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navyagoel's reviews
23 reviews
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
So I'd heard a lot of buzz about this book and decided to give it a go even though it was out of the realm of what I usually read. I tried to stick with the book but it just bored me, it is an 'intellectual' book, in the sense that it doesn't follow an actual storyline. It's more of the author reminiscing about the past, recounting events and how the women of his family brought him up through tough times. I do strongly believe that for some people, this could be a book they love and find life-changing, but for me, this book wasn't that. In the book community, people give a lot of shit to people who don't enjoy books like this one, but i stand by the fact that reading is meant for your enjoyment, so read what you like and not what others want you to.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
2.5
I went into this book with high hopes and if I had to describe it in one word, it would be PROBLEMATIC. Look, if you're into the alpha male schtick then go ahead but if you're not, I'd say, steer clear.
In my opinion, Knox is an arrogant and rude over-grown man who is also a misogynist. He was unnecessarily rude to Naomi the whole time, and not in an adorable way (when he called her his 'leftovers', i basically puked in disgust) His generalization of all women being needy and clingy just shows how in his head he was. He saw her as a possession and was ridiculously jealous and possessive. Worst of all, he has no idea how to communicate like a grown human being, becoming sullen or violent seemed to be his only two ways of expressing his emotions.
I liked Naomi in the beginning, she had the perfect set up to find herself again and to not define herself by a man but that wasn't what happened. She obviously has a huge saviour complex but also let's herself be ordered around by Knox in a very passive way which is something i just can't stand for.
All this being said I think the supporting cast carries this book, Lou and Mandy are the most adorable book parents, I absolutely loved Waylay and even her relationship with the protagonists was heartwarming, Stef is the best friend the all want and the ladies of Knockemount were kick-ass.
Another thing that was weird was Lucien and his relationship with the librarian, the way he talked to her was disgusting and made me understand why he and Knox were good friends. The only man that i thought wasn't problematic was Nash. (And Justice ofc).
So, it's safe to say that this book wasn't my cup of tea.
I liked Naomi in the beginning, she had the perfect set up to find herself again and to not define herself by a man but that wasn't what happened. She obviously has a huge saviour complex but also let's herself be ordered around by Knox in a very passive way which is something i just can't stand for.
All this being said I think the supporting cast carries this book, Lou and Mandy are the most adorable book parents, I absolutely loved Waylay and even her relationship with the protagonists was heartwarming, Stef is the best friend the all want and the ladies of Knockemount were kick-ass.
Another thing that was weird was Lucien and his relationship with the librarian, the way he talked to her was disgusting and made me understand why he and Knox were good friends. The only man that i thought wasn't problematic was Nash. (And Justice ofc).
So, it's safe to say that this book wasn't my cup of tea.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
3.75
This was my first time listening to an audiobook, so I'm going to review this book in two parts: the actual book and the audiobook.
The actual book:
I was hesitant going into reading this book because it doesn't have a great rating and i get why. There is basically no storyline, random things keep happening all the time and it just leaves you confused. However, and hear me out, i don't really mind it. Going into it after reading acowar, this book is exactly what a reader needs to clear their mind off the war and planning and plotting. It might seem a little frivolous but that's what it's meant to be. It goes into many more perspectives than the first three books, which I can only assume happens to prep for the next book (acosf). It can get a little draggy in some places but it's actually really well written for a bridge book, it's funny and it doesn't bore you. Another thing I liked about it is that you don't have wrack your brain and pay close attention to understand what's happening, it gives you a much needed break in the middle of this exhaustive series. I do agree that even if this book did not exist, it wouldn't have matteered and that it probably could have been done a little better in terms of how haphazard it was.
The audiobook:
The reason i chose this book to be my first audiobook was because i had heard that skipping this book wouldn't make a difference and secondly because I didn't want to spend money on the actual book for a pointless 200 pages. That being said, i don't think audiobooks are for me. It sort of make the whole series a little gimmicky in my opinion because it wasn't what I had imagined it to be in my head. It felt like the audiobook was sort of a mockery of the characters i had grown to love these past three books. Maybe an audiobook of a standalone would be better for me, but for this series, it definitely didn't work out.
So, to conclude i would say, read this book if money isn't a problem, if you need a break after acowar and if you want to read something that doesn't take up brain space.
The actual book:
I was hesitant going into reading this book because it doesn't have a great rating and i get why. There is basically no storyline, random things keep happening all the time and it just leaves you confused. However, and hear me out, i don't really mind it. Going into it after reading acowar, this book is exactly what a reader needs to clear their mind off the war and planning and plotting. It might seem a little frivolous but that's what it's meant to be. It goes into many more perspectives than the first three books, which I can only assume happens to prep for the next book (acosf). It can get a little draggy in some places but it's actually really well written for a bridge book, it's funny and it doesn't bore you. Another thing I liked about it is that you don't have wrack your brain and pay close attention to understand what's happening, it gives you a much needed break in the middle of this exhaustive series. I do agree that even if this book did not exist, it wouldn't have matteered and that it probably could have been done a little better in terms of how haphazard it was.
The audiobook:
The reason i chose this book to be my first audiobook was because i had heard that skipping this book wouldn't make a difference and secondly because I didn't want to spend money on the actual book for a pointless 200 pages. That being said, i don't think audiobooks are for me. It sort of make the whole series a little gimmicky in my opinion because it wasn't what I had imagined it to be in my head. It felt like the audiobook was sort of a mockery of the characters i had grown to love these past three books. Maybe an audiobook of a standalone would be better for me, but for this series, it definitely didn't work out.
So, to conclude i would say, read this book if money isn't a problem, if you need a break after acowar and if you want to read something that doesn't take up brain space.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
4.75
I went into reading this book a little skeptical because i had heard a few reviews that weren't very good. But i have to say i was pleasantly surprised by how much i loved this book. First of all, the sheer number of events that happen in this book, keep it moving at lightning speed and you have to keep up if you want to understand what's happening. It takes place over such a large geographical area but such a small time period that you really feel the exhaustion of the characters. Secondly, i love the expanded cast in this book. Not just their existence but also their character development, especially the three Archeron sisters. The third part of the book, where all the action took place, really had me on my toes, twist after twist had my heart thumping and it was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. I also loved the development of the storylines of Mor, Azriel and Cassian, together and individually. All of this being said, the ending did leave quite a lot to be desired, a lot of storylines that need clarification, loopholes that need filling and characters that need development. So, i really look forward to reading the next books in the series.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
Whatever complaints i had from the first book have been flawlessly addressed in this one. The world is so immersive and I'm so happy i continued to read this series after the first book. The character development arcs are to die for. I love the ever expanding cast of characters without it feeling overwhelming. I feel like i know each of the characters well enough to either love them, hate them or doubt them. The progression of the story and the relationships is natural yet surprising. The book is fast paced and keeps you engaged with every plot twist that comes. The author does an amazing job of building the scenes to the point where you forget you're reading words and it feels as if a movie is running through your head. The ending was worth reading this mammoth of a book and reading the last chapter has made me ridiculously excited to read the next book in the series.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
I've gotten into fantasy after a long time and this book kept me going. The characters are intriguing, the world-building is smooth and seamless and the plot is fast faced but easy easy to keep up with. ACOTAR is so exciting and the the way the tension was built up between the 3 characters makes me excited for the next book. I really don't have anything bad to say about this book other than the fact that it could have been a little more immersive, but at this point in time, I'm happy that it wasn't because that probably would have been too overwhelming for me as i was just getting into fantasy again.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.25
Malibu rising is a star-studded, fast-paced, character centric book which will keep you engaged till thevery last page. As always, TJR does an amazing job of crafting complex female characters who go through real emotions. (I will say however,having read Daisy Jones and the Six, the ever-forgiving wife trope is a little repetitive). The large cast of characters keeps you interested and on your toes, but on the flip side leaves you wanting to know a little more about them. Because of this laste cast, i think this book would make a BRILLIANT movie. I also want to talk about the genius of TJR in creating this world of famous people who are all somehow connected, and telling their stories in different books. I've read The Seven Husbands ad Daisy Jones prior to this and realised very late in the book that Mick Riva was one of Evelyn Hugo's Husbands. Now with the Carrie Soto book coming, it's going to enlarge and entangle this world even more, and i can't wait to read it.
By no means would I say that this book is the author's best work but it's very good. It had me tear up from time to time and her signature social commentary, especially on the male-female dynamic is something i will always be happy to read.
By no means would I say that this book is the author's best work but it's very good. It had me tear up from time to time and her signature social commentary, especially on the male-female dynamic is something i will always be happy to read.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
5.0
I really didn't think I would enjoy this book because it's so different than what I usually read, but i absolutely loved it. It's mystery and suspense kept me turning page after page. The whole story is so well built from beginning to end and even the double timelines don't get overwhelming at any point. The plot twist definitely lives up to its hype. The climax keeps building up and when you finally get to it, your mind is just blown. All the dots connect, all the metaphors make sense. Just amazing.