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183 reviews
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I chose this book for one of my book of the month boxes in the spring. I was super excited about it because I love Historical Fiction and this sounded particularly interesting. Unfortunately, after reading it, I found it a bit underwhelming. The plot was a bit convoluted, the characters weren't entirely likeable or relatable, and this was less historical and much more fictional.
Let's start with the plot. I think the most basic part of the concept for the plot is really cool and had a lot of potential. A Frick family heirloom of immense value goes missing and someone is wrongfully accused. For me, where this fell apart is that it took over half the book to get to this particular point and the story seems, up until that point, more invested in the lives of two women...the personal assistant to the Frick daughter and a random model from the UK decades later. Each has their own plot line and it's not until the very end that they start to tie together. In my opinion, the plot that takes place decades later was unrealistic and detracted from the story.
The characters were also a bit difficult for me. I am under the impression that we aren't supposed to like most of the Frick family and that's fine. Purposefully unlikeable characters are fine. That said, the two main characters...Lillian, the personal assistant and Veronica, the English model were super hard for me to relate to as well. I thought both had great potential, it just wasn't explored. Their storylines could've been moving and deep, but I felt like they were sort of created as an afterthought to the rest of the plot.
Additionally, this really is more of a fiction than a historical fiction. Yes, the Fricks were a real family and the location is a real location. Other than that, it's almost entirely made up. I guess when I read a historical fiction, I have the expectation that the story will be grounded in some of the actual history. Had the plot and characterization been more compelling, perhaps I would've noticed this less or been less bothered by it.
All in all, this was a middle of the line historical fiction for me. It had lots of potential, but ultimately did not deliver. It's not to say that it's not worth a read, but just temper your expectations going into it.
Let's start with the plot. I think the most basic part of the concept for the plot is really cool and had a lot of potential. A Frick family heirloom of immense value goes missing and someone is wrongfully accused. For me, where this fell apart is that it took over half the book to get to this particular point and the story seems, up until that point, more invested in the lives of two women...the personal assistant to the Frick daughter and a random model from the UK decades later. Each has their own plot line and it's not until the very end that they start to tie together. In my opinion, the plot that takes place decades later was unrealistic and detracted from the story.
The characters were also a bit difficult for me. I am under the impression that we aren't supposed to like most of the Frick family and that's fine. Purposefully unlikeable characters are fine. That said, the two main characters...Lillian, the personal assistant and Veronica, the English model were super hard for me to relate to as well. I thought both had great potential, it just wasn't explored. Their storylines could've been moving and deep, but I felt like they were sort of created as an afterthought to the rest of the plot.
Additionally, this really is more of a fiction than a historical fiction. Yes, the Fricks were a real family and the location is a real location. Other than that, it's almost entirely made up. I guess when I read a historical fiction, I have the expectation that the story will be grounded in some of the actual history. Had the plot and characterization been more compelling, perhaps I would've noticed this less or been less bothered by it.
All in all, this was a middle of the line historical fiction for me. It had lots of potential, but ultimately did not deliver. It's not to say that it's not worth a read, but just temper your expectations going into it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent
Not sure how to write this warning...but false accusations of a crime
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Going into A Man Called Ove, I was worried that this would be another overhyped book for me. I see it everywhere and it's always receiving rave reviews. I've read a few of Backman's other books and enjoyed them, but didn't find them mind-blowing. I was, therefore, blown away when this turned into an instant favorite.
Ove is an elderly curmudgeon of a man and also a recent widower. After his wife's death, life has lost all meaning and he is walling himself off from the world around him in preparation for his own death. Things don't progress as smoothly as he'd hoped because his interfering, nosy, well-intentioned neighbors keep showing up with minor emergencies for him to resolve.
The plot concept is simple and not entirely unique. (It certainly reminds me of the movie Up by Pixar which was produced a couple years prior to this book.) That said, Backman leans into that simplicity and just tells a really good, moving story. He doesn't try to make is surprising or twisty. Instead, he builds a relationship between the reader and Ove and the cast of characters that surround him.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see this book touch on topics like ableism, ageism, xenophobia, racism, social services and homophobia. I did not expect this book to take a stance on these topics, but each one is addressed by little plot points throughout the story.
The characterization was one of my favorite parts of the book. Each character from Ove himself to the minorest of supporting characters is vibrant, alive, and realistic. Not only could I imagine the interactions that occur, but I've actually witnessed similar interactions by similar people in my own life.
If you enjoy found family tropes, grumpy old men, and an easy to enjoy style of writing, this is the book for you! Don't be put off by the hype. This one is worth it.
Ove is an elderly curmudgeon of a man and also a recent widower. After his wife's death, life has lost all meaning and he is walling himself off from the world around him in preparation for his own death. Things don't progress as smoothly as he'd hoped because his interfering, nosy, well-intentioned neighbors keep showing up with minor emergencies for him to resolve.
The plot concept is simple and not entirely unique. (It certainly reminds me of the movie Up by Pixar which was produced a couple years prior to this book.) That said, Backman leans into that simplicity and just tells a really good, moving story. He doesn't try to make is surprising or twisty. Instead, he builds a relationship between the reader and Ove and the cast of characters that surround him.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see this book touch on topics like ableism, ageism, xenophobia, racism, social services and homophobia. I did not expect this book to take a stance on these topics, but each one is addressed by little plot points throughout the story.
The characterization was one of my favorite parts of the book. Each character from Ove himself to the minorest of supporting characters is vibrant, alive, and realistic. Not only could I imagine the interactions that occur, but I've actually witnessed similar interactions by similar people in my own life.
If you enjoy found family tropes, grumpy old men, and an easy to enjoy style of writing, this is the book for you! Don't be put off by the hype. This one is worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
Daisy Jones And The Six is a book about a fictional 1970s rock band told via interviews with the band members. It is a unique format for telling the story and creates a very interesting reading experience. It reminded me a bit of watching a docu-series that follows some old, famous band.
Daisy and Billy are the two main characters and I found them both equally irritating. Daisy grew up in questionable ways and is just a mess. She's constantly drunk or high, in abusive relationships, and completely unreliable. Only her incredible, innate ability to sing keeps her around. Billy is super pious and sanctimonious, acting like the group mother hen. Obviously, with such different personalities, there is quite a bit of conflict between the two of them. While I did mostly enjoy the conflict between the two of them, at times I also found it a bit exhausting. It's just such a dysfunctional relationship that you want to shake them both.
The other band members are part of the story too, but to a lesser extent. While they have some good side plot lines, I felt like I actually would've liked a bit more about them. They were a nice break from Daisy and Billy.
I will say that I think TJR really nailed the 70s rock aesthetic with this book. It felt super authentic and even though I knew it was fictional, I could've almost believed that Daisy Jones And The Six was a real band. Clearly, she did her research for this one!
All in all, I thought this was an enjoyable read that really nails the 70s rock and roll vibe. If you like music and personal drama, you'll enjoy this!
Daisy and Billy are the two main characters and I found them both equally irritating. Daisy grew up in questionable ways and is just a mess. She's constantly drunk or high, in abusive relationships, and completely unreliable. Only her incredible, innate ability to sing keeps her around. Billy is super pious and sanctimonious, acting like the group mother hen. Obviously, with such different personalities, there is quite a bit of conflict between the two of them. While I did mostly enjoy the conflict between the two of them, at times I also found it a bit exhausting. It's just such a dysfunctional relationship that you want to shake them both.
The other band members are part of the story too, but to a lesser extent. While they have some good side plot lines, I felt like I actually would've liked a bit more about them. They were a nice break from Daisy and Billy.
I will say that I think TJR really nailed the 70s rock aesthetic with this book. It felt super authentic and even though I knew it was fictional, I could've almost believed that Daisy Jones And The Six was a real band. Clearly, she did her research for this one!
All in all, I thought this was an enjoyable read that really nails the 70s rock and roll vibe. If you like music and personal drama, you'll enjoy this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
As a child of the 90s and having grown up in area well known for punk and grunge, I was excited to dive into The Storyteller by Dave Grohl. It was honestly exactly what I was hoping for. Dave tells us the story of his life with lots of stories about notable musicians and musical moments.
One thing I particularly loved about this book is the way that Dave narrates it. His voice and personality comes across very clearly through his words. It's like he's almost standing there telling it to you himself in that moment. In some ways, his writing style even reminds me a bit of Anthony Bourdain...in that reverence to rock and roll, bits of snark, and out-pouring of facts for subjects he's passionate about.
Part of the reason I enjoyed this book so thoroughly was that it was just a lot of fun. Dave seems like such a kind and humble man and that makes him all the more likeable as a narrator. Even in the bleak moments, like when he talks about Kurt Cobain's suicide, he has an ability to reflect on things in a way that makes them understandable.
All in all, this is definitely being added to my top 5 favorite autobiographies. If you like music, you should have this on your TBR. (Pro Tip: Audiobook is great as Dave narrates it himself.)
One thing I particularly loved about this book is the way that Dave narrates it. His voice and personality comes across very clearly through his words. It's like he's almost standing there telling it to you himself in that moment. In some ways, his writing style even reminds me a bit of Anthony Bourdain...in that reverence to rock and roll, bits of snark, and out-pouring of facts for subjects he's passionate about.
Part of the reason I enjoyed this book so thoroughly was that it was just a lot of fun. Dave seems like such a kind and humble man and that makes him all the more likeable as a narrator. Even in the bleak moments, like when he talks about Kurt Cobain's suicide, he has an ability to reflect on things in a way that makes them understandable.
All in all, this is definitely being added to my top 5 favorite autobiographies. If you like music, you should have this on your TBR. (Pro Tip: Audiobook is great as Dave narrates it himself.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Suicide, Alcohol
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
I think one of the reasons that it took so long for there to be a follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale is just that it’s such a difficult story to do justice to. I tried to go into The Testaments with tempered expectations and I think that was helpful. This book is definitely solid, but definitely not as haunting as the original.
The story follows three different POV characters as we learn what happens after Offred’s testimony. I thought this was an effective way to show a lot of progression in a lot of different places without making the book 1000 pages.
I will say that while it did provide closure, it didn’t have the same emotional impact as HT. I did appreciate the resolution with some of the older characters like Aunt Lydia.
If you’re considering this series, I’d suggest:
Read Handmaid’s Tale
Watch The Handmaid’s Tale tv series
Finish with The Testaments
The story follows three different POV characters as we learn what happens after Offred’s testimony. I thought this was an effective way to show a lot of progression in a lot of different places without making the book 1000 pages.
I will say that while it did provide closure, it didn’t have the same emotional impact as HT. I did appreciate the resolution with some of the older characters like Aunt Lydia.
If you’re considering this series, I’d suggest:
Read Handmaid’s Tale
Watch The Handmaid’s Tale tv series
Finish with The Testaments
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Infertility, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail
In Every Mirror She's Black by Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
This is the story of three Black women, each from a different background, living in Sweden and tied together by one unique man. I loved that we get a POV for each of the three women so that we get a chance to really know them. We learn their hopes, fears, and struggles. I felt like I had a good idea of who each of them was by the end of the book.
I really liked the author’s dedication to portraying characters with diverse backgrounds. The main three characters are each Black women, but their backgrounds are varied. Kemi is Nigerian-American, Muna is a refugee to Sweden from Somalia, and Brittney-Rae is African American. The main male character, Johnny, is neuro divergent and portrayed thoughtfully. We also see supporting characters who are refugees from Eritrea and Syria and two of Kemi’s friends are a gay couple. All of the diversity makes the story so much richer and realistic.
My only real critique of this story is that the ending was a bit open ended. I didn’t necessarily want it to be neatly wrapped up, but I wish there was just a bit more.
All in all, I would definitely recommend it for contemporary fiction readers, particularly readers with an interest in prejudice, xenophobia, fetishism, ableism, and racism.
I really liked the author’s dedication to portraying characters with diverse backgrounds. The main three characters are each Black women, but their backgrounds are varied. Kemi is Nigerian-American, Muna is a refugee to Sweden from Somalia, and Brittney-Rae is African American. The main male character, Johnny, is neuro divergent and portrayed thoughtfully. We also see supporting characters who are refugees from Eritrea and Syria and two of Kemi’s friends are a gay couple. All of the diversity makes the story so much richer and realistic.
My only real critique of this story is that the ending was a bit open ended. I didn’t necessarily want it to be neatly wrapped up, but I wish there was just a bit more.
All in all, I would definitely recommend it for contemporary fiction readers, particularly readers with an interest in prejudice, xenophobia, fetishism, ableism, and racism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Confinement, Death, Infidelity, Racism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Islamophobia, Grief, Stalking, Classism
Fetishism
Recursion by Blake Crouch
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-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
4.25
After the Fire by Will Hill
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
3.75
Moonbeam has recently escaped what was a bloody massacre on the compound of the cult she grew up in. She’s haunted not only by the deaths, but some deeply buried secrets as well. This book explores her experiences within the cult and her trauma after the cult has been broken up.
I liked how this book utilized flashbacks as the character narrating her story to her doctor. It flowed pretty well and was easy to keep track of.
I also like how we see the progression of thoughts in Moonbeams mind as different things occur. She doesn’t wake up one morning and simply feel a certain way. She develops thoughts and feelings over periods of time. It made her come across as thoughtful instead of impulsive.
Also, this cult was so creepy! I know it was based off of the Branch Davidians and Waco Texas, but i thought the author did a good job of distinguishing the cult in his writing from its inspiration.
All in all, an interesting and moving read. A bit predictable at points, but still good.
I liked how this book utilized flashbacks as the character narrating her story to her doctor. It flowed pretty well and was easy to keep track of.
I also like how we see the progression of thoughts in Moonbeams mind as different things occur. She doesn’t wake up one morning and simply feel a certain way. She develops thoughts and feelings over periods of time. It made her come across as thoughtful instead of impulsive.
Also, this cult was so creepy! I know it was based off of the Branch Davidians and Waco Texas, but i thought the author did a good job of distinguishing the cult in his writing from its inspiration.
All in all, an interesting and moving read. A bit predictable at points, but still good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
challenging
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Cultish is a non-fiction book that discusses the language of fanaticism and when it veers into dangerous territory. This was very insightful and informative.
I appreciate that the author’s tone is thoughtful. She doesn’t demean or insult people who have been taken in by cults. She only explains how it happens.
I also really liked how she discussed fanaticism for workout programs, multi-level marketing, and more versus the traditional religious cult. There was a lot of nuance provided.
All in all, a great book to help you analyze your thinking and understanding toxic group think.
I appreciate that the author’s tone is thoughtful. She doesn’t demean or insult people who have been taken in by cults. She only explains how it happens.
I also really liked how she discussed fanaticism for workout programs, multi-level marketing, and more versus the traditional religious cult. There was a lot of nuance provided.
All in all, a great book to help you analyze your thinking and understanding toxic group think.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Classism
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
slow-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
4.0
Khaled Hosseini is an incredibly talented author, so it's pretty much a given for me that I'm always going to like his books. That being said, I didn't love And The Mountains Echoed in the same way that I've loved some of his other books. It is definitely good and I don't want to put anyone off reading it. It just was slightly less impactful for me.
Some of the things that I did love about this particular story was the way that Hosseini uses traditional Middle Eastern storytelling as a reference point for the majority of the book. The story of the Djinn at the beginning really sets the expectations of what is to come.
What follows is the story of Abdullah and Pari as they grow apart over the years. Abdullah is a loving older brother, one who dutifully protects his younger sister. Though he loves her deeply, he isn't able to protect her from the poverty they both live in. The story that follows is sad, reflective, and shows how love can stay strong over decades.
All in all, if you've liked Hosseini's previous books, you should absolutely read this one as well.
Some of the things that I did love about this particular story was the way that Hosseini uses traditional Middle Eastern storytelling as a reference point for the majority of the book. The story of the Djinn at the beginning really sets the expectations of what is to come.
What follows is the story of Abdullah and Pari as they grow apart over the years. Abdullah is a loving older brother, one who dutifully protects his younger sister. Though he loves her deeply, he isn't able to protect her from the poverty they both live in. The story that follows is sad, reflective, and shows how love can stay strong over decades.
All in all, if you've liked Hosseini's previous books, you should absolutely read this one as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War