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lucybbookstuff's reviews
365 reviews
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin
dark
funny
reflective
fast-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 really liked this! Super quick read, a great balance of humor and darkness. (As someone who grew up in a Catholic-adjacent religion, those parts were hilarious.)
I think this gave me my closest look ever at what the combination of depression and anxiety can look like. Thankfully, I have never experienced either at this level, so this book was an educational experience, while also being highly entertaining.
It was truly an immersive experience in the mind of someone suffering with severe, untreated mental illness. Even when I was extremely frustrated with her, I always understood where her decisions and impulses were coming from.
It got really real, but also kept a great thread of levity. And leaves you with a glimmer of hope as well, without being unrealistic or cheesy.
I think this gave me my closest look ever at what the combination of depression and anxiety can look like. Thankfully, I have never experienced either at this level, so this book was an educational experience, while also being highly entertaining.
It was truly an immersive experience in the mind of someone suffering with severe, untreated mental illness. Even when I was extremely frustrated with her, I always understood where her decisions and impulses were coming from.
It got really real, but also kept a great thread of levity. And leaves you with a glimmer of hope as well, without being unrealistic or cheesy.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Welp. That's over. 💀
Not gonna lie, based on the average rating and the multitude of positive reviews I've seen, I was expecting quite a bit more from this. Or at least something a bit different.
I was not expecting such goofy narration. I was not expecting hundreds of pages of raw science. I was not expecting it to take so long and to be so bored for so much of it.
This was somehow both popcorn fiction and heavy hard sci fi. And that combination felt very weird.
That said, I liked it well enough.Rocky absolutely made this book for me. Their friendship and their banter and Rocky's cute mannerisms were a lot of fun. I enjoyed when they were figuring each other out and doing science together.
I really get why my friends who are either scientists or just science nerds loved this. The general scientific ideas are really smart and interesting, and I can see how the technicalities and the constant use of the scientific method would be so fascinating.
But unfortunately that is just not my brain. I greatly appreciate science and acknowledge the importance of the scientific method. But STEM is so far out of my wheelhouse, I didn't stand a chance of comprehending much of this book. And for someone who likes to comprehend every word when I read, that made this really tough. I had hoped to get through this book much faster than I did, but I could never do too much in one sitting. My ADHD fought the boredom too much.
I also found the main character VERY annoying. The combination of his silly goofy personality and his endless scientific calculations was often grating to read. He also had quite literally no backstory at all. As a character driven reader, that didn't do the book any favors in my estimation.My entire demeanor changed whenever Rocky came back on page, because it instantly became so much more fun. Whenever it was just Grace, I would quickly succumb to boredom and cease caring what would actually happen, as long as SOMETHING would.
I also think that, science or no science, this book used WAY too many words and BY NO MEANS had to be this long. It's almost 500 pages and it could have easily been cut by at least 150 and I, at least, would have gotten the same story out of it, with less boredom.
Damn okay... I was going to give this 3.5 stars, but I think I've talked myself into lowering it. 😅 The more I reflect, the less I enjoyed this. I'm disappointed, because I loved The Martian, and I heard endless positive reviews of this. I really thought I'd love it too. Sigh. For what it's worth, I do think I'll enjoy the movie. It seems better suited to that type of storytelling anyway.
And again, I do get why people love this. But damn, do I wish I was one of them.
Not gonna lie, based on the average rating and the multitude of positive reviews I've seen, I was expecting quite a bit more from this. Or at least something a bit different.
I was not expecting such goofy narration. I was not expecting hundreds of pages of raw science. I was not expecting it to take so long and to be so bored for so much of it.
This was somehow both popcorn fiction and heavy hard sci fi. And that combination felt very weird.
That said, I liked it well enough.
I really get why my friends who are either scientists or just science nerds loved this. The general scientific ideas are really smart and interesting, and I can see how the technicalities and the constant use of the scientific method would be so fascinating.
But unfortunately that is just not my brain. I greatly appreciate science and acknowledge the importance of the scientific method. But STEM is so far out of my wheelhouse, I didn't stand a chance of comprehending much of this book. And for someone who likes to comprehend every word when I read, that made this really tough. I had hoped to get through this book much faster than I did, but I could never do too much in one sitting. My ADHD fought the boredom too much.
I also found the main character VERY annoying. The combination of his silly goofy personality and his endless scientific calculations was often grating to read. He also had quite literally no backstory at all. As a character driven reader, that didn't do the book any favors in my estimation.
I also think that, science or no science, this book used WAY too many words and BY NO MEANS had to be this long. It's almost 500 pages and it could have easily been cut by at least 150 and I, at least, would have gotten the same story out of it, with less boredom.
Damn okay... I was going to give this 3.5 stars, but I think I've talked myself into lowering it. 😅 The more I reflect, the less I enjoyed this. I'm disappointed, because I loved The Martian, and I heard endless positive reviews of this. I really thought I'd love it too. Sigh. For what it's worth, I do think I'll enjoy the movie. It seems better suited to that type of storytelling anyway.
And again, I do get why people love this. But damn, do I wish I was one of them.
The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I think I was expecting a little more from this... I did like and appreciate it, I'm just not having any big feelings about it.
I definitely liked the themes of appreciation for nature and simple living, and the complicated relationships Welsh people can have with the Welsh language. I also enjoyed the sweet relationship between mother and son.
I got through it in one sitting, and I immersion read it, which was nice. Loved the Welsh accent and Welsh words used.
I definitely liked the themes of appreciation for nature and simple living, and the complicated relationships Welsh people can have with the Welsh language. I also enjoyed the sweet relationship between mother and son.
I got through it in one sitting, and I immersion read it, which was nice. Loved the Welsh accent and Welsh words used.
The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
4.25
This is a very beautiful memoir by a young woman who more than deserves to tell her own story. It's definitely more a recounting of events to set the record straight than a display of literary mastery or a deep exploration of any concepts. Which is 100% fine. I'm just glad Shari is reclaiming the narrative around her family's very public turmoil, and now she can live in peace and keep the rest of her life for herself.
This audiobook was extremely bingeable. Quick, snappy chapters and a very straightforward narrative. Definitely recommend for memoir lovers and true crime enthusiasts (though please go in with respect and care).
I will say, it makes me kind of uncomfortable that despite everything, including her seeming understanding of the part it played, Shari is still a faithful member of the LDS church. Far be it from me to criticize her for what brings light and joy into her life after so much pain. But I do find that choice kind of at odds with reality.
This audiobook was extremely bingeable. Quick, snappy chapters and a very straightforward narrative. Definitely recommend for memoir lovers and true crime enthusiasts (though please go in with respect and care).
I will say, it makes me kind of uncomfortable that despite everything, including her seeming understanding of the part it played, Shari is still a faithful member of the LDS church. Far be it from me to criticize her for what brings light and joy into her life after so much pain. But I do find that choice kind of at odds with reality.
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
adventurous
informative
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
4.5
I loved this!!!
I went in with some specific expectations that I think helped me a lot.
1) This book is like a really long prologue to the rest of the story.
2) Ken Liu is a short story writer and that comes through in this (and maybe all of them).
Knowing both of those things prepared me so well for the "historical text" feeling of this book. Some of the people I read it with complained of not connecting to the characters and feeling that the dialogue was awkward (which is all fair). But I think that, due to my expectations and the way my brain manages them, none of that bothered me. I didn't expect very straightforward storytelling or super realistic in-the-moment conversations. It read like an oral history, and I found that super cool. Yes, it was very slow, but for that reason, I let myself take it slow. I felt no need to charge through this. I took my time and savored it. It really felt like learning the history of a real place.
I did also personally feel connected to the characters. Liu made me love and mourn for some characters who only existed for a handful of pages. Let alone the actual main characters that we followed. I love a huge cast and he used his so well.
Despite the slowness of this book, I was never bored. So much happened, and I could never tell exactly where it was going. So the entire time, I had no idea what story this "prologue" might be leading to, which kept me engaged to find out.
I also just loved Liu's writing! His prose is immaculate. Absolutely gorgeous, and packed full of philosophical gems, without feeling preachy or pretentious. It all feels very authentic to the world and the story.
And speaking of the world... god damn. The work he must have put in to create Dara and all of its inner workings. 😱 Hard for me to even contemplate.
Needless to say, I am beyond excited to continue this story!! I've heard even more amazing things about The Wall of Storms. Let's go. 👊🏻
I went in with some specific expectations that I think helped me a lot.
1) This book is like a really long prologue to the rest of the story.
2) Ken Liu is a short story writer and that comes through in this (and maybe all of them).
Knowing both of those things prepared me so well for the "historical text" feeling of this book. Some of the people I read it with complained of not connecting to the characters and feeling that the dialogue was awkward (which is all fair). But I think that, due to my expectations and the way my brain manages them, none of that bothered me. I didn't expect very straightforward storytelling or super realistic in-the-moment conversations. It read like an oral history, and I found that super cool. Yes, it was very slow, but for that reason, I let myself take it slow. I felt no need to charge through this. I took my time and savored it. It really felt like learning the history of a real place.
I did also personally feel connected to the characters. Liu made me love and mourn for some characters who only existed for a handful of pages. Let alone the actual main characters that we followed. I love a huge cast and he used his so well.
Despite the slowness of this book, I was never bored. So much happened, and I could never tell exactly where it was going. So the entire time, I had no idea what story this "prologue" might be leading to, which kept me engaged to find out.
I also just loved Liu's writing! His prose is immaculate. Absolutely gorgeous, and packed full of philosophical gems, without feeling preachy or pretentious. It all feels very authentic to the world and the story.
And speaking of the world... god damn. The work he must have put in to create Dara and all of its inner workings. 😱 Hard for me to even contemplate.
Needless to say, I am beyond excited to continue this story!! I've heard even more amazing things about The Wall of Storms. Let's go. 👊🏻
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I really loved the first 75% or so of this book. After that, it swiftly lost me, which was very disappointing.
I'll start with what I did love, at least for that first 75%.
Based on the way people talk about this book, I honestly went into it expecting straight-up nonstop misery porn. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much love and hope I found in these pages, despite the traumatic events and tough circumstances. The central family, even with their flaws and angering moments, were very close and loving, and always did the best they could do with what they had. For the most part, I cheered them on and found them very endearing.
I also thought that I might be bored, but I found the writing and pacing very engaging. I really enjoyed the way she head-hopped. That's not always done well, but I think it worked here, and the numerous quick POVs from small surrounding character really helped to immerse me in the historical setting.
And speaking of the historical setting, I definitely learned a lot from this as well. I've been learning a lot about Japanese imperialism recently and can't believe how much it's swept under the rug in world history. This book specifically taught me much about Korean immigrants living in Japan. I had no idea just how big of a story that is.
Lastly, I ended up listening to most of it and Sandra Oh crushed the audiobook narration!! I was planning to just listen intermittently while in the car, but I got super into it.
Okay... onto why the last part lost me. Very vague spoilers ahead.
First and mainly, it seemed to me that it unhitched itself from the central family a bit too much. I had been enjoying short POVs from side characters, but all of a sudden, some side characters became main characters, in a way that felt wholly unnecessary and tonally wrong. It did come back around by the very end, but god was I annoyed for a while there.
Second, one specific event absolutely infuriated me. Moreso the way it was written than the event itself. It made very little sense to me, and we were deprived of ANY immediate aftermath. On the very next page, I was introduced to a new character and their whole family and expected to care about that, when this HUGE thing just happened to the already-beloved characters. I was extremely angry and had to put the book down for the rest of the day.
On reflection of the entire book, I also wish that she had expounded more about pachinko itself. I went into the book assuming it's some type of plant... turns out it's a pinball game. Clearly this game became very important to the family, and I also understood it as a metaphor for life. But, for something being so central to the story, I feel like I left the book with very little understanding of the game itself, its bigger cultural importance, and the nuances of the metaphor. I learned a bit more from the interview in the back of the book, but I feel like that info should have been imparted in the story more.
Anyway... the first 2 parts of this book were on track for at least 4.5 stars. The 3rd part on its own would maybe get a 3. So I'm calling it even at 3.75.
I liked this and I generally recommend it, especially for the educational experience. But I'm very disappointed that it didn't stick the landing for me.
I'll start with what I did love, at least for that first 75%.
Based on the way people talk about this book, I honestly went into it expecting straight-up nonstop misery porn. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much love and hope I found in these pages, despite the traumatic events and tough circumstances. The central family, even with their flaws and angering moments, were very close and loving, and always did the best they could do with what they had. For the most part, I cheered them on and found them very endearing.
I also thought that I might be bored, but I found the writing and pacing very engaging. I really enjoyed the way she head-hopped. That's not always done well, but I think it worked here, and the numerous quick POVs from small surrounding character really helped to immerse me in the historical setting.
And speaking of the historical setting, I definitely learned a lot from this as well. I've been learning a lot about Japanese imperialism recently and can't believe how much it's swept under the rug in world history. This book specifically taught me much about Korean immigrants living in Japan. I had no idea just how big of a story that is.
Lastly, I ended up listening to most of it and Sandra Oh crushed the audiobook narration!! I was planning to just listen intermittently while in the car, but I got super into it.
Okay... onto why the last part lost me. Very vague spoilers ahead.
First and mainly, it seemed to me that it unhitched itself from the central family a bit too much. I had been enjoying short POVs from side characters, but all of a sudden, some side characters became main characters, in a way that felt wholly unnecessary and tonally wrong. It did come back around by the very end, but god was I annoyed for a while there.
Second, one specific event absolutely infuriated me. Moreso the way it was written than the event itself. It made very little sense to me, and we were deprived of ANY immediate aftermath. On the very next page, I was introduced to a new character and their whole family and expected to care about that, when this HUGE thing just happened to the already-beloved characters. I was extremely angry and had to put the book down for the rest of the day.
On reflection of the entire book, I also wish that she had expounded more about pachinko itself. I went into the book assuming it's some type of plant... turns out it's a pinball game. Clearly this game became very important to the family, and I also understood it as a metaphor for life. But, for something being so central to the story, I feel like I left the book with very little understanding of the game itself, its bigger cultural importance, and the nuances of the metaphor. I learned a bit more from the interview in the back of the book, but I feel like that info should have been imparted in the story more.
Anyway... the first 2 parts of this book were on track for at least 4.5 stars. The 3rd part on its own would maybe get a 3. So I'm calling it even at 3.75.
I liked this and I generally recommend it, especially for the educational experience. But I'm very disappointed that it didn't stick the landing for me.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is what Broken Country wishes it was!
I make that comparison because I read this for book club, and last month we read Broken Country. Which I found pretty pointless and vapid. But Wild Dark Shore did a lot of the same things - a slowly-unfolding mystery, themes of parenthood and loss, a very atmospheric setting - and did them so much better.
I really liked this. I do find myself wishing it were a touch more literary and a touch less dramatic mystery, but it's still fine as it is. Definitely got its themes across and made some very poignant points. But still, some of the eye-rolling drama kept me at arm's length from any deeply emotional reactions.I could have entirely done without the added drama of Hank being alive. I don't feel it added anything, especially because they emotionally moved on from it so quickly, since it was wrapped up in the storm climax.
For a moment, I thought the climate theme was too heavy-handed, but I got over that quickly. This is climate fiction. The central theme is literally in the name of the subgenre. Of course it's going to be heavy-handed. It was still done beautifully and effectively. I did absolutely love the setting, and I love knowing that the author actually visited the real island herself. As a new mother, no less. This story was clearly personal for her in multiple ways.
I look forward to reading McConaghy's other works!
I make that comparison because I read this for book club, and last month we read Broken Country. Which I found pretty pointless and vapid. But Wild Dark Shore did a lot of the same things - a slowly-unfolding mystery, themes of parenthood and loss, a very atmospheric setting - and did them so much better.
I really liked this. I do find myself wishing it were a touch more literary and a touch less dramatic mystery, but it's still fine as it is. Definitely got its themes across and made some very poignant points. But still, some of the eye-rolling drama kept me at arm's length from any deeply emotional reactions.
For a moment, I thought the climate theme was too heavy-handed, but I got over that quickly. This is climate fiction. The central theme is literally in the name of the subgenre. Of course it's going to be heavy-handed. It was still done beautifully and effectively. I did absolutely love the setting, and I love knowing that the author actually visited the real island herself. As a new mother, no less. This story was clearly personal for her in multiple ways.
I look forward to reading McConaghy's other works!
Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives by Siddharth Kara
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I have to award this 5 stars simply for the admirable feat of seeking this information and bringing it to the public. The construction of the narrative is also fantastic (though I will admit, I can't comment on it as much because I zoned out a fair amount during the audiobook - but still feel I got the important information).
I truly feel that this is required reading for every person who relies on rechargeable devices in their everyday lives. I'm not exaggerating. Informing ourselves is the very least we can do. Ideally, we'd also advocate loudly, and start using more used/recycled electronics instead of new.
This is harrowing and devastating. Such a horrible history of slavery in Africa already, and to know that many are still being effectively enslaved in their own land is just sickening. And learning more about the specific history of colonization and subjugation in the Congo... I will absolutely be picking up King Leopold's Ghost soon, and some fiction works like The Poisonwood Bible.
I truly feel that this is required reading for every person who relies on rechargeable devices in their everyday lives. I'm not exaggerating. Informing ourselves is the very least we can do. Ideally, we'd also advocate loudly, and start using more used/recycled electronics instead of new.
This is harrowing and devastating. Such a horrible history of slavery in Africa already, and to know that many are still being effectively enslaved in their own land is just sickening. And learning more about the specific history of colonization and subjugation in the Congo... I will absolutely be picking up King Leopold's Ghost soon, and some fiction works like The Poisonwood Bible.
Jade Shards by Fonda Lee
fast-paced
4.5
So lovely to be back with these characters for a bit! And to get more backstory and answers to some questions.
These truly are just "shards" and I would have loved to get a whole book for each of these. 🥲 So I can't quite give it 5 stars because it mostly just leaves me wanting to reread the trilogy! And I totally will sometime.
No matter what though, I'm glad to have this bonus content! Forever so impressed with Fonda Lee.
These truly are just "shards" and I would have loved to get a whole book for each of these. 🥲 So I can't quite give it 5 stars because it mostly just leaves me wanting to reread the trilogy! And I totally will sometime.
No matter what though, I'm glad to have this bonus content! Forever so impressed with Fonda Lee.
Greta & Valdin: A Novel by Rebecca K Reilly
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was such a delight!!!
So real, so hilarious, so human. I love contemporary fiction like this. Character-driven, but not trying to be a grand story or super experimental. I really like those sometimes too, but there is a special place in my heart for these simple stories about average people that just highlight the absolute ridiculousness of being human.
These characters were terminally charming and endearing. There's a quote on the cover that says "Say hello to your new favorite fictional family." Which sounds cheesy, but it's SO ACCURATE. I love them so much!! They're so dysfunctional and goofy but so full of love. And it really feels like I just stumbled upon this real family at a transitional moment for them. And I feel like I'm a part of it, or if I met them, they'd accept me, no questions, just hand me a drink and start prying into my personal life. And I'd happily tell them anything.
This book also contains some excellent representation for so many things. Queerness, mental illness, immigration, mixed families (in terms of relation and race/culture), Maori experiences (and some more general discussion of race/ethnicity). And it's all done without fanfare or being preachy. It's just a part of these characters' lives and is integrated seamlessly into the story. It also had a great sense of place. I've always wanted to visit New Zealand, but now I especially want to go, and use this book as a guide.
All of that also points towards how much of herself the author put into this book, and I always love to see that. She seems like an awesome person (I loved the acknowledgements page lol).
Just a couple small complaints that keep it from the full 5 stars (though we'll see, I may think about it more and decide it gets the full 5!).
1) Some of the dialogue, while charming, did feel a bit unrealistic.
2) I was mildly annoyed with the amount of things happening off page, and secrets being mentioned but withheld from me as the reader. I could tell it would all make sense to me eventually, but they kept piling up and it felt like a lot to keep track of.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book and I want everyone to read it right now!!
So real, so hilarious, so human. I love contemporary fiction like this. Character-driven, but not trying to be a grand story or super experimental. I really like those sometimes too, but there is a special place in my heart for these simple stories about average people that just highlight the absolute ridiculousness of being human.
These characters were terminally charming and endearing. There's a quote on the cover that says "Say hello to your new favorite fictional family." Which sounds cheesy, but it's SO ACCURATE. I love them so much!! They're so dysfunctional and goofy but so full of love. And it really feels like I just stumbled upon this real family at a transitional moment for them. And I feel like I'm a part of it, or if I met them, they'd accept me, no questions, just hand me a drink and start prying into my personal life. And I'd happily tell them anything.
This book also contains some excellent representation for so many things. Queerness, mental illness, immigration, mixed families (in terms of relation and race/culture), Maori experiences (and some more general discussion of race/ethnicity). And it's all done without fanfare or being preachy. It's just a part of these characters' lives and is integrated seamlessly into the story. It also had a great sense of place. I've always wanted to visit New Zealand, but now I especially want to go, and use this book as a guide.
All of that also points towards how much of herself the author put into this book, and I always love to see that. She seems like an awesome person (I loved the acknowledgements page lol).
Just a couple small complaints that keep it from the full 5 stars (though we'll see, I may think about it more and decide it gets the full 5!).
1) Some of the dialogue, while charming, did feel a bit unrealistic.
2) I was mildly annoyed with the amount of things happening off page, and secrets being mentioned but withheld from me as the reader. I could tell it would all make sense to me eventually, but they kept piling up and it felt like a lot to keep track of.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book and I want everyone to read it right now!!