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nolawords's reviews
16 reviews
Liars by Sarah Manguso
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Bluntly honest, painfully dismal.
The premise of this book had me hooked - who doesn’t love a good story of a mother discovering her power and independence? I went into this thinking it would be giving NIGHTBITCH vibes, but this hope quickly fell.
My main issue with the novel was how it was so. freaking. depressing. I usually love some sad and moody reads, but, please throw in a crumb of dark humor or levity! The narrative started off with feelings of uncertainty and devolved into just terrible-ness within this marriage. Even after this clearly incompatible couple divorces, does any real turnaround happen for the protagonist? Maybe there was some, but I felt so ready to power through the end I didn’t savor it.
I did like Manguso’s writing. Her clipped, journal-esque style moved the book along quickly. Sometimes I wished we got more well-roundedness out of the other characters; but, then would we have hated them as much as we were designed to?
The premise of this book had me hooked - who doesn’t love a good story of a mother discovering her power and independence? I went into this thinking it would be giving NIGHTBITCH vibes, but this hope quickly fell.
My main issue with the novel was how it was so. freaking. depressing. I usually love some sad and moody reads, but, please throw in a crumb of dark humor or levity! The narrative started off with feelings of uncertainty and devolved into just terrible-ness within this marriage. Even after this clearly incompatible couple divorces, does any real turnaround happen for the protagonist? Maybe there was some, but I felt so ready to power through the end I didn’t savor it.
I did like Manguso’s writing. Her clipped, journal-esque style moved the book along quickly. Sometimes I wished we got more well-roundedness out of the other characters; but, then would we have hated them as much as we were designed to?
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book demands you cozy up in your favorite corner with your bevvie of choice - and dive in.
A sweet read that carries beauty, mystery, and depth. Keegan does a masterful job of bringing forth richness from a brief and precise narrative. This strikes at the heart of what it means to live a good life and find purpose. It brings us to consider, when the opportunity arises, do we acknowledge our conscience, or bury it?
I could see myself coming back to this one again and again.
A sweet read that carries beauty, mystery, and depth. Keegan does a masterful job of bringing forth richness from a brief and precise narrative. This strikes at the heart of what it means to live a good life and find purpose. It brings us to consider, when the opportunity arises, do we acknowledge our conscience, or bury it?
I could see myself coming back to this one again and again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Excrement
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was my constant companion the past few weeks, setting a tender, bleak, and dreary tone that seems to match the winter. Reading this, I felt it evoked part reading experiences of Demon Copperhead, Angela’s Ashes, and A Little Life. This story tackles topics of abandonment, abject poverty, addiction, abuse; despite it all (like a little thread that winds throughout), there is hope a better station may lie ahead.
I found this book quite impressive and thought Stuart did an excellent job bringing the characters to life; he created complex introspective perspectives that, despite the characters' shortcomings, allowed the reader to hold tenderness for them and not lose complete empathy. Particularly, I thought the way the novel explored the nuances of addiction (and the experiences of those living with a loved one with substance dependence) was artfully done. Shuggie Bain is not a light one and deserves a reading experience entered in care.
4.5 stars.
I found this book quite impressive and thought Stuart did an excellent job bringing the characters to life; he created complex introspective perspectives that, despite the characters' shortcomings, allowed the reader to hold tenderness for them and not lose complete empathy. Particularly, I thought the way the novel explored the nuances of addiction (and the experiences of those living with a loved one with substance dependence) was artfully done. Shuggie Bain is not a light one and deserves a reading experience entered in care.
4.5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Vomit
The Change by Kirsten Miller
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loooooved this book. Such a good Fall pick - we’ve got murder, ghosts, witches, and supernatural abilities. Mostly, if you’re looking for a kick-ass, woman-inspiring, female power-in-friendship novel, this is for you.
I really have no critiques for this book. I loved the character development and I thought the whodunit storyline was fun and twisty!
Also, here’s to hoping I channel a little inner Harriett from time to time.
I really have no critiques for this book. I loved the character development and I thought the whodunit storyline was fun and twisty!
Also, here’s to hoping I channel a little inner Harriett from time to time.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Okay. Grady Hendrix, are you one of my new favorite authors? In the spirit of spooky season, this book absolutely nailed it!
The Southern women, the friendship, the gore / ick, the mystery-building, the book club (!) - it all fit so seamlessly together to create a narrative I have not encountered before. This felt like Fried Green Tomatoes with a large swig of dark supernatural evil afoot. While not usually a horror fan, I thought Hendrix balanced well the overarching plot, punctuated by these fabulously horrific and visceral scenes. I found the writing terrific and the characters well-developed.
Quickly adding more of Hendrix's works to my TBR...
The Southern women, the friendship, the gore / ick, the mystery-building, the book club (!) - it all fit so seamlessly together to create a narrative I have not encountered before. This felt like Fried Green Tomatoes with a large swig of dark supernatural evil afoot. While not usually a horror fan, I thought Hendrix balanced well the overarching plot, punctuated by these fabulously horrific and visceral scenes. I found the writing terrific and the characters well-developed.
Quickly adding more of Hendrix's works to my TBR...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Gore, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, and Sexism
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Sigh. I really wanted to sink my teeth into an enjoyable thriller; unfortunately, this was a big meh for me.
This story revolves around our protagonist, Mallory, who accepts a nanny position for an affluent family while she is simultaneously on the road of recovery from an opiate addiction. At first, all seems normal… until aggressive and unrelenting paranormal experiences begin to take over the home and family. Mallory works to put the pieces together, provided by the spirit, to figure out what is so essential to convey.
The book started out promising (there are actual visual drawings, which I thought was a nice eerie and unique touch). Nevertheless, the characters felt predictable and flat in their roles. As the crescendo towards the ending neared, provided details felt sloppy and over the top. The storyline kept me coming back for more, but I ultimately felt elements could have been trimmed up to add more depth to others.
This story revolves around our protagonist, Mallory, who accepts a nanny position for an affluent family while she is simultaneously on the road of recovery from an opiate addiction. At first, all seems normal… until aggressive and unrelenting paranormal experiences begin to take over the home and family. Mallory works to put the pieces together, provided by the spirit, to figure out what is so essential to convey.
The book started out promising (there are actual visual drawings, which I thought was a nice eerie and unique touch). Nevertheless, the characters felt predictable and flat in their roles. As the crescendo towards the ending neared, provided details felt sloppy and over the top. The storyline kept me coming back for more, but I ultimately felt elements could have been trimmed up to add more depth to others.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Chanel Miller, thank you.
May I share my own story? Those gentle, unwanted brushes against me in crowded spaces. Strangers’ vulgar requests for favors. The use of my body while sleeping. The absence of consent. The terror that lies in what is not remembered.
Miller has given a voice to not only her own experience, but, as she states, “to girls everywhere.” I am one of those girls. There is a good chance you are one of us too.
Someone in my life remarked that sexual harassment / assault was almost a “rite of passage into womanhood.” How is this acceptable? How horrific is it that this is our cultural norm, so common, so ingrained, that it has become a “rite” on the journey into adulthood - one we have no choice but to take?
This book is a tour de force, the mark of a cultural change. It deeply moved me, it opened up old pain, it helped heal it anew. I make my remarks here with deepest gratitude.
True Biz by Sara Nović
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Dear True Biz: 🤟
This novel tells the story from various character perspectives, each representing a different lived experience related to the Deaf community. We come to know each character (primarily Charlie, February, and Austin), gradually watching their lives draw closer & intertwine. This is a story about friendship, community, disability representation, & cultural preservation.
I found each of the characters likable and enjoyed the varied backgrounds each brought to the narrative (while all sharing the thread of being intimately part of Deaf culture). What I loved most about this book was how Nović takes on a remarkable educational journey: without feeling too direct or information-driven, the reader learns so much about Deaf history, legacy, and personal, lived experiences. I listened to this book partially on audiobook and I loved how when the deaf characters spoke, you can hear the gentle whispers of ASL on their hands; this detail was fantastic!
I really have no critiques or notes on this novel. It was one of the most unique books I have read, and I deeply appreciate Nović for sharing this world with us.
4.5 / 5 stars
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book: a comet – a brief, bright, delightful arc.
Flowers for Algernon tells the story of Charlie, an intellectually disabled adult who is selected as the first human to undergo the interventions of a clinical trial aimed at increasing a species’ IQ. What transpires is an overwhelming journey for Charlie who, in a flash, confronts and must wrestle with the human experience. The novel is told from the point of view of Charlie’s own writings (called “progress notes”) that he dictates throughout the course of his contact with the experiment.
This book provides a rollercoaster of emotions - from sympathy, grief and anger to love, tenderness, and acceptance. Feeling the full range of human emotion, through the lens of Charlie’s experiences, was sharp, poignant, and insightful. I thought that Keyes provided great depth into larger questions of life and existence, impressively achieving this through a very narrow perspective and time frame.
I believe reflective of the times this book was published, some of the language and terminology around persons with disabilities seemed antiquated. I craved more drawn out development of Charlie’s transformations, but I understand the style choice to create a short timeline which made this book a punchy read.
I enjoyed this very much. 4 / 5 stars.