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bookmaddie's reviews
1121 reviews
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
adventurous
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Xenophobia
Moderate: Rape
The Home I Worked to Make: Voices from the New Syrian Diaspora by Wendy Pearlman
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Powerful stories. Really enjoyed revisiting people over multiple chapters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Islamophobia, and War
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
I had a good time!! Most people sucked but it was entertaining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Car accident, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
She's Always Hungry by Eliza Clark
—
initial thoughts below:
Some stories really stood out, many were truly disgusting and made me feel a bit nauseous! The latter half of the collection wasn’t as strong for me. The more sci-fi stories surprised and intrigued me! Maybe she should go there w her next novel.
dark
medium-paced
3.5
I was so excited to read some short stories from Clark after reading & loving her first two novels! This collection starts off with some bangers, but around halfway through, I felt a bit weary of it all. Even so, if you're a fan of Clark's writing, I think you'll be into this. Lots of surprises, as well as Clark's signature twisted focus on the darker sides of human nature.
Clark is SUPERB at writing some of the grossest stories l've read. The first story, about a woman selling a mysterious weight loss treatment online, was so gross that I had to pause after reading it to collect myself.
That feeling continued across
That feeling continued across
multiple stories in this collection, so if you're into feeling disgusted, this is the book for you!!
There were some more pleasant surprises, though. Science fiction!! I really enjoyed most of these sci-fi stories, and now I'm left hoping Clark is gonna publish a sci-fi novel next. Her stories were filled with such fantastical imaginations of space and aliens, but firmly grounded by her characters. I loved it!
Not every story blew me away, but this was still a really worthwhile (and quick!) reading experience for me. Stories about women, survival, and darkness populate every page, with some wry, thoughtful observations about our nature and climate change. Thanks @netgalley and @harperperennial for my advanced digital copy!
—
initial thoughts below:
Some stories really stood out, many were truly disgusting and made me feel a bit nauseous! The latter half of the collection wasn’t as strong for me. The more sci-fi stories surprised and intrigued me! Maybe she should go there w her next novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, and Murder
A Feather on the Breath of God: A Novel by Sigrid Nunez
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Some parts were more compelling than others. The last section about her affair with Vadim dragged a bit. Gorgeous writing throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
The Story of the Forest by Linda Grant
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for my advanced digital copy!
It took me awhile to figure out where this winding narrative was going and to really connect with the characters. I wish this was less of a wide-ranging tale, so we could’ve gotten to know characters more. Even so, the latter half really picked up for me and I found it a compelling read.
It took me awhile to figure out where this winding narrative was going and to really connect with the characters. I wish this was less of a wide-ranging tale, so we could’ve gotten to know characters more. Even so, the latter half really picked up for me and I found it a compelling read.
A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune by Noliwe Rooks
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Sometimes I wish sections about Bethune’s activism were a bit more detailed. Impassioned writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Slavery
Prairie, Dresses, Art, Other by Danielle Dutton
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
thought provoking, maybe a bit too smart for little old me! but some lovely moments with gorg writing. enjoyed all the references to other texts and artworks.
If Only by Vigdis Hjorth
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
At this point, I couldn’t read about this repetitive, frenzied affair any longer. Barely anything changes, and I don’t understand Ida’s deep fascination with Arnold. I’m just not that into affair fiction, which I feel like is really in vogue atm.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Out by Natsuo Kirino
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Murder