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ashbydodd's reviews
465 reviews
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
dark
sad
3.0
I have to admit—before this, I had never read William Faulkner. Not once. He was never assigned in school, and I never felt the urge to pick up his work on my own. But then I saw that The Sound and the Fury had a new audiobook edition narrated by Edoardo Ballerini, and that was all the convincing I needed. If Ballerini is reading it, I’m listening.
Now that I’ve made it through, all I can say is… maybe Faulkner just isn’t for me. I fully appreciate his technical genius—each section is narrated by a different character, and Faulkner adapts his writing to fit their personalities, which is undeniably impressive. Benjy’s section is a jumbled mess because Benjy’s mind is a jumbled mess. Jason’s section is more linear and, well, bitter because Jason is a straight-up rage machine. I get why people call this book brilliant; I do. But my issue isn’t with the complex storytelling—it’s that this book is so bleak. I mean, I like a good dark and twisty story, but this? This is a deep, existential pit of despair. Yes, there was a glimmer of hope in the end, but I spent most of my time just counting down to when I’d be done.
That said, the real MVP here is Edoardo Ballerini. I don’t think I would have made it through without his voice guiding me. He nailed every perspective shift, bringing just the right tone to each section. Even when I was exhausted by Faulkner’s unrelenting tragedy, Ballerini kept me engaged. Would I have finished The Sound and the Fury in print? Probably not. But thanks to Ballerini, I saw it through.
So, if you love Faulkner (or want to finally give him a try), this audiobook is the way to go. But if you’re like me and need at least some joy in your reading life, maybe pick up something a little less, you know… soul-crushing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Now that I’ve made it through, all I can say is… maybe Faulkner just isn’t for me. I fully appreciate his technical genius—each section is narrated by a different character, and Faulkner adapts his writing to fit their personalities, which is undeniably impressive. Benjy’s section is a jumbled mess because Benjy’s mind is a jumbled mess. Jason’s section is more linear and, well, bitter because Jason is a straight-up rage machine. I get why people call this book brilliant; I do. But my issue isn’t with the complex storytelling—it’s that this book is so bleak. I mean, I like a good dark and twisty story, but this? This is a deep, existential pit of despair. Yes, there was a glimmer of hope in the end, but I spent most of my time just counting down to when I’d be done.
That said, the real MVP here is Edoardo Ballerini. I don’t think I would have made it through without his voice guiding me. He nailed every perspective shift, bringing just the right tone to each section. Even when I was exhausted by Faulkner’s unrelenting tragedy, Ballerini kept me engaged. Would I have finished The Sound and the Fury in print? Probably not. But thanks to Ballerini, I saw it through.
So, if you love Faulkner (or want to finally give him a try), this audiobook is the way to go. But if you’re like me and need at least some joy in your reading life, maybe pick up something a little less, you know… soul-crushing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux
adventurous
2.5
I’ve read Jude Deveraux before and have good memories of getting lost in her storytelling. So, I was excited to read Order of Swans (the first book in her The Blue Swan series). The premise intrigued me—an alien secret society, romance, a touch of magic? Sign me up. But unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
Maybe it’s Deveraux’s first foray into romantasy, and look, I love a well-crafted or fun take on the genre. But this just didn’t grab me. The characters felt distant, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t latch onto their storylines. I found myself disengaging, my mind wandering, until I eventually realized I just wasn’t invested in the outcome. I finished for the sake of finishing.
That said, if you’re a die-hard fan of the fantasy-romance hybrid genre and have a higher tolerance for trope-heavy, slightly meandering plots, this might work better for you. But for me, Order of Swans was a miss.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Maybe it’s Deveraux’s first foray into romantasy, and look, I love a well-crafted or fun take on the genre. But this just didn’t grab me. The characters felt distant, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t latch onto their storylines. I found myself disengaging, my mind wandering, until I eventually realized I just wasn’t invested in the outcome. I finished for the sake of finishing.
That said, if you’re a die-hard fan of the fantasy-romance hybrid genre and have a higher tolerance for trope-heavy, slightly meandering plots, this might work better for you. But for me, Order of Swans was a miss.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
From the very first page, Tell Me What You Did grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. This psychological thriller by Carter Wilson wastes no time, throwing readers into a relentless game of cat and mouse from the jump.
At the heart of the story is Poe, a popular podcaster who specializes in true crime. But things take a turn when a stranger comes forward claiming responsibility for her mother's murder—except Poe knows her mother's killer is dead.
The premise is gold, and Wilson executes it with razor-sharp precision. The tension is constant—every chapter is filled with unease, pulling me deeper into the mystery. The pacing is fast (which I love!)… well, almost. While the book starts strong and moves forward rapidly, I hit a bit of a lull in the middle. Nothing significant—just enough to make me consider setting it down for the night. But fortunately, the last quarter of the book jumps into high gear again, leading to an action-packed conclusion.
This was my first Carter Wilson book, but it won't be my last. If you're a thriller fan looking for a book that keeps you guessing (and possibly looking over your shoulder), Tell Me What You Did is well worth the read. Buckle up—this one is a ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
At the heart of the story is Poe, a popular podcaster who specializes in true crime. But things take a turn when a stranger comes forward claiming responsibility for her mother's murder—except Poe knows her mother's killer is dead.
The premise is gold, and Wilson executes it with razor-sharp precision. The tension is constant—every chapter is filled with unease, pulling me deeper into the mystery. The pacing is fast (which I love!)… well, almost. While the book starts strong and moves forward rapidly, I hit a bit of a lull in the middle. Nothing significant—just enough to make me consider setting it down for the night. But fortunately, the last quarter of the book jumps into high gear again, leading to an action-packed conclusion.
This was my first Carter Wilson book, but it won't be my last. If you're a thriller fan looking for a book that keeps you guessing (and possibly looking over your shoulder), Tell Me What You Did is well worth the read. Buckle up—this one is a ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Iron Flame (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What happens when the life you built for yourself—flaws and all—crumbles instantly? That's exactly where Ebby finds herself when her fiancé ghosts her on their wedding day. No call, no explanation, just… gone. As if that weren't enough, Ebby's past is already a minefield of trauma—she witnessed her brother's murder as a child. Her family history is packed with the kind of secrets that don't stay buried.
In search of an escape (and maybe some clarity), Ebby heads to France. Because if you're going to have a full-blown existential crisis, you might as well do it with good wine and better scenery. But then, because life isn't done throwing gut punches, she runs into her ex-fiancé… and his new girlfriend. Now, faced with the mess of her past and the chaos of her present, Ebby has to figure out what she actually wants for her future.
And then there's Old Mo. A clay jar passed down through Ebby's family for generations, carrying stories, memories, and a connection to her ancestors. As Ebby unpacks the meaning of the jar and its place in her history, she starts to understand her family in a new way.
Charmaine Wilkerson has this magical ability to write with such ease while weaving a deeply intricate, absorbing story. Good Dirt pulls you in fast, keeps you flipping pages, and makes you want to stay in Ebby's world a little longer. It's rich, emotional, and beautifully layered.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It's one of those books that settles into your bones—impossible to put down and even harder to forget.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In search of an escape (and maybe some clarity), Ebby heads to France. Because if you're going to have a full-blown existential crisis, you might as well do it with good wine and better scenery. But then, because life isn't done throwing gut punches, she runs into her ex-fiancé… and his new girlfriend. Now, faced with the mess of her past and the chaos of her present, Ebby has to figure out what she actually wants for her future.
And then there's Old Mo. A clay jar passed down through Ebby's family for generations, carrying stories, memories, and a connection to her ancestors. As Ebby unpacks the meaning of the jar and its place in her history, she starts to understand her family in a new way.
Charmaine Wilkerson has this magical ability to write with such ease while weaving a deeply intricate, absorbing story. Good Dirt pulls you in fast, keeps you flipping pages, and makes you want to stay in Ebby's world a little longer. It's rich, emotional, and beautifully layered.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It's one of those books that settles into your bones—impossible to put down and even harder to forget.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television by Claire St. Amant
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Let me tell you, Claire St. Amant has led a life that reads like its own true crime series—minus getting murdered, thankfully. In Killer Story, she pulls back the curtain on her time as a producer for CBS’s 48 Hours, blending the adrenaline-fueled world of true crime television with her own personal journey as a wife and mom. If you’re a sucker for a personal behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes journalism (or you’re the type who can’t help but binge entire seasons of 48 Hours in one sitting), there’s a lot here to love. But, fair warning, this book leans more memoir than exposé.
It’s no surprise that competition between networks is brutal, but reading about their underhanded, last-minute antics to secure exclusives? That was fascinating. Claire St. Amant doesn’t shy away from the grit, either—detailing the grind of chasing leads, building trust with families and authorities, and somehow balancing it all with the demands of home life.
What really stands out are the cases St. Amant covered. Some were new to me, while others were nationally known crimes. Seeing these events from a producer’s perspective added a new layer to my understanding of how these stories are crafted for television. However, if you’re hoping the book will focus heavily on the cases, you might be a little disappointed. The book is focused on St. Amant’s career and her own experiences.
Killer Story is a good choice for true crime enthusiasts, especially those curious about what goes on behind the scenes of shows like 48 Hours. Just keep in mind that you’re signing up for a biography first and foremost—one that’s fascinating in its own right but doesn’t quite satisfy the craving for an in-depth behind-the-scenes breakdown of major true crime stories.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with a caveat: go in for the compelling life of Claire St. Amant, and consider the true crime tidbits a bonus. It’s not perfect, but it’s an engaging peek into a world most of us only see from our couches.
Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It’s no surprise that competition between networks is brutal, but reading about their underhanded, last-minute antics to secure exclusives? That was fascinating. Claire St. Amant doesn’t shy away from the grit, either—detailing the grind of chasing leads, building trust with families and authorities, and somehow balancing it all with the demands of home life.
What really stands out are the cases St. Amant covered. Some were new to me, while others were nationally known crimes. Seeing these events from a producer’s perspective added a new layer to my understanding of how these stories are crafted for television. However, if you’re hoping the book will focus heavily on the cases, you might be a little disappointed. The book is focused on St. Amant’s career and her own experiences.
Killer Story is a good choice for true crime enthusiasts, especially those curious about what goes on behind the scenes of shows like 48 Hours. Just keep in mind that you’re signing up for a biography first and foremost—one that’s fascinating in its own right but doesn’t quite satisfy the craving for an in-depth behind-the-scenes breakdown of major true crime stories.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with a caveat: go in for the compelling life of Claire St. Amant, and consider the true crime tidbits a bonus. It’s not perfect, but it’s an engaging peek into a world most of us only see from our couches.
Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morrison
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
If you've ever been curious about the rise of Lorne Michaels or are a die-hard Saturday Night Live fan, Susan Morrison's Lorne should be at the top of your reading list. This biography dives deep—not just into Lorne's iconic run as the creator and producer of SNL—but also into his career before the show that turned him into a household name.
Yes, the book is dense. It's packed with anecdotes, behind-the-scenes revelations, and fascinating tidbits about not just Lorne but the entire SNL machine. Morrison doesn't limit herself to the stars we see on screen; she shines a light on the show's unsung heroes—writers, musicians, producers, and the many moving parts that have kept the SNL engine running for decades.
The biggest takeaway? A new appreciation for Lorne Michaels as a fully realized human being, not just the enigmatic producer with a penchant for dry humor. Through Morrison's lens, Lorne becomes someone you can admire for his creativity, discipline, and resilience—and someone you can sympathize with for his struggles and quirks.
Despite the hefty amount of content, Morrison's writing keeps things moving. For SNL fans or those fascinated by the inner workings of a TV institution, Lorne is a must-read. And for those who aren't as familiar with the show, this book might just convince you why Lorne Michaels is one of the most influential figures in comedy and television.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Yes, the book is dense. It's packed with anecdotes, behind-the-scenes revelations, and fascinating tidbits about not just Lorne but the entire SNL machine. Morrison doesn't limit herself to the stars we see on screen; she shines a light on the show's unsung heroes—writers, musicians, producers, and the many moving parts that have kept the SNL engine running for decades.
The biggest takeaway? A new appreciation for Lorne Michaels as a fully realized human being, not just the enigmatic producer with a penchant for dry humor. Through Morrison's lens, Lorne becomes someone you can admire for his creativity, discipline, and resilience—and someone you can sympathize with for his struggles and quirks.
Despite the hefty amount of content, Morrison's writing keeps things moving. For SNL fans or those fascinated by the inner workings of a TV institution, Lorne is a must-read. And for those who aren't as familiar with the show, this book might just convince you why Lorne Michaels is one of the most influential figures in comedy and television.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
James by Percival Everett
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
The Lost House by Melissa Larsen
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
The Lost House by Melissa Larsen is a mystery set against Iceland's breathtaking, otherworldly backdrop—at first, I thought, sign me up! But while the premise was intriguing and the writing was good, the story itself didn't quite pull me in the way I'd hoped.
The plot follows Agnes, who travels to Iceland to meet with a true crime podcaster about her grandfather, who is suspected of murdering her aunt and cousin. Agnes is determined to clear his name. But things take a turn when, during her stay in the small town where her father and grandfather once lived, a girl goes missing. Everyone becomes a suspect, and Agnes is tasked with uncovering her family's past and a new mystery.
The setup is fantastic: a podcaster revisiting a cold case, family secrets, and suspicious small-town locals. Plus, the beautiful Icelandic landscape is the story's backdrop. I've been drawn to Iceland for years and was thrilled at the idea of losing myself in a story set in its unique landscape. Larsen did a solid job describing the scenery—it felt icy, remote, and mysterious, a perfect match for the book's tone.
But for reasons I can't put my finger on, the book never quite sucked me in. The writing is well-crafted, and the plot is clearly thought out, but it lacks the kind of magnetism that makes it impossible to put the book down. It's not bad by any means—just not my favorite.
That said, I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. If you're a fan of Iceland or enjoy slow-burn mysteries, this might be the book for you.
Would I recommend it? Sure, especially if you're a mystery lover with a soft spot for Iceland. Even though it didn't quite hit the mark for me, that doesn't mean it won't for you. Sometimes, it's all about the right book at the right time—and for all its atmosphere and intrigue, The Lost House still deserves a shot.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The plot follows Agnes, who travels to Iceland to meet with a true crime podcaster about her grandfather, who is suspected of murdering her aunt and cousin. Agnes is determined to clear his name. But things take a turn when, during her stay in the small town where her father and grandfather once lived, a girl goes missing. Everyone becomes a suspect, and Agnes is tasked with uncovering her family's past and a new mystery.
The setup is fantastic: a podcaster revisiting a cold case, family secrets, and suspicious small-town locals. Plus, the beautiful Icelandic landscape is the story's backdrop. I've been drawn to Iceland for years and was thrilled at the idea of losing myself in a story set in its unique landscape. Larsen did a solid job describing the scenery—it felt icy, remote, and mysterious, a perfect match for the book's tone.
But for reasons I can't put my finger on, the book never quite sucked me in. The writing is well-crafted, and the plot is clearly thought out, but it lacks the kind of magnetism that makes it impossible to put the book down. It's not bad by any means—just not my favorite.
That said, I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. If you're a fan of Iceland or enjoy slow-burn mysteries, this might be the book for you.
Would I recommend it? Sure, especially if you're a mystery lover with a soft spot for Iceland. Even though it didn't quite hit the mark for me, that doesn't mean it won't for you. Sometimes, it's all about the right book at the right time—and for all its atmosphere and intrigue, The Lost House still deserves a shot.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0