meeshreads's reviews
747 reviews

Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

I liked a lot about this book but it didn't feel complete. I think the most interesting parts were when we saw each of the women through the others' eyes. But this was a small portion of each character's story/portion of the book. There's not a lot of plot, much more character study, but if the main storyline about Kadi that starts midway thru the book was the focus, that probably would have made for a better book overall. The ending also felt abrupt and unresolved. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

medium-paced

5.0

I loved this book!! It's funny and quirky but not overly so, it never felt far fetched or silly, a lot of heart without being cheesy either. A unique coming of age story and an excellent audiobook read by Elle Fanning. 

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

I have a lot of feelings about this book. First of all the audiobook is great, and if you liked Tom Lake, you will probably like this book, very similar vibes. 
I feel like this book was probably written for mothers, and I couldn't exactly relate to this aspect of the book, but as a woman I could relate to a lot. I also felt an immense sense of sadness or grief that I never have had and never will have the family dynamic present in this book, as a parent or as a child. It's a lovely book, a funny book, a relatable book, with realistic characters of different generations. I really loved it, even though it kind of bummed me out in some ways. 

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

This is a fast paced twisty mystery with an ending that I didn't see coming. A sad story but with a bit of justice in the end. Full cast audiobook was a plus. 

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

dark

4.0

Disturbing doesn't cover it. This book is extremely upsetting, grotesque, and depressing, from the beginning to the horrific ending. Really highlights the desperation and depravity of humans. 

Leslie F*cking Jones by Leslie Jones

funny

4.0

I've never laughed out loud more while listening to an audiobook. The length of it threw me off at first, but Leslie is telling you the stories from her memoir with plenty of side bars and goes off script, so it's way longer than if she just read the book. She's had an interesting life, is so hilarious, her laugh is infectious, and I really enjoyed this. 

One Of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon

medium-paced

3.0

This is an interesting and thought provoking book. Definitely gives off vibes of Get Out + Stepford Wives. I liked Jasmyn as a narrator, the story kept me guessing along with her at what was really going on. The last few chapters really ramped up the tension and led to a quick and upsetting conclusion. I was hoping for a different ending. 

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

dark fast-paced

4.0

This book is extremely dark with many unreliable narrators, but it moves along at a swift pace and definitely kept me guessing.

A Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weiner

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

This book was a fun romp through NY in the 80s, through the eyes of Nina during her last summer in the city before going off to college. Nina makes a fun new friend who introduces her to the "gorgeous excitement" of cocaine, and chases after a guy she likes, desperate to lose her virginity before she leaves for college, while also dealing with her mom having some mental health issues. Nina was a good narrator, I liked being inside her head through this story. She felt very naive at the start and definitely evolved through the book. The ending felt a little abrupt and not very satisfying, I was expecting some bigger reveal or conclusion. I love the cover art! I think this would be a really good audiobook, too. 

All Fours by Miranda July

challenging medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

I'm not too sure what to write about this book. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, Miranda's voice really brought it to life for me.  About halfway through, I couldn't decide if I hated the book or if it just wasn't for me. I stuck with it, and found it mostly entertaining, very unpredictable, funny in parts, cringe-inducing in (many) other parts, and wholly unique. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content