
What Could Have Been Better: This book was slightly slow at the end of the day. I put "medium" for the pace because I think it evened out by the end; however, the beginning, even up to the first half, was a tell, not show, building the scientific piece of the story. I didn't mind it, but you might. Additionally, as much as I enjoyed Mary, she made some more questionable decisions near the middle/two-thirds of the way through. I get what she was doing, but as a reader, you just knew it was a bad idea.
However, I loved it! It was a great take on a popular book (that I still haven't read), and I think the feminist and non-heterosexual elements were a nice touch.
The novel not only delves into the technical aspects of their scientific endeavor but also raises thought-provoking moral and ethical questions. Mary's character is driven by a complex mix of ambition and defiance, challenging her time's patriarchal and imperialistic limitations. Her relationships—both with Henry and other characters like Maise, Henry's sister who becomes her confidante and ally—reflect themes of power, gender, and betrayal. The strong character development in the novel will make you feel connected and invested in the characters.
What I Liked: This was a great ride. I loved the prose, the plot, and, of course, Mary, who C.E. McGill depicted as a flawed and unique character who was also someone you wanted to root for. There were pieces of actual scientific historical context in this novel, but it wasn't like you needed to know it in depth to get it, but it was a lovely touch. Mary was brilliant, and I had such a great time reading about her researching things, figuring out the scientific community, and her beautiful relationship with Maise. I also completely loved her throwing wine in the face of someone ANNOYING [read to find out]. Overall, this was a fantastic book. Exploring Mary's relationship with the Creature was also done phenomenally well.
What Could Have Been Better: This book was slightly slow at the end of the day. I put "medium" for the pace because I think it evened out by the end; however, the beginning, even up to the first half, was a tell, not show, building the scientific piece of the story. I didn't mind it, but you might. Additionally, as much as I enjoyed Mary, she made some more questionable decisions near the middle/two-thirds of the way through. I get what she was doing, but as a reader, you just knew it was a bad idea.
However, I loved it! It was a great take on a popular book (that I still haven't read), and I think the feminist and non-heterosexual elements were a nice touch.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism, Medical content, Death of parent, and Classism
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was an entertaining Beauty and the Beast retelling with a bit of a twist that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The Setup: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer is a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast, blending fantasy, romance, and action. The story follows Harper, a modern-day teenager with cerebral palsy, who is unexpectedly transported from Washington, D.C., to the magical land of Emberfall. This modern twist adds a relatable element to the classic tale. Harper, with her unique qualities and determination, is a protagonist that will surely intrigue and captivate readers. There, she meets Prince Rhen, who is cursed to relive the same season over and over, transforming into a monstrous beast at the end of each cycle unless he can make a woman fall in love with him.
On top of the transformation into a scary beast, Rhen's kingdom is also on the brink of collapse, ravaged by his monstrous form and the curse placed on him by a vengeful enchantress. Despite her initial struggles and vulnerability in a new, dangerous world, Harper shows resilience and refuses to be the passive beauty Rhen expects. She quickly becomes involved in the plight of the people in Emberfall and is determined to help them, even if breaking the curse seems impossible.
As Harper and Rhen form a reluctant alliance, their growing connection is complicated by Rhen's self-loathing and the threat of the enchantress's curse. Harper's strong will and determination to protect those she cares about make her a unique protagonist, and the novel touches on themes of courage, strength in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of empathy.
What I Liked: This is likely my favorite Beauty and Beast retelling because Harper is a unique and determined protagonist. Despite her age (see below), I think Harper was relatable, and there weren't many times when you rolled your eyes because of something she did. She was intelligent and cunning and also quite thoughtful. I loved all the characters, who all seemed to have their own voice and personalities, and I enjoyed the world-building in Emberfall. Was it perfect world-building? No. Did it make a ton of sense? Also no. But it was a unique world with an interesting magic system that I truly enjoyed. Lastly, and very importantly, I enjoyed the romance and found it realistic. The slow and steady development of the romance, devoid of instant love, made it more emotionally engaging and relatable. It was as if friendship and respect were building in the process, and it oozed on the page to make the romance more enjoyable. Although I felt Rhen made some "eh" choices, particularly for Harper (and maybe vice versa), I felt for both of these characters and thoroughly loved their stories and experiences.
What Could Have Been Better: I'll get the obvious over with: the two main characters were supposed to be 17/18, and the side character, Grey, Rhen's commander, 20. Nope, nada, no thanks. That was the dumbest decision ever. These characters did not act their age, nor did I want them to. Making these characters older simply would have made more sense! The age-related inconsistencies were a disappointment, and I believe more realistic character development would have enhanced the story.
Additionally, there was a bit of toxic positivity throughout this - always fighting even when you're hurting, not giving up even though you should in this one instance. It wasn't horrible, but I noticed it at times. I can appreciate the author trying to make someone's illness or disability not define them, but this oozed on the page even outside of Harper's character. It was a little bit annoying at times.
Overall, this book had well-drawn characters, a very action-focused plot, and diverse representation. The stakes were high and had a satisfying blend of romance, adventure, and magic. I'll continue reading the series, even though I heard it falters a little.
The Setup: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer is a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast, blending fantasy, romance, and action. The story follows Harper, a modern-day teenager with cerebral palsy, who is unexpectedly transported from Washington, D.C., to the magical land of Emberfall. This modern twist adds a relatable element to the classic tale. Harper, with her unique qualities and determination, is a protagonist that will surely intrigue and captivate readers. There, she meets Prince Rhen, who is cursed to relive the same season over and over, transforming into a monstrous beast at the end of each cycle unless he can make a woman fall in love with him.
On top of the transformation into a scary beast, Rhen's kingdom is also on the brink of collapse, ravaged by his monstrous form and the curse placed on him by a vengeful enchantress. Despite her initial struggles and vulnerability in a new, dangerous world, Harper shows resilience and refuses to be the passive beauty Rhen expects. She quickly becomes involved in the plight of the people in Emberfall and is determined to help them, even if breaking the curse seems impossible.
As Harper and Rhen form a reluctant alliance, their growing connection is complicated by Rhen's self-loathing and the threat of the enchantress's curse. Harper's strong will and determination to protect those she cares about make her a unique protagonist, and the novel touches on themes of courage, strength in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of empathy.
What I Liked: This is likely my favorite Beauty and Beast retelling because Harper is a unique and determined protagonist. Despite her age (see below), I think Harper was relatable, and there weren't many times when you rolled your eyes because of something she did. She was intelligent and cunning and also quite thoughtful. I loved all the characters, who all seemed to have their own voice and personalities, and I enjoyed the world-building in Emberfall. Was it perfect world-building? No. Did it make a ton of sense? Also no. But it was a unique world with an interesting magic system that I truly enjoyed. Lastly, and very importantly, I enjoyed the romance and found it realistic. The slow and steady development of the romance, devoid of instant love, made it more emotionally engaging and relatable. It was as if friendship and respect were building in the process, and it oozed on the page to make the romance more enjoyable. Although I felt Rhen made some "eh" choices, particularly for Harper (and maybe vice versa), I felt for both of these characters and thoroughly loved their stories and experiences.
What Could Have Been Better: I'll get the obvious over with: the two main characters were supposed to be 17/18, and the side character, Grey, Rhen's commander, 20. Nope, nada, no thanks. That was the dumbest decision ever. These characters did not act their age, nor did I want them to. Making these characters older simply would have made more sense! The age-related inconsistencies were a disappointment, and I believe more realistic character development would have enhanced the story.
Additionally, there was a bit of toxic positivity throughout this - always fighting even when you're hurting, not giving up even though you should in this one instance. It wasn't horrible, but I noticed it at times. I can appreciate the author trying to make someone's illness or disability not define them, but this oozed on the page even outside of Harper's character. It was a little bit annoying at times.
Overall, this book had well-drawn characters, a very action-focused plot, and diverse representation. The stakes were high and had a satisfying blend of romance, adventure, and magic. I'll continue reading the series, even though I heard it falters a little.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Death, Gore, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness
Bullshit Jobs: A Theory by David Graeber
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I will stand by the fact that I am not an Audiobook girlie. At my core, I am the worst auditory learner of all time. I started this book on Audio on May 10. It is October 11!!! It took me five freaking months to finish it. Ugh. I wish I loved Audiobooks as much as the next person, but they are a bit of my nemesis. Regardless, I somehow got through this, and overall, I liked what Graeber had to say.
The Setup: Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber is a provocative exploration of modern labor, examining the rise of meaningless or unfulfilling jobs in contemporary society. Graeber, an anthropologist, activist, AND self-proclaimed anarchist, argues that many jobs in today's economy serve no real purpose and exist only to maintain the appearance of productivity. These "bullshit jobs" are characterized by their lack of social value, where even the people performing them often feel that their work is unnecessary or even harmful.
The book draws from interviews and anecdotal evidence to categorize different types of bullshit jobs, such as flunkies (those who exist solely to make others feel important), box tickers (who engage in pointless bureaucratic tasks), and goons (whose work exists to undermine others, like lobbyists). Graeber delves into the psychological and societal impacts of these jobs, showing how they lead to widespread dissatisfaction, depression, and a sense of alienation.
One of the book's key arguments is that the proliferation of bullshit jobs is a product of capitalism, consumerism, and the desire to maintain power structures. Graeber critiques the assumption that more work always leads to a more productive and prosperous society, arguing that these meaningless jobs often mask the fundamental problems of inequality and exploitation.
What I Liked: Graeber didn't hold back, and his beliefs, views, and opinions were nuanced. Undoubtedly, this book leaned a certain way politically, but Graeber threw in quips at both the US conservatives and liberal elites. I learned so much because Graeber talked about labor from a multifaceted perspective, including going back to European feudalism and Christianity. I also couldn't get over the fact that the US could try and solve some of the complicated insurance systems that we have, particularly regarding healthcare, but if we streamline it and make it more efficient and productive, that would mean the loss of TONS of jobs in the insurance industry. It was truly phenomenal to learn how complicated our systems are and why they are that way (because, in reality, it's a choice).
What I Didn't Like: It's hard for me to pinpoint what I didn't like. Mostly, it was simply an Audiobook, and I didn't like that. Additionally, there were times when it was a little dull and boring, but I find that with the majority of nonfiction books, particularly about the economy or system structures. It also seemed to be a lot of opinion without many references, but that's because it was an Audiobook - I bet there was a massive list of references in the back of this book in physical copy.
Regardless, I thought this thought-provoking and interesting. I loved the premise that why do we have to be so strict on labels regarding systems? Graeber is adamant about universal income, but he also recognized that it would mean shrinking and eliminating some governmental jobs because he vehemently thought that there were too many jobs in the government. Those opinions are counterintuitive to one another politically and ideologically, but he nuanced views to help you understand the different perspectives.
The Setup: Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber is a provocative exploration of modern labor, examining the rise of meaningless or unfulfilling jobs in contemporary society. Graeber, an anthropologist, activist, AND self-proclaimed anarchist, argues that many jobs in today's economy serve no real purpose and exist only to maintain the appearance of productivity. These "bullshit jobs" are characterized by their lack of social value, where even the people performing them often feel that their work is unnecessary or even harmful.
The book draws from interviews and anecdotal evidence to categorize different types of bullshit jobs, such as flunkies (those who exist solely to make others feel important), box tickers (who engage in pointless bureaucratic tasks), and goons (whose work exists to undermine others, like lobbyists). Graeber delves into the psychological and societal impacts of these jobs, showing how they lead to widespread dissatisfaction, depression, and a sense of alienation.
One of the book's key arguments is that the proliferation of bullshit jobs is a product of capitalism, consumerism, and the desire to maintain power structures. Graeber critiques the assumption that more work always leads to a more productive and prosperous society, arguing that these meaningless jobs often mask the fundamental problems of inequality and exploitation.
What I Liked: Graeber didn't hold back, and his beliefs, views, and opinions were nuanced. Undoubtedly, this book leaned a certain way politically, but Graeber threw in quips at both the US conservatives and liberal elites. I learned so much because Graeber talked about labor from a multifaceted perspective, including going back to European feudalism and Christianity. I also couldn't get over the fact that the US could try and solve some of the complicated insurance systems that we have, particularly regarding healthcare, but if we streamline it and make it more efficient and productive, that would mean the loss of TONS of jobs in the insurance industry. It was truly phenomenal to learn how complicated our systems are and why they are that way (because, in reality, it's a choice).
What I Didn't Like: It's hard for me to pinpoint what I didn't like. Mostly, it was simply an Audiobook, and I didn't like that. Additionally, there were times when it was a little dull and boring, but I find that with the majority of nonfiction books, particularly about the economy or system structures. It also seemed to be a lot of opinion without many references, but that's because it was an Audiobook - I bet there was a massive list of references in the back of this book in physical copy.
Regardless, I thought this thought-provoking and interesting. I loved the premise that why do we have to be so strict on labels regarding systems? Graeber is adamant about universal income, but he also recognized that it would mean shrinking and eliminating some governmental jobs because he vehemently thought that there were too many jobs in the government. Those opinions are counterintuitive to one another politically and ideologically, but he nuanced views to help you understand the different perspectives.
"Humans were not made to work. So, to me, this is all greed propped up by inflated prices of necessities."
"Never underestimate the power of institutions to try and preserve themselves."
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
I've decided not to rate this review. It feels bizarre to do this. However, I got this book for free, so I had it just sitting on the shelf, waiting to be read. I know so many of my fellow friend readers loved this book. However, I had also heard the intense controversy around it, where the author came out and said this book was supposed to mimic the schools in the US and Canada that would essentially imprison Indigenous groups and forced them to assimilate into society. I am not Indigenous, and so after reading this, I cannot fathom trying to argue one way or the other. However, enough people of color and Indigenous folks have come out to say that tying the book to those schools is offensive and not handled with much care. I listen to them, so I won't give this book any stars. However, I will share below what I liked and disliked.
The Setup: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a cozy fantasy exploring acceptance, identity, and found family themes. The novel centers around Linus Baker, a middle-aged caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His job involves inspecting orphanages that house magical children to ensure they are adequately cared for and not dangerous to society. Linus leads a monotonous, lonely life until he is given a highly classified assignment to investigate Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to six dangerous magical children and overseen by the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus.
As Linus arrives at the orphanage, he meets a group of children whose powers and personalities range from a gnome gardener to a boy who is the literal Antichrist. Over time, Linus forms deep connections with the children and Arthur, whose secrets are gradually revealed. What starts as a bureaucratic mission transforms into a journey of self-discovery for Linus, as he realizes that love and acceptance are more important than adhering to rigid rules.
What I Liked: Listen, this novel oozed whimsy, humor, and heartfelt moments. On the surface lies the message of inclusivity and the idea that people (or magical beings) should not be defined by their labels, and there is usually more than meets the eye. The book was intended to tackle issues of prejudice and societal judgment while wrapped in a cozy, almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. It was a feel-good, uplifting story and a lovely little break from reality.
There was also a cute little love story peppered throughout this, which I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The children were adorable, and each had their personalities, which I loved. The children made this story for me, as I liked them better than the main character, Linus, who constantly just talked about his round middle. *Sigh*. The book's idea was lovely and had a significant meaning from a bird's eye view. Overall, it was also an easy read. While predictable, it was a nice little getaway to a fantastical island (literally).
What I Didn't Like: Well, besides the fact that this book has been deemed insensitive to literal genocide, I also felt that it spoon-fed you with "goodness" at times. There was much telling instead of showing when it came to "teaching" the children about good vs. evil. This book aimed to showcase that Arthur was teaching children morals and how people should not be defined by their appearance, but it came across as a bit preachy. Therefore, I was pulled out of the story for some reason. I'm notorious for not enjoying many (subjective) "preachy" books.
I also didn't love Linus. It's hard to pinpoint why, but I don't think it was because he was a grump in this book. It was more that he was self-deprecating and bland, so I didn't see what others saw in him, including Arthur and the children. I may have missed something because I was alone in this assessment, but something was missing.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Once again, at the surface, it was a cute fantasy that showcased human (or magical being) connections and flaws. That said, I take its criticism to heart and understand that it may have shared this book is insensitive to a highly problematic event in the US and Canada.
The Setup: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a cozy fantasy exploring acceptance, identity, and found family themes. The novel centers around Linus Baker, a middle-aged caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His job involves inspecting orphanages that house magical children to ensure they are adequately cared for and not dangerous to society. Linus leads a monotonous, lonely life until he is given a highly classified assignment to investigate Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to six dangerous magical children and overseen by the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus.
As Linus arrives at the orphanage, he meets a group of children whose powers and personalities range from a gnome gardener to a boy who is the literal Antichrist. Over time, Linus forms deep connections with the children and Arthur, whose secrets are gradually revealed. What starts as a bureaucratic mission transforms into a journey of self-discovery for Linus, as he realizes that love and acceptance are more important than adhering to rigid rules.
What I Liked: Listen, this novel oozed whimsy, humor, and heartfelt moments. On the surface lies the message of inclusivity and the idea that people (or magical beings) should not be defined by their labels, and there is usually more than meets the eye. The book was intended to tackle issues of prejudice and societal judgment while wrapped in a cozy, almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. It was a feel-good, uplifting story and a lovely little break from reality.
There was also a cute little love story peppered throughout this, which I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The children were adorable, and each had their personalities, which I loved. The children made this story for me, as I liked them better than the main character, Linus, who constantly just talked about his round middle. *Sigh*. The book's idea was lovely and had a significant meaning from a bird's eye view. Overall, it was also an easy read. While predictable, it was a nice little getaway to a fantastical island (literally).
What I Didn't Like: Well, besides the fact that this book has been deemed insensitive to literal genocide, I also felt that it spoon-fed you with "goodness" at times. There was much telling instead of showing when it came to "teaching" the children about good vs. evil. This book aimed to showcase that Arthur was teaching children morals and how people should not be defined by their appearance, but it came across as a bit preachy. Therefore, I was pulled out of the story for some reason. I'm notorious for not enjoying many (subjective) "preachy" books.
I also didn't love Linus. It's hard to pinpoint why, but I don't think it was because he was a grump in this book. It was more that he was self-deprecating and bland, so I didn't see what others saw in him, including Arthur and the children. I may have missed something because I was alone in this assessment, but something was missing.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Once again, at the surface, it was a cute fantasy that showcased human (or magical being) connections and flaws. That said, I take its criticism to heart and understand that it may have shared this book is insensitive to a highly problematic event in the US and Canada.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Overall, this book did what it set out to do for me: be a palate cleanser and a fluffy book that made me chuckle and gave me a decent romance that made me smile. I can't say it was favorite, but I expected a lot worse. It was a pleasant surprise to finish this book without skimming and be invested in the characters, even if I had some qualms. I loved the cute little Spanish nicknames :)
Bonus points for no engagement, wedding, or pregnancy at the end of this book and them just being happy. It made me go from a 3 to a 3.5!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I will not lie: I read this book with VERY low expectations. I signed up for a subscription service to buy a special edition fantasy trilogy from The Bookish Box. Through that subscription, I received The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas while waiting for the trilogy. I had heard some not-so-glamorous things about this book, and as someone who struggles with rom-com novels, I truly believed that I would DNF this. However, the special edition was pretty, and I thought, "I might as well," and dove in. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be!
The Setup: The Spanish Love Deception is a contemporary rom-com focusing solely on the slow-burn romance around Catalina "Lina" Martín and Aaron Blackford. Lina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain to avoid facing her ex-boyfriend alone, and to her surprise, Aaron, her aloof and seemingly indifferent coworker, offers to accompany her. Though Lina is skeptical, she agrees, and the two embark on a journey that takes them from the bustling office life of New York to the picturesque family celebrations in Spain.
As Lina and Aaron pretend to be a couple, SHOCKINGLY, their interactions gradually reveal hidden depths to their relationship, transforming their initial antagonism into a potential real thing. Aaron's support during the trip, combined with his own personal struggles, leads Lina to see him in a new light. Their shared moments, from a soccer match to wedding festivities, force them to confront their feelings and question whether their "fake" relationship might be something more real.
What I Liked: Listen, I liked the banter. I'm not usually into the aloof, brooding guys, but that seems to be the norm for any romance (contemporary, fantasy, etc.). Some authors can work it better than others, and I think Armas did it well here. Aaron was snippy and a tad grumpy but also charming and cute. Obviously, you rolled your eyes when Lina couldn't see through the grumpiness, but it was part of the story, and I knew it was coming. Overall, their witty banter and tension were a highlight for me. I felt invested in their potential relationship and themselves as characters, which sometimes is what falls flat for me with rom-coms. I was pleasantly surprised about wanting to read more about them to see where they went. I also liked the plot itself, even if it was far-fetched (of course, but it's a rom-com, I have let it go at times!). I thoroughly enjoyed the fake dating trope here (which is not something I usually say), and I most certainly loved the slow burn. Overall, this book delivered on its intention: a pretty good romance with a decent plot that wasn't completely butchered. I had a good time overall and was smirking in some parts - Armas could be funny, and I appreciated that humor peppered throughout.
What I Didn't Like: Here is a list, which will come as a surprise to literally no one:
The Setup: The Spanish Love Deception is a contemporary rom-com focusing solely on the slow-burn romance around Catalina "Lina" Martín and Aaron Blackford. Lina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain to avoid facing her ex-boyfriend alone, and to her surprise, Aaron, her aloof and seemingly indifferent coworker, offers to accompany her. Though Lina is skeptical, she agrees, and the two embark on a journey that takes them from the bustling office life of New York to the picturesque family celebrations in Spain.
As Lina and Aaron pretend to be a couple, SHOCKINGLY, their interactions gradually reveal hidden depths to their relationship, transforming their initial antagonism into a potential real thing. Aaron's support during the trip, combined with his own personal struggles, leads Lina to see him in a new light. Their shared moments, from a soccer match to wedding festivities, force them to confront their feelings and question whether their "fake" relationship might be something more real.
What I Liked: Listen, I liked the banter. I'm not usually into the aloof, brooding guys, but that seems to be the norm for any romance (contemporary, fantasy, etc.). Some authors can work it better than others, and I think Armas did it well here. Aaron was snippy and a tad grumpy but also charming and cute. Obviously, you rolled your eyes when Lina couldn't see through the grumpiness, but it was part of the story, and I knew it was coming. Overall, their witty banter and tension were a highlight for me. I felt invested in their potential relationship and themselves as characters, which sometimes is what falls flat for me with rom-coms. I was pleasantly surprised about wanting to read more about them to see where they went. I also liked the plot itself, even if it was far-fetched (of course, but it's a rom-com, I have let it go at times!). I thoroughly enjoyed the fake dating trope here (which is not something I usually say), and I most certainly loved the slow burn. Overall, this book delivered on its intention: a pretty good romance with a decent plot that wasn't completely butchered. I had a good time overall and was smirking in some parts - Armas could be funny, and I appreciated that humor peppered throughout.
What I Didn't Like: Here is a list, which will come as a surprise to literally no one:
- Mr. Blackford was SO HUGE AND TALL, and lil Lina is, in fact, tiny. Enough, Armas, we get it. The gawking was quite prevalent here, and I could only take so much. Additionally, Armas, we also get that Aaron had piercing blue eyes. Thanks.
- I almost thought I would DNF from page 6 simply because the first roughly 10 pages was Aaron talking about how he would go to Spain with Lina and Lina, saying, "Ha ha, good joke, I actually hate you." This long-winded book DID NOT need to be almost 500 pages. There was no need. Things could have been cut and dialogue compressed.
- There were some heavier topics here, like inappropriate and toxic relationships, that I think were glossed over and not taken as seriously. Lina's past relationship was no bueno, and while I believe Armas was getting at the toxicity of it all, the messaging was too lost in the new romance. I suppose I didn't see much growth, and if there was, it was only because of another person, not because Lina tried to grow and evolve with herself. I don't know if that makes much sense, but romances are known for using the other person as their savior, and I think that was noticeable here, and I couldn't say I loved it.
- The sexual tension was palatable, and I enjoyed it, but there were some words during the sexier times that were not my cup of tea. I'm picky with my spicy scenes, and I didn't mind the ones here at all, but some of the words used to describe it made me cringe a little.
- Putting in spoilers just in case:
I didn't mind the third-act breakup. I know that's wild because usually I hate them. However, I felt like this one was a little bit justified. We are talking about a profession and someone's career, something thrown out the door beforehand in Lina's past. That said, I think it was rushed at the end - both the breakup and getting back together. For a long book, I wish there was less fluff in the beginning and middle and more substance at the end when much of this went down. - Honestly, Aaron was a bit too perfect and clingy for me. I loved much of what he did in the earlier chapters, but by the end, it was borderline possessive, which I think many romance authors do. It didn't reach the point of cringy to me, but it started getting into that territory.
Overall, this book did what it set out to do for me: be a palate cleanser and a fluffy book that made me chuckle and gave me a decent romance that made me smile. I can't say it was favorite, but I expected a lot worse. It was a pleasant surprise to finish this book without skimming and be invested in the characters, even if I had some qualms. I loved the cute little Spanish nicknames :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
In typical Octavia E. Butler style, this was one of the worst-best books I've read. It's dark, grungy, gross, and heartless, yet Butler does her fantastic job weaving in hope, empathy, and community.
The Setup: Parable of the Sower is a dystopian novel set in a future America (psst., it starts in 2024 because this novel was written in the 90s) ravaged by climate change, economic collapse, and social breakdown. The story follows Lauren Olamina, a girl born with "hyperempathy," - a condition that causes her to feel others' pain physically. Growing up in a walled community in California, Lauren witnesses her once-protected neighborhood fall apart under the pressure of extreme poverty, violence, and drug addiction.
After Pyro-addicted arsonists destroy her community (that's an element you have to read to believe), Lauren embarks on a dangerous journey north with a small group of survivors. Along the way, she shares her belief system, Earthseed, which posits that "God is Change" and that humanity's destiny lies in spreading life among the stars. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptability, community, and the role of empathy in a world where kindness can be a weakness.
This novel is a powerful and prophetic work. Its examination of societal breakdown and insights into the intersection of climate change, inequality, and human resilience are chillingly relatable even in our not-so-dystopian time. Butler's world-building and Lauren's journey are both thought-provoking and eerily relevant.
What I loved: NOTHING! Just kidding. I loved everything about this book, but not because it was a light-hearted and fun read. I felt the same way about Kindred, which wound up in my 6-star-read "shelf." This novel also landed on that shelf because Octavia E Butler knew what she was doing. This encapsulated the human experience in a grim yet probable (and therefore, horrifying) way and showcased the necessity of empathy and kindness in a world where that could get you killed. Lauren maybe wasn't the most relatable, but she was brilliant and wanted to give the world something to look forward to in such a dark time. I couldn't help but root for her and the people she traveled with.
Butler's legacy is truly a master of speculative fiction - this novel oozed a warning while also signaling hope. This book was a powerful social commentary and a beacon of hope for readers seeking positive outcomes in uncertain times while not being overly happy (because that won't happen). Additionally, some might say the "hyperempathy" element was thrown in there haphazardly, but I would beg to differ. Incorporating that almost magical realism piece was such a lovely touch to sensationalize empathy in a good way - if we all could feel that much pain, would we be in this situation? It brought out so many questions that I think are super relevant to our lives now and will be going forward. I loved everything about this book, even when it was hard to read - we need to read books like these, even if they defeat us.
It's another 6-star read for me, but it might not be for you. It's dark, grim, and violent, and it showcases the darkest parts of humanity, or what could be humanity. That may not be for you, but I encourage you to pick it up and think critically about it. Butler's prose is generally straight to the point and sometimes even emotionless, which I can see people having a hard time getting into, but my love for her work will supersede any minor issue. It was an honor to read this book, even if it was emotionally damaging. Read it!!
The Setup: Parable of the Sower is a dystopian novel set in a future America (psst., it starts in 2024 because this novel was written in the 90s) ravaged by climate change, economic collapse, and social breakdown. The story follows Lauren Olamina, a girl born with "hyperempathy," - a condition that causes her to feel others' pain physically. Growing up in a walled community in California, Lauren witnesses her once-protected neighborhood fall apart under the pressure of extreme poverty, violence, and drug addiction.
After Pyro-addicted arsonists destroy her community (that's an element you have to read to believe), Lauren embarks on a dangerous journey north with a small group of survivors. Along the way, she shares her belief system, Earthseed, which posits that "God is Change" and that humanity's destiny lies in spreading life among the stars. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptability, community, and the role of empathy in a world where kindness can be a weakness.
This novel is a powerful and prophetic work. Its examination of societal breakdown and insights into the intersection of climate change, inequality, and human resilience are chillingly relatable even in our not-so-dystopian time. Butler's world-building and Lauren's journey are both thought-provoking and eerily relevant.
What I loved: NOTHING! Just kidding. I loved everything about this book, but not because it was a light-hearted and fun read. I felt the same way about Kindred, which wound up in my 6-star-read "shelf." This novel also landed on that shelf because Octavia E Butler knew what she was doing. This encapsulated the human experience in a grim yet probable (and therefore, horrifying) way and showcased the necessity of empathy and kindness in a world where that could get you killed. Lauren maybe wasn't the most relatable, but she was brilliant and wanted to give the world something to look forward to in such a dark time. I couldn't help but root for her and the people she traveled with.
Butler's legacy is truly a master of speculative fiction - this novel oozed a warning while also signaling hope. This book was a powerful social commentary and a beacon of hope for readers seeking positive outcomes in uncertain times while not being overly happy (because that won't happen). Additionally, some might say the "hyperempathy" element was thrown in there haphazardly, but I would beg to differ. Incorporating that almost magical realism piece was such a lovely touch to sensationalize empathy in a good way - if we all could feel that much pain, would we be in this situation? It brought out so many questions that I think are super relevant to our lives now and will be going forward. I loved everything about this book, even when it was hard to read - we need to read books like these, even if they defeat us.
It's another 6-star read for me, but it might not be for you. It's dark, grim, and violent, and it showcases the darkest parts of humanity, or what could be humanity. That may not be for you, but I encourage you to pick it up and think critically about it. Butler's prose is generally straight to the point and sometimes even emotionless, which I can see people having a hard time getting into, but my love for her work will supersede any minor issue. It was an honor to read this book, even if it was emotionally damaging. Read it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Incest, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Trafficking, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I am being generous with my three stars. It read less than three stars, but we need more diversity in our fantasies, and the concept was great. I implore Analeigh Sbrana to get a new editing team.
The Setup: Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana is a fantasy romance debut that combines the allure of magical libraries and the tension of human-Fae relationships. The story centers around Lore Alemeyu, whose village is trapped in a forest under the oppressive rule of the Fae. In a desperate attempt to save her people, Lore makes a dangerous deal with a Fae lord to enter a cursed, ancient library untouched for centuries - one that no Fae can enter but might be navigable by a human. In exchange, Lore is told her homeland will be kept safe.
Lore's journey becomes a complex dance of trust, power, and attraction as she relies on two Fae males with vastly different yet equally dangerous "person"as. The book also touches on themes of power, autonomy, and the consequences of making deals with forces one doesn't fully understand.
What I Liked: A book about a magical library? Sign me up! A book about a magical book? Sign me up! A book that contains magical components from the earth, like vines and flowers? Sign.me.up. The premise was there, and I enjoyed it. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel's first half - getting to know Lore and her human family, seeing her in a magical library, and finding an enchanted book (no spoilers; it is literally on the cover). Magical stuff, especially from a book, makes me happy, and this did make me happy.
Additionally, seeing some diversity added to the genre was refreshing. I mean this in multiple ways - race/color of skin, sexuality (queerness was most certainly celebrated, and there was even one character who wasn't interested in it at all), different species in general in this fantasy, etc. While it was a little over the place and hard to follow, there were many different characters of different species, races, and thoughts. I enjoyed that aspect, and it should be celebrated much more.
I'm one of the few who doesn't mind love triangles or multiple romantic interests (this is not a spoiler; it is also on the cover and in the summary!). It was done fine here, although a deeper exploration or smoother romantic development would have likely made me more invested.
What I Didn't Like: Ugh, the majority of this book was a bummer because it was set up so well! For one, this book just needed another round of edits. It read very young-adult, if not more child-like, in my opinion. The sentence structure and prose, in general, were almost too simple for what this book was trying to offer. This book also had one or two spicier scenes, which seemed out of the blue when the prose felt younger.
Most people in the reviews will agree that the pacing was just off. The beginning started strong for me, but it splinted into too many directions once it reached the middle. Lore had one quest, then suddenly there was this other rescue mission that seemed out of the blue and unnecessary, and then ANOTHER rescue mission for something else entirely. I don't think having multiple rescue missions or plot turns is necessarily a bad thing, but this (1) read young, (2) felt more like a cozy fantasy (with some more violent actions than what is usually in cozy fantasies), and (3) was on the relatively shorter side for fantasy (but not for fantasy romance), making it just not work as well.
This book has a decent plot twist, which I will refrain from discussing here because it's a fun read when you don't know about it. I had an inkling about this plot twist but didn't see that big reveal coming, which I appreciated. As you read this, you're like, "Why isn't it in the liked section?!" Well, because as much as the twist was surprising, it still had plenty of plot holes, and I was left with many questions. It didn't make much sense, but it was a fun surprise nonetheless. I gave this plot twist some slack since this was the first book in a series. We might know more later.
It might be because of the prose and pacing, which were all over the place, but I couldn't root for the characters. I didn't feel like character development was strong enough here, and it made the characters blah, particularly Lore, who seemed to be able to do things quickly and easily in one turn and then couldn't do them at all in another. Like Harry Potter all those years ago, there was also a constant "I can't keep putting these people in harms way," or, "People are getting hurt because of me, so I must do everything quietly and on my own!" It was fine when I was younger, but I'm over those tropes now, and this novel bled it.
Overall, I couldn't get into it because of the writing, lack of character development, pacing, and chaotic plot points. Unfortunately, I will likely not be reading the rest of the series. However, if you like some lighter and fluffier fantasy with a strong diversity element, I would say go for it and lean into it! It most certainly wasn't the worst romantasy I've ever read, and some will enjoy this novel. It just wasn't for me!
The Setup: Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana is a fantasy romance debut that combines the allure of magical libraries and the tension of human-Fae relationships. The story centers around Lore Alemeyu, whose village is trapped in a forest under the oppressive rule of the Fae. In a desperate attempt to save her people, Lore makes a dangerous deal with a Fae lord to enter a cursed, ancient library untouched for centuries - one that no Fae can enter but might be navigable by a human. In exchange, Lore is told her homeland will be kept safe.
Lore's journey becomes a complex dance of trust, power, and attraction as she relies on two Fae males with vastly different yet equally dangerous "person"as. The book also touches on themes of power, autonomy, and the consequences of making deals with forces one doesn't fully understand.
What I Liked: A book about a magical library? Sign me up! A book about a magical book? Sign me up! A book that contains magical components from the earth, like vines and flowers? Sign.me.up. The premise was there, and I enjoyed it. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel's first half - getting to know Lore and her human family, seeing her in a magical library, and finding an enchanted book (no spoilers; it is literally on the cover). Magical stuff, especially from a book, makes me happy, and this did make me happy.
Additionally, seeing some diversity added to the genre was refreshing. I mean this in multiple ways - race/color of skin, sexuality (queerness was most certainly celebrated, and there was even one character who wasn't interested in it at all), different species in general in this fantasy, etc. While it was a little over the place and hard to follow, there were many different characters of different species, races, and thoughts. I enjoyed that aspect, and it should be celebrated much more.
I'm one of the few who doesn't mind love triangles or multiple romantic interests (this is not a spoiler; it is also on the cover and in the summary!). It was done fine here, although a deeper exploration or smoother romantic development would have likely made me more invested.
What I Didn't Like: Ugh, the majority of this book was a bummer because it was set up so well! For one, this book just needed another round of edits. It read very young-adult, if not more child-like, in my opinion. The sentence structure and prose, in general, were almost too simple for what this book was trying to offer. This book also had one or two spicier scenes, which seemed out of the blue when the prose felt younger.
Most people in the reviews will agree that the pacing was just off. The beginning started strong for me, but it splinted into too many directions once it reached the middle. Lore had one quest, then suddenly there was this other rescue mission that seemed out of the blue and unnecessary, and then ANOTHER rescue mission for something else entirely. I don't think having multiple rescue missions or plot turns is necessarily a bad thing, but this (1) read young, (2) felt more like a cozy fantasy (with some more violent actions than what is usually in cozy fantasies), and (3) was on the relatively shorter side for fantasy (but not for fantasy romance), making it just not work as well.
This book has a decent plot twist, which I will refrain from discussing here because it's a fun read when you don't know about it. I had an inkling about this plot twist but didn't see that big reveal coming, which I appreciated. As you read this, you're like, "Why isn't it in the liked section?!" Well, because as much as the twist was surprising, it still had plenty of plot holes, and I was left with many questions. It didn't make much sense, but it was a fun surprise nonetheless. I gave this plot twist some slack since this was the first book in a series. We might know more later.
It might be because of the prose and pacing, which were all over the place, but I couldn't root for the characters. I didn't feel like character development was strong enough here, and it made the characters blah, particularly Lore, who seemed to be able to do things quickly and easily in one turn and then couldn't do them at all in another. Like Harry Potter all those years ago, there was also a constant "I can't keep putting these people in harms way," or, "People are getting hurt because of me, so I must do everything quietly and on my own!" It was fine when I was younger, but I'm over those tropes now, and this novel bled it.
Overall, I couldn't get into it because of the writing, lack of character development, pacing, and chaotic plot points. Unfortunately, I will likely not be reading the rest of the series. However, if you like some lighter and fluffier fantasy with a strong diversity element, I would say go for it and lean into it! It most certainly wasn't the worst romantasy I've ever read, and some will enjoy this novel. It just wasn't for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Body horror and Blood
Rape is implied but not detailed.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
The Setup: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman tells the story of a socially awkward (and likely many mental health challenges peppered into her life) and profoundly lonely woman in her thirties. Eleanor lives in a strict, isolated routine - she goes to work, eats the same meals, and spends her weekends alone with vodka. The novel explores themes of loneliness, trauma, and the slow healing process as Eleanor starts to form meaningful connections.
Her relationship with Raymond, a kind and unassuming IT colleague, becomes central to her transformation. Through their friendship, Eleanor begins to break free from her emotional barriers and face the deep scars from her abusive childhood, particularly the manipulative influence of her mother.
Honeyman expertly balances humor with heartbreak in this story, making it relatable to everyday life. The novel is not just a character study of a lonely woman potentially battling mental health challenges but a testament to the power of human connection, kindness, and self-acceptance.
What I Loved: I loved everything in this book. It was a bit satirical while still capturing the real challenges of loneliness. That said, I don't think this was as funny to me as I thought it would be (based on reviews)—the book was heartbreaking in a way, especially about two-thirds of the way through. However, Honeyman still made Eleanor strong - very unique and individualized. Eleanor wasn't necessarily likable or even super relatable, but she was very Eleanor and had a wonderfully distinct and interesting voice in the novel.
I'm a firm believer in "people aren't medicine," and this novel skirted that line slightly. However, I ended up loving it because it showed that while it's super important to build the bridge to healing yourself, you can rarely get there without the help of others. Raymond was such an incredible friend—he wasn't perfect, yet he cared deeply for Eleanor and recognized that a respectful and friendly demeanor can go a long way toward helping someone. That relationship wasn't the novel's highlight, but it sure was well done.
I loved Eleanor most, which surprised me because, in the beginning, I was like, "Yikes, who is this?!" We saw her hit rock bottom and try to work her way out. We saw her grapple with getting out of her comfort zone and having a good time. We saw her grow, shrink, and stand tall again. While this book is heavily character-driven, without much plot, I felt invested in Eleanor's story.
What Could Have Made It a 5?! I almost decided to rate this a 5, but I decided against it at the last minute for only one reason: I felt the ending was rushed. And I mean more from a "plot" rather than a writing perspective. Without giving away spoilers, we see Eleanor go through a lot and trying to work herself out of her rock bottom. While it was great to see therapy involved and her working through some other issues, there was a slight plot twist and some grappling with that afterward that I felt was rushed. There wasn't enough time for Eleanor to sit with this, and she almost felt ~whatever~ about it, even though it's a huge deal. I only knocked off a half-star, though, because, in general, we, the readers, were supposed to understand that Eleanor was our narrator, and this was typically how she handled things thrown at her.
Lastly—although I didn't take away stars for this—I guessed the slight plot twist, but only because I checked the trigger warnings for this novel. While that doesn't give it away, per se, it did plant the idea in my head.
Overall, though, this book was so well done, and I'll be thinking about Ms. Eleanor Oliphant for quite some time in my life.
Her relationship with Raymond, a kind and unassuming IT colleague, becomes central to her transformation. Through their friendship, Eleanor begins to break free from her emotional barriers and face the deep scars from her abusive childhood, particularly the manipulative influence of her mother.
Honeyman expertly balances humor with heartbreak in this story, making it relatable to everyday life. The novel is not just a character study of a lonely woman potentially battling mental health challenges but a testament to the power of human connection, kindness, and self-acceptance.
What I Loved: I loved everything in this book. It was a bit satirical while still capturing the real challenges of loneliness. That said, I don't think this was as funny to me as I thought it would be (based on reviews)—the book was heartbreaking in a way, especially about two-thirds of the way through. However, Honeyman still made Eleanor strong - very unique and individualized. Eleanor wasn't necessarily likable or even super relatable, but she was very Eleanor and had a wonderfully distinct and interesting voice in the novel.
I'm a firm believer in "people aren't medicine," and this novel skirted that line slightly. However, I ended up loving it because it showed that while it's super important to build the bridge to healing yourself, you can rarely get there without the help of others. Raymond was such an incredible friend—he wasn't perfect, yet he cared deeply for Eleanor and recognized that a respectful and friendly demeanor can go a long way toward helping someone. That relationship wasn't the novel's highlight, but it sure was well done.
I loved Eleanor most, which surprised me because, in the beginning, I was like, "Yikes, who is this?!" We saw her hit rock bottom and try to work her way out. We saw her grapple with getting out of her comfort zone and having a good time. We saw her grow, shrink, and stand tall again. While this book is heavily character-driven, without much plot, I felt invested in Eleanor's story.
What Could Have Made It a 5?! I almost decided to rate this a 5, but I decided against it at the last minute for only one reason: I felt the ending was rushed. And I mean more from a "plot" rather than a writing perspective. Without giving away spoilers, we see Eleanor go through a lot and trying to work herself out of her rock bottom. While it was great to see therapy involved and her working through some other issues, there was a slight plot twist and some grappling with that afterward that I felt was rushed. There wasn't enough time for Eleanor to sit with this, and she almost felt ~whatever~ about it, even though it's a huge deal. I only knocked off a half-star, though, because, in general, we, the readers, were supposed to understand that Eleanor was our narrator, and this was typically how she handled things thrown at her.
Lastly—although I didn't take away stars for this—I guessed the slight plot twist, but only because I checked the trigger warnings for this novel. While that doesn't give it away, per se, it did plant the idea in my head.
Overall, though, this book was so well done, and I'll be thinking about Ms. Eleanor Oliphant for quite some time in my life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Self harm, Medical content, Stalking, and Gaslighting
Minor: Physical abuse and Vomit