gillyreads's reviews
1189 reviews

Please Don't Hug Me by Kay Kerr

I usually find epistolary novels a bit trying, but I bought this book back when it came out because so many people raved about it. Now that I've finally read it, I think the form actually works really well for this story. I loved how it really showcased Erin's perspective and the underlying exploration of grief and family had a powerful tension due to the limits the letters put on the reader's understanding of what had actually happened.

How to Grow a Family Tree by Eliza Henry-Jones

emotional fast-paced

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

I enjoyed this, Eliza Henry Jones is a great writer, and excellent at pulling on your emotions. I particularly loved the tension around Stella's completely misguided attemps to fix people as a way to prove her worth and ignore her own problems. I thought this was really well done through the book although she would be an extremely frustrating person to have to actually deal with in real life. 
It didn't hit quite as hard as P is for Pearl, I think maybe there was just a bit too much going on but overall it was a good read.

Elite Capture: How the Powerful Took Over Identity Politics (and Everything Else) by Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò

informative inspiring

Clear and compelling argument. I particularly found how he broke down the issues with deference politics very helpful.

The Ripple Effect by Rebecca Caprara
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.

Netgalley download expired 

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

All the classic second book problems to an extreme, there was no third act, just all filler to get to the next book. The second romance barely even happened.
Disappointing because this series is the best story idea I’ve read from NR in a while. Will still read the final book because I want to know what happens.

Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence
Did not finish book.

Netgalley download expired

Returning by Kirli Saunders

Beautiful collection of poetry and art. 

Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright

Alexis Wright is my favourite writer and this hurt my brain in the best way.

Don’t have anything clever to say about it but really recommend Mykaela Saunders’ review in Sydney Review of Books. https://sydneyreviewofbooks.com/reviews/think-of-the-children

Where the Fruit Falls by Karen Wyld

medium-paced

Really expansive storytelling.  I loved the experience of reading this.

An Army of Light by Bilal Hafda

medium-paced

Really beautiful poetry collection, definitely worth picking up.