designsbymeghen's reviews
234 reviews

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.

I needed some kind of filler to put me to sleep. Not work really paying attention to

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

4.5

I was instantly captivated by this story’s rhythmic prose and the audiobook narrator. I loved each of these characters, and the relationship between siblings and partners felt raw and honest. Each sister has a uniquely fascinating story that kept me wanting to read more—such excellent writing about love, addiction, loss, and the complicated and complex dynamics between siblings. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

3.0

I decided to try this one again, digital vs. audiobook, to see if I could get into it any better. It was a rough start, but I toughed it out to get one more read for the year. Overall, I feel like it’s very over-hyped. The main character has a lot of repetitive thoughts that make it hard for me to like her. The fantasy world has potential, but I feel like we didn’t get to explore it a whole lot. The romance scenes were tasteful and well-written. The entire first half of the book could have been condensed to at least half, so we had more time to spend with the real problems in the storyline. I’m undecided if I’ll read the rest of the series. 

1984 by George Orwell

2.5

Omg, this was so bleak and depressing. This read like a more elaborate extension of Animal Farm but with more nuanced details about government and power. My biggest takeaway is that there will always be those in power who want nothing more than to be in control and if we’re not careful, we as a society could be easily taken over. Hold those in power accountable, and don’t let them get away with feeding you lies. 

Confessions by Kanae Minato

2.5

It’s not too shabby for a quick selection from my StoryGraph recommendations. I always love a good character build as another reminder that not everything is as it seems on the surface. It is quite a sinister revenge scheme, executed by a heartbroken woman (women in male-dominated fields). I don’t know how seemingly vicious the children presented in this story were. Low-key makes me extra terrified of middle schoolers. 

Animal Farm by George Orwell

3.0

Talk about a depressing tale. I was angry about 90% of the time reading this book. What’s the lesson here? That deceit and selfishness will win out no matter who is in charge because power corrupts all good intentions. Not to mention how quickly past promises are forgotten if you listen to someone cunning enough. It was honestly exhausting reading about the animals toiling day in and day out. It seems to me it’s very prevalent in our world today. How do we take this story’s example and prevent things from progressing even further? Is it even possible? 

Want by Gillian Anderson

3.5

Gillian Anderson is one of the few celebrities I follow on social media, so of course, I wanted to read her book. There is such a wide variety of fantasies: over-the-top freely, kinky, porn-level fantasies to soft, desperate yearnings to be held, and everything in between. It makes me appreciate how different and unique women can be. And at the same time, so many underlying themes were to feel wanted and desired. Many submissions from women in loveless or stale marriages made me feel less alone. 

Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.

I was trying to finish my reading goal for the years d asked my followers for recommendations. This was one of them. I don’t typically enjoy war novels so it was already an uphill battle for me. 🥁the writing was dry, and overly cheesy characters. I tried to power through, but it just wasn’t worth it for me. 

A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham

2.0

I called this one from the beginning. It was an okay read, but it felt repetitive. I didn’t like any of the characters, so I wasn’t really rooting for anyone. The twist felt a little forced since we spent so much time worrying about these other characters that the "big reveal" at the end was rushed and put together clumsily. 

The Girls by Emma Cline

2.5

This was an okay read. It didn’t grab my attention, but I liked the cover art! The casualness of men willingly and eagerly having sex with young girls makes me sick. I wish Evie’s present-day life were more redemptive/positive, but honestly, it was pretty bleak. Add on her encounter with another young girl being shaped/manipulated by yet another man, and it’s just depressing.