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503 reviews
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a supernatural twist, this one might just pique your interest. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows Adelaide Henry, a Black woman fleeing her troubled past in California for the remote, harsh landscapes of Montana. All she takes with her is a mysterious steamer trunk that she never lets out of her sight—and for good reason. What’s inside is more than a mere possession; it’s a dark secret that Adelaide must confront as she tries to build a new life on the frontier.
Victor LaValle blends historical fiction and magical realism in a way that brings the Wild West to life while adding an eerie, otherworldly layer. The story explores themes of survival, community, and the burdens we carry, both literal and metaphorical. It’s an intriguing premise, but I have to admit—I’m not the biggest fan of mixing historical fiction with magical realism. While I appreciated the historical backdrop, the supernatural elements gave the story an odd, almost disjointed feel. I suspect that’s what kept me at a bit of a distance, though I can see how other readers might find it compelling.
One thing I truly appreciated, though, was the book’s symbolism. The “demon” in the story was such a powerful metaphor for the baggage we all carry—whether it’s guilt, grief, or fear—and how confronting it can lead to freedom or destruction, depending on how we approach it. I also loved that the cast of primary characters was almost entirely women, which felt refreshing for a frontier tale. The book touches on issues like gender roles, race, and independence in ways that feel subtle yet impactful.
A fun tidbit about the author: Victor LaValle is known for his ability to mix horror, fantasy, and social commentary seamlessly, and his novel The Changeling earned him widespread acclaim. LaValle’s knack for crafting stories that feel both timeless and unique shines through in Lone Women, even if the magical realism wasn’t entirely my cup of tea.
If you enjoy stories that challenge genre conventions and tackle weighty themes with a touch of the supernatural, Lone Women might be worth a read. For me, while it didn’t quite hit all the right notes, I still came away appreciating its creativity and the thought-provoking way it explored what it means to be burdened—and ultimately, unburdened.
dark
informative
mysterious
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
3.5
“Here’s an interesting moment in any friendship. That time when one person has revealed something essential about themselves and the other must decide if they can accept it.”
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a supernatural twist, this one might just pique your interest. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows Adelaide Henry, a Black woman fleeing her troubled past in California for the remote, harsh landscapes of Montana. All she takes with her is a mysterious steamer trunk that she never lets out of her sight—and for good reason. What’s inside is more than a mere possession; it’s a dark secret that Adelaide must confront as she tries to build a new life on the frontier.
Victor LaValle blends historical fiction and magical realism in a way that brings the Wild West to life while adding an eerie, otherworldly layer. The story explores themes of survival, community, and the burdens we carry, both literal and metaphorical. It’s an intriguing premise, but I have to admit—I’m not the biggest fan of mixing historical fiction with magical realism. While I appreciated the historical backdrop, the supernatural elements gave the story an odd, almost disjointed feel. I suspect that’s what kept me at a bit of a distance, though I can see how other readers might find it compelling.
One thing I truly appreciated, though, was the book’s symbolism. The “demon” in the story was such a powerful metaphor for the baggage we all carry—whether it’s guilt, grief, or fear—and how confronting it can lead to freedom or destruction, depending on how we approach it. I also loved that the cast of primary characters was almost entirely women, which felt refreshing for a frontier tale. The book touches on issues like gender roles, race, and independence in ways that feel subtle yet impactful.
A fun tidbit about the author: Victor LaValle is known for his ability to mix horror, fantasy, and social commentary seamlessly, and his novel The Changeling earned him widespread acclaim. LaValle’s knack for crafting stories that feel both timeless and unique shines through in Lone Women, even if the magical realism wasn’t entirely my cup of tea.
If you enjoy stories that challenge genre conventions and tackle weighty themes with a touch of the supernatural, Lone Women might be worth a read. For me, while it didn’t quite hit all the right notes, I still came away appreciating its creativity and the thought-provoking way it explored what it means to be burdened—and ultimately, unburdened.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief
Moderate: Gore, Death of parent
Minor: Lesbophobia
Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All: A New Zealand Story by Christina Thompson
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Way to dry and zero emotional connection
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Couldn’t get into the character and it was all about her.
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Too much of a guy’s book…at least in the beginning
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Too many unrelatable cultural and religious references
The Humans by Matt Haig
This is a story about an alien who inhabits the body of a Cambridge mathematician after being sent to Earth to prevent humanity from advancing too far. As he navigates human life and discovers the complexities of love, relationships and the beauty of imperfection, his cold, logical perspective shifts. It’s a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be human, filled with humor and wisdom.
Matt Haig is known for his ability to blend genres and explore themes of mental health and existentialism in his work. This book was partly inspired by his own struggles with depression, which led him to reflect deeply what makes life both challenging and beautiful.
This book surprisingly made my all-time favorites list. Even though it's sci-fi (my least favorite genre), it really just used the alien perspective as a vehicle to explore profound truths about being human.
The character development, especially of the alien, was outstanding. Watching him evolve from a detached observer to someone deeply connected to the people around him was beautifully done. By the end, I was in love with all of the characters, even the lesser developed ones.
What often makes a fiction book an all-time favorite for me is when it blends story with "self-help" elements. This book does exactly that—it calls you to think about your own life in an organic, non-preachy way simply by telling the story. There’s a chapter toward the end that clinched it for me. I won’t spoil it for you—you’ll just have to read this amazing book!
This book is a rare gem that would resonate equally with men and women and a wide variety of readers. If you’re in the mood for a book that’s heartfelt, thought-provoking, and totally unique, pick this one up! It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and think about life in completely new ways.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
“No one will understand you. It is not, ultimately, that important. What is important is that you understand you.”
This is a story about an alien who inhabits the body of a Cambridge mathematician after being sent to Earth to prevent humanity from advancing too far. As he navigates human life and discovers the complexities of love, relationships and the beauty of imperfection, his cold, logical perspective shifts. It’s a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be human, filled with humor and wisdom.
Matt Haig is known for his ability to blend genres and explore themes of mental health and existentialism in his work. This book was partly inspired by his own struggles with depression, which led him to reflect deeply what makes life both challenging and beautiful.
This book surprisingly made my all-time favorites list. Even though it's sci-fi (my least favorite genre), it really just used the alien perspective as a vehicle to explore profound truths about being human.
The character development, especially of the alien, was outstanding. Watching him evolve from a detached observer to someone deeply connected to the people around him was beautifully done. By the end, I was in love with all of the characters, even the lesser developed ones.
What often makes a fiction book an all-time favorite for me is when it blends story with "self-help" elements. This book does exactly that—it calls you to think about your own life in an organic, non-preachy way simply by telling the story. There’s a chapter toward the end that clinched it for me. I won’t spoil it for you—you’ll just have to read this amazing book!
This book is a rare gem that would resonate equally with men and women and a wide variety of readers. If you’re in the mood for a book that’s heartfelt, thought-provoking, and totally unique, pick this one up! It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and think about life in completely new ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief, Murder, Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Injury/Injury detail
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
This book begins with a visit to a fortune teller in 1969 New York City, where four siblings are told the exact dates of their deaths. The novel then unfolds in four interconnected sections, each focusing on one sibling’s life and how their prophesied end shapes their choices, relationships, and sense of identity. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of fate, free will, and the power of belief.
Chloe Benjamin is a relatively young author whose first novel, <em>The Anatomy of Dreams</em>, was also well-received. She has mentioned in interviews that her writing often explores the intersection of science and spirituality, which is clearly evident in <em>The Immortalists</em>.
In a way, this novel felt like four short stories connected by the thread of the siblings’ shared encounter with the fortune teller. Normally, I find short stories a bit exhausting, as they require reconnecting with new characters repeatedly. But, in this book, the shared experience of the fortune teller grounded the story and made the transitions between sections more cohesive.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this book was its psychological depth. It made me constantly question how much of the siblings’ fates were shaped by the fortune teller’s predictions versus their own belief in them. Was it self-fulfilling prophecy or true destiny? This lingering question keeps you thinking long after the last page.
Although the character development was pretty strong, I found it hard to deeply bond with any of the siblings. I suspect this is largely due to the segmented “short story” structure, which didn’t leave as much room to fully immerse in their lives. Still, each sibling’s story felt real and layered, even if the emotional connection wasn’t as deep as I might have hoped.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy pondering the human condition. It’s not predictable or kitschy, and it kept me engaged from start to finish. While the characters didn’t completely steal my heart, the story left me with plenty to reflect on, which is a mark of a worthwhile read in my book. If you’re looking for something thought-provoking and uniquely structured, give it a try!
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
“She’d tell herself that what she really wanted was not to live forever, but to stop worrying.”
This book begins with a visit to a fortune teller in 1969 New York City, where four siblings are told the exact dates of their deaths. The novel then unfolds in four interconnected sections, each focusing on one sibling’s life and how their prophesied end shapes their choices, relationships, and sense of identity. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of fate, free will, and the power of belief.
Chloe Benjamin is a relatively young author whose first novel, <em>The Anatomy of Dreams</em>, was also well-received. She has mentioned in interviews that her writing often explores the intersection of science and spirituality, which is clearly evident in <em>The Immortalists</em>.
In a way, this novel felt like four short stories connected by the thread of the siblings’ shared encounter with the fortune teller. Normally, I find short stories a bit exhausting, as they require reconnecting with new characters repeatedly. But, in this book, the shared experience of the fortune teller grounded the story and made the transitions between sections more cohesive.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this book was its psychological depth. It made me constantly question how much of the siblings’ fates were shaped by the fortune teller’s predictions versus their own belief in them. Was it self-fulfilling prophecy or true destiny? This lingering question keeps you thinking long after the last page.
Although the character development was pretty strong, I found it hard to deeply bond with any of the siblings. I suspect this is largely due to the segmented “short story” structure, which didn’t leave as much room to fully immerse in their lives. Still, each sibling’s story felt real and layered, even if the emotional connection wasn’t as deep as I might have hoped.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy pondering the human condition. It’s not predictable or kitschy, and it kept me engaged from start to finish. While the characters didn’t completely steal my heart, the story left me with plenty to reflect on, which is a mark of a worthwhile read in my book. If you’re looking for something thought-provoking and uniquely structured, give it a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Abortion
The Last Painting of Sara De Vos by Dominic Smith
This book weaves together three timelines: a 17th-century Dutch painter named Sara de Vos, a modern-day art forgery in New York, and the tangled lives of those connected to her only surviving painting. It’s a story about art, identity, and the threads that connect us across time.
What I found fascinating about Sara de Vos is that she was one of the very few women admitted to the prestigious Guild of St. Luke in Holland during her time. In an era dominated by men who often overshadowed or outright erased women’s contributions, she still managed to leave her mark—a mark that men, of course, tried to bury under their egos.
Although I didn’t fall in love with this book, it’s historical fiction, so I gained something by reading it. I hadn’t heard of Sara de Vos before, and I’m grateful to have learned about her life and struggles. It’s another reminder of how often women’s achievements are hidden in history.
The book itself is a very slow burn. The characters are flawed (which I always appreciate), but it dragged a bit for me, and I never felt like there were any real “high points” to grab onto. That said, the layers of the story and the connections between the timelines were intriguing, and the art and history details were beautifully done.
If you’re a lover of historical fiction—especially stories centered around art or Danish history—this book is definitely worth picking up. While it wasn’t a personal favorite for me, I can see why others would love it for its interesting story and its look at the often-forgotten women of history.
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
"You carry grudges and regrets for decades, tend them like gravesite vigils, then even after you lay them down they linger on the periphery, waiting to ambush you all over again."
This book weaves together three timelines: a 17th-century Dutch painter named Sara de Vos, a modern-day art forgery in New York, and the tangled lives of those connected to her only surviving painting. It’s a story about art, identity, and the threads that connect us across time.
What I found fascinating about Sara de Vos is that she was one of the very few women admitted to the prestigious Guild of St. Luke in Holland during her time. In an era dominated by men who often overshadowed or outright erased women’s contributions, she still managed to leave her mark—a mark that men, of course, tried to bury under their egos.
Although I didn’t fall in love with this book, it’s historical fiction, so I gained something by reading it. I hadn’t heard of Sara de Vos before, and I’m grateful to have learned about her life and struggles. It’s another reminder of how often women’s achievements are hidden in history.
The book itself is a very slow burn. The characters are flawed (which I always appreciate), but it dragged a bit for me, and I never felt like there were any real “high points” to grab onto. That said, the layers of the story and the connections between the timelines were intriguing, and the art and history details were beautifully done.
If you’re a lover of historical fiction—especially stories centered around art or Danish history—this book is definitely worth picking up. While it wasn’t a personal favorite for me, I can see why others would love it for its interesting story and its look at the often-forgotten women of history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexism, Abandonment
Your Brain Is Always Listening: Tame the Hidden Dragons That Control Your Happiness, Habits, and Hang-Ups by Daniel G. Amen
Dr. Daniel Amen is a renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and founder of Amen Clinics, which specialize in brain imaging to diagnose and treat mental health issues. He’s a strong advocate for using brain scans to create personalized care plans, challenging the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to mental health. Dr. Amen has authored multiple bestsellers and is known for making complex neuroscience accessible to the general public.
I was drawn to this book because of Dr. Amen's emphasis on brain diagnostics as a foundation for more effective mental health care. As someone who’s a chronic overthinker, the title also resonated with me, promising tools to help quiet the endless chatter in my head.
If you’re new to understanding mental health or want straightforward, easily digestible advice, this book could be a great introduction. While it might not satisfy readers looking for deeper insights or more advanced tools, it does provide practical tips for identifying and managing the "dragons" influencing your mind.
informative
medium-paced
3.5
This book explores the concept of “dragons”—invisible, often subconscious influences like past trauma, anxiety, or toxic relationships that impact your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Through practical techniques and strategies, Amen teaches how to identify and tame these "dragons" to improve mental health, break negative habits, and find more happiness in daily life.
Dr. Daniel Amen is a renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and founder of Amen Clinics, which specialize in brain imaging to diagnose and treat mental health issues. He’s a strong advocate for using brain scans to create personalized care plans, challenging the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to mental health. Dr. Amen has authored multiple bestsellers and is known for making complex neuroscience accessible to the general public.
I was drawn to this book because of Dr. Amen's emphasis on brain diagnostics as a foundation for more effective mental health care. As someone who’s a chronic overthinker, the title also resonated with me, promising tools to help quiet the endless chatter in my head.
While the book did offer some helpful information and coping strategies, I found the writing style a bit too simplistic and the inclusion of cartoonish drawings a detraction from the seriousness of the subject. That said, there were a few takeaways worth noting, especially the practical techniques and mantras for addressing specific behaviors and thought patterns.
If you’re new to understanding mental health or want straightforward, easily digestible advice, this book could be a great introduction. While it might not satisfy readers looking for deeper insights or more advanced tools, it does provide practical tips for identifying and managing the "dragons" influencing your mind.
The Push by Ashley Audrain
The Push is a suspenseful psychological drama centered on the complexities of motherhood and generational trauma. The story is about Blythe, a woman struggling with her strained bond with her daughter, Violet. While her husband insists everything is fine, Blythe becomes convinced there’s something very wrong with Violet. The narrative peels back layers of Blythe’s fears and her own dysfunctional upbringing in a way that you don't know what’s real and what’s imagined.
The Push is an unsettling read that will stay with you long after you finish. If you love psychological thrillers with rich character development and plenty of twists, this one’s a must-read!
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
“A mother’s heart breaks a million ways in her lifetime.”
The Push is a suspenseful psychological drama centered on the complexities of motherhood and generational trauma. The story is about Blythe, a woman struggling with her strained bond with her daughter, Violet. While her husband insists everything is fine, Blythe becomes convinced there’s something very wrong with Violet. The narrative peels back layers of Blythe’s fears and her own dysfunctional upbringing in a way that you don't know what’s real and what’s imagined.
This book is really well written and had me hooked from start to finish. The tension builds perfectly, the twists are (mostly) unpredictable, and the psychological depth is fascinating. Audrain captures the darker sides of motherhood in a way that’s equally chilling and thought-provoking.
The Push is an unsettling read that will stay with you long after you finish. If you love psychological thrillers with rich character development and plenty of twists, this one’s a must-read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting
Moderate: Toxic friendship