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lit_with_britt's Reviews (406)
I went into By Any Other Name completely blind—no summary, no expectations—just knowing it was my book club’s pick. Having loved many of Jodi Picoult’s books in the past, I was eager to dive in. However, this one turned out to be a bit of a struggle.
The novel follows two timelines: Emilia Bassano, a 16th-century poet who may have been the true author of Shakespeare’s works, and Melina Green, a modern playwright battling gender bias. Initially, Emilia’s story felt dull and slow, making it hard to get into. But as her narrative unfolded, I fell in love with her tragic love story with Southampton. Her journey, overshadowed by the men of her time, was compelling and thought-provoking. It truly highlighted how women’s voices have long been buried beneath history’s male figures.
The present-day storyline, however, didn’t hold the same weight for me. The characters lacked depth and growth in my opinion.
The book is undeniably well-written, but at times, overly so. The wordiness and excessive detail dulled the emotional impact rather than enhancing it. The slow start eventually led to some gripping moments, but by the last 100 pages, my attention began to wane again. The drawn-out ending left me feeling underwhelmed—more “meh” than moved.
Overall, By Any Other Name is a deeply researched novel with an important message about women in literature and history. But between its slow pacing, lengthy exposition, and underdeveloped modern characters, it didn’t fully resonate with me. As a longtime Picoult fan, I had hoped for more, but this wasn’t quite my cup of tea.
The novel follows two timelines: Emilia Bassano, a 16th-century poet who may have been the true author of Shakespeare’s works, and Melina Green, a modern playwright battling gender bias. Initially, Emilia’s story felt dull and slow, making it hard to get into. But as her narrative unfolded, I fell in love with her tragic love story with Southampton. Her journey, overshadowed by the men of her time, was compelling and thought-provoking. It truly highlighted how women’s voices have long been buried beneath history’s male figures.
The present-day storyline, however, didn’t hold the same weight for me. The characters lacked depth and growth in my opinion.
The book is undeniably well-written, but at times, overly so. The wordiness and excessive detail dulled the emotional impact rather than enhancing it. The slow start eventually led to some gripping moments, but by the last 100 pages, my attention began to wane again. The drawn-out ending left me feeling underwhelmed—more “meh” than moved.
Overall, By Any Other Name is a deeply researched novel with an important message about women in literature and history. But between its slow pacing, lengthy exposition, and underdeveloped modern characters, it didn’t fully resonate with me. As a longtime Picoult fan, I had hoped for more, but this wasn’t quite my cup of tea.
Grady Hendrix delivers a powerful and haunting story that blends historical realities with supernatural intrigue. The novel follows a group of pregnant teens in a 1970s home for unwed mothers, where they discover an occult book that gives them an unexpected sense of power. I loved each of the main characters—their struggles, personalities, and resilience made them incredibly compelling.
What truly struck me was the disturbing reality of these so-called “homes” and the countless young women who were sent away to hide their pregnancies, only to have their babies taken from them. It’s heartbreaking to think about how often this happened and how many stories remain untold. Hendrix’s choice to research and write about this topic, especially as a male author, is something I really respect. His effort to bring attention to this dark history adds depth to the novel beyond its supernatural elements.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found it a little wordy and long-winded in places. Some sections dragged a bit, but overall, the story kept me engaged and left me thinking long after I finished. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of the eerie and a lot of heart, this one is worth the read.
What truly struck me was the disturbing reality of these so-called “homes” and the countless young women who were sent away to hide their pregnancies, only to have their babies taken from them. It’s heartbreaking to think about how often this happened and how many stories remain untold. Hendrix’s choice to research and write about this topic, especially as a male author, is something I really respect. His effort to bring attention to this dark history adds depth to the novel beyond its supernatural elements.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found it a little wordy and long-winded in places. Some sections dragged a bit, but overall, the story kept me engaged and left me thinking long after I finished. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of the eerie and a lot of heart, this one is worth the read.
A handful of years ago, I made a goal to read one Holocaust-themed book per year, and this one was a compelling and heartbreaking addition to my reading journey.
This novel, based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, follows his experiences as a Slovakian Jew imprisoned in Auschwitz. Due to his ability to speak multiple languages, he is assigned the role of Tätowierer (tattooist), responsible for marking fellow prisoners with their identification numbers. Through this position, he meets Gita, a fellow prisoner, and the two develop a deep and enduring love amidst unimaginable horrors.
What stood out to me was the resilience of the human spirit in the story. Lale’s determination to survive, protect Gita, and help others—even at great personal risk—was inspiring. The small acts of defiance, like smuggling food and trading goods, showed how even in the bleakest moments, hope and kindness could still exist. One of my favorite parts was the exchange of chocolate between Lale and Gita—such a small yet powerful moment that symbolized love and humanity in a place designed to strip people of both.
The book was emotional and engaging, making it a quick and immersive read despite the heavy subject matter. While the writing style was simple, the raw emotion and historical significance could still be felt. Books on this subject always leave me emotionally wrecked, but this one also left me with a sense of hope. Lale and Gita’s story is a testament to love, resilience, and the unbreakable will to survive.
This novel, based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, follows his experiences as a Slovakian Jew imprisoned in Auschwitz. Due to his ability to speak multiple languages, he is assigned the role of Tätowierer (tattooist), responsible for marking fellow prisoners with their identification numbers. Through this position, he meets Gita, a fellow prisoner, and the two develop a deep and enduring love amidst unimaginable horrors.
What stood out to me was the resilience of the human spirit in the story. Lale’s determination to survive, protect Gita, and help others—even at great personal risk—was inspiring. The small acts of defiance, like smuggling food and trading goods, showed how even in the bleakest moments, hope and kindness could still exist. One of my favorite parts was the exchange of chocolate between Lale and Gita—such a small yet powerful moment that symbolized love and humanity in a place designed to strip people of both.
The book was emotional and engaging, making it a quick and immersive read despite the heavy subject matter. While the writing style was simple, the raw emotion and historical significance could still be felt. Books on this subject always leave me emotionally wrecked, but this one also left me with a sense of hope. Lale and Gita’s story is a testament to love, resilience, and the unbreakable will to survive.
Another fast-paced, bingeable read from McFadden! The mystery kept me hooked with steady pacing, though some twists were a bit predictable. I totally called the affair, and while my theory about Seth framing Natalie was almost right, I guessed the wrong person.
One of the most intriguing parts? The weird, one-sided emails between Dawn and Mia. Something felt off—was Dawn lying? It added an eerie vibe that kept me guessing.
This book also highlights how relentless bullying can deeply impact mental health. Dawn’s experiences at work were heartbreaking, and it was a reminder of how cruelty and isolation can push someone to their breaking point.
Overall, not my favorite McFadden book, but still a quick, engaging read with a satisfying conclusion. If you love psychological thrillers, give it a go!
One of the most intriguing parts? The weird, one-sided emails between Dawn and Mia. Something felt off—was Dawn lying? It added an eerie vibe that kept me guessing.
This book also highlights how relentless bullying can deeply impact mental health. Dawn’s experiences at work were heartbreaking, and it was a reminder of how cruelty and isolation can push someone to their breaking point.
Overall, not my favorite McFadden book, but still a quick, engaging read with a satisfying conclusion. If you love psychological thrillers, give it a go!
Steve Cavanagh’s Kill for Me Kill for You is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The novel presents a gripping premise: two strangers, each burdened by deep personal trauma, make a sinister pact to eliminate each other’s enemies. But as the story unfolds, deception, secrets, and unexpected twists turn their plan into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is Ruth’s perspective. Her storyline provides an intimate, haunting look into the mind of a victim after experiencing a horrific crime. Cavanagh portrays her trauma with raw authenticity, making her character one of the most emotionally gripping elements of the book. As the story progressed, I had a lingering suspicion that Ruth and Wendy might be connected, yet the way their arcs unfolded still managed to surprise me.
The pacing is relentless, with short, punchy chapters that make the book nearly impossible to put down. Cavanagh expertly balances tension, psychological depth, and shocking reveals, making this one of the most engaging thrillers I’ve read in a while. If you enjoy high-stakes mind games and unexpected twists, Kill for Me Kill for You is a must-read. I highly recommend it.
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is Ruth’s perspective. Her storyline provides an intimate, haunting look into the mind of a victim after experiencing a horrific crime. Cavanagh portrays her trauma with raw authenticity, making her character one of the most emotionally gripping elements of the book. As the story progressed, I had a lingering suspicion that Ruth and Wendy might be connected, yet the way their arcs unfolded still managed to surprise me.
The pacing is relentless, with short, punchy chapters that make the book nearly impossible to put down. Cavanagh expertly balances tension, psychological depth, and shocking reveals, making this one of the most engaging thrillers I’ve read in a while. If you enjoy high-stakes mind games and unexpected twists, Kill for Me Kill for You is a must-read. I highly recommend it.
I devoured this book in 24 hours! While I enjoyed The Housemaid more, this was still a solid, fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. I love Millie—despite (or maybe because of) her vigilante psychopath tendencies—and I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book.
One of the things I love most about this series is the pacing. Freida McFadden knows how to keep the tension high with short, punchy chapters and constant twists. Even when I had suspicions about certain reveals, the way they unfolded still kept me engaged. Millie’s moral ambiguity makes her such an interesting character to follow—she’s clearly not your typical protagonist, but that’s what makes her compelling. The story’s simplicity also works in its favor, making it a quick, bingeable read.
While I preferred the first book, The Housemaid’s Secret is still a great sequel that delivers suspense, shocking moments, and an ending that leaves you eager for more!
One of the things I love most about this series is the pacing. Freida McFadden knows how to keep the tension high with short, punchy chapters and constant twists. Even when I had suspicions about certain reveals, the way they unfolded still kept me engaged. Millie’s moral ambiguity makes her such an interesting character to follow—she’s clearly not your typical protagonist, but that’s what makes her compelling. The story’s simplicity also works in its favor, making it a quick, bingeable read.
While I preferred the first book, The Housemaid’s Secret is still a great sequel that delivers suspense, shocking moments, and an ending that leaves you eager for more!
I typically prefer fast-paced books, but Where the Crawdads Sing completely captivated me despite its slow-burn nature. Delia Owens’ writing is both lyrical and immersive, painting the marsh with such vivid detail that it feels like a character itself. Kya’s story is heartbreaking yet beautiful—her loneliness was palpable, and as someone from a large family, I can’t even fathom feeling so utterly alone.
The mystery kept me hooked, especially the red fiber clue. I was suspicious but wasn’t entirely sure where the story would lead. At one point, I even thought maybe Jumpin’ was involved. The courtroom scenes were gripping, and the final reveal was nothing short of brilliant. The ending made me smile softly to myself—it was subtle, yet it tied everything together perfectly.
This book is now one of my all-time favorites. The writing is stunning, the story is emotional yet easy to read, and Kya is one of the most unforgettable characters I’ve encountered. It’s a book that lingers long after you turn the final page.
I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy character-driven stories, lyrical writing, and atmospheric settings. If you love books with deep emotional themes, strong yet vulnerable protagonists, and a blend of mystery, romance, and survival, this one is a must-read. Even if you typically prefer fast-paced thrillers (like I do), Where the Crawdads Sing might surprise you—it’s that addicting. Absolutely brilliant.
The mystery kept me hooked, especially the red fiber clue. I was suspicious but wasn’t entirely sure where the story would lead. At one point, I even thought maybe Jumpin’ was involved. The courtroom scenes were gripping, and the final reveal was nothing short of brilliant. The ending made me smile softly to myself—it was subtle, yet it tied everything together perfectly.
This book is now one of my all-time favorites. The writing is stunning, the story is emotional yet easy to read, and Kya is one of the most unforgettable characters I’ve encountered. It’s a book that lingers long after you turn the final page.
I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy character-driven stories, lyrical writing, and atmospheric settings. If you love books with deep emotional themes, strong yet vulnerable protagonists, and a blend of mystery, romance, and survival, this one is a must-read. Even if you typically prefer fast-paced thrillers (like I do), Where the Crawdads Sing might surprise you—it’s that addicting. Absolutely brilliant.
I enjoyed this memoir more than I expected, especially the audiobook, which is narrated by Kelly Bishop herself. Her wit and snarkiness make the stories even more engaging—I can only hope to have her sharp humor when I’m older! Hearing about her career, from Broadway to Gilmore Girls, was fascinating! Dirty Dancing is one of my all time favorite movies, and while her part wasn’t huge, I can’t imagine Marjorie being played by anyone else.
Bishop’s storytelling and personality kept me hooked for the entire book. Fans of Gilmore Girls or theater history will definitely appreciate this glimpse into her life.
Bishop’s storytelling and personality kept me hooked for the entire book. Fans of Gilmore Girls or theater history will definitely appreciate this glimpse into her life.
As someone who has prophetic dreams, I found Theo’s nightmares deeply unsettling but in the best way. The first half of A Killing Cold was gripping, with great pacing and an eerie atmosphere that pulled me in. But as the story progressed, the pacing slowed, and the twists became increasingly convoluted. It felt like the book was trying too hard to be shocking, involving too many characters in a way that diluted the impact of the mystery for me.
Most of the characters felt one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with or root for any of them. While the premise was intriguing and the buildup strong, the far-fetched plot twists and implausible ending left me feeling underwhelmed. Overall, it was a decent read with a strong start, but the second half took away from what could have been a more satisfying thriller.
Most of the characters felt one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with or root for any of them. While the premise was intriguing and the buildup strong, the far-fetched plot twists and implausible ending left me feeling underwhelmed. Overall, it was a decent read with a strong start, but the second half took away from what could have been a more satisfying thriller.
Rating: DNF (Did Not Finish)
I went into The Blacksmith Queen blind, based on a recommendation from a friend who reads a lot of romantasy. It was easy to read, which I appreciated, but that’s about where my enjoyment ended. The writing felt clunky and, at times, childish, making it hard to get into—especially since this isn’t my usual genre. The world-building didn’t fully click for me, and some details were so ridiculous that they pulled me out of the story completely. I gave it about 35% before ultimately deciding to DNF. The writing style and overall tone weren’t for me, and I couldn’t stay invested in the story. I can see how it might appeal to others who enjoy lighter, more whimsical fantasy, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.
I went into The Blacksmith Queen blind, based on a recommendation from a friend who reads a lot of romantasy. It was easy to read, which I appreciated, but that’s about where my enjoyment ended. The writing felt clunky and, at times, childish, making it hard to get into—especially since this isn’t my usual genre. The world-building didn’t fully click for me, and some details were so ridiculous that they pulled me out of the story completely. I gave it about 35% before ultimately deciding to DNF. The writing style and overall tone weren’t for me, and I couldn’t stay invested in the story. I can see how it might appeal to others who enjoy lighter, more whimsical fantasy, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.