jcnfia's reviews
53 reviews

A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner

5.0

This story (unless I’m mistaken) was THE story to launch the “person who kills their partner then sleeps with the body” trope and I’m so here for it. It’s so macabre, gothic, and passionate. What more could an emotionally disturbed gal want?

The Art of the Disney Princess: Celebrating Jasmine from Disney, Aladdin by The Walt Disney Company

2.0

I recognize this book is pretty dated, but that doesn’t explain the nightmare fuel displayed on the pages. For every page I liked there were ten or more making me regret picking it up.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

5.0

Devastating, poetic, and wise. I can’t believe I almost put this down after getting frustrated with trying to keep up with all the characters and their family trees (the diagram at the start of the book really helps). I’m so glad I gave it a chance, because afterwards I couldn’t stop thinking about it. You get so attached to the characters that you dread meeting a new one in the next chapter, but then the cycle starts over and you find yourself falling in love again. This book was so beautiful and heartbreaking. Yaa Gyasi did an incredible job illustrating and chronicling the journey of black/African people and the slave trade.

It's All Absolutely Fine: Life Is Complicated So I've Drawn It Instead by Ruby Elliot

5.0

I’ve been a fan of Ruby’s art for years now, and I’m so glad I finally thought to check out this book. It patted my hand and told me some jokes about life to help me through another day. It covers mental health in such a relatable, funny, and friendly way. I discovered a few things about myself and about life, I really can’t recommend this enough to those who have had any kind of mental strife in life.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

4.25

The beauty of this story is invasive and enticing, much like the horror that the characters experience. It poses so many interesting questions like: what is the reason for forever, the infinite, and what makes evil, evil? Highly recommend this to anyone who’s a fan of gothic horror.

I Have the Right to: A High School Survivor's Story of Sexual Assault, Justice, and Hope by Chessy Prout, Jenn Abelson

5.0

Five stars simply because I think the message of the book and the author’s journey demands it. I have the utmost respect for Chessy for making the most out of what she’s gone through. As someone who’s experienced assault, this book REALLY helped me heal. Sometimes you just need to read the words of someone who’s lived through something as painful as assault. You’re never the same after that kind of trauma, but stories like these help create a sense of strength and community.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

5.0

I gifted this book to both my mom and and aunt to help them through the grieving process of the passing of my grandmother. Both of them raved about this book, and that’s saying something because my mom is not an easy woman to please. This book tackles grief and hard emotions so beautifully.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

5.0

This book ripped me a new a**hole emotionally and that’s the most fitting way I know how to formulate a proper review. Hope this helps

This Is Bacon by Kitty Hauser

4.0

This read was equally fascinating as it was horrifying. I got a pretty solid feel of Francis Bacon, his life, and his work in 78 pages with inclusions of his paintings and illustrated details. Not for the faint of heart though, that’s for sure.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

5.0

This was everything that the reviews have been saying that it is. Witty, brave, and heartbreaking come to mind. There were several times my stomach dropped and I felt both horrified and relieved to see Jeanette telling her story, and telling it so unapologetically. Bravo.