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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy o A Likely Story {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 3.14.2023
Star Rating: βββ
When an author creates unlikable characters, it can make or break a book for the reader. I've read several books with unlikable characters that I end up loving by the end, and that makes the book for me because I got to see the proper character development within the story.
Unfortunately for A Likely Story, those unlikable characters did not redeem themselves and ended up breaking the book for me. The story was full of the most desperate, egotistical, self-serving characters, and it was impossible to get past that. Isabelle and Ward are father and daughter (and two of the main characters), and they are the worst! I'd love to say they redeemed themselves, but they didn't, and, in my opinion, they had a much better outcome than they deserved. Claire was, frankly, the only character I loved.
One aspect I appreciated about A Likely Story is the theme of a book inside a book. I liked how the manuscript mirrored what was happening between Ward, Isabelle, Brian, and Claire. It also added a fun mystery element to the book until the 45% mark, as the reader isn't sure who the author is.
π¨βπ©βπ§ Family dynamics (particularly between father + daughter)
βπΌ Author life
π Slow pacing
π‘ Unlikable characters
π Book within a book
While this was not the book for me, I look forward to giving Leigh McMullan Abramson another chance with her next book!
_
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Genre: Fiction
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 3.14.2023
Star Rating: βββ
When an author creates unlikable characters, it can make or break a book for the reader. I've read several books with unlikable characters that I end up loving by the end, and that makes the book for me because I got to see the proper character development within the story.
Unfortunately for A Likely Story, those unlikable characters did not redeem themselves and ended up breaking the book for me. The story was full of the most desperate, egotistical, self-serving characters, and it was impossible to get past that. Isabelle and Ward are father and daughter (and two of the main characters), and they are the worst! I'd love to say they redeemed themselves, but they didn't, and, in my opinion, they had a much better outcome than they deserved. Claire was, frankly, the only character I loved.
One aspect I appreciated about A Likely Story is the theme of a book inside a book. I liked how the manuscript mirrored what was happening between Ward, Isabelle, Brian, and Claire. It also added a fun mystery element to the book until the 45% mark, as the reader isn't sure who the author is.
π¨βπ©βπ§ Family dynamics (particularly between father + daughter)
βπΌ Author life
π Slow pacing
π‘ Unlikable characters
π Book within a book
While this was not the book for me, I look forward to giving Leigh McMullan Abramson another chance with her next book!
_
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adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you, Scribner Books, for the gifted copy of Hang the Moon {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 3.28.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 3.28.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
"There are two kinds of brave people in this world β those who fight and those who protect the ones who can't fight."
The Glass Castle has been one of those books on my reading list for ages. Being from Kentucky and having lots of family from the region, it's been the most recommended book by my friends and family. I still need to read The Glass Castle, but when I saw the author, Jeanette Walls, was releasing a new book set in Prohibition Era Virginia, I added it to my reading list.
I had the opportunity to read and listen to Hang the Moon, which gave me a more rounded reading experience. The best part about the audio? The author narrates it. Walls did an outstanding job with her narration, and I enjoyed listening to Hang the Moon as I could immerse myself in the book through the author's narration.
I'm usually not one to read about Prohibition Era because I often find the characters over the top (and not in a good way), but I mostly enjoyed what Walls did with Hang the Moon. I needed some help keeping the characters straight. But, once I settled in, I could fully appreciate Walls' attention to detail and the atmosphere she created within the pages of her book.
I had two problems with Hang the Moon: the repetition between characters/scenes and the need for more character depth. The repetition throughout the book wasn't terrible, but it was present enough that it did start to bother me toward the end. However, My biggest issue was there I never found any character depth. When I thought the author would take the opportunity to dig deeper into a character, the scene would change, and the moment would be forgotten. By the end of Hang the Moon, I felt no natural pull toward a particular character.
πͺπΌ Strong female characters
π£οΈ Narrated by the author
π₯ Moonshine Empire
π Slow + repetitive
π Not a lot of happiness throughout
β - miscarriage, suicide, death of a parent
I recommend reading Hang the Moon if you enjoy descriptive books set in Appalachia during the prohibition era.
_
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emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pineapple Street π || Book of the Month
Genre: Fiction
Format: π
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
βShe was a receptacle for an emotional outburst, the human equivalent of screaming into a pillow.β
When I see that a book is about the 1%, I typically shy away from it because the characters will feel out of touch and cause me to roll my eyes so much that Iβm afraid theyβll get stuck that way.
But, once I saw that Pineapple Street was picked up as a March GMA Book Club pick, I decided to give in and start reading. It was one of those books full of so much heart that I couldnβt do anything but love it.
There were, of course, times that the character had their moments, and there was one in particular who did a lot of growing in the back. But, when it came down to it, I loved Darley, Sasha, and Georgianna. They each brought something refreshing to the story.
π§ Marin Ireland narrator
π€ Witty & light
π₯ Character-driven
π Family drama
π¨ Quick read
β¨ Centers around three women
It was a delight to read and let me get out of my mind for a while. Something about Jenny Jacksonβs writing took me straight out of my comfy chair in Kentucky and transported me up to Pineapple Street in NY. I recommend reading Pineapple Street if youβre looking for a fun read to get you out of a funky mood.
_
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Genre: Fiction
Format: π
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
βShe was a receptacle for an emotional outburst, the human equivalent of screaming into a pillow.β
When I see that a book is about the 1%, I typically shy away from it because the characters will feel out of touch and cause me to roll my eyes so much that Iβm afraid theyβll get stuck that way.
But, once I saw that Pineapple Street was picked up as a March GMA Book Club pick, I decided to give in and start reading. It was one of those books full of so much heart that I couldnβt do anything but love it.
There were, of course, times that the character had their moments, and there was one in particular who did a lot of growing in the back. But, when it came down to it, I loved Darley, Sasha, and Georgianna. They each brought something refreshing to the story.
π§ Marin Ireland narrator
π€ Witty & light
π₯ Character-driven
π Family drama
π¨ Quick read
β¨ Centers around three women
It was a delight to read and let me get out of my mind for a while. Something about Jenny Jacksonβs writing took me straight out of my comfy chair in Kentucky and transported me up to Pineapple Street in NY. I recommend reading Pineapple Street if youβre looking for a fun read to get you out of a funky mood.
_
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emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Weyward {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Trope: Magical Realism
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
Genre: Historical Fiction
Trope: Magical Realism
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
"The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet."
Weyward was one of my most anticipated reads for 2023, and it lived up to all the hype I gave it! I'm still blown away by the fact that this is a debut (make sure to read the author's note, btw). I read and listened to Weyward (thank you, Libro. FM, for the ALC) because I couldn't get enough of the story.
This book shows how women have had their power taken from them over the years. It was heartbreaking to read as each generation faced their losses and betrayals. But it was also empowering to read along as each faced challenges, grew, and ultimately found her strength.
Usually, when I read a book told from the perspective of three individuals, I have a favorite. But, with Weyward, I genuinely loved all three women. They drew me in in their unique way and kept me hooked from start to finish. In my opinion, Kate is the character who showed the most growth, but maybe it's because I related more to her story since she was in the current time.
β¨ More magical realism than 'magic.'
ππΌ Debut novel
3οΈβ£ Memorable characters
π€©Loved both the physical book & the audio
β Domestic abuse, rape, suicide, miscarriage, violence toward women
I recommend reading Weyward if you enjoyed reading The Rules of Magic.
-
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challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
r e v i e w β¨ I Have Some Questions For You
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Mystery
Format: π§
Pub Date: 2.28.2023
Star Rating: ββββ.5
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Mystery
Format: π§
Pub Date: 2.28.2023
Star Rating: ββββ.5
βSome leave more than others to be sure; some leave trails, videos, and yearbook quotes. Some leave barely a trace.β
When I first finished I Have Some Questions for You (IHSQFY), I didnβt like the ending and gave it four stars. Why? The conclusion wasnβt what I needed it to be. But, the more I sat with it and thought about it, the more I realized that the ending was, unfortunately accurate. If youβve read the book, then you know what I mean. Do you agree?
Several moments through IHSQFY felt like such a punch to the gut because they offered a realistic analysis of the treatment of women in society (not just in America). It was hard to listen to because it was one stark reminder after another. It showed how often violence towards women is scrutinized (for the wrong reason) and ultimately dismissed in countless situations.
The audiobook felt like a true crime podcast and hooked me from start to finish. The narration from Julia Whalen was excellent (as always) and offered a fascinating take as the whole book is directed towards the individual the MC believes to be the guilty party. Thank you, Libro.FM, for my audiobook!
IHSQFY delivered a seemingly accurate portrayal from the perspective of all the suspects and all the ways that person couldβve committed the murder. There are themes of racism, misogyny, suicide, and physical and sexual violence against women.
ποΈ Podcast feel
π Realistic commentary on the treatment of women
π§ Audiobook narration
π£οΈ One crime from different POVs
π’Accurate ending
I recommend reading I Have Some Questions for You if you enjoyed reading My Dark Vanessa.
_
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emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Sweet Spot{partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 1.31.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 1.31.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
βEach and every one of us will land in a crisis at some point, and thatβs when we need to accept all the help we can get.β
What a fun read The Sweet Spot was! I love a good mix of quirky yet lovable characters to bring out all the feelings π₯°
I loved listening to this audio and following along as Amy Poepple wove together all her characters until they formed a unit of support for one another. It made for such a heartwarming read.
The reader explores themes like marriage, parenthood, friendship, and forgiveness throughout the book, but it is all done without feeling too heavy. Trust me when I say several instances had me laughing at the situations the characters found themselves in. The Sweet Spot was the perfect combination of feelings and laughs.
By the end of The Sweet Spot, I got to know each character deeply and loved them all (even when I started out disliking them). I would love to return to The Sweet Spot and revisit them all.
π Quirky & lovable characters
π Found family
π Family drama
π Character connections
π½ New York City setting
I recommend reading The Sweet Spot if you enjoy reading Mary Kay Andrews books (except thereβs no mystery, and itβs set in the city).
_
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dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
r e v i e w β¨ Housemaid
Genre: Thriller
Trope: Psychological
Format: π
Pub Date: 4.26.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
βHe has no idea this is just the beginning.β
Iβve had to sit with my thoughts on this one for a while because I wasnβt sure how to feel about what I read. The only thing I knew was that it was crazy.
Itβs the first true psychological thriller that Iβve read in a while. I devoured this entire book in less than 48 hours, reading way past my bed time because I couldnβt put the book down. Some pages left me to the point of feeling so nauseous that I had to skim whole pages. When I say this book is full of hard-to-handle triggers, I mean it (gaslighting, domestic abuse, and torture are three big ones).
I recommend going into this book with the expectation that it will be shocking. I plan to read the second book soon, but I need a couple of months to continue processing what I read in Housemaid before venturing to The Housemaidβs Secret.
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Genre: Thriller
Trope: Psychological
Format: π
Pub Date: 4.26.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
βHe has no idea this is just the beginning.β
Iβve had to sit with my thoughts on this one for a while because I wasnβt sure how to feel about what I read. The only thing I knew was that it was crazy.
Itβs the first true psychological thriller that Iβve read in a while. I devoured this entire book in less than 48 hours, reading way past my bed time because I couldnβt put the book down. Some pages left me to the point of feeling so nauseous that I had to skim whole pages. When I say this book is full of hard-to-handle triggers, I mean it (gaslighting, domestic abuse, and torture are three big ones).
I recommend going into this book with the expectation that it will be shocking. I plan to read the second book soon, but I need a couple of months to continue processing what I read in Housemaid before venturing to The Housemaidβs Secret.
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
mysterious
slow-paced
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Last Seen Alone {partner}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 9.28.2021
Star Rating: βββ
Okay, we will make this review short because, unlike the other two Laura Griffin books Iβve read, Last Seen Alone was not for me. I typically love her books and stay up too late to finish them, but this one didnβt work for me. I started reading Last Seen Alone and then decided to switch to the audio in case that would help me understand the story more.
The narrator left me cringing every time she attempted to read from the male POV, and then I could never tell which male character was speaking because the voice was the same. Sometimes she even used the male voice for the female narrators. For once, switching to the audio was not the better choice.
The ending of Last Seen Alone felt too predictable. The only aspect I enjoyed of this book was the romance between Leigh and Brandon, which even left me wanting more.
I highly recommend starting with a different Laura Griffin book like Midnight Dunes or Vanishing Hour (they were both five stars for me).
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 9.28.2021
Star Rating: βββ
Okay, we will make this review short because, unlike the other two Laura Griffin books Iβve read, Last Seen Alone was not for me. I typically love her books and stay up too late to finish them, but this one didnβt work for me. I started reading Last Seen Alone and then decided to switch to the audio in case that would help me understand the story more.
The narrator left me cringing every time she attempted to read from the male POV, and then I could never tell which male character was speaking because the voice was the same. Sometimes she even used the male voice for the female narrators. For once, switching to the audio was not the better choice.
The ending of Last Seen Alone felt too predictable. The only aspect I enjoyed of this book was the romance between Leigh and Brandon, which even left me wanting more.
I highly recommend starting with a different Laura Griffin book like Midnight Dunes or Vanishing Hour (they were both five stars for me).
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
Thank you, Tiny Reparations Books, for the gifted copy of What the Fireflies Knew {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 2.1.2022
Star Rating: βββ.5
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 2.1.2022
Star Rating: βββ.5
"Sometimes you gotta give up something you want to get something you need."
In this beautifully written debut, we follow Kenyatta (KB) as she embarks on a summer with her sister at their grandfather's. The two girls are sent to live with their grandfather while their mother seeks help to deal with the untimely loss of her husband. During this summer, KB discovers just what family means and finds herself face-to-face with some difficult realities.
The entire book is told from the perspective of KB, but I wish the reader had a chance to hear from Nia and their mother. It would've added a whole different dimension to this story and, in a way, given it a more profound impact on the reader. Because, when it comes down to it, every character offered a lesson to learn what it means to lose yourself, find yourself again, and forgive those that let you down.
π§πΎTold from the perspective of eleven-year-old KB
β¨ Debut novel
βοΈ Told over one summer
π Ending left me asking, "that's it?"
β Drug addiction, overdose, sexual assault, racism, depression
If you've read this one and wish you could've heard from KB, Nia, and their mother, I recommend reading Black Cake, as it offers a multi-generational narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Sexual assault
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Golden Spoon {partner}
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Trope: Locked Room
Format: π
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Trope: Locked Room
Format: π
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
"Back when I was young, I remember thinking older people were practically a different species. Now I realize we are always the same inside; it's just the packaging that changes."
First and foremost, do not go into The Golden Spoon hungry. I was fasting while reading most of this book, leaving me ravenous and craving a giant piece of cake. So, ensure you have ample snacks nearby because you'll want to dig into something sweet and savory while reading this fun mystery!
Through no fault but my own, I didn't realize that The Golden Spoon is a cozy mystery. But, in my opinion, there wasn't much mystery. Everything involving the book's mystery aspect happened in the last 10%. Sure, in the beginning, we know someone has died, and it isn't from natural causes; but the reader drifts away from that scene and doesn't return until the last bit.
As is standard with a cast of characters, there were a few moments of trying to figure out who was who. But, the author made it a lot easier by supplying us with a character glossier through a news article discussing the upcoming bake-off. I made sure to flag this page to quickly return to it when I needed to orientate myself with characters. It added a nice touch to the story.
My most significant complaint is that The Golden Spoon is FULL of delicious-sounding recipes, but not a single recipe was included in this book. If a book is written about cooking/baking, then at least one recipe should be included. If one had been included, I would have made it just for this review.
π΄ Don't go into this book hungry
π₯ Hulu adaptation coming
π Character Glossary
π₯Έ Unique & quirky characters
π©π½βπ³ Needed to include recipes
I recommend reading The Golden Spoon if you enjoy cozy mysteries and are entertained by cooking shows!
_
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