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lisacerezo's reviews
55 reviews
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
4.0
This was a pretty captivating read, overall. I did think the pacing toward the very end was a bit abrupt. Given how much attention was given to world-building and the narrator’s mental and emotional state throughout, one might have expected that the last crucial moment would have been given more than just a sentence. Still, it’s easy to see why this is considered a timeless book, and clearly much modern gothic horror sees its roots somewhere in Manderley.
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
4.0
The pacing of this story was a little odd at times. I’ll admit I skipped past large sections that felt like some kind of required description of the physical scene before getting back to the plot itself. That said, it had good moments of suspense as well, and a fair amount of dread. Mild spoiler, but one passage in particular took me back to 9/11 and I was not prepared for that. Should be obvious from the description, but there is considerable peril directed at a child, which was also difficult for me. I read this mainly because it was the source material for an upcoming Shyamalan movie, so I think I expected a bit different of an ending for the book. Will be interesting to see how the film adaptation plays out.
If It Bleeds by Stephen King
4.0
I really think I love King’s short stories even more than his novels, even the early ones. Each was satisfying in its own way, even if the last put me off both rats and sequestering myself in a cabin to write. I will say that it probably helps to read the Mr. Mercedes trilogy before reading the titular short story, though I had not, and enjoyed it just fine. I probably lost a lot of King’s signature layering on that one, though. Anyway, this is a very enjoyable collection, and one that Constant Readers should enjoy.
What Would Ted Lasso Do?: How Ted's Positive Approach Can Help You by Lucy Broadbent
5.0
I didn’t expect this book to back up its assertions about a fictional character with actual science, but it did exactly that. While it diminished the charm of the book at times, it gave the takeaways more weight and meaning. There is also an extensive list of references at the back, that I’m sure to dive into further. But first, I’m going to go watch another episode!
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
4.0
This is such an interesting concept! I will say that this came into my life at a weird time for me personally, as I was in the midst of feeling my own regrets and concerns about missed paths in my life. It was actually quite therapeutic to follow Nora’s journey in the book, although I felt the messaging at the end was just a touch heavy-handed. Overall a very enjoyable read.
Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica
2.0
I generally don’t mind first person narratives, but switching between two of them got in the way of empathizing with either of them. I was mildly surprised at a couple of plot points, but some of the foreshadowing was really obvious. I don’t feel like there was any sort of clear-cut character to actually root for. It was more like watching a train wreck.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
5.0
This is a challenging book for anyone who loved Matthew Perry’s comedy work. It’s like finding out a friend was struggling for years and you never knew. It’s an unusual blend of funny and self-deprecating, and also a blisteringly honest look at what addiction does to people. I can’t help feeling like the system failed Matthew, but it is inspiring to read and understand everything he went through and why. His curiosity and gratitude by the end is a beautiful, shining takeaway.