eralbesu's reviews
422 reviews

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

4.5

Dolly sure knows how to write a book. 

This was funny and relatable and tender. I really enjoyed this. Jen’s section at the end delivered on what I had been waiting for and expecting throughout the book. It really tied the story together, even though Andy’s journey was enjoyable to read on its own. 

Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

This was a typical Sayaka Murata book. Interesting and uncomfortable, while somehow managing to feel cozy. 

The writing style was what we’ve come to expect of Murata, as well as themes that are provocative, bordering inflammatory. Murata always takes it just a little too far and that usually works for me. Here, I was kind of indifferent. 

But overall I enjoyed the story enough to keep reading. However, this is not my favorite Murata novel. 

Thank you to Grove Atlantic for the e-arc.

Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess

emotional tense medium-paced

4.25

I was absolutely locked in with this book. I really enjoyed it until the end. Omg the ending turned my stomach. I had such a visceral reaction to it. I didn’t think I’d finish it because it was all just way too close to home. No doubt my reaction is due to the current state of things in this country. 

Like, I am still trying to recover from the reaction I had to the end of that book. I have more I want to say but I need to calm down lol

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

This story was sweet. Possibly my least favorite of the 3 but not bad at all. I really didn’t care for the narration of the audiobook though. 

Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su

funny medium-paced

4.0

This was weird and interesting. Another addition to my weird girl lit fic collection. 

I grew a little weary of all the frequent aspiring to whiteness but that’s never been a struggle for me, so I won’t harp on that issue. Vi was actually insufferable and repeatedly got in her own way but I’ve never run from an unlikable character. I like where she ended up. Justice for Bob. 

Your Utopia: Stories by Bora Chung

adventurous medium-paced

3.5

Nothing really seems to be sticking with me right now. I enjoyed some of the stories, not all. But I wasn’t blown away or particularly locked in. 

August Blue by Deborah Levy

medium-paced

3.5

Another book that fell victim to me pushing through a book slump. I struggled to stay engaged with this one. 

An Autobiography of Skin by Lakiesha Carr

emotional reflective medium-paced

3.75

I enjoyed the first story the most. There was something pleasant about witnessing a day in the life of a Black woman finding enjoyment in the ways she knew how. I also really enjoyed the depiction of the community and the small ways they showed up for each other. 

The second story was difficult to read but moving. 

The last story ran entirely too long and I was not motivated to finish it. It meandered and I eventually forgot what I was enjoying about it to begin with. 

Soft Core by Brittany Newell

adventurous emotional reflective slow-paced

3.5

The setting did a lot of heavy lifting for me. I frequently found myself bored with the meandering. An unreliable narrator is floundering and sinking  deeper into her delusions. I expected a bit more but overall the writing was very nice. I just didn’t know what to do with our main character. 

Tomb Sweeping by Alexandra Chang

funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

This collection was fine enough. I must admit I was distracted while reading so that could be influencing my rating. I enjoyed Klara, Cure for Life, and A Visit.