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jedore's reviews
458 reviews
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
This is a short story by Gillian Flynn, the mastermind behind Gone Girl (one of my all-time favorite books!). This main character of this 64-page quick read is a young woman who fakes reading auras and fortunes. Things get creepy when a wealthy client, Susan Burke, asks for help with her supposedly haunted house. As the narrator dives deeper, she gets caught in a whirlwind of spooky events and psychological twists that make you question what's real.
I'm not usually into short stories, but because I loved Gone Girl so much, I gave this one a go. Honestly, it just confirmed that short stories aren’t my thing. Flynn’s sharp writing and twisted plots are there, but the story felt too off and brief to be satisfying.
It started off pretty good, drawing me in with its intriguing setup and dark humor. But, it got weird—fast. The mix of supernatural and psychological stuff got confusing, and the story ended so abruptly I was left thinking, "WTH???".
Gone Girl is on my all-time favorites list. Sharp Objects was solid too, getting 3.75 stars from me. This was a big step down for me. I hope the next book I read by her reverses the downward trend so I don't have to reconsider my fandom!
Even if you like short stories, this one has had mixed reviews. Some people appreciate the clever twistiness, while others (like me) found it lacking. If you’re a big Flynn fan, it’s worth a quick read for her signature style, but if you’re iffy on short stories or looking for something meatier, this one might not do it for you.
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
“Money is wasted on the rich.”
This is a short story by Gillian Flynn, the mastermind behind Gone Girl (one of my all-time favorite books!). This main character of this 64-page quick read is a young woman who fakes reading auras and fortunes. Things get creepy when a wealthy client, Susan Burke, asks for help with her supposedly haunted house. As the narrator dives deeper, she gets caught in a whirlwind of spooky events and psychological twists that make you question what's real.
I'm not usually into short stories, but because I loved Gone Girl so much, I gave this one a go. Honestly, it just confirmed that short stories aren’t my thing. Flynn’s sharp writing and twisted plots are there, but the story felt too off and brief to be satisfying.
It started off pretty good, drawing me in with its intriguing setup and dark humor. But, it got weird—fast. The mix of supernatural and psychological stuff got confusing, and the story ended so abruptly I was left thinking, "WTH???".
Gone Girl is on my all-time favorites list. Sharp Objects was solid too, getting 3.75 stars from me. This was a big step down for me. I hope the next book I read by her reverses the downward trend so I don't have to reconsider my fandom!
Even if you like short stories, this one has had mixed reviews. Some people appreciate the clever twistiness, while others (like me) found it lacking. If you’re a big Flynn fan, it’s worth a quick read for her signature style, but if you’re iffy on short stories or looking for something meatier, this one might not do it for you.
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Narrated by a little girl…couldn’t connect
Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton
This young adult fiction book is about Adam Petrazelli, a teenager dealing with schizophrenia. The story is told through Adam's raw and personal journal entries to his therapist.
Adam's hallucinations make it hard for him to tell what's real, but he's trying to fit in at high school, keep his family life together, and have a relationship with a girl named Maya.
If you love well-written young adult fiction, this book is a must-read. Julia Walton does an amazing job of creating a story that feels real and relatable, while also tackling the tough topic of mental health in a way that's both sensitive and insightful.
I learned so much about schizophrenia from this book. It really opened my eyes to what it's like living with this condition. Adam's experiences are intense and sometimes terrifying, and the way Walton describes his hallucinations and his struggle to differentiate between reality and delusion is both powerful and educational. My empathy for anyone grappling with this illness grew tenfold.
Adam’s fear of the future really hit me. Not only does he not know if the experimental drug he’s taking will keep working, but he has no idea what his future holds. That kind of uncertainty is horrifying to me!
This book is a quick read, which is perfect if you’re looking for something you can get through in a few days. The journal entry format and Walton's easy writing style make it hard to put down.
I’m excited to see the movie adaptation. The story and characters are so vivid that I think they'll translate well to the screen. If you haven't read "Words on Bathroom Walls" yet, I highly recommend it. It’s entertaining, thought-provoking, and it’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Real is subjective. There are a lot of things that aren't actually real to everyone. Pain, for example. It's only real to the one experiencing it. Everyone else has to take your word for it.
This young adult fiction book is about Adam Petrazelli, a teenager dealing with schizophrenia. The story is told through Adam's raw and personal journal entries to his therapist.
Adam's hallucinations make it hard for him to tell what's real, but he's trying to fit in at high school, keep his family life together, and have a relationship with a girl named Maya.
If you love well-written young adult fiction, this book is a must-read. Julia Walton does an amazing job of creating a story that feels real and relatable, while also tackling the tough topic of mental health in a way that's both sensitive and insightful.
I learned so much about schizophrenia from this book. It really opened my eyes to what it's like living with this condition. Adam's experiences are intense and sometimes terrifying, and the way Walton describes his hallucinations and his struggle to differentiate between reality and delusion is both powerful and educational. My empathy for anyone grappling with this illness grew tenfold.
Adam’s fear of the future really hit me. Not only does he not know if the experimental drug he’s taking will keep working, but he has no idea what his future holds. That kind of uncertainty is horrifying to me!
This book is a quick read, which is perfect if you’re looking for something you can get through in a few days. The journal entry format and Walton's easy writing style make it hard to put down.
I’m excited to see the movie adaptation. The story and characters are so vivid that I think they'll translate well to the screen. If you haven't read "Words on Bathroom Walls" yet, I highly recommend it. It’s entertaining, thought-provoking, and it’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Outing and Sexual content
Minor: Mass/school shootings
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
They knew our names and they knew our parents. But they did not know us, because not knowing was essential to their power. To sell a child right from under his mother, you must know that mother only in the thinnest way possible. To strip a man down, condemn him to be beaten, flayed alive, then anointed with salt water, you cannot feel him the way you feel your own. You cannot see yourself in him, lest your hand be stayed, and your hand must never be stayed, because the moment it is, the Tasked will see that you see them, and thus see yourself. In that moment of profound understanding, you are all done, because you cannot rule as is needed.
This is a beautifully written novel that tells the story of Hiram Walker, a young man born into slavery with a mysterious power called "Conduction." This ability allows him to transport across great distances, a gift that becomes essential as he gets involved with the Underground Railroad. The novel is an emotional exploration of memory, family, and freedom, set against the backdrop of the antebellum South.
Coates' writing creates vivid imagery and conveys powerful emotions without making being overly complex or difficult to understand. His account of the Underground Railroad offers insights into the courage and ingenuity of those who risked everything for freedom through a combination of realism and magical realism. I'm not a big fan of mixing magical realism with historical fiction, so the former was a distraction for me.
Despite this, the story hit me hard. It's unfathomable that slavery was a reality, and Coates does not shy away from depicting its horrors. I was often flooded with empathy and outrage. There’s no doubt I would have joined the efforts of the Underground Railroad had I lived in that era.
This is a powerful and thought-provoking read!
Coates' writing creates vivid imagery and conveys powerful emotions without making being overly complex or difficult to understand. His account of the Underground Railroad offers insights into the courage and ingenuity of those who risked everything for freedom through a combination of realism and magical realism. I'm not a big fan of mixing magical realism with historical fiction, so the former was a distraction for me.
Despite this, the story hit me hard. It's unfathomable that slavery was a reality, and Coates does not shy away from depicting its horrors. I was often flooded with empathy and outrage. There’s no doubt I would have joined the efforts of the Underground Railroad had I lived in that era.
This is a powerful and thought-provoking read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Abandonment, Death, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Sexism
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
This is a captivating science fiction novel that intertwines deep themes, like love, faith, humanity, and the unknown. The story follows a Jesuit priest, Emilio Sandoz, and his eclectic team of scientists and scholars on a mission to make first contact with an alien civilization on the planet Rakhat. The narrative is structured in two timelines, one detailing the mission’s hopeful beginnings and the other unraveling the tragic aftermath, which keeps readers engaged and chomping at the bit to understand the full picture.
This may very well be my very first true science fiction book! I’m not typically a fan of sci-fi, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying this one. The blend of speculative fiction with profound philosophical questions made it a compelling read.
I was initially apprehensive about the religious aspect of the book, given its heavy focus on Jesuit priests. However, Mary Doria Russell handles the religious themes objectively and the story remains balanced by her inclusion of both non-religious and Jewish characters who are integral to the plot. The religious characters are portrayed as complex humans, not as dogmatic zealots trying to convert others, which I very much appreciated. This approach made the interactions between religious and non-religious characters feel authentic and respectful.
There were so many fascinating facets to this story. The book delves into Catholicism, linguistics, alien culture, interpersonal relationships, sanctioned body mutilation, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Boredom is never an option!
Character development is fantastic. Each character is given a distinct voice and personality, making them feel real and relatable. The description of the alien species is really well-done. Russell’s vivid imagery allowed me to easily visualize the aliens and their environment.
I highly recommend "The Sparrow" to anyone interested in an intelligent and multifaceted story…whether you're a fan of science fiction or not!
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
“You know what’s the most terrifying thing about admitting that you’re in love?…You are just naked. You put yourself in harm’s way and you lay down all your defenses. No clothes, no weapons. Nowhere to hide. Completely vulnerable. The only thing that makes it tolerable is to believe the other person loves you back and that you can trust him not to hurt you.”
This is a captivating science fiction novel that intertwines deep themes, like love, faith, humanity, and the unknown. The story follows a Jesuit priest, Emilio Sandoz, and his eclectic team of scientists and scholars on a mission to make first contact with an alien civilization on the planet Rakhat. The narrative is structured in two timelines, one detailing the mission’s hopeful beginnings and the other unraveling the tragic aftermath, which keeps readers engaged and chomping at the bit to understand the full picture.
This may very well be my very first true science fiction book! I’m not typically a fan of sci-fi, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying this one. The blend of speculative fiction with profound philosophical questions made it a compelling read.
I was initially apprehensive about the religious aspect of the book, given its heavy focus on Jesuit priests. However, Mary Doria Russell handles the religious themes objectively and the story remains balanced by her inclusion of both non-religious and Jewish characters who are integral to the plot. The religious characters are portrayed as complex humans, not as dogmatic zealots trying to convert others, which I very much appreciated. This approach made the interactions between religious and non-religious characters feel authentic and respectful.
There were so many fascinating facets to this story. The book delves into Catholicism, linguistics, alien culture, interpersonal relationships, sanctioned body mutilation, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Boredom is never an option!
Character development is fantastic. Each character is given a distinct voice and personality, making them feel real and relatable. The description of the alien species is really well-done. Russell’s vivid imagery allowed me to easily visualize the aliens and their environment.
I highly recommend "The Sparrow" to anyone interested in an intelligent and multifaceted story…whether you're a fan of science fiction or not!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Grief, Medical content, Slavery, Colonisation, Confinement, Dysphoria, Body horror, Torture, Genocide, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Cannibalism, Abandonment, Child death, Chronic illness, Forced institutionalization, Rape, and Terminal illness
Minor: Drug use, Police brutality, and Gore
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This is a charming “rom com” that follows the relationship struggles of two best friends, Poppy and Alex. The story begins when they’re at university and alternates between the past and present, capturing their annual summer trips and feelings about each other over the course of a decade.
Initially, I thought the book was for a younger audience, and I almost set it aside shortly after starting it. At the beginning, Poppy, the main character, was a bit immature, irritating, and overdone. But as the story progressed, she grew on me. Because the narrative spans 10 years, it goes deeper and became more relevant to me as the characters matured.
The frequent jumps between past and present with ongoing cluelessness causing the same outcomes started to feel repetitive. Near the end, I was beginning to get exasperated and was often thinking, "Enough already!" The drawn-out nature of their relationship seemed unrealistic until I realized I actually have firsthand experience with super slowly evolving relationships!
I liked Emily’s exploration of the dysfunctions that can hinder relationships and appreciated that she didn’t fall into clichéd gender roles. This added a layer of authenticity to the story, making it more relatable.
This is a quick read that will appeal to anyone who likes romantic comedies that subtly deep dive into how fears can negatively impact relationships.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
“It hurts to want it all, so many things that can’t coexist within the same life.”
This is a charming “rom com” that follows the relationship struggles of two best friends, Poppy and Alex. The story begins when they’re at university and alternates between the past and present, capturing their annual summer trips and feelings about each other over the course of a decade.
Initially, I thought the book was for a younger audience, and I almost set it aside shortly after starting it. At the beginning, Poppy, the main character, was a bit immature, irritating, and overdone. But as the story progressed, she grew on me. Because the narrative spans 10 years, it goes deeper and became more relevant to me as the characters matured.
The frequent jumps between past and present with ongoing cluelessness causing the same outcomes started to feel repetitive. Near the end, I was beginning to get exasperated and was often thinking, "Enough already!" The drawn-out nature of their relationship seemed unrealistic until I realized I actually have firsthand experience with super slowly evolving relationships!
I liked Emily’s exploration of the dysfunctions that can hinder relationships and appreciated that she didn’t fall into clichéd gender roles. This added a layer of authenticity to the story, making it more relatable.
This is a quick read that will appeal to anyone who likes romantic comedies that subtly deep dive into how fears can negatively impact relationships.
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
If you're looking for a captivating blend of history and women's fiction, Caleb's Crossing is a must-read. Set in the U.S. colonies in the early to mid-1600s, the story follows Bethia, a young Protestant woman living on Martha's Vineyard, and Caleb, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. Despite its title, the narrative primarily revolves around Bethia's struggles and experiences.
I absolutely loved this book! Not surprising since it weaves a woman-centered tale that delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and religion in the U.S. of the 1600's. While Caleb's journey to Harvard serves as a backdrop, it's Bethia's story of resilience and self-discovery that truly shines.
As I mentioned, the title totally threw me. I was expecting Caleb to be the main character, so I was quite surprised to find out it was actually Bethia. It was all good though as her compelling story had the added benefit of shedding light on the plight of women AND Native Americans in colonial America.
Despite its slow pace and the seriously depressing exposé of the negative impact of Christianity on women and Native Americans, the story held my attention to the end because of Brooks' meticulous research and masterful storytelling.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Does any woman ever count the grains of her harvest and say: Good enough? Or does one always think of waht more one might have laid in, had the labor been harder, the ambition more vast, the choices more sage?"
If you're looking for a captivating blend of history and women's fiction, Caleb's Crossing is a must-read. Set in the U.S. colonies in the early to mid-1600s, the story follows Bethia, a young Protestant woman living on Martha's Vineyard, and Caleb, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. Despite its title, the narrative primarily revolves around Bethia's struggles and experiences.
I absolutely loved this book! Not surprising since it weaves a woman-centered tale that delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and religion in the U.S. of the 1600's. While Caleb's journey to Harvard serves as a backdrop, it's Bethia's story of resilience and self-discovery that truly shines.
As I mentioned, the title totally threw me. I was expecting Caleb to be the main character, so I was quite surprised to find out it was actually Bethia. It was all good though as her compelling story had the added benefit of shedding light on the plight of women AND Native Americans in colonial America.
Despite its slow pace and the seriously depressing exposé of the negative impact of Christianity on women and Native Americans, the story held my attention to the end because of Brooks' meticulous research and masterful storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, Classism, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, and Genocide
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Rape and Miscarriage
Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
"Daughter of Moloka’i" is a captivating continuation of the story that began with "Moloka’i." Set in the early 20th century, it follows the life of Ruth, the daughter of Rachel from the first book, as she navigates her own rocky life.
Alan Brennert's writing is truly a delight. It's both intelligent and accessible, drawing me into the story effortlessly from the very first page.
The characters he creates are so vivid and well-developed that they feel like real people you'd love to have the privilege of knowing.
Like Moloka’i, this book seamlessly weaves historical facts into the narrative making it extra enriching. I was totally engrossed until the very end.
As someone with a spiritual connection to Hawaii, this book resonated deeply with me. It beautifully captures the essence of the islands, strengthening my bond with the place even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a poignant historical story with heart!
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
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? No
4.25
“Ruth was beginning to suspect that there may be more to the universe than any one religion could explain.”
"Daughter of Moloka’i" is a captivating continuation of the story that began with "Moloka’i." Set in the early 20th century, it follows the life of Ruth, the daughter of Rachel from the first book, as she navigates her own rocky life.
Alan Brennert's writing is truly a delight. It's both intelligent and accessible, drawing me into the story effortlessly from the very first page.
The characters he creates are so vivid and well-developed that they feel like real people you'd love to have the privilege of knowing.
Like Moloka’i, this book seamlessly weaves historical facts into the narrative making it extra enriching. I was totally engrossed until the very end.
As someone with a spiritual connection to Hawaii, this book resonated deeply with me. It beautifully captures the essence of the islands, strengthening my bond with the place even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a poignant historical story with heart!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Colonisation, Xenophobia, Grief, Confinement, Death of parent, and Deportation
Moderate: Animal death
The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho
The Devil and Miss Prym is a short novel that explores the themes of good and evil, temptation, and human nature. Set in a small village, the story follows Miss Prym, a young woman who is confronted by a stranger who challenges the villagers to commit an act of evil within a week. As the deadline approaches, she grapples with her own morality and the choices of those around her, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of sin and redemption.
This one was a mixed bag for me. After being swept away by "The Alchemist," I was eager to explore more of Paulo Coelho’s work. However, after this third one, I am finding that his books don’t quite hit the mark for me unless I connect deeply with the message.
One of my main gripes with this one was the heavy Christian overtone. Clearly, I should have known this was going to be the case based on the title! As someone who isn't a Christian or even religious, I found the emphasis on temptation and sin from a Christian perspective pretty unrelatable. It felt like the fable was somewhat one-dimensional and didn't leave much room for other interpretations or perspectives.
Another stumbling block for me was the characters, which I found to be rather flat and hard to connect with. There wasn't much depth or complexity to them, so I never felt invested in any of them. Plus, by design, they weren’t very likable.
All this being said, I did appreciate how the story unfolded within the context of the small town setting. Each character seemed to have their designated role within the community, and the way their actions played out felt realistic given their backgrounds and relationships. It added a layer of authenticity to the story that I could appreciate, even if other aspects fell short for me.
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
3.0
“If you want to control someone, all you have to do is to make them feel afraid.”
The Devil and Miss Prym is a short novel that explores the themes of good and evil, temptation, and human nature. Set in a small village, the story follows Miss Prym, a young woman who is confronted by a stranger who challenges the villagers to commit an act of evil within a week. As the deadline approaches, she grapples with her own morality and the choices of those around her, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of sin and redemption.
This one was a mixed bag for me. After being swept away by "The Alchemist," I was eager to explore more of Paulo Coelho’s work. However, after this third one, I am finding that his books don’t quite hit the mark for me unless I connect deeply with the message.
One of my main gripes with this one was the heavy Christian overtone. Clearly, I should have known this was going to be the case based on the title! As someone who isn't a Christian or even religious, I found the emphasis on temptation and sin from a Christian perspective pretty unrelatable. It felt like the fable was somewhat one-dimensional and didn't leave much room for other interpretations or perspectives.
Another stumbling block for me was the characters, which I found to be rather flat and hard to connect with. There wasn't much depth or complexity to them, so I never felt invested in any of them. Plus, by design, they weren’t very likable.
All this being said, I did appreciate how the story unfolded within the context of the small town setting. Each character seemed to have their designated role within the community, and the way their actions played out felt realistic given their backgrounds and relationships. It added a layer of authenticity to the story that I could appreciate, even if other aspects fell short for me.