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kt2e56's reviews
78 reviews
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The narrator was awful (begging more voice actors to learn what an actual Brooklyn accent sounds like. Also she outright just didn’t know how to pronounce simple words? Is there no editing in Audiobooks?) and both Millie and Nina were competing in the Pick Me! Olympics and were really frustrating to read about because they both felt so completely underdeveloped .
It’s weird how little detail McFadden gives us. Is this a new trend? Taylor Jenkins Reid writes like this too. They just assume “a large, expensive looking room” or “white pants” are enough when none of that actually paints a picture for me as a reader. There was more detail (like ten pages worth) and description when Nina accidentally squirts breast milk everywhere at work than there is like anything else in this book.
AlsoMillie’s backstory makes zero sense to me. You’d think someone who spent 10 years in prison would have more street smarts and common sense but no. She makes the most absurd mistakes.
And she really leans HARD into the whole “pick me!” NLOG thing. It was hard not to roll my eyes every time she said something along the lines of “Nina is an ugly fat bitch unlike me who is sexy and petite and model gorgeous (despite doing 10 years in prison then living in my car for months) but also young and fertile.” Like girl, STAND UP. Have some self respect lmfao. No man is worth it. Especially not the blank void of a character that is Andrew (we just know he’s hot but we’re never given much description part that and even before shit gets crazy, he has no personality at all).
Nina and Enzo’s scheme also makes ZERO sense. And is pretty revolting tbh. It’s weird that they both really thought setting up another woman to be tortured by Andrew was a good idea. This is another example of an author being so wrapped up in having a twist that they forgot how to actually develop one that makes sense.
This was a fast listen and entertaining enough so 2.5 stars is I think an adequate rating but yeah, the author has a lot of work to do before writing anything else 😬
It’s weird how little detail McFadden gives us. Is this a new trend? Taylor Jenkins Reid writes like this too. They just assume “a large, expensive looking room” or “white pants” are enough when none of that actually paints a picture for me as a reader. There was more detail (like ten pages worth) and description when Nina accidentally squirts breast milk everywhere at work than there is like anything else in this book.
Also
And she really leans HARD into the whole “pick me!” NLOG thing. It was hard not to roll my eyes every time she said something along the lines of “Nina is an ugly fat bitch unlike me who is sexy and petite and model gorgeous (despite doing 10 years in prison then living in my car for months) but also young and fertile.” Like girl, STAND UP. Have some self respect lmfao. No man is worth it.
Nina and Enzo’s scheme also makes ZERO sense. And is pretty revolting tbh. It’s weird that they both really thought setting up another woman to be tortured by Andrew was a good idea.
This was a fast listen and entertaining enough so 2.5 stars is I think an adequate rating but yeah, the author has a lot of work to do before writing anything else 😬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
Dying of Politeness by Geena Davis
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.0
Very light and breezy. Geena is lovely and quirky and honest but don’t expect salacious Hollywood gossip from this one. She’s a class act.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Pedophilia
Biography of X by Catherine Lacey
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-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
5.0
Really well crafted.
Actually feels like a real biography and the author does a great job mixing the real world with her own alternate version of history to really convince you of X and this story. Speaking of the alternate United States of this book, I like that it wasn’t spelled out right away but a gradual reveal about 10% or so into the book. It was like a punch in the gut once the Southern Territory was revealed.
Also a really gorgeous portrait of a woman (the fictional author) struggling to make sense of not only her marriage but of the abuse she endured and whether or not it was true (like some of the folks she interviews seem to be suggesting) that *her* suffering and the way she was treated was justified because it fueled art.
It’s common for victims to blame themselves or feel like they deserved to be treated badly or were lucky to be with their abusive but often more charismatic partner.
Just a really, really thought provoking book and I think it’s going to stay with me for awhile.
Actually feels like a real biography and the author does a great job mixing the real world with her own alternate version of history to really convince you of X and this story. Speaking of the alternate United States of this book, I like that it wasn’t spelled out right away but a gradual reveal about 10% or so into the book. It was like a punch in the gut once the Southern Territory was revealed.
Also a really gorgeous portrait of a woman (the fictional author) struggling to make sense of not only her marriage but of the abuse she endured and whether or not it was true (like some of the folks she interviews seem to be suggesting) that *her* suffering and the way she was treated was justified because it fueled art.
It’s common for victims to blame themselves or feel like they deserved to be treated badly or were lucky to be with their abusive but often more charismatic partner.
Just a really, really thought provoking book and I think it’s going to stay with me for awhile.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual violence, War, Mental illness, Police brutality, and Self harm
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A really great premise (especially as a film buff) but not scary enough for me, unfortunately. I also really didn’t buy the love story at the end. I preferred Tristán and Momo’s dynamic as a friendship.
The Guest by Emma Cline
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was Uncut Gems levels of anxiety-inducing. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This was a massive disappointment for me. I remember seeing the cover ages ago and immediately adding it to my reading list. Then I heard folks talking about and figured I had to give it a shot eventually and when I heard it was a re-telling of The Fall of the House of Usher I figured now would be the perfect time to read it since I just watched (and LOVED) the Netflix series. Well…this was nowhere near as good as I was hoping it would be. Painfully slow (which is outrageous considering how short it is) and dreadfully boring until I hit the 58% mark. All of the characters are either completely bland or in Easton’s case, unbelievably irritating. Yes, books at that time were a bit on the dry side but oh my god there’s no reason to do that with a retelling written now. I don’t need the constant war memories or lectures on Gallacian pronouns. There was some promise here first with the rabbits and then eventually once we’re told what is going on with Madeline but that all happens so quickly it sucked any and all tension right out of the book. Also what the fuck is up with the weird Beatrix Potter fanfic thrown in? I’ve heard only good things about this author so it’s a shame that I disliked this so much but maybe I’ll give them another chance.
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This was so beautifully written and really humanizes Britney Spears. Despite all of her suffering, Britney was able to still remain kind and empathetic (yet honest and apologetic about moments where she wasn’t the kindest). She still can see joy and hope in life and that makes me happy for her. Michelle Williams did an excellent job reading this. Definitely worth the hype.
Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss's Glossier by Marisa Meltzer
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
Yeah this was just…fine? It seemed pretty fair and balanced but I have to say, the story of Glossier (as told here anyway) isn’t all that riveting or unique. This served more to me as a fun recollection of the early 2010’s beauty culture and reminded me of my own experiences with Into the Gloss or first discovering Glossier’s products in college. Maybe it’s because Emily Weiss is so guarded and careful about her image, but yeah…nothing here felt particularly surprising.
The Collective by Alison Gaylin
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
This is the definition of a page-turner! Really sinks its claws into you. I wish the ending felt a little less rushed, but otherwise this was excellent! Creepy, suspenseful, and at times really quite moving.
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Without a doubt the most disturbing and distressing book I think I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down. Every time I thought I knew what was going on I then hoped I was wrong because “that would too horrible.” Definitely recommend for anyone who likes horror. This really crawls under your skin and stays there. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Mental illness, Torture, Violence, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Stalking, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Self harm, and Suicide attempt