meeshreads's reviews
749 reviews

Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan

3.0

I honestly don't think I paid enough attention to this book (on audio) to have a strong opinion. A view into a family with plenty of troubles.

I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

adventurous dark fast-paced

3.0

This story is full of bleak situations and settings, in a waterlogged apocalyptic-adjacent future, yet somehow remains optimistic throughout. It reminded me of a video game where you are on an adventure to find someone who is missing, lots of interesting characters to meet along the journey, not all of them friendly. I think maybe something was lost a bit in listening to this on audiobook, but it was enjoyable, and with a near perfect ending. 

Terrace Story by Hilary Leichter

4.0

I really liked this! A handful of interconnected stories that require a slight suspense of disbelief, with a thread of loss and grief throughout. I particularly enjoyed Stephanie's story, which was the longest portion. Each story was unique but they tied together perfectly. 

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

dark sad fast-paced

5.0

This book is great on a lot of levels. Though the premise is upsetting, and unfortunately not hard to envision becoming reality, the story is extremely entertaining. I loved how many viewpoints were explored, from those within the games, those opposed to the games, and many others in between. Great characters and a solid ending. I'll be thinking about this one for a bit.

Don't Call Me Home by Alexandra Auder

fast-paced

4.0

A complicated mother-daughter relationship and the author's off-kilter childhood are the heart of this memoir. I liked it, it's a quick read, and the audiobook is very well read, really brought Viva's unique character to life.

Through the Groves by Anne Hull

3.0

This is really quick, and written in an easy conversational style, but didn't get too deep. The ending felt a bit abrupt. 

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

This is a beautifully written and devastating story. The audiobook is very well read, and for a first novel from a very young writer (who is also a poet), I'm impressed and glad I finally read this one. 

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

I really liked this story but I listened to the audiobook and didn't love the narration. I'm glad I stuck with it though, I just might have liked it more if I read the book instead. 

The Owl Cries by 편혜영, Pyun Hye-young

dark mysterious slow-paced

3.0

This is an atmospheric and uneasy book. It has a few different sections told from different viewpoints. I liked the first part best, which was a mystery of a missing forest ranger. The largest section focused on the current ranger who is struggling with alcoholism and family struggles. I just found this character and story so depressing, and I felt towards the end he was being gaslit, but it's a bit of an unreliable narrator situation so I'm not really sure. There is also a section that delves into the time before the missing ranger, some long held secrets in the town. Throughout the whole thing, the forest is a looming and dark presence. It's a slow book, and I didn't really feel it paid off. 

Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie

medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

I really enjoyed the audiobook on this one! Some readers may find Skye a bit difficult to like at first, but she definitely grows on you, as she lets her guard down bit by bit through the story. The book is heartwarming without being too cheesy or sappy.