omnomicons's reviews
108 reviews

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.

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

4.0

So fun! I love maps and the idea of fantasy themed around map and mapmakers is so cool. The ending was a bit unsatisfying to me and I feel like it could be a longer book and more focused on the protagonist. I wish it had leaned fully into the fantasy elements, like Harry Potter. Very enjoyable nonetheless!

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

3.0

The mystery itself was pretty compelling and I thought the solution was very novel. However, WHY didn’t the author just set this in England??? I kept seeing things like “ring me” and “fancied” WHERE is the editor?? Americans don’t say that! I should be an editor at this point smh

Educated by Tara Westover

4.5

I’m not usually a non-fiction reader, but I couldn’t put this down. Admittedly, when Educated was all over every bestseller list I felt it HAD to be overhyped, but I started it for lack of better option on a Ryanair flight and was HOOKED. i thought there’d be all the usual fascination with Mormon survivalists and their way of life, in a very zoo-like and gawking way, but Westover conveys the absurdity of her family life in a way that makes the reader understand and almost experience how normal it must have all felt to her. Her family aren’t one-dimensional villains ruining her life; they’re flawed people doing the only things they thought they could do. At the same time, I was appreciative of how Westover makes no excuses for the behavior described, either from her family or herself. She’s upfront about her formerly hateful viewpoints and actions and offers explanations without asking for forgiveness. This took me a long way in building a rapport with her as the narrator. I really really liked this memoir.