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bloop's Reviews (102)
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The title of the story definitely led me astray because it was 25% Terrace Story and then 75% Stories that Happened Outside of the Terrace. The format of the book was interesting with a few different storylines intertwining together and sometimes peering into the future of random side characters (a quirk which I thought unique). To be honest, I think I may be too dumb to understand the bigger message behind this book because at the end of it, I thought, "That's it?"
However, I did enjoy Hilary Leichter's writing style and concise prose. Although, it is a double edged sword because I would often have to reread bits and pieces because I felt like I was missing so much context. There were also a few beautiful quotes that came out of the book but not enough to feel like I have been changed in any way by this book.
However, I did enjoy Hilary Leichter's writing style and concise prose. Although, it is a double edged sword because I would often have to reread bits and pieces because I felt like I was missing so much context. There were also a few beautiful quotes that came out of the book but not enough to feel like I have been changed in any way by this book.
dark
slow-paced
A very unsettling journey of a woman who suffered through abuse as a child, determined to live outside the norms and boundaries of society. How far is too far? Apparently nothing for Sayaka Murata! I was thoroughly uneased by the end of it, however I feel like the commentary that Murata was making about society is nothing new. It became a little bizarre as the story progressed, and although I enjoyed the book, I am hesitant about recommending it to others.
i only finished it a couple days ago but everything feels like a blur. definitely a weird book for weird girls. was kinda sad at the end of it but i really liked it :)
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
A stunningly beautiful portrait into the Black British experience following an unnamed protagonist navigating the relationships in his life. I loved the stylistic choice of 2nd person perspective; it's like the author was writing a love letter to black men and their collective experience. Absolutely stunning prose that at times had me confused with its stream-of-consciousness-like nature, but I loved the book nonetheless. I remember the whole time thinking about "If Beale Street Could Talk" and then felt super vindicated with the MC went and watched the movie in the book!
fast-paced
It was fine. A good palette cleanser and of course, one must always read at least one holiday romance during December :)
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I sped through this one! It was such a fun read and I enjoyed the prose. It didn't feel like YA to me although it is labeled as one -- especially because there is explicit mention of sex and describing orgasming (not smut, but still). I do wish that the enemies to lovers was fleshed out more, just seems like randomly one day they realized they liked each other but not enough build up to get to that point. Besides that, I don't really have any other complaints. The twist at the end tho!! Left me wanting more.
fast-paced
I liked this book but I don't understand how it had so much hype. Just seemed like surface level book that accomplished nothing revolutionary. Also Elizabeth's stubbornness and brusque nature really irked me at times. I get that she's supposed to be a "strong, independent woman" but I didn't like the way it was executed. Now don't come for me and say that I don't like her rough personality by virtue of her being a woman because I actually enjoy many FMC who have even more of a stubborn personality (e.g. Rin from The Poppy War and Korra from "The Legend of Korra"). The best part of the book was the POV of Six Thirty the dog, I fear. Perfect if you're looking for a light read.
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed reading Rouge, though there were some pacing issues in the middle of the book. Felt like it could have been shorter with the same message. Was totally entranced by the plot; I thought it was a super fascinating metaphor for how societal beauty standards and extreme conformity will eventually rot your brain, causing you to lose who you are (any maybe even k*ll yourself). However, too much Tom Cruise. This is just a personal gripe of mine, but I hate when books have a central motif/hinges on a celebrity (like Ellen for It Ends With Us). It just comes off as more cringe than anything. I will let this one slide but fr I was on the edge of losing it.
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I wanted to love Our Wives Under the Sea so badly. Alas, it just wasn't for me. This is nothing against Julia Armfield, as her prose is phenomenal. The overall story was just too slow paced for me with little emotional payoff. What happened to Leah was jarring, but I was just left unsatisfied in the end. I think the story was a great allegory for grief and letting loved ones go, however I felt like a lot of chapters were unnecessary. Even though this book was under 250 pages, I still slogged through it and it took me a couple days to finish.
Very good, and I see the clear similarities between this book and The Secret History. I think about The Secret History a lot, weeks after reading it, but I can't say the same for this book. However, if you're looking for something similar, a ~dark academia~ thriller, this book will scratch that itch.