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katieohara's reviews
115 reviews
Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West by Dorothy Wickenden
informative
slow-paced
3.0
I think the author should have let Ros and Dorothy’s story come through more in the letters, give them a bigger voice. The author definitely did her research. However, she forces it upon the reader. I do not need several pages about the history of a specific train track or the mines, if it’s not relevant to the plot. The juiciest part of the story with the kidnapping didn’t get enough attention, in my opinion. I will say that someone who went to Smith, the chapter on Smith’s was nice. I could appreciate some of the other references.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Antisemitism
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.25
I think that this book is one of the best examples of a character study that I have read this year. As a native New Englander if also has a certain sense of for lack of a better word, dark charm for me. However, the book is hurtling you to this big bad moment that it hints at, but it just didn’t feel as bad as I was expecting. But honestly I might just be a spoiled reader to used to the horrifying details of murder podcasts and criminal minds. Perhaps what happened is sick enough and the author is making a subtle point that if you are looking for perversion you are no better than the spoiled rich girl not realizing her idealism has consequences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Death of parent, Classism, Child abuse, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Lesbophobia, Terminal illness, Gun violence, Grief, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Torture, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Incest, Animal death, Stalking, Murder, Eating disorder, Confinement, Rape, and Alcoholism
Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub
5.0
I honestly loved this book. I went through a lot of books at barnes and nobles and discarded all of them until I found this. Absolutely loved it! I stayed up all night reading it! It has a classy intellectual female protagonist that is often lost in modern romances. In addition I LOVED all the Much Ado About Nothing references! Overall I would read it again.