imperfectcj's reviews
2149 reviews

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

I enjoy the premise and storytelling of this novel, although I'm not completely on board with Hill's use of language. Sometimes, the language feels overly aggressive/abrasive to me, which sometimes fits the story/character and sometimes doesn't. Sometimes, this makes the characters seem like puppets rather than full individuals. I can see reading his books occasionally, but I think the style would annoy me if I read them too often.

This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

Just not feeling it. It's too slow and not capturing my attention. Might be my mood.

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

dark sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I like this one! It's twisty and turny with smirking references to the genre. The characters are richly portrayed and maddeningly (but realistically) imperfect.

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

dark emotional reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

I almost stopped reading this early on---it kind of turned my stomach---but I found I quickly became acclimated and was able to keep reading this strange novel that's like a bizzarro Charlotte's Web. I'm rarely satisfied with endings, but Bazterrica sticks the landing with this one. It explores manipulation, feeling stuck in one's situation, what it means to be human, the convoluted justifications we give ourselves for atrocious actions. Kind of perfect for election season.

Dark Matter (Movie Tie-In) by Blake Crouch

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

This is kind of like Groundhog Day meets the 4th season of Umbrella Academy. I like what Crouch is attempting here, but boy, does it get tedious at times. For a genius, Jason takes a long time to reach fairly obvious conclusions sometimes. Still, an enjoyable read overall.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

This was my first Paula Hawkins novel, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. There are some clichéd parts, some elements that strain credulity a little, but it's all part of the gripping journey. The word "grizzle" is used a lot to describe the fussing of a baby, and while I know what it means, it always seems like a strange---and therefore distracting---word for what it describes.

Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss

dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.5

A quick, impactful read. It's an infuriating exploration of how easily we can become complicit in victimization and how easily we can justify harmful actions. There's also commentary on class and regional differences that doesn't feel heavy-handed. "Enjoyed" isn't quite the right word, but I definitely appreciate this novel.

Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

The device of telling the story through boxing matches is done skillfully but still becomes a little tedious and repetitive after a while. My dad's family are (or were; I'm not sure anyone still does it) amateur boxers, so it's interesting for me to imagine these young women boxers in their place. It's also interesting to see the motivations of each boxer, how each reacts to successes and setbacks and relates to each other through the sport.

Last Night in Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel

dark emotional tense slow-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? Yes

4.0

I really love how Emily St. John Mandel tells stories. This is a little reminiscent of Special Topics in Calamity Physics, but darker. I can relate to Lilia's compulsion to relocate (for different reasons), and it's interesting to see how this manifests for her. The characters are all kind of extreme, which feels slightly unrealistic. But maybe I just haven't met enough people.

The Survivors by Jane Harper

3.5