eggbeater's reviews
1114 reviews

The Last Chairlift by John Irving

emotional funny reflective sad slow-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

5.0

This is a 900 page book. That, in itself, makes it not for everyone, but it is perfect for me because the characters are so endearingly strange. Sometimes the plot is slow and resembles historical political commentary--definitely left leaning. Sometimes it's riveting drama, and people start dropping like Game of Thrones. The story is quite poignant and reflective, but everyone's sexual foibles had me laughing out loud like a loon. There are common John Irving themes: a straight, cisgender man and everyone he loves is part of the LGBTQ community, there's wresting, of course, and writing. And then there are the addition of the quirky ghosts and his girlfriends' reactions to them. The screenplay episodes took a minute for me to get used to, but they make sense when I realize Adam has to remain detached when recounting certain parts of his life. If you like John Irving's other books, this one won't let you down. 

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It was slow getting started for me, but I ended up really liking the story. The book made me think of Where the Wild Things Are. Those who like gothic fiction tied in with fantasy will probably like this one.

Sign Here by Claudia Lux

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Hell itself is comedic--you can never find a pen that works, you're always stepping in deep puddles, the radio only plays songs that you hate, the bar only serves Jägermeister--but life on earth can be surprisingly dark and involves a lot of child abuse, fair warning.

The short chapters, constant small reveals, and switching points of view kept me quickly turning the pages. It was messed up, but I liked it. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Child abuse, and Pedophilia

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

Horribly written and rapey. The exact kind of romance I despise.

A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 I love this author's imagination. She is a go-to author for me. Her characters are also very down-to-earth. This time there featured a pet vulture. I was impressed. 

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 This book speaks to people white-washing history, in this case art, in the worst way, and the hope of marginalized people reclaiming some of that power. Its theme is very current. It was an inspiring and emotional story, even though I thought a little bit of the supernatural was over-the-top. May narcissistic men like Jack always be haunted by their betters. 

The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Beautiful artistry and an intriguing storyline. Newcomers to graphic novels will appreciate this one, also.

The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert

3.0

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir by Bill Bryson

funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

 My father and my uncles grew up in Des Moines in the 1950s, so this was a treat for me to get a better idea about how they lived back then. I definitely felt transported back in time. The writing was vivid and humorous and not always sensitive. Life in Iowa was pretty great for straight white boys without disabilities in the 50s, and that jives with what my father told me. It made me feel closer to my family. Bill Bryson obviously had a nice childhood and is very nostalgic about it, which is sometimes a relief to read about in a memoir. I'm glad somebody did. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

Moderate: Ableism and Homophobia