bananastasia's reviews
8 reviews

Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I have read two other Otessa Moshfegh books (Lapvona and My Year of Rest and Relaxation) before this one, so I had a good idea of what I was getting into when picking up Eileen. I imagine her other books are similar in writing style, so if you like dark, moody and primarily character-driven stories, I would highly recommend this book!
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From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty

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dark informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

This book, first of all, did a great job of balancing its topic with its tone throughout. I can’t imagine it was easy to write about so many different cultures’ death practices in depth and in such a way that highlights the deeper meaning behind them, while also expressing all of this in an easily-digestible way.  This was a super informative read, especially since alternative burial practices aren’t exactly highlighted here in America. 
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-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

3.0

Uzumaki by Junji Ito

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

5.0

I love books that sort of mess with my head and my perception of the story and this book does just that. I was very confused as to what on earth was happening or how I was going to make sense of anything at first, but I grew to understand what the main character was saying and referencing as time went on. I would recommend this book to just about anyone!
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-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

4.0

This book was a great psychological horror, but not enough happened in the first half of the book, in terms of haunting events. It kept on that trajectory right til the end, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. 
The Fisherman by John Langan

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dark emotional mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

This book was heavy and intense and the story and setting was immense. A psychological horror to the nth degree. 
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