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amys_hygge_reads's reviews
48 reviews
Probably Nothing by Lauren Bravo
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Probably Nothing by Lauren Bravo
The Story 📚
Bryony is happy to be single. She spends some time swiping through the dating apps, which is where she meets Ed. Ed is fine, but the excitement and spark just isn’t there. After seeing each other a handful of times, for some friends with benefits situation, Bryony plans to ghost Ed. This is the last time.
But the next afternoon, in a queue for the new hot spot restaurant, Bryony gets a random phone call to tell her that Ed has died.
Next thing Bryony knows, she’s been told how in love Ed was with her, how much he’s told everyone about them and she’s invited back to the family home to meet everyone and attend the funeral. The people pleasing trait within Bryony says to just go along with it - because it would be rude not to, right?
The Review 👩🏻💻
This was such a witty, laugh out loud book. I listened to the audiobook, and found myself trying to hold back some giggles while out and about. The narrators done a pretty good job, and the format was good!
I didn’t realise going into this book that it was actually dual narration. Not a 50/50 split, but I did really enjoy Kelly’s story and how she built a connection with Bryony.
As a whole the story went on a little too long in my opinion. There’s definitely a chunk in the middle that I don’t remember. I enjoyed Kelly’s ending - but Bryony’s felt a little simple and anticlimactic seen as she was the protagonist. I also strongly disliked Noah, Bryony’s roommate!
Overall a good, sarcastic and lighthearted read, despite some heavier topics. A nice listen to keep you busy while doing some tasks around the house, or out for a stroll.
Probably Nothing by Lauren Bravo
The Story 📚
Bryony is happy to be single. She spends some time swiping through the dating apps, which is where she meets Ed. Ed is fine, but the excitement and spark just isn’t there. After seeing each other a handful of times, for some friends with benefits situation, Bryony plans to ghost Ed. This is the last time.
But the next afternoon, in a queue for the new hot spot restaurant, Bryony gets a random phone call to tell her that Ed has died.
Next thing Bryony knows, she’s been told how in love Ed was with her, how much he’s told everyone about them and she’s invited back to the family home to meet everyone and attend the funeral. The people pleasing trait within Bryony says to just go along with it - because it would be rude not to, right?
The Review 👩🏻💻
This was such a witty, laugh out loud book. I listened to the audiobook, and found myself trying to hold back some giggles while out and about. The narrators done a pretty good job, and the format was good!
I didn’t realise going into this book that it was actually dual narration. Not a 50/50 split, but I did really enjoy Kelly’s story and how she built a connection with Bryony.
As a whole the story went on a little too long in my opinion. There’s definitely a chunk in the middle that I don’t remember. I enjoyed Kelly’s ending - but Bryony’s felt a little simple and anticlimactic seen as she was the protagonist. I also strongly disliked Noah, Bryony’s roommate!
Overall a good, sarcastic and lighthearted read, despite some heavier topics. A nice listen to keep you busy while doing some tasks around the house, or out for a stroll.
Any Girl by Mia Döring
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Any Girl by Mia Döring
The Story 📚
As an outsider, Mia lead a normal teenage and young adult life. Secondary school, college - the usual things. But the truth was much scarier. Sexually assaulted by a class mate, and then sexually groomed and exploited by an older man - Mia’s childhood was taken for her. Mia found herself within the Irish sex trade for many years, where her abuse continued. With this memoir, Mia tells her story of a young girl trying to survive, and how this trauma seeped in and affected every aspect of her life. Alongside this, Mia examines Ireland as a collective society - and the views and opinions we place on women and sex.
The Review 👩🏻💻
From being a woman, someone who has worked within women’s refuges in Ireland - and has friends working in violence against women’s services in other countries - I have heard a lot of stories. But that doesn’t make it any easier.
I generally try to avoid saying anything negative about non-fiction, particularly around something traumatic. This is Mia’s voice - her chance to say whatever she wanted. But, I did find the second half of the book a little repetitive. However, I swapped between reading and audiobook - and I always say if the author reads their own non-fiction, it definitely adds to the readers experience by listening in.
A raw and honest look into a horrible corner of Irish society. Obviously the nature of the book has multiple triggers. Mind yourself.
Any Girl by Mia Döring
The Story 📚
As an outsider, Mia lead a normal teenage and young adult life. Secondary school, college - the usual things. But the truth was much scarier. Sexually assaulted by a class mate, and then sexually groomed and exploited by an older man - Mia’s childhood was taken for her. Mia found herself within the Irish sex trade for many years, where her abuse continued. With this memoir, Mia tells her story of a young girl trying to survive, and how this trauma seeped in and affected every aspect of her life. Alongside this, Mia examines Ireland as a collective society - and the views and opinions we place on women and sex.
The Review 👩🏻💻
From being a woman, someone who has worked within women’s refuges in Ireland - and has friends working in violence against women’s services in other countries - I have heard a lot of stories. But that doesn’t make it any easier.
I generally try to avoid saying anything negative about non-fiction, particularly around something traumatic. This is Mia’s voice - her chance to say whatever she wanted. But, I did find the second half of the book a little repetitive. However, I swapped between reading and audiobook - and I always say if the author reads their own non-fiction, it definitely adds to the readers experience by listening in.
A raw and honest look into a horrible corner of Irish society. Obviously the nature of the book has multiple triggers. Mind yourself.
This Is Not About You: A Menmoir by Rosemary Mac Cabe
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Is Not About You - Rosemary Mac Cabe.
The Story 📚
Through this memoir we see the story unfold of one woman’s experience with the world of dating in search for love. Rosemary gives the reader a humorous and honest reflection of her own personal experiences, one which most woman are sure to relate to.
The Review 👩🏻💻
I have been a follower of Rosemary’s for years, and was very happy to support her newest work. But I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! Honestly I highlighted multiple passages in each chapter.
While yes on the surface this is a book about romantic relationships, but it is so much more. Rosemary explores society’s views on women, discovering your own self worth, mental health and other relationships in your life.
I listened to the second half of the book on audio which is narrated by Rosemary and I really enjoyed the extra touch - her tone adding even more meaning to her words. Her honesty in sharing her truth and experiences of being a woman is certain to leave you thinking of your own.
This Is Not About You - Rosemary Mac Cabe.
The Story 📚
Through this memoir we see the story unfold of one woman’s experience with the world of dating in search for love. Rosemary gives the reader a humorous and honest reflection of her own personal experiences, one which most woman are sure to relate to.
The Review 👩🏻💻
I have been a follower of Rosemary’s for years, and was very happy to support her newest work. But I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! Honestly I highlighted multiple passages in each chapter.
While yes on the surface this is a book about romantic relationships, but it is so much more. Rosemary explores society’s views on women, discovering your own self worth, mental health and other relationships in your life.
I listened to the second half of the book on audio which is narrated by Rosemary and I really enjoyed the extra touch - her tone adding even more meaning to her words. Her honesty in sharing her truth and experiences of being a woman is certain to leave you thinking of your own.