kt2e56's reviews
116 reviews

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.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry

Moderate: Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual violence, Police brutality, War

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.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail

The Fervor by Alma Katsu

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This started out great but sort of petered out as it went on. I think once the characters’ stories begin to intersect is where the trouble begins. Things start to become a bit too convenient and eventually lead to a really rushed ending that feels a bit like a deus ex machina. I also feel like as the story goes on, the Japanese folklore (aka the most interesting bits) sort of becomes less and less important and the book goes from being a creepy historical horror novel to a quasi-political thriller which just wasn’t what I was in the mood for. Don’t get me wrong, this was still entertaining but it just wasn’t as spooky as The Hunger so I feel a bit disappointed.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Blood, Murder

Moderate: Body horror, Miscarriage, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Antisemitism, War, Pandemic/Epidemic

Luster by Raven Leilani

challenging dark reflective 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

4.0

Eerily honest. Makes your skin crawl to read. Almost like you’re witnessing something you shouldn’t. Funny at times. Grimy. Haunting.  Really fantastic though and I’m excited to read more from this author.