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hgullegrogan's Reviews (119)
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I started reading this book before I knew anything about it, because I put my trust in the StoryGraph AI (I still do by the way). Given this, I was very quickly put off with the content of this book. Maybe 50 pages into the book, Rachel has a sexual fantasy about her coworker. Sure, I get it. BUT, her fantasy is that her coworker is actually her mother, and she's having SEX with her. I did not sign up for incest fantasies. A check of the book's summary hints that sexual desire will be addressed, but certainly not in this way.
Unfortunately, the book contains multiple shocking sexual fantasies. It's clear that the author is trying to symbolize Rachel's various dysfunctional personal relationships in this way, but I don't believe it to be effective.
As off-putting as these sexual moments are, I'm most irritated by the laundry list of mental illnesses the author gave Rachel, without putting the thought and time into portraying them authentically. For instance, Rachel starts out anorexic, but after falling in love, is cured of her eating disorder. Then, Rachel struggles with her Jewish and Sexual identities, both of which are hinted at but never discussed in a meaningful way.
In addition to all this, Rachel is a sexual predator. She forces herself onto Miriam, disregards her boundaries, and masterbates in a PUBLIC gym right next to a stranger! So gross. Despite these abhorring behaviors, it is clear that MB considers Rachel a relatable, lovable character.
I feel that if MB chose one topic to delve into, her story could have been much better and far more meaningful. The stark honesty and casual writing style are completely up my alley, which is why the AI's recommendation of this book is understandable to me. And, I will continue to trust the AI suggestions.
Ultimately, I read this book quickly, because I was drawn into the shock of the story, but I would not recommend it, because it encourages harmful behaviors and provides no meaningful discourse on any of them.
Unfortunately, the book contains multiple shocking sexual fantasies. It's clear that the author is trying to symbolize Rachel's various dysfunctional personal relationships in this way, but I don't believe it to be effective.
As off-putting as these sexual moments are, I'm most irritated by the laundry list of mental illnesses the author gave Rachel, without putting the thought and time into portraying them authentically. For instance, Rachel starts out anorexic, but after falling in love, is cured of her eating disorder. Then, Rachel struggles with her Jewish and Sexual identities, both of which are hinted at but never discussed in a meaningful way.
In addition to all this, Rachel is a sexual predator. She forces herself onto Miriam, disregards her boundaries, and masterbates in a PUBLIC gym right next to a stranger! So gross. Despite these abhorring behaviors, it is clear that MB considers Rachel a relatable, lovable character.
I feel that if MB chose one topic to delve into, her story could have been much better and far more meaningful. The stark honesty and casual writing style are completely up my alley, which is why the AI's recommendation of this book is understandable to me. And, I will continue to trust the AI suggestions.
Ultimately, I read this book quickly, because I was drawn into the shock of the story, but I would not recommend it, because it encourages harmful behaviors and provides no meaningful discourse on any of them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Incest, Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Xenophobia
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Silly and light-hearted story. I appreciate the concept, but the characters are a tad flat, specifically the protagonist talks about his one flaw over and over.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So freaking good. This book has changed the way I view scifi.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Interesting story in a rich world beautifully described by JM
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Through a winding tale of food, murder, love, and journalism, AY illustrates the complexity of human relationships and the chain reaction that small decisions can cause. I thoroughly enjoyed following Rika on her journey of grief, self-discovery, and culinary exploration.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Murder
Minor: Death, Eating disorder, Suicide, Toxic relationship
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A very unique continuation of the story from the first book of the trilogy (Ring). It feels like something that would occur in the tv series, Fringe.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love this story! I generally expect scifi to be dry, but PHA is anything but dry. There are so many silly, light-hearted moments scattered throughout this time-sensitive, life-ending mission.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Th story is interesting and a bit of a mystery; I appreciate the introspective nature of the novel. I'm happy to see trichotillomania representation (and wish it was included in the movie adaptation). Overall, an interesting read that I plan to read again.