meeshreads's reviews
749 reviews

Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel

medium-paced

3.0

I think if I had read this instead of listening I might have liked it more. The narration felt almost clinically detached and I'm not sure if it was just the writing style or the narrator of the audiobook. I liked being inside these girls' brains, each coming from a different background with different motivations, brought together for a boxing competition, I just didn't ever feel super connected to any of them. 

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

dark mysterious slow-paced

4.0

I really liked the characters in this book, and following them from childhood into adulthood, thru different phases. it's a dark story with a lot of hope and longing, a few mysteries, a lot of trauma, and a pretty perfect ending. 

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.