gia0203's reviews
138 reviews

Maggie's Grave by David Sodergren

3.25

Like a horror movie - gruesome and fun! The ending is really satisfying to me. The book lacked the heart and beauty of the author’s other work The Haar, but it was enjoyable and horrible in its own right. 

Maeve Fly by CJ Leede

3.5

Oh no that ending has me aching I loved the tragic romance subplot at the heart of this!

I do wish it leaned more into the Disney princess theme a bit more. It was honestly more of a sad story than a fun one which I wasn’t expecting from the way it’s been spoken about.

Loved some of the horror aspects of this though.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Sexual content

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

dark funny slow-paced

4.0

Over the course of the book I actually got really into it. I was dubious at the beginning, but I ended up loving Greta and her witty and self-pitying narration so much. Some interesting commentary on trauma here and how we can victimize ourselves to absolve us of blame or shame. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence

Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt

Minor: Animal death, Vomit

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

4.0

Some of the imagery in this book is very striking, particularly when Nightbitch is interacting with other dogs. It’s on-the-nose with its feminist messages but I really enjoyed it and found the ending  satisfying. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death

Moderate: Body horror, Gore, Misogyny

The Haar by David Sodergren

4.5

This is heartfelt horror, sentimental horror. I will definitely be reading more of the author’s work.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Violence, Murder

Moderate: Misogyny, Classism

Transmuted by Eve Harms

dark tense fast-paced

5.0

I’m giving this little book 5 stars because of how fiercely enjoyable it is. It’s trippy and weird and surprisingly funny at times. Such a good reading experience. 

Girlcrush by Florence Given

1.0

I really tried to find something to love about this book. I suppose if I’m generous, I did speed through it and make it all the way to the end. Unfortunately, it was far too low-stakes and just dull. 

Wilder Girls by Rory Power

3.75

The imagery in this story is beautiful. The glowing hair, the spine, the blue crabs turning black … I could picture the visceral body horror and just loved it. There was some interesting characterisation as well - Byatt was definitely my favourite.

I was a little frustrated by the plot, though. Even though the concept is quite unique, I found the story very predictable. I didn’t always connect with the narration too, and the first half of the book dragged.

However there were some memorable moments and overall it’s an enjoyable book. 

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

My first 5 star of the year. That final scene is just a masterpiece. Shame really does rot you inside and out - reminds me of the quote “your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing.”

In my head i'm still stuck in Giovanni’s room.

Seed by Ahlborn, Ania (2012) Paperback by Ania Ahlborn, Ania Ahlborn

dark tense medium-paced

4.5

This was so dread-inducing, I absolutely loved it. Simple and effective. Can’t wait to read more horror by this author.