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kamrynkoble's reviews
428 reviews
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have tried my best to behave and read these before I watch season 2. So I have no idea what happens in the show (I say this because it seems like a lot of other reviewers compare this to the show).
Two very important things:
1) The banter/dialogue made me laugh out loud, multiple times
2) I was actually giddy over the early romance
The fact that the above two things are true forgives a lot. I love a romance that can do the above, and it’s so rare to find.
With both this and the first, I feel like it’s wrapped up too quickly. We scarcely get the emotional payoff and it’s straight to the epilogue. I appreciate both Kate and Anthony’s trauma they can work through together, but it still feels like it’s just lacking some meat. I don’t know. Still fun, and I’ll definitely read the next one.
Two very important things:
1) The banter/dialogue made me laugh out loud, multiple times
2) I was actually giddy over the early romance
The fact that the above two things are true forgives a lot. I love a romance that can do the above, and it’s so rare to find.
With both this and the first, I feel like it’s wrapped up too quickly. We scarcely get the emotional payoff and it’s straight to the epilogue. I appreciate both Kate and Anthony’s trauma they can work through together, but it still feels like it’s just lacking some meat. I don’t know. Still fun, and I’ll definitely read the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Grief, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
Minor: Misogyny
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this. I haven’t read much classic “genre” historical romance and while I still think I like the nitty gritty and ambiguity of romantic historical fiction—I think I’ve found a new series to return to often.
I’ve put off watching the show until I read the book, while I love the additions and wider scope of the show, this book was so endearing. I laughed out loud and truly enjoyed the dialogue especially.
I saw parts of myself in Daphne and Simon that I have never come across in any other novels. It’s a little frightening, honestly.
I’m not surprised that there’s controversy around one specific part of their marriage (if you know, you know). But I do respect stories where good people make wrong decisions and have to crawl their way back from it. It makes for good fiction, and does not surprise me within the context of the story.
There’s definitely sexual content (less than the show but still present), and murky consent within marriage. It doesn’t have sexual assault in the context of a stranger or some unwanted man brutalizing a woman (like Outlander), but tread carefully if you think that might upset you.
I’ve put off watching the show until I read the book, while I love the additions and wider scope of the show, this book was so endearing. I laughed out loud and truly enjoyed the dialogue especially.
I saw parts of myself in Daphne and Simon that I have never come across in any other novels. It’s a little frightening, honestly.
I’m not surprised that there’s controversy around one specific part of their marriage (if you know, you know). But I do respect stories where good people make wrong decisions and have to crawl their way back from it. It makes for good fiction, and does not surprise me within the context of the story.
There’s definitely sexual content (less than the show but still present), and murky consent within marriage. It doesn’t have sexual assault in the context of a stranger or some unwanted man brutalizing a woman (like Outlander), but tread carefully if you think that might upset you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual assault
Moderate: Pregnancy
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a riveting, twisty thriller that kept me enthralled the entire time! The audiobook production is especially well done. It has a full cast, and mock recordings/podcast episodes that veer into graphic audio territory with the sound effects. I’d definitely recommend listening to this one.
I already feel like I want to reread it, and I had that thought consistently as I progressed through the book.
The ending was a bit unsatisfying/vague in a negative way. I was left with a little bit of “that’s it?” The “basic bitch” line was also not the serve Alix thought it was. My face was this: 🥴
There are several extremely dark themes (adult/minor relationship, pedophilia, murder, incest to name a few) but nothing is “on page” or spelled out, just discussed.
I’d recommend this for new and old thriller fans.
I already feel like I want to reread it, and I had that thought consistently as I progressed through the book.
The ending was a bit unsatisfying/vague in a negative way. I was left with a little bit of “that’s it?” The “basic bitch” line was also not the serve Alix thought it was. My face was this: 🥴
There are several extremely dark themes (adult/minor relationship, pedophilia, murder, incest to name a few) but nothing is “on page” or spelled out, just discussed.
I’d recommend this for new and old thriller fans.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Murder, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Drug abuse, and Incest
Becoming Sister Wives: The Story of an Unconventional Marriage by Meri Brown, Kody Brown, Christine Brown, Robyn Brown
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
This is a “tell some” book. There were very few details that were new after watching all eighteen seasons of the show. It is very interesting to read though knowing that only one of Kody Brown’s four wives is still with him. It’s sad, honestly. But reading this it’s so obvious why their marriage is hard and unstable and doesn’t work.
I remain horrified of Kody’s treatment of Christine and Meri. How can you have six children with a woman and insist that you’re not attracted to her and never have been? How can you claim to have never been in love with a woman at all, after writing these chapters of your romance including everyone else’s perception of this “it” couple? Kody Brown is a psychopath either way—he’s gaslighting his wives and the audience, or he is a terrifyingly convincing actor and con artist.
I would fully believe you if you told me this was the process of writing this book:
1) Make a ghost writer watch the show
2) Come up with little tidbits that weren’t in the show
3) Rinse and repeat for each subsection and each wife
It’s just lacking personality. Any bit shared in here could easily be extracted by someone watching the show, and even so, it’s all telling and no showing. Without Sister Wives I’d never be able to separate these four women from each other.
I was really hoping for more about WHY they believe this is their religious conviction. They all chose the principle, but what does that MEAN? It’s just so shallow.
If you’re a Sister Wives nut you might want to still read this, but here are the extra pieces that stuck out to me:
- Christine really did hustle after Kody and was devastated when Kody and Meri dated anyone other than her
- Christine ate some chili cheese fries and Kody lost attraction to her because of this “chubby” (his words) girl devouring chili cheese fries
- Meri and Kody had a failed courtship with a seventeen-year-old girl before Janelle joined, but that is literally all the information they give
- Christine and Meri both had fights about how the other disciplined their children. No details, of course.
- Janelle specifically has an accounting degree. I never knew what she actually did
- Robyn LOVES her some Oprah!
Yep, that’s all I can think of for now. Fighting, no money, jealousy, hard, but it all works out in the end thanks to the principle of celestial marriage 😇🙏🏻
I remain horrified of Kody’s treatment of Christine and Meri. How can you have six children with a woman and insist that you’re not attracted to her and never have been? How can you claim to have never been in love with a woman at all, after writing these chapters of your romance including everyone else’s perception of this “it” couple? Kody Brown is a psychopath either way—he’s gaslighting his wives and the audience, or he is a terrifyingly convincing actor and con artist.
I would fully believe you if you told me this was the process of writing this book:
1) Make a ghost writer watch the show
2) Come up with little tidbits that weren’t in the show
3) Rinse and repeat for each subsection and each wife
It’s just lacking personality. Any bit shared in here could easily be extracted by someone watching the show, and even so, it’s all telling and no showing. Without Sister Wives I’d never be able to separate these four women from each other.
I was really hoping for more about WHY they believe this is their religious conviction. They all chose the principle, but what does that MEAN? It’s just so shallow.
If you’re a Sister Wives nut you might want to still read this, but here are the extra pieces that stuck out to me:
- Christine really did hustle after Kody and was devastated when Kody and Meri dated anyone other than her
- Christine ate some chili cheese fries and Kody lost attraction to her because of this “chubby” (his words) girl devouring chili cheese fries
- Meri and Kody had a failed courtship with a seventeen-year-old girl before Janelle joined, but that is literally all the information they give
- Christine and Meri both had fights about how the other disciplined their children. No details, of course.
- Janelle specifically has an accounting degree. I never knew what she actually did
- Robyn LOVES her some Oprah!
Yep, that’s all I can think of for now. Fighting, no money, jealousy, hard, but it all works out in the end thanks to the principle of celestial marriage 😇🙏🏻
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Minor: Fatphobia
Defending Jacob by William Landay
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
2024 reread:
My husband and I listened to the audiobook . . . WOW. If I never have to hear “Loguidice” in a transatlantic accent again, it’ll be too soon. I didn’t realize how much mental skimming of the court cases you can do, until I had to listen to every. Single. Word.
We also think this should be called Defending Fatphobia. I swear I don’t remember the ebook being like this, to the point that I wonder if the publisher updated the ebook but not the audio. I couldn’t even begin to count the fatphobic comments. It has to be over 50, MINIMUM. Everyone’s fat, men’s “tits” strain against polos, teenagers have skirts of fat around their middle, and are delightfully confident even if they’re “pudgy.” I’m not kidding, this man notices every single person’s weight, and everyone in this town must not be as much of a skinny legend as Andy Barber. I’d be shocked if there were any chapters he DIDN’T mention someone’s weight. My husband and I would laugh every time it was so bad.
All that to say 🤪 I genuinely didn’t remember the ending, so I was in for the ride all over again. I think we would’ve been way happier reading this instead of listening. You know, also, a little less commentary on preteen/teen girls’ stomachs.
2021:
Wow, wow, wow. I’ve been meaning to read this book for years, and it was quite the trip. If you like legal/courtroom/crime novels, this book will be perfect for you. It’s definitely a page turner. The voice is so unique as well, and I loved the descriptions. Normally I skim, but I found myself devouring it.
It’s not a perfect book, I would’ve cut some here and fleshed out more there. But my heart was racing as I read in bed, constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. This was a great opener to 2021!
My husband and I listened to the audiobook . . . WOW. If I never have to hear “Loguidice” in a transatlantic accent again, it’ll be too soon. I didn’t realize how much mental skimming of the court cases you can do, until I had to listen to every. Single. Word.
We also think this should be called Defending Fatphobia. I swear I don’t remember the ebook being like this, to the point that I wonder if the publisher updated the ebook but not the audio. I couldn’t even begin to count the fatphobic comments. It has to be over 50, MINIMUM. Everyone’s fat, men’s “tits” strain against polos, teenagers have skirts of fat around their middle, and are delightfully confident even if they’re “pudgy.” I’m not kidding, this man notices every single person’s weight, and everyone in this town must not be as much of a skinny legend as Andy Barber. I’d be shocked if there were any chapters he DIDN’T mention someone’s weight. My husband and I would laugh every time it was so bad.
All that to say 🤪 I genuinely didn’t remember the ending, so I was in for the ride all over again. I think we would’ve been way happier reading this instead of listening. You know, also, a little less commentary on preteen/teen girls’ stomachs.
2021:
Wow, wow, wow. I’ve been meaning to read this book for years, and it was quite the trip. If you like legal/courtroom/crime novels, this book will be perfect for you. It’s definitely a page turner. The voice is so unique as well, and I loved the descriptions. Normally I skim, but I found myself devouring it.
It’s not a perfect book, I would’ve cut some here and fleshed out more there. But my heart was racing as I read in bed, constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. This was a great opener to 2021!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child death, Fatphobia, and Death
Moderate: Car accident, Blood, Homophobia, and Pedophilia
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
5.0
*2024*
My cousin Tori talked me into a reread of this! It’s at least my 4th, but I think it’s more like 6th since I read it a few times before I got a Goodreads. I had so much fun blowing up her phone as we both read it.
This series is my Roman Empire. I have to force myself not to think about Katniss because my heart will literally squeeze in my chest when I do.
I adore her SO much. Her inner monologue is precious and still makes me laugh out loud. I cannot get over the way she thinks about everything, and how LITTLE she understands Peeta and his motivation. And Peeta’s rizz . . . I’ll never forget how mad my husband was that they “butchered” his rizz in the movies. Book Peeta is so charming.
I STILL cry every single time I read this, and I fear the day that it doesn’t do that to me. This was the first time I listened to the audiobook and the way she read Rue’s death just sent me over a whole new edge. She was literally fabulous. It’s obvious that she’s acting, not just reading aloud—in the best way. My only complaint is the very aggressive Canadian accent on an Appalachian character, lol. (Bag is now bayg, against is now againyst, you get the picture.)
The older I get, the more frightening this world is. I pick up on so many new, little details each time. Who wants to put breast implants into a sixteen-year-old girl? There’s so much horror surrounding the games, and it’s not just the children killing each other.
I’m going to say it with my whole chest this year—this is my perfect book. It’s flawless. If I had to get a tattoo tomorrow, it would probably be for Katniss. I don’t know how anyone could give this book less than 5 stars, but it just affirms that we’re all different. It’s perfection to me though, and if you have any complaints, I am not available to listen. BRB, I’m resurrecting my various THG fanfics.
*2022*
I got to read this out loud to my love while he drives! So much fun to watch his reactions. We laughed out loud a lot. We both wish the movies included more of Katniss and Peeta’s relationship/humor. So so good. It’s hard for me not to reread every year.
*2019*
This really might be a perfect book.
There’s really no point in me writing a long review. If you know me at all, you know I had a brutal Hunger Games stage. My mom had to limit the number of Katniss braids a week I could wear to school.
Man, I love this. The characters, the settings, the voice, the pacing. It’s quite honestly a modern masterpiece. And I can’t wait to start Catching Fire, which manages to be an even better sequel to a stunning first book. Could not love this more.
My cousin Tori talked me into a reread of this! It’s at least my 4th, but I think it’s more like 6th since I read it a few times before I got a Goodreads. I had so much fun blowing up her phone as we both read it.
This series is my Roman Empire. I have to force myself not to think about Katniss because my heart will literally squeeze in my chest when I do.
I adore her SO much. Her inner monologue is precious and still makes me laugh out loud. I cannot get over the way she thinks about everything, and how LITTLE she understands Peeta and his motivation. And Peeta’s rizz . . . I’ll never forget how mad my husband was that they “butchered” his rizz in the movies. Book Peeta is so charming.
I STILL cry every single time I read this, and I fear the day that it doesn’t do that to me. This was the first time I listened to the audiobook and the way she read Rue’s death just sent me over a whole new edge. She was literally fabulous. It’s obvious that she’s acting, not just reading aloud—in the best way. My only complaint is the very aggressive Canadian accent on an Appalachian character, lol. (Bag is now bayg, against is now againyst, you get the picture.)
The older I get, the more frightening this world is. I pick up on so many new, little details each time. Who wants to put breast implants into a sixteen-year-old girl? There’s so much horror surrounding the games, and it’s not just the children killing each other.
I’m going to say it with my whole chest this year—this is my perfect book. It’s flawless. If I had to get a tattoo tomorrow, it would probably be for Katniss. I don’t know how anyone could give this book less than 5 stars, but it just affirms that we’re all different. It’s perfection to me though, and if you have any complaints, I am not available to listen. BRB, I’m resurrecting my various THG fanfics.
*2022*
I got to read this out loud to my love while he drives! So much fun to watch his reactions. We laughed out loud a lot. We both wish the movies included more of Katniss and Peeta’s relationship/humor. So so good. It’s hard for me not to reread every year.
*2019*
This really might be a perfect book.
There’s really no point in me writing a long review. If you know me at all, you know I had a brutal Hunger Games stage. My mom had to limit the number of Katniss braids a week I could wear to school.
Man, I love this. The characters, the settings, the voice, the pacing. It’s quite honestly a modern masterpiece. And I can’t wait to start Catching Fire, which manages to be an even better sequel to a stunning first book. Could not love this more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Moderate: Medical trauma, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Blood, Alcohol, Animal death, and Classism
You're the Only One I've Told: The Stories Behind Abortion by Meera Shah
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Women’s reproductive rights and care has always been something extremely important to me. I came to this book with the lens of a woman raised in a highly conservative, Christian environment who is pro-choice despite never needing abortion care myself. Because of my background, I do not think this book would be very effective to “sway” any conservative Christians.
It often seeks to identify abortion as something commonplace and completely devoid of shame. It included the stories of several women who had to have abortion for medical reasons, even though they wanted the pregnancy. In these situations, the grief and decision-making is difficult. But in the author, a physician’s, own narration, it comes across as “not that big of a deal.” There really isn’t any education on avoiding abortion in the first place as it’s apparent that the author sees no issue with women having as many abortions as they want, for whatever reason. I could see this almost irreverent tone as being off putting to those who are on the fence in any way, shape, or form.
The other factor is high attention to gender. This book focuses on inclusive language (pregnant person instead of pregnant woman, people with uteruses, etc), provides pronouns for every person mentioned at the beginning of their chapters, and often offers caveats that include nonbinary people and trans men. While I know these caveats are important, it can detract from this seeming like a woman’s issue, and turns the conversation to broader topics of gender and sexuality. For that reason I would also be extremely hesitant to recommend this book to a conservative Christian.
The author is obviously a physician, and I think this book could’ve benefitted from a ghost writer who could help organize the thoughts here in a more cohesive, easy-to-read way. It was often repetitive and ricocheted between people’s personal stories and then paragraphs of laws and court cases.
What was strong? I learned SO much. I feel like I have a much more comprehensive look at reproductive healthcare in the US. The most recent developments have terrified me, and I hope the author expands upon them in a second edition at some point.
I appreciated the wide breadth of the different stories offered here. It was obvious that all the interviewees had great rapport with the author.
As a decidedly pro-choice person, I found this educational, fascinating, and clarifying. With a different author tone, I could see these stories being helpful for those who’ve never been in these people’s shoes, and struggle to imagine what it would be like. I’ll gladly recommend this to my pro-choice friends, but if you’re looking for something to sway others, I don’t think this is the pick.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion and Pregnancy
Moderate: Sexism, Religious bigotry, Medical content, and Medical trauma
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
Wow! This one was a rollercoaster. I bought it at a used bookstore several years ago and with my new interest in Mormonism, I’m glad I finally picked this one up.
I enjoyed the historical parts more than the modern day story, but it was still interesting. I loved the dual timeline and the inclusion of various documents, letters, online chatting, journals, and autobiographies. I’ve never read anything else like it, honestly. Fiction and fact blurred, but I took everything with a grain of salt and what was there fascinated me. I read nearly 300 pages in one sitting I got so sucked in.
This honestly had more scandal than I even imagined going into a book about polygamy. I took multiple pictures to send to my friend who shares my interest in this topic. I doubt I’ll ever reread it, but I was thoroughly entertained by this one and it provided great food for thought.
I enjoyed the historical parts more than the modern day story, but it was still interesting. I loved the dual timeline and the inclusion of various documents, letters, online chatting, journals, and autobiographies. I’ve never read anything else like it, honestly. Fiction and fact blurred, but I took everything with a grain of salt and what was there fascinated me. I read nearly 300 pages in one sitting I got so sucked in.
This honestly had more scandal than I even imagined going into a book about polygamy. I took multiple pictures to send to my friend who shares my interest in this topic. I doubt I’ll ever reread it, but I was thoroughly entertained by this one and it provided great food for thought.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Murder, Gun violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, and Homophobia
Minor: Pregnancy
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
2024 reread (3rd time):
My cousin convinced me to do a buddy read while she read this for the first time, and I’m so glad I did it. I have to bump this to five stars. This book is a thriller master class. It breaks all the rules and is still somehow the best of the best. These characters are all awful yet still so engaging. The older I get, the more I catch. And it was so fascinating reading this now that I’m married myself and have spent more time engaging with true crime material. I think Flynn is a genius and I need her fourth book to come out yesterday.
I listened on Spotify premium until my hours ran out, and then listened from the library. I read a bit on my kindle thanks to booksatrillion, and ended up finishing with my paperback.
2021 reread (2nd time):
I really enjoyed this reread! The author is a master storyteller, and even though I already knew what happened I still found myself being surprise by the twists and turns. I see why this was such a bestseller, even though both Nick and Amy are the most awful people. Awful people, wonderful characters.
My cousin convinced me to do a buddy read while she read this for the first time, and I’m so glad I did it. I have to bump this to five stars. This book is a thriller master class. It breaks all the rules and is still somehow the best of the best. These characters are all awful yet still so engaging. The older I get, the more I catch. And it was so fascinating reading this now that I’m married myself and have spent more time engaging with true crime material. I think Flynn is a genius and I need her fourth book to come out yesterday.
I listened on Spotify premium until my hours ran out, and then listened from the library. I read a bit on my kindle thanks to booksatrillion, and ended up finishing with my paperback.
2021 reread (2nd time):
I really enjoyed this reread! The author is a master storyteller, and even though I already knew what happened I still found myself being surprise by the twists and turns. I see why this was such a bestseller, even though both Nick and Amy are the most awful people. Awful people, wonderful characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Vomit
Minor: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars rounded up. I'm not sure I would've read this if it wasn't for my book club, but I'm glad I did.
My main complaint is the sheer volume of characters and the lack of a clear goal/plot/central story. And for all of the random stories I had to read about them, I really don't know them well at all. I told my cousin that if I was trying to make these characters in the Sims, I would have a bear of a time trying to come up with three traits for any of them.
Reading felt like a bit of a chore, and I think I would've taken much longer if I wasn't trying to meet my book club deadline. The nature of it just made me skim, and when I skimmed, I missed a lot of what makes this book strong. I ended up transitioning to audio because of how much I was skimming, but then I struggled to focus on the audio too. I ended up reading a summary that made me appreciate it a bit more, and I think I would've benefitted from active discussion as I read rather than just being independent until the end.
I do wish that the setting would've been more grounded. I feel like I can't clearly picture much of it, and it was so important to the story.
The strength lies in the themes. It provides ample opportunity for reflection and discussion. For these reasons though, the content warnings abound. Make sure to scan the list ahead of time if you have any common triggers.
While the summary I read helped me appreciate the bigger picture of this novel more, I think it often gets lost in the slog with this one. I didn't need McBride to be heavier-handed, but a little more focus/less distraction would've made it more impactful in my opinion.
My main complaint is the sheer volume of characters and the lack of a clear goal/plot/central story. And for all of the random stories I had to read about them, I really don't know them well at all. I told my cousin that if I was trying to make these characters in the Sims, I would have a bear of a time trying to come up with three traits for any of them.
Reading felt like a bit of a chore, and I think I would've taken much longer if I wasn't trying to meet my book club deadline. The nature of it just made me skim, and when I skimmed, I missed a lot of what makes this book strong. I ended up transitioning to audio because of how much I was skimming, but then I struggled to focus on the audio too. I ended up reading a summary that made me appreciate it a bit more, and I think I would've benefitted from active discussion as I read rather than just being independent until the end.
I do wish that the setting would've been more grounded. I feel like I can't clearly picture much of it, and it was so important to the story.
The strength lies in the themes. It provides ample opportunity for reflection and discussion. For these reasons though, the content warnings abound. Make sure to scan the list ahead of time if you have any common triggers.
While the summary I read helped me appreciate the bigger picture of this novel more, I think it often gets lost in the slog with this one. I didn't need McBride to be heavier-handed, but a little more focus/less distraction would've made it more impactful in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Forced institutionalization, Sexual assault, Racism, Racial slurs, and Ableism
Moderate: Violence, Murder, and Excrement