mackreads324's reviews
28 reviews

Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim

reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Beasts of a Little Land follows the stories of several characters in Korea over the span of 50-60 years, and explores “inyeon” or the thread connecting all these different characters. She takes us on a journey through Japanese- occupied Korea, the communist movement, and Korea separating through the lenses of several different people: a courtesan, a homeless orphan, pro-communist students, pro-Japanese soldiers, and more. Their individual lives are interconnected and their stories paint the canvas of Korea during this time. 

I loved how Kim weaved the thread of connection through all of these characters. And I loved that our characters are imperfect, morally gray, realistic people. I personally found myself less invested in the main “love stories” and more invested in the other plot points and relationships. At some points I would ask “where is she going with this” and felt the plot was slightly slower in these sections, so for me that is one downfall. I also didn’t love or see the impact/significance of the infrequent switch between 1st and 3rd person narration. 

But overall, as someone not normally interested in historical fiction, I was surprised how much I really liked this book. 

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I read this book in one sitting. The concept was one that really drew me in, and it gave an abstract concept (parallel realities/infinite lives) a tangible representation through something familiar- a library and books. It touches on the human experiences of regret, longing for the unknown, and wondering "what if". Maybe my high review comes from the fact that I am in a period of my life also wondering what my "library of other books" could look like, so I personally resonated with it? Idk. 

While I personally loved this book and took something from its message, I do see how the ending can come off as predictable, and almost "preachy". I also do appreciate the mental health discussion and representation, but have concerns that in her ending

There is no mention of ongoing mental health treatment, remaining on medication, etc., which for a character that very recently had a suicide attempt, that would be important. Maybe having a supernatural experience in library of her mind "cured" her depression, but I think if you're going to sell a "message" to your readers, it would've been nice to also include closure that mental health is a continual thing to work on and you can still have your "happy ending" and have ongoing mental health issues.

Is the “message” a little obvious? Sure. But hey, sometimes you need a reminder that you that your book is worth living. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt

Beach Read by Emily Henry

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

A generally light read, charming but predictable romance with sprinkled in heavier themes of family secrets/traumas. I like Emily Henry's humor and plot development  but felt like these characters were slightly less likable for me than other books and the tempo of the book felt a bit clunky.  The leads were multifaceted, but I wished both January's development surrounding her dad and gus's development surrounding his family trauma were more rounded out. But still, a fun read with characters you root for! 

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

This is the first book I read of Bennet and I really really liked this book. She approaches topics of racism, colorism, class, privilege etc through the juxtaposition of the two sisters and their "split" lives. I found myself wanting so badly for Stella to reach some moral conclusion or pivotal realization and regain a permanent relationship with her sister and her identity, but the fact that we didn't get that only further contributes to Bennetts' characters being so human: morally ambiguous, neither all bad or good, making decisions that are painful for us as readers but make sense when you take in the whole of the character.  

Only downside is I felt like I was reading too fast that all the time jumps were hard to keep track of. 

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book is so powerful. It felt like Chanel was inviting us into her life, her story, her experiences. What made it such an incredible read was 1: the story itself, and her strength in telling it and 2: her storytelling ability and writing style and skill which were so impressive. She took us with her on her journey; through the hospital room, the courtroom, her childhood memories etc. and illuminated things to readers that not everyone gets the opportunity to see, like the legal process and what victims of sexual assault experience as far as resources go. I think this should be required reading for everyone. 

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Some stories I liked more than others, but standing as a whole this collection was intense and chilling, and at the same time offered a nostalgia or familiarity that I couldn't quite place. The use of imagery and allegory evoked raw emotions about womanhood, sexuality, and the female body. 

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I started this as a light read hoping for the equivalent of a rom-com you pop on the TV and absently watch while eating popcorn. It was quirky, relatable, and endearing, and I found myself falling in love with the characters and the journey they took.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0