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megsloan's reviews
274 reviews
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
3.5
This was quite an easy read but you can tell how much TJR’s writing has developed since this earlier book. The characters were nowhere near as fleshed out and it did all seem a bit surface level. I also was a bit frustrated that the dual/alternate timelines weren’t really explained until the end. Still an enjoyable story and I adored Hannah and Gabby’s friendship.
Falling by T.J. Newman
dark
tense
4.0
I really enjoyed this one and could not put it down! The short chapters and different POVs meant it was really fast paced and there were plenty of twists I didn't see coming. Would recommend - could be a perfect holiday read but maybe not if you're flying anywhere 😂
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
tense
4.5
Another great instalment in this much-loved series. I do think I messed myself up reading it straight after ACOMAF because the first 60-70% of the book seemed very slow in comparison to the drama at the end of the second book. I also verbally shouted and gasped more with ACOMAF! So I'm going to space out the rest a bit more 😂
The characters in this series really are unmatched, even the supporting characters are so well developed and I'm excited to get more of their stories in the next instalments.
I genuinely did tear up at the Suriel's death and thought it was one of the best scenes of the book really?! I found the ending a little bit disappointing - it just seemed unbelievable that not one of the main characters died in the battle, and the ones that did were resurrected. It kind of defeated the point of the build up for 500 pages. Still absolutely tore through it and enjoyed the ride though so 4.5 stars
The characters in this series really are unmatched, even the supporting characters are so well developed and I'm excited to get more of their stories in the next instalments.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Okay I get the hype now, what a wild ride 🤪
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
4.0
I feel like this one is quite hard to describe - it's not quite a full on mystery but also not quite contemporary family saga either. The writing style was very immersive and I imagine it captured British childhood in the 70s very well. But I just didn't get the 5 star feel with this and I'm going between a 3.5 and 4 star rating.
What I did like: the balance of heavy, complex topics and lighter moments, the characters were all well fleshed out, the relationships between them, reading from Miv's perspective - I think it brought a childlike naivety which made the book endearing at points, I also felt the second half of the book was better than the first.
What I didn't like: the pacing - I felt the first 60% dragged and I do feel this book could have been shorter, the change in POVs was a bit much and found myself not remembering which character was which, the mystery element didn't hook me in as much as I hoped.
I think had I gone into this as a contemporary/historical fiction I would have enjoyed it more as those were the bits of the book I enjoyed the most - the list and search for the Ripper almost felt secondary? Feelings are clearly a bit conflicted but it was an enjoyable character driven book.
What I did like: the balance of heavy, complex topics and lighter moments, the characters were all well fleshed out, the relationships between them, reading from Miv's perspective - I think it brought a childlike naivety which made the book endearing at points, I also felt the second half of the book was better than the first.
What I didn't like: the pacing - I felt the first 60% dragged and I do feel this book could have been shorter, the change in POVs was a bit much and found myself not remembering which character was which, the mystery element didn't hook me in as much as I hoped.
I think had I gone into this as a contemporary/historical fiction I would have enjoyed it more as those were the bits of the book I enjoyed the most - the list and search for the Ripper almost felt secondary? Feelings are clearly a bit conflicted but it was an enjoyable character driven book.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
informative
inspiring
5.0
Found this book just as helpful as the first time I read it. Took my time with it and made notes as well. Would really recommend if you're struggling with implementing helpful habits as it's a really digestible way to get started and the book is littered with stories that demonstrate each point without being too dry!
Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
Didn’t buy into the characters/romance
The Women by Kristin Hannah
emotional
hopeful
sad
4.5
What a beautiful story and one that needed to be told. Kristin Hannah expertly navigates the atrocities of the Vietnam war balanced against moments of lightness and friendship. Frankie was such an inspiring main character and I really enjoyed her relationships with her fellow nurses. We follow her throughout the war and when she returns to America grappling with PTSD and the public's perception of her service. I felt sheer rage on her behalf at times but her resilience is admirable. "There were no women in Vietnam", now we know there were. 4.5 stars
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
dark
hopeful
sad
5.0
It feels a bit strange to give Betty 5 stars as it's a book that is utterly devastating in so many ways. The best way to describe it is like driving past an accident. It's so upsetting yet you can't look away. It explores so many complex topics including intergenerational trauma, the role of women and Cherokee heritage in the setting of the US in the 1900s (mostly the 60s).
Firstly the writing. I was captivated by Tiffany McDaniel's writing style. It was eloquent and poetic yet easy to digest. The book is littered with stories from Betty's father who weaves magical tales of the healing powers of nature and faith. His eternal optimism and gratitude despite what his family endures is inspiring and so much of that is reflected in Betty.
Betty is a more than worthy narrator for this story. We essentially follow her coming of age and how her relationships with her family evolve. Seeing things from her perspective gave an endearing tone to the book and your heart breaks for her multiple times over.
One of the most interesting themes of the book was how women are thought of and treated. There is such a stark contrast between Betty's heritage and the culture she lives in. Cherokee culture is matriarchal and honours female wisdom whereas Western culture is the exact opposite. The scene with Betty and the headmaster discussing her wearing shorts to school is highly illuminating yet rage-inducing.
I could honestly go on and on about this book. Favourite of the year so far and one that will stay with me for a long time.
"Mother was terribly fond of tragedy. Ain’t all women? "
Firstly the writing. I was captivated by Tiffany McDaniel's writing style. It was eloquent and poetic yet easy to digest. The book is littered with stories from Betty's father who weaves magical tales of the healing powers of nature and faith. His eternal optimism and gratitude despite what his family endures is inspiring and so much of that is reflected in Betty.
Betty is a more than worthy narrator for this story. We essentially follow her coming of age and how her relationships with her family evolve. Seeing things from her perspective gave an endearing tone to the book and your heart breaks for her multiple times over.
One of the most interesting themes of the book was how women are thought of and treated. There is such a stark contrast between Betty's heritage and the culture she lives in. Cherokee culture is matriarchal and honours female wisdom whereas Western culture is the exact opposite. The scene with Betty and the headmaster discussing her wearing shorts to school is highly illuminating yet rage-inducing.
I could honestly go on and on about this book. Favourite of the year so far and one that will stay with me for a long time.
"Mother was terribly fond of tragedy. Ain’t all women? "