designsbymeghen's reviews
238 reviews

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

5.0

I couldn’t put this one town. I read three pages and was instantly hooked. The format of oral history is interesting and so well done. Reading how each character remembered the same event pretty much the same or completely different felt genuine—brilliant writing. Jenkins writes in a way that brings the characters to life in a way that feels real, like this band and these people actually existed in history. 

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

2.5

Some of these stories were pretty interesting; some were just okay. The first one reminded me of “Scary Stories We Tell in the Dark,” but R-rated. The audiobook was good, but there needed to be more separation between the different stories. They ran into each other seamlessly, so sometimes I didn’t realize it had moved on to another story 😅 

Normal People by Sally Rooney

3.25

On-again, off-again relationship stories are normally a no for me. However, this instance felt appropriate for Connell and Marianne. We get to live through each character’s life as they’re on the brink of adulthood, experiencing all of the social pressures that come with “fitting in” and discovering who they really are.

I’m unsure how I feel about the ending 🥴. It felt like Marianne was doomed to a life of insecurity, and Connell would never quite get the hang of expressing his feelings clearly. I wish there would have been a more definitive solution to the problems between them, but I suppose that’s the story's whole point. People are flawed; nobody is perfect. But when you find someone who feels right, you celebrate those moments because nothing lasts forever.

 

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

3.0

This is a cute story that illustrates the power of human interaction. I couldn’t help but love Eleanor and all of her social awkwardness. Watching her character progress felt wholesome and satisfying. Friendship is one of the greatest gifts we experience in this life.

I spent most of the story waiting for Eleanor and Raymond to get together, but honestly, I’m glad they just stayed friends. There was never an “ulterior motive” on Raymond’s part, and it’s also a lesson that you don’t need to be in a romantic relationship to live a happy and fulfilling life. My favorite part of the whole story was Raymond bringing her a cat and Eleanor naming her Glen after the vodka she gave up 🥹

 

Tell It To Me Singing by Tita Ramírez

4.0

This one popped up in one of my book club newsletters, and I instantly fell in love with the cover. It’s a bit of a slow build, but all-in-all great storytelling. I really resonated with the complicated feelings Monica was experiencing in her love life. This story delves into the idea that the “obvious” answer is not always right for you. At the end of the day, you have to be true to yourself and force yourself to answer the hard questions. 

House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.

I honestly didn't hate this one. I enjoyed the Spanish / Latino references and phrases. I just didn't feel like reading a story with a bunch of punk kids going on a killing spree. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

3.25

This was a solid mystery story. Following the audiobook with all the characters and timeline jumps was a little tricky, but I got the gist. The story illustrates how class differences affect people and situations with entirely different outcomes and expectations. There are quite a few tropes, but somehow, it doesn’t feel overdone or boring: punk wealthy daughter, female detective, lesbian (speculation) camp leader, spoiled rich bitch frat boy, over-medicated housewife. 

William by Mason Coile

2.5

One last spooky book to finish out October. I called the ending from the very beginning. It was an interesting read, but if I’m being honest, I wasn’t paying attention entirely. The characters weren’t all that interesting to me, but there were some cringy (in a good way) gruesome scenes. 

Things My Son Needs to Know about the World by Fredrik Backman

4.0

I needed a glimmer of joy in my life, and I can always trust Backman to deliver something clever, funny, sentimental, and reflective. I have been thinking about family and children more and more, and this has felt like such an honest portrayal of what it feels like to be new to parenthood. The lack of sleep, the amount of stuff, the comparing and falling short, and the abundant amount of love. I thought of my brother and sister-in-law with their new little one. 

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert, Revised and Updated by John Gottman, Nan Silver

4.5

While starting to read this book felt daunting and intimidating, I always felt better each time I picked it up. This book contains so much insightful and actionable information. I read it all the way through without completing the exercises. Now I want to go back through a printed version a spend time doing each exercise and activity. Your marriage doesn’t have to be in crisis to read this book. There’s always room for improvement, and reviewing this book will yield positivity and inner perspective if you’re open to it. I highly recommend giving it a read.