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mformato's reviews
184 reviews
Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
DNF at page 278 (outta 401).
I tried. I really did. I finally got to the point in the book where things we supposed to be ramping up but seeing how much more I had left I just don't care.
The good:
-The prologue was gripping and that is what kept me holding on for so long because I wanted to get to that point in the story where it actually happens.
-There was clear differences in the writing between the POV which made both characters feel unique.
-Clearly the author is passionate about mountaineering.
-There are interesting elements to the story.
But despite all of that, I find the main character annoying and it just has taken too long for anything to happen. So many chapters could have been cut and it wouldn't have affected (what I have read of) the story. The prologue was the best part so far because it gave us an eerie feeling, a mystery, and action right away. Even the mysteriousness of the first few chapters weren't that bad. But then it just drags. It's possible the rest isn't so bad but I am nearly 300 pages in and I am dreading reading this. I can only make a few pages at a time cause I just don't care.
I tried. I really did. I finally got to the point in the book where things we supposed to be ramping up but seeing how much more I had left I just don't care.
The good:
-The prologue was gripping and that is what kept me holding on for so long because I wanted to get to that point in the story where it actually happens.
-There was clear differences in the writing between the POV which made both characters feel unique.
-Clearly the author is passionate about mountaineering.
-There are interesting elements to the story.
But despite all of that, I find the main character annoying and it just has taken too long for anything to happen. So many chapters could have been cut and it wouldn't have affected (what I have read of) the story. The prologue was the best part so far because it gave us an eerie feeling, a mystery, and action right away. Even the mysteriousness of the first few chapters weren't that bad. But then it just drags. It's possible the rest isn't so bad but I am nearly 300 pages in and I am dreading reading this. I can only make a few pages at a time cause I just don't care.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Blood, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Medical trauma, Medical content, Murder, Suicide, and Violence
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An exciting and fast paced story. I had no predictions for anything because it was full of twists and turns. I enjoyed being able to see inside of history, Sepetys really cares about accuracy in her literature. To know that the living conditions of this story were real is heartbreaking. I also like how the story wraps around if you go back to the prologue after reading the end.
Not a full five stars because of personal reasons. I felt like there was a lot of telling rather than showing in the beginning. Also Cristian felt a little too American for the story. Plot points happened a bit too much out of convenience.
But overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend the book to someone who enjoys reading about revolutions, noir, and an undying spirit of hope in a hopeless land.
Not a full five stars because of personal reasons. I felt like there was a lot of telling rather than showing in the beginning. Also Cristian felt a little too American for the story. Plot points happened a bit too much out of convenience.
But overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend the book to someone who enjoys reading about revolutions, noir, and an undying spirit of hope in a hopeless land.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Stalking, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Genocide, Blood, Child abuse, Classism, Death, War, Animal cruelty, Emotional abuse, Murder, Terminal illness, Violence, Gaslighting, and Grief
Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory: Stories by Raphael Bob-Waksberg
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I added this book to my Want To Read list (as well as received it as a Christmas gift from my mom) back when I was single and not in a good place. Finally getting around to it now when I am doing much better in my life and happily in love took away from the emotions and impact of the stories. Granted, never going through an actual breakup either also took away some of the impact of the stories.
But the stories were good nonetheless. I did skip a couple that I just couldn't feign interest in (the dog one, the superhero one, and the president one, I think that was it). I really liked the absurdity of the wedding story. And being a lifelong New Yorker I always love local stories (which there were plenty in this collection).
I would recommend this book, but also wouldn't be surprised if there are mixed feelings around it.
But the stories were good nonetheless. I did skip a couple that I just couldn't feign interest in (the dog one, the superhero one, and the president one, I think that was it). I really liked the absurdity of the wedding story. And being a lifelong New Yorker I always love local stories (which there were plenty in this collection).
I would recommend this book, but also wouldn't be surprised if there are mixed feelings around it.
Remembering Satan: A Tragic Case of Recovered Memory by Lawrence Wright
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
2.0
This book made me angry. First I was angry at the thought of a father molesting his daughters. But as the story progressed I just got more angry at how horribly this investigation was handled and at the rampant satanic cult propaganda.
I didn't grow up in the 80s, I wasn't even born then. But just the idea that all across America hundreds, if not thousands, of people lead these secret blood cults where they murdered babies (WHERE TF WERE THESE BABIES COMING FROM?! HOW DID NOBODY NOTICE ANY MISSING BABIES OR PREGNANT WOMEN?! It is such BS) and raped women and children sickens me. Not because of the heinous acts that are being claimed, but the fact the people are so stupid to think that shit actually happened and that "trauma repressed the memories of those invovled"?? Come on.
I have no idea what happened to the Ingram women, but I highly doubt any of their stories of ritualistic abuse is true. Somehow they are fucked in the head enough to create these stories and I do feel bad if they ever actually did experience any sexual assault but goddamn, how the hell did anyone believe them?
I also disliked how the book was written. So much little details were given like an omniscient narrator in a fiction novel.
Shoutout to Dr. Richard Ofshe for being the only creditable person in this whole mess.
I wouldn't want to recommend this book, but I am curious what people who have actually studied psychology (especially in relation to memories and/or criminal investigations) have to say about this.
I didn't grow up in the 80s, I wasn't even born then. But just the idea that all across America hundreds, if not thousands, of people lead these secret blood cults where they murdered babies (WHERE TF WERE THESE BABIES COMING FROM?! HOW DID NOBODY NOTICE ANY MISSING BABIES OR PREGNANT WOMEN?! It is such BS) and raped women and children sickens me. Not because of the heinous acts that are being claimed, but the fact the people are so stupid to think that shit actually happened and that "trauma repressed the memories of those invovled"?? Come on.
I have no idea what happened to the Ingram women, but I highly doubt any of their stories of ritualistic abuse is true. Somehow they are fucked in the head enough to create these stories and I do feel bad if they ever actually did experience any sexual assault but goddamn, how the hell did anyone believe them?
I also disliked how the book was written. So much little details were given like an omniscient narrator in a fiction novel.
Shoutout to Dr. Richard Ofshe for being the only creditable person in this whole mess.
I wouldn't want to recommend this book, but I am curious what people who have actually studied psychology (especially in relation to memories and/or criminal investigations) have to say about this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Drug use, Child death, Sexual violence, Abortion, Gaslighting, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Torture, Domestic abuse, Death, Infidelity, Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Blood, Child abuse, Incest, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Religious bigotry
How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A very charming coming of age/coming out story. Read it in just a few hours as it kept me invested the whole time wondering how the twists and turns of the story was going to go. I liked the format of the story, though I wish Amir's family's interviews were explored a bit more (but I understand this was his story so it makes sense why it focused mainly on him). I didn't give it five stars because everything seemed a bit too perfect with how nicely all the events unfolded for Amir and how all the loose ends wrapped up; but in my limited knowledge of LBGT+ books I am aware that most of them aren't as nice and fluffy so I can understand wanting a story that just ends positively.
Would recommend this story to anyone who wants an exciting coming of age story.
Would recommend this story to anyone who wants an exciting coming of age story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Elevation by Stephen King
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
Finished this book in two hours trying to find something that would help me fall asleep and with how boring it was it nearly did the trick.
Despite being such a short book there was plenty of unnecessary information while also having really nothing going on. The build up was anticlimactic, the characters were uninteresting, and the main issue of the story just fell flat.
Also, we get it King, you have political opinions. You don't have to be a showboat; you could make the conflicts between different types of people actually interesting instead of predictable.
Two stars for the power of friendship but honestly wouldn't recommend this one.
Despite being such a short book there was plenty of unnecessary information while also having really nothing going on. The build up was anticlimactic, the characters were uninteresting, and the main issue of the story just fell flat.
Also, we get it King, you have political opinions. You don't have to be a showboat; you could make the conflicts between different types of people actually interesting instead of predictable.
Two stars for the power of friendship but honestly wouldn't recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
The Dawn of Yangchen by F.C. Yee
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Read this back in the fall but forget to review.
I love that the Avatar series is continuing and getting more of an insight of what life was like pre-AG.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kavik's story as well as seeing Yangchen in action. Plus seeing the origins of the Combustion firebenders was awesome, definitely hope that is developed more in the second book.
I love that the Avatar series is continuing and getting more of an insight of what life was like pre-AG.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kavik's story as well as seeing Yangchen in action. Plus seeing the origins of the Combustion firebenders was awesome, definitely hope that is developed more in the second book.
Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones by Debra Horwitz, John Ciribassi, Steve Dale
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
This book is an excellent addition to any dog owner or dog professional's library. So much rich and detailed information condensed in an easily digestible way. While most of what I read wasn't new to me after training dogs for two years now, it was a great refresher resource. I would recommend this book to anyone affiliated with a dog.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
It's heartbreaking to read Jennette be completely stripped of her innocence and independence time and time again throughout the book. The end of the book initially had me wanting more, to see her full recovery, to see her happy ending; but after taking a few minutes to process it I realized she owes us nothing more than what she gave, this is her life and not a piece of fiction that has to end in a neat and tiny bow; maybe she is still going through the steps of recovery, maybe that was too personal to share, it's none of our business to know the full extent. Alls we know is she has survived thus far and, based on her reflections to her past, she will continue to survive and thrive.
Overall definitely a book worth reading if you can get your hands on it. The writing is easily accessible and the story is a whirlwind. Even if you weren't a fan of her or a fan of reading, it's easy to pick up and get sucked it for snippets at a time.
Overall definitely a book worth reading if you can get your hands on it. The writing is easily accessible and the story is a whirlwind. Even if you weren't a fan of her or a fan of reading, it's easy to pick up and get sucked it for snippets at a time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Death of parent, Cancer, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Alcohol, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Death, Blood, Infidelity, Dysphoria, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Excrement, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Definitely one of the better YA books I've read in a while, which gives me hope that I haven't been completely turned off from the medium. Though it still had parts I wasn't a huge fan of.
I enjoyed that each character had their own distinct voice but I hated that they all withheld information from the reader. I understand that building up to a big reveal helps create tension but it felt unnecessary for all of them except Emilia. She was definitely the one with the most intriguing arc and I wish we had more depth with her.
I found myself skipping over most of Alfred's imaginary letters cause I just couldn't stand him and it really added nothing to the story. Even his big secret was muddied by his disillusion and not that monumental.
I adored the relationship between Klaus and the Shoe Poet; such a wholesome and tragic bond of two people in a time of war and I almost wish there was a novella from the Shoe Poet's perspective starting from right before he joined the group to how events played out in the novel.
Joana and Florian felt like generic YA characters to me. Not the worst, not the best. Just okay.
Overall I would recommend this book to others who enjoy YA and/or historical fiction. I am impressed with the amount of research Septeys does for her books; she truly cares about creating a historically accurate story with her own voice and I am definitely interested in more of her work.
I enjoyed that each character had their own distinct voice but I hated that they all withheld information from the reader. I understand that building up to a big reveal helps create tension but it felt unnecessary for all of them except Emilia. She was definitely the one with the most intriguing arc and I wish we had more depth with her.
I found myself skipping over most of Alfred's imaginary letters cause I just couldn't stand him and it really added nothing to the story. Even his big secret was muddied by his disillusion and not that monumental.
I adored the relationship between Klaus and the Shoe Poet; such a wholesome and tragic bond of two people in a time of war and I almost wish there was a novella from the Shoe Poet's perspective starting from right before he joined the group to how events played out in the novel.
Joana and Florian felt like generic YA characters to me. Not the worst, not the best. Just okay.
Overall I would recommend this book to others who enjoy YA and/or historical fiction. I am impressed with the amount of research Septeys does for her books; she truly cares about creating a historically accurate story with her own voice and I am definitely interested in more of her work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, War, Grief, Racism, Genocide, Medical content, and Sexual assault