You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
alexamidala's Reviews (235)
Post Traumatic was the perfect novel for me. I am having a hard time putting into words how truly amazing this novel was. This book covers so many topics that deeply, deeply resonated with me. I related to Vivian's struggle to cope with her childhood trauma and her decision to go no contact with her family. Her chaotic career in the social sector remind me so much of my own, and Johnson so realistically elucidates the highs and lows of having such a career. The way this novel represents eating disorders as a way to organize the chaotic world a victim of childhood trauma grows up in was amazingly insightful. The fear of men that Vivian harbors so deeply that it transforms her into a full-blown agoraphobic was just so relatable. I could go on, but I really don't have the words to describe the beauty of this novel other than to say it was perfect. If the title and synopsis speak to you in any way, definitely give this one a read.
This book was really helpful in putting a name to the maternal trauma many women experience during childhood. Mother hunger is such an apt term to describe this specific type of pain. This book was definitely overwhelming at times, particularly the chapter titled "Third-Degree Mother Hunger." It brought up a lot of painful emotions and memories; however, it was comforting to read that my experiences are valid and that I am not the only person to suffer from mother hunger. I do wish this book had more strategies for coping with maternal trauma, but I still think it was a worthwhile read.
When I saw that this book was dedicated to anybody who could use a break, I knew I was going to love it. And I did. This is a sweet, slice-of-life story that made me feel warm and fuzzy from beginning to ending. I can't wait to read the more cozy cyberpunk novels from this author!
Becky Chambers is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! I recently got some bad news, so I dropped everything I was reading (and doing) to start A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. Just like it's predecessor, it was such a hug of a book. Dex and Mosscap are such wholesome characters, especially Mosscap. They just make me smile. The world building in this novel was gorgeous and innovative, as always. This series is the first I've ever read that depicts a future where humanity doesn't implode, and instead we've healed the Earth, trashed capitalism, and started being kind to one another. This was an extremely happy, uplifting book, and I will definitely be devouring all of Chambers' books as quickly as I can.
3.5 rounded up. I gave XOXO a reread in preparation for the release of it's sequel, ASAP. This is a super cute YA novel with lots of my favorite tropes: celebrities with hidden identities, boarding school adventures, and summer camp romances. It's definitely full of cliches, but it is still such a fun read. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of ASAP!
I feel like there's a joke to be made about the fact that I read this book in its entirety while on the clock, but I can't think of one. Anyway, this is another hilarious book from two of my favorite biological women. Funny, charming, and surprisingly genuine.
The Merciless II was a fun, spooky read, but unfortunately was not as enjoyable as the first in the series. I really liked a few aspects of this novel, such as the Catholic boarding school setting and its fast pacing; however, it wasn't as shocking as it predecessor. The exorcism in the first Merciless novel made my jaw drop, but the exorcism in this book just felt like a rehash set in a different location. Plus the ending was so corny. It was still overall an enjoyable read, as long as you're okay with silly horror tropes and one-dimensional characters.
Down the Drain is a chaotic, emotionally raw, brutally honest memoir. I really didn't know much about Julia Fox before reading this, so I don't know what I was anticipating before starting into this book, but it absolutely exceeded my expectations. Fox's story is undeniably messy, but she tells it with such vulnerability that I found it impossible to put down. This is an absolutely stunning story of fame, addiction, and healing.
The Brittanys really missed the mark for me. From the title, cover, and synopsis, I thought this was going to be an interesting coming-of-age novel set in the 90s, which sounds like it would be right up my alley. I guess it was a coming-of-age novel set in the 90s, but it was not interesting in any way. This felt like a story that did not need to be told. It was just a bunch of privileged, unlikeable white teenagers who do nothing but date boys and wonder when they will get their periods. I understand that the narrator was a high school student, but I hate that this novel portrays teen girls as nothing but boy crazy high schoolers with absolutely no emotional depth. By the end of the book, the only character development that the Brittanys experience is that they start having sex and smoking weed. The narrator truly believes shopping at Sephora and dating is what it means to be mature and she never grows past that. It's pointless and kind of infuriating. If you want an interesting slice-of-life novel about girls growing up, skip this one and read Dogs of Summer by Andrea Abreu.
I really enjoyed this one! The Rachel Incident is a witty, funny novel about the chaos of being a twenty-something. It is filled to the brim with drama, but O'Donoghue writes about it all with a surprising amount of emotional depth. I really rooted for Rachel and was so happy with the ending she received. I would definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a novel that's on the lighter side, but will still make you feel something.