megbodz's reviews
598 reviews

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio delivers on its intriguing premise of a woman who suddenly finds herself with a husband and one that can change each time they go  to her apartment's attic. I was racing through the book a breakneck speed to see what happens next, much like Lauren's own racing through husbands to find the best partner and life.  This magical realism novel, containing mystery and relationship themes, is funny, lighthearted, and reflective, a great read. 

I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman's Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris by Glynnis MacNicol

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

 I loved  Glynnis MacNicol's first book No One Tells You This, so when I heard that she was publishing a book about her time in Paris in 2021, I couldn't wait to start reading it. It is a joy to explore Paris with MacNicol. I found myself Googling street views of different blocks she describes and pulling up bios of women writers, photographers, and painters who also resided in Paris whose houses MacNicol's visits.   Equal parts reflection on female pleasure and the pursuit of it as it is a memoir, a great read! 

The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center by Rhaina Cohen

emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

Kevin Kwan does it again! His books are such escapist romantic fun and Lies and Weddings is no exception. We follow the Gresham and Tong families as they attend various lavish weddings around the globe. I had a blast following the hijinks and high fashion. I also genuinely cared about the central romance! Loved the references to Sex and Vanity. 

The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This was a challenging and surprising little novel. While I picked up the book for its the fairytale-esque plot of searching for a missing sibling, I stayed for the philosophical and abstract commentary on aging and climate change. And lest that make it sound too academic, there is so much heart and humor in this book as well. The dynamics and relationships between the sisters have the feeling of real lived history. At times it reminded me of another dark show about Irish sisters-Bad Sisters. While tackling different subject matter, this book similarly tackles essential issues with humor. I highly recommend. 

Happy Medium by Sarah Adler

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-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

4.0

A solid rom com set in DC which we don’t see enough!! I loved the supernatural element and the ghost Everett was my favorite part. Just a meddling goof who loves to watch TV! I enjoyed this  grumpy sunshine romance but they are both a little bit of each. Not all of the plotlines were tied up by the end and the middle drags a little bit, but I still enjoyed and would recommend to anyone looking for forced proximity, paranormal romance, and a  slow burn. 

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

adventurous challenging funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Ministry of Time is a fun mix of genres. The characters and narrative arc were very compelling. It was a fun new angle to the time travel genre and I enjoyed the light romance aspect as well. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

One in a Millennial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls, and Fitting In by Kate Kennedy

emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

5.0