omnomicons's reviews
101 reviews

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

4.0

Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson

3.5

This book was not quite what I thought it would be. The prose was very experimental, which I enjoyed, but could also probably make the stories more difficult to follow. It felt like an anthology if the lines between the chapters had been blurred and smudged, never quite sure where one ended and the next began. The insight into what Brooklyn used to be like was valuable, especially with the traces of the gentrification we know now. The characters were so unique and yet I felt like I’ve always known them. 

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

2.0

ALEX MICHAELIDES I GAVE YOU ANOTHER CHANCE!!! AND YOU BETRAYED ME!!! After reading The Silent Patient and finding it utterly disappointing three years ago, I thought enough time had passed to try again. Maybe it was my fault the first time. Maybe I just didn’t get his vision. The answer: NO! This book couldn’t even be redeemed by its dark academia characteristics, usually something I hold so dear. There’s an attempt at a red herring which just turns out idiotic, and the twist here is as dumb as the twist in The Silent Patient. Anyway, don’t waste your time with this author is what you’re after is quality mysteries. HE DOESN’T WRITE THOSE!!

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

3.5

Dis book made me feel weeowd…. Definitely a thriller in the true sense of the word. Many parts of the book were extremely uncomfortable for me to read, but even the uncomfortable parts served the greater story and didn’t feel chocked in there for shock value. Don’t read if you’re a queasy individual.

Maame by Jessica George

3.0

Maame was an overall more-enjoyable-than-not novel. Places where it’s at its best: themes of grief, parenthood, loneliness, the pressure to succeed. The romance elements could use some work but I appreciated the approach the author took. I just think for me personally, I didn’t enjoy the style of writing too much. But I didn’t wholly mind it either. Hence the 3 stars!

The Standardization of Demoralization Procedures by Jennifer Hofmann
Did not finish book.

Just kind of boring and couldn’t capture my attention 

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.

The male perspective was SO CRINGE I couldn’t go on 

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

3.75

I really liked Dolly Alderton’s memoir, Everything I Know About Love, so I wanted to give her fiction a shot. I think the typical break up novel was so interesting from the perspective of a man! I rarely get to see non-cringe romance themes explored from the male perspective and Dolly did an excellent job characterizing the effects of being socialized as a man and how that affects their view of relationships, friendships, breakups, etc. I thought the last chapter perspective shift was a bit jarring, but full of info that expanded our understanding of all the characters, so I understand why it was necessary (just wish it was in some other format). All in all a very solid book! I recommend this for a quick, enjoyable read.

The Martian by Andy Weir

4.25

An extremely funny book. Andy Weir’s voice and sense of humor are so distinct and it comes through beautifully in the novel. There were many parts where I had to hold in my laughter. I also appreciate how thorough the science is! Weir explains complex botanical principles in a digestible way, allowing the reader to connect with the story on a narrative and scientific level. I did think the pacing of the story was a bit weird. It’s not consistent and the entire last quarter feels rushed and not given the attention it deserves. I also didn’t like when the POV switched to the people on Earth. I understand why on a story level, but it kinda took me out of the narrative. Probably one of the funniest books I’ve ever read though!

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

4.5

The very definition of an epic. Pachinko never lost my attention, and I read this very long book in nearly a single sitting. The transition through generations helps to break the book up and make it much less of a slog than it could be. One of the reasons I love to read is the portal it provides into a world and background completely unlike my own, and Lee does this gently and masterfully. The themes — family, responsibility, love, belonging — these are universal. The setting of Japanese-occupied Korea was totally unfamiliar to me. Learning about this world was fascinating. Pachinko might be long, but I think it’s worth the time.