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badmom's reviews
491 reviews
Odd Girl Out by Elizabeth Jane Howard
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
A fascinating character study, revolving around a free-spirited young woman whose presence affects everyone she encounters - from lovers to store clerks to cab drivers. At the center of the story is her unfolding relationship with an older married couple who seem to be living a comfortable, content life. Soon everyone is reevaluating what they felt to be true about their values, beliefs, and desires.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Abortion, and Infidelity
Minor: Pregnancy, Suicide, and Domestic abuse
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Sweet story, not terrifically complicated or deep but fair look at teen friendship + feelings.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A wild ride around the writing and publishing world, told from the POV of an entitled & embarrassingly obtuse white woman. Kuang perfectly captures her voice, at times almost self-aware, to make for a brilliantly uncomfortable yet still entertaining & insightful & reflective story.
Tea At Gunter's by Pamela Haines
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
An interesting study of developing self-awareness & family relationships in post-WWII England. The young narrator, Lucy, observes the lives of everyone around her while trying to figure out who she is and how she fits in - or, if she wants to.
Some beautiful, savory descriptions of life in the 1940s around + in London as well as deliciously detailed characterizations of people from clearly defined social classes.
The ending wrapped up too abruptly to be fully satisfying but that could have been yet another honest point the author wanted to make.
Some beautiful, savory descriptions of life in the 1940s around + in London as well as deliciously detailed characterizations of people from clearly defined social classes.
The ending wrapped up too abruptly to be fully satisfying but that could have been yet another honest point the author wanted to make.
Bingo Love by Tee Franklin
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Pemmican Wars by Katherena Vermette
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Beautifully illustrated with soft colors & lines yet striking attention to details, including background imagery. This is the first in a series about a Métis girl learning about the ‘Pemmican Wars’ but doesn’t give a lot of explicit background to the characters; we can guess at circumstances but I’d like to know the true back story for context. It does make me want to read more, for the Canadian/First Nations history + Echo herself as a contemporary Native.
Blackouts by Justin Torres
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The structure of this novel can be confusing as it often moves between past & present, through different voices & states of consciousness, referencing literary quotes & research data & history & art. However, it is a fascinating look at memory + perspection as well as a glimpse at how society at large perceives homosexuality. The voices are poetic and rich and endearing; the imagery is entrancing.
I’m left wanting to reread it, and also read more.
I’m left wanting to reread it, and also read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death
Moderate: Homophobia, Abandonment, Colonisation, Lesbophobia, and Confinement
Minor: Medical content, Medical trauma, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Mental illness, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, and Infidelity
White Ivy by Susie Yang
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Parasites by Daphne du Maurier
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Daphne du Maurier is always brilliant at highlighting the worst in people, even those we think might be likable. Maybe especially those - she examines every move, choice, thought in ways that make us question ourselves. In The Parasites, three privileged siblings in post-WWII England are tasked with self-reflection, a chore they take on at first with some disdain and little seriousness. But as one evening wears on, the reader is taken into the past of each from their own increasingly lucid point of view; they begin to understand (or finally admit to understanding) their experiences.
Throughout, du Maurier uses a curious point of view - sometimes second person, sometimes first, occasionally third. This forces an often unpleasant connection between characters and reader; we recognize our own flawed thinking and wonder in the back of our minds if we would behave similarly.
This novel in unsettling but captivating, and necessary still nearly 80 years later.
Throughout, du Maurier uses a curious point of view - sometimes second person, sometimes first, occasionally third. This forces an often unpleasant connection between characters and reader; we recognize our own flawed thinking and wonder in the back of our minds if we would behave similarly.
This novel in unsettling but captivating, and necessary still nearly 80 years later.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The choice of first person narrative through Patroclus is clever & moving, giving the entire story more emotional depth, in addition to adding an outside perspective to one of the most famous Greek heroes.
The historical references and details of weaponry & battle are peripheral; the bulk of attention is spent humanizing the characters through their lesser-known thoughts & behaviors.
In the end, this well-known war story becomes a rich, beautiful examination of friendship, love, & family.
The historical references and details of weaponry & battle are peripheral; the bulk of attention is spent humanizing the characters through their lesser-known thoughts & behaviors.
In the end, this well-known war story becomes a rich, beautiful examination of friendship, love, & family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Violence, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Moderate: Misogyny, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Sexism
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual violence, Abandonment, Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Rape, Slavery, and Infidelity