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jedore's reviews
503 reviews
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: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Slavery, Torture, Medical content, Grief, Pregnancy, Colonisation, Dysphoria, Classism
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Rape, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Cannibalism, Abandonment
Minor: Drug use, Gore, Police brutality
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: Death, Genocide, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, Classism
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Miscarriage, Rape
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: Confinement, Xenophobia, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Colonisation, 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.
The Rib King by Ladee Hubbard
The Rib King offers a peek into the lives of characters tied to the wealthy Tillman family in early 20th century America. The first half of the book focuses on August Sitwell, a servant in the Tillman household, whose culinary skills catapult him to fame.
Just as you settle into August's story, there’s an abrupt shift to Jennie, another servant in the household. Having bonded with August, this was quite unsettling. Plus, not only does the author skip over the most pivotal scene in the book, she never provides closure to August’s story from his point of view.
Despite the jolt of the character transition and its general predictability, this was an enjoyable read that gave me a glimpse into an racially tense era in U.S. history through the eyes of a host of vibrant and likable characters.
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
“You can’t wish this world away and you can’t shoot your way out either. You just have to find the strength to rise above it. By being excellent. That’s how you cope with this world, Jennie…quality is what endures. Excellence is what’s real.”
The Rib King offers a peek into the lives of characters tied to the wealthy Tillman family in early 20th century America. The first half of the book focuses on August Sitwell, a servant in the Tillman household, whose culinary skills catapult him to fame.
Just as you settle into August's story, there’s an abrupt shift to Jennie, another servant in the household. Having bonded with August, this was quite unsettling. Plus, not only does the author skip over the most pivotal scene in the book, she never provides closure to August’s story from his point of view.
Despite the jolt of the character transition and its general predictability, this was an enjoyable read that gave me a glimpse into an racially tense era in U.S. history through the eyes of a host of vibrant and likable characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Murder, Classism
Moderate: Death
Minor: Police brutality
Days of Awe by Lauren Fox
Set against the backdrop of suburban life, "Days of Awe" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It follows Isabel Moore, a woman grappling with grief and self-discovery following the sudden death of her best friend. As Isabel navigates the complexities of loss, friendship, and the search for meaning, she finds herself confronting her past and reevaluating her relationships with those closest to her.
I'm not sure how it ended up on my shelf...my best guess is that I picked it up while thrifting because I'd heard of Lauren Fox before. My expectations were on the low side, probably because I peeked at the 3.26 rating before I started reading it.
With one exception, the writing was very good. It's a little baffling that such a talented writer would drop one of the most annoying clichés ~ if you're in any online book groups, you're likely familiar with the "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" one. I wonder...do authors do this on purpose or are they really that unaware?
I'm always a fan when characters are well developed ~ and that was definitely the case with this book. Isabel was the perfectly imperfect main character and narrator of the book. And, luckily I loved, and completely related, to her.
If you are or were a suburban mom or a middle school teacher and don't require much action to love a book, it's very likely enjoy this one!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.75
"As I get older, my life simultaneously shrinks and grows, shedding delusions as it picks up complications."
Set against the backdrop of suburban life, "Days of Awe" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It follows Isabel Moore, a woman grappling with grief and self-discovery following the sudden death of her best friend. As Isabel navigates the complexities of loss, friendship, and the search for meaning, she finds herself confronting her past and reevaluating her relationships with those closest to her.
I'm not sure how it ended up on my shelf...my best guess is that I picked it up while thrifting because I'd heard of Lauren Fox before. My expectations were on the low side, probably because I peeked at the 3.26 rating before I started reading it.
With one exception, the writing was very good. It's a little baffling that such a talented writer would drop one of the most annoying clichés ~ if you're in any online book groups, you're likely familiar with the "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" one. I wonder...do authors do this on purpose or are they really that unaware?
I'm always a fan when characters are well developed ~ and that was definitely the case with this book. Isabel was the perfectly imperfect main character and narrator of the book. And, luckily I loved, and completely related, to her.
If you are or were a suburban mom or a middle school teacher and don't require much action to love a book, it's very likely enjoy this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Antisemitism, Grief
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Genocide, Miscarriage, Suicide
The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia
Segovia's writing is simply stunning. Just like Isabel Allende, she weaves a rich and slow-burning story with a bit of magical realism and fascinating characters that stick with you even when you’re not reading.
Narrated by an elderly man recalling his childhood growing up with his adopted brother in Linares, Mexico, the story is mostly touching, sometimes tense and sad, and ends on a seriously bittersweet note.
The book came so close to making my all-time favorites list…the only reason it didn’t is because I was inexplicably reluctant to pick it up at times despite adoring it. I blame social media for speeding up my brain!
Read this book! It’s absolutely beautiful.
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
“…she feigned strength, as she would do for a long time, and by feigning it she would end up believing it, and by believing it, she would make it a reality.”
Segovia's writing is simply stunning. Just like Isabel Allende, she weaves a rich and slow-burning story with a bit of magical realism and fascinating characters that stick with you even when you’re not reading.
Narrated by an elderly man recalling his childhood growing up with his adopted brother in Linares, Mexico, the story is mostly touching, sometimes tense and sad, and ends on a seriously bittersweet note.
The book came so close to making my all-time favorites list…the only reason it didn’t is because I was inexplicably reluctant to pick it up at times despite adoring it. I blame social media for speeding up my brain!
Read this book! It’s absolutely beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl was a favorite so I was excited to read this book. It was good, but not as good as Gillian Flynn’s masterpiece.
This one was a bit overdone, I thought. And, definitely more predictable. That being said, “more predictable” for Gillian is still far less predictable than other authors. This was still a fun romp on the dark side that pulls you in and keeps you there!
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
“She’d always been one of those types of girls who wanted what anyone else had even if she didn’t want it.”
Gone Girl was a favorite so I was excited to read this book. It was good, but not as good as Gillian Flynn’s masterpiece.
This one was a bit overdone, I thought. And, definitely more predictable. That being said, “more predictable” for Gillian is still far less predictable than other authors. This was still a fun romp on the dark side that pulls you in and keeps you there!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Murder
Minor: Alcohol