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parksidereads's reviews
470 reviews
The Pisces by Melissa Broder
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book. This fucking book is the reason why I hate star reviews. I hate how unfinished my review looks without a star review, yet at the same time my feelings towards Lucy are getting in the way of wanting to do anything more than 1 star, even though the visiral emotions it has drawn out of me showcase it really deserves so many more. To make a long story short, I settled on 3.5 stars, as it depends on where I am at emotionally if I want to rate it to 1 of 5.
I read a review of this book about how women judge each other, and how this may reflect our feelings towards Lucy. Listen, it doesn't. I'm cool with her hating everyone, because girl same. I'm cool with her sex drive, more power to ya lady - but maybe buy yourself some dignity while you're at it... But the bitch let the dog die , not only did she let the dog die, she fucking killed him , so fuck her, I wish she would have went with Theo, and he drowned her ass .
Okay, that felt good. now that I got all that off my chest, I can admit I loved how fucking brutally honest Lucy was. To the point I was intoxicated by her, my toxic friend I know I need to leave at the curb, and never look back.
Erotic, neurotic, and darkly funny, this book is certainly something.
I read a review of this book about how women judge each other, and how this may reflect our feelings towards Lucy. Listen, it doesn't. I'm cool with her hating everyone, because girl same. I'm cool with her sex drive, more power to ya lady - but maybe buy yourself some dignity while you're at it... But the bitch
Okay, that felt good. now that I got all that off my chest, I can admit I loved how fucking brutally honest Lucy was. To the point I was intoxicated by her, my toxic friend I know I need to leave at the curb, and never look back.
Erotic, neurotic, and darkly funny, this book is certainly something.
Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng
3.0
I am always on the lookout for thriller / horror books that don't follow the same old formulas.. If you can relate, then you need to check out Gorgeous Gruesome Faces.
Cheng sprinkled in some K-Pop, a cup of thriller, a dash of horror, & a pinch of Asian folklore to cook up a deliciously gruesome book.
Elaine Wang was so well casted - she perfectly matched the vibes and energy I imagined of these girls.
I had a lot of fun listening to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, and if you like any of the genres I mentioned I think you will too.
Thanks @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy.
Cheng sprinkled in some K-Pop, a cup of thriller, a dash of horror, & a pinch of Asian folklore to cook up a deliciously gruesome book.
Elaine Wang was so well casted - she perfectly matched the vibes and energy I imagined of these girls.
I had a lot of fun listening to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, and if you like any of the genres I mentioned I think you will too.
Thanks @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy.
That's Not My Name by Megan Lally
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have been in the mood for a fast pace, page turning, addictive thriller and I finally got one... I ate the book up with a spoon in one day.
The ending, was like a knife to the stomach, I felt so empty and hurt - for me, I wish the author would have ended on this note. The final chapter and epilogue, while equally well written, took away from that initial shock and is why I went with 4 not 5 stars... But writing this now and thinking about that moment is getting me all verklempt, so maybe 4.5 stars.
Grab the audiobook, and settle down in front of the pile of laundry you've been meaning to fold, because you will be busy listening for the next couple of hours.
The ending, was like a knife to the stomach, I felt so empty and hurt - for me, I wish the author would have ended on this note. The final chapter and epilogue, while equally well written, took away from that initial shock and is why I went with 4 not 5 stars... But writing this now and thinking about that moment is getting me all verklempt, so maybe 4.5 stars.
Grab the audiobook, and settle down in front of the pile of laundry you've been meaning to fold, because you will be busy listening for the next couple of hours.
Defekt by Nino Cipri
4.0
I've been wanting to read this book since finishing Finna last year... But when I saw the main focus would not be Ava and Jules I got nervous, because I love them so much, and kept putting it off.
But, I should have no doubts, because Nino Cipri is a fantastic writer and is has an unmatched ability to develop a character and make you love them, in less than 200 pages.
I love LitenVerse, and now I love Derek.
Funny commentary on capitalism and retail employment. A well developed and fleshed out novella. Characters with depth.
Book three please and thank you.
But, I should have no doubts, because Nino Cipri is a fantastic writer and is has an unmatched ability to develop a character and make you love them, in less than 200 pages.
I love LitenVerse, and now I love Derek.
Funny commentary on capitalism and retail employment. A well developed and fleshed out novella. Characters with depth.
Book three please and thank you.
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There are few things that are definite in life, Benjamin Franklin is famous for saying there are two, death and taxes, but I digress, and he would too if he lived in a different era... because there are two more... ANY book written by Sayaka Murata it's guaranteed to be (1) Fucking Fantastic and (2) Really Fucking Weird.
Much like Convenience Store Woman and Life Ceremony, Earthlings is impactful, thought provoking, and addictive, you don't always know what you're consuming but you gobble it up.
The ways Natauski is treated by the humans in her life she should have been able to trust was gut wrenching, I'm seriously crying just thinking about it... But these experiences are what launches off one wild unhinged ride that felt like watching a train wreck, and I loved every moment of the carnage that ensued.
weird books are my favorite drug, Sayaka Murata is my favorite needle, and I need another hit (aka, translate more of her books please).
*If you have trigger warnings, proceed with caution.
Much like Convenience Store Woman and Life Ceremony, Earthlings is impactful, thought provoking, and addictive, you don't always know what you're consuming but you gobble it up.
The ways Natauski is treated by the humans in her life she should have been able to trust was gut wrenching, I'm seriously crying just thinking about it... But these experiences are what launches off one wild unhinged ride that felt like watching a train wreck, and I loved every moment of the carnage that ensued.
weird books are my favorite drug, Sayaka Murata is my favorite needle, and I need another hit (aka, translate more of her books please).
*If you have trigger warnings, proceed with caution.
One in a Millennial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls, and Fitting In by Kate Kennedy
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
One in a Millennial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls, and fitting In is an exploration of pop culture, nostalgia, & the life lessons learned from coming of age as a member of a much-maligned generation. This sharp, hilarious, and heartwarming commentary tackles AOL Instant Messenger, purity culture, American Girl Dolls, going out tops, Spice Girl feminism, millennial motherhood, and more.
If you’re a Millennial you’ll totally get it, if you’re in that gap between Millennials and Gen-X (Hi, hello, this is me) you’ll be nodding from time to time, and if you’re Gen-X you may gain a deeper appreciation for a generation so different from your own.
This was a really interesting audiobook, it was both informative and personal, like a memoir and a narriative nonfiction had a baby. As I said earlier, I grew up in that weird spot where I cannot fully relate to true Millennials or Gen-Xers, so at times I found things to be deeply relatable and others had me thinking “O, I kinda get it now”…
I listened to the audiobook, which Kate read herself and loved it. The change in her voice when things got emotional was everything. If you’re looking for a unique, easy flowing nonfiction, and have any interest in what its like being a Millennial I highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy.
If you’re a Millennial you’ll totally get it, if you’re in that gap between Millennials and Gen-X (Hi, hello, this is me) you’ll be nodding from time to time, and if you’re Gen-X you may gain a deeper appreciation for a generation so different from your own.
This was a really interesting audiobook, it was both informative and personal, like a memoir and a narriative nonfiction had a baby. As I said earlier, I grew up in that weird spot where I cannot fully relate to true Millennials or Gen-Xers, so at times I found things to be deeply relatable and others had me thinking “O, I kinda get it now”…
I listened to the audiobook, which Kate read herself and loved it. The change in her voice when things got emotional was everything. If you’re looking for a unique, easy flowing nonfiction, and have any interest in what its like being a Millennial I highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy.
The Twelve Days of Murder by Andreina Cordani
2.25
6 days ago (from first writing this review) I finished this novel, and I’ve already forgotten nearly the entire plot. I feel like if I was not listening to the audiobook this would have been a DNF, but alas I had the book running and I was on a cleaning streak, so I just kept chugging along. Bookstagram swindled me again.
Where You End by Abbott Kahler
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Where You End is an onion that you peel away layer, after layer, after layer in hopes to make it to the center, but it only seems to grow in size. The draw of this kind of story hinges on the reveal, or reveals, as you work your way through it. It’s like assembling a puzzle without knowing the picture…. If that sounds like your jam, keep reading.
For starters, I am one of those readers who will shamelessly pick up a book (in this case audiobook) without knowing anything about it. I liked the cover and GoodReads had it shelved as a mystery/psychological thriller and that was enough for me. After listening to the book I read the GoodReads synopsis and friends, it read like that blabber mouth plot spoiling friend that ruins all the books and movies… This is what you need to know:
When Kat wakes up from a coma, she discovers nearly all memories of her past life have vanished. All she remembers is Jude is her twin sister, and now is her only hope of filling in the blanks and reclaiming her identity. But as the months progress, things are not adding up, and Kat fears Jude may be lying about their past. When Kat begins pulling at the threads, Jude’s elaborate tapestry begins to unravel and the two face dangers far beyond anything Kat could have ever imagined.
Boom. That’s it. That’s all you need to know. If that sounds good, then pick up this fucking book and buckle up for a story filled with intrigue, revenge, betrayal, & challenging morality… You won’t be disappointed.
The audiobook was fantastic. Megan Tusing and Samantha Desz were so well matched for Kat and Jude. Kat’s voice was delicate and innocent, Jude’s voice was smoky and bold… both perfectly matching what I as the reader should envision for each character. This is my first time listening to both, and I’m for sure seeking out other books they’ve narrated.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy.
For starters, I am one of those readers who will shamelessly pick up a book (in this case audiobook) without knowing anything about it. I liked the cover and GoodReads had it shelved as a mystery/psychological thriller and that was enough for me. After listening to the book I read the GoodReads synopsis and friends, it read like that blabber mouth plot spoiling friend that ruins all the books and movies… This is what you need to know:
When Kat wakes up from a coma, she discovers nearly all memories of her past life have vanished. All she remembers is Jude is her twin sister, and now is her only hope of filling in the blanks and reclaiming her identity. But as the months progress, things are not adding up, and Kat fears Jude may be lying about their past. When Kat begins pulling at the threads, Jude’s elaborate tapestry begins to unravel and the two face dangers far beyond anything Kat could have ever imagined.
Boom. That’s it. That’s all you need to know. If that sounds good, then pick up this fucking book and buckle up for a story filled with intrigue, revenge, betrayal, & challenging morality… You won’t be disappointed.
The audiobook was fantastic. Megan Tusing and Samantha Desz were so well matched for Kat and Jude. Kat’s voice was delicate and innocent, Jude’s voice was smoky and bold… both perfectly matching what I as the reader should envision for each character. This is my first time listening to both, and I’m for sure seeking out other books they’ve narrated.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy.
Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
I can safely say I have never read anything like Cult Classic. Andrew Sean Greer classified it as a Romantic Thriller and part of me wants to say, yes that is dead on, but another part of me feels in this world, through this lens does true romance really exist?
When the recently engaged Lola runs into an ex-boyfriend, and then another, and another she must contend not only with the viability of her current relationship but with the fact her best friend and former boss have an unhealthy investment in the outcome. As past and present continue to converge Lola is forced to surrender herself to the conspiring of one very contemporary cult and as a result, we unravel a story of love, memory, morality, and mind control that challenges our concept of romance.
Written in a sharp, funny, wry voice Lola is a character you cannot help but get behind. Her mind works in a peculiar way and I honestly could not imagine anyone else landing themselves where she ends up. At one point in the book Lola finds herself thinking “One thing this atrium could use was chairs. Maybe something cute, like a banquette upholstered with the pubes of my former lovers”. Like what? Could you imagine? Who thinks like that? Lola, Lola thinks like that and I love every bit of the little absurdities she throws at me.
If you like books that raise the middle finger to the confines of traditional tropes this book is for you.
This book was gifted by MCD through GoodReads giveaways win. All opinions are my own.
When the recently engaged Lola runs into an ex-boyfriend, and then another, and another she must contend not only with the viability of her current relationship but with the fact her best friend and former boss have an unhealthy investment in the outcome. As past and present continue to converge Lola is forced to surrender herself to the conspiring of one very contemporary cult and as a result, we unravel a story of love, memory, morality, and mind control that challenges our concept of romance.
Written in a sharp, funny, wry voice Lola is a character you cannot help but get behind. Her mind works in a peculiar way and I honestly could not imagine anyone else landing themselves where she ends up. At one point in the book Lola finds herself thinking “One thing this atrium could use was chairs. Maybe something cute, like a banquette upholstered with the pubes of my former lovers”. Like what? Could you imagine? Who thinks like that? Lola, Lola thinks like that and I love every bit of the little absurdities she throws at me.
If you like books that raise the middle finger to the confines of traditional tropes this book is for you.
This book was gifted by MCD through GoodReads giveaways win. All opinions are my own.
The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
StoryGraph standard question, do you find the cast of characters loveable? Me, does a droid count?
This is a fast romp through space, perfect for lovers of space horror. Although I had a lot of fun with it I would really have loved to see it more developed and turned into a novel. I felt the story lines and horror scenes had so much potential to be pushed so much farther.
But don't get me wrong, I still had a lot of fun with this book.
This is a fast romp through space, perfect for lovers of space horror. Although I had a lot of fun with it I would really have loved to see it more developed and turned into a novel. I felt the story lines and horror scenes had so much potential to be pushed so much farther.
But don't get me wrong, I still had a lot of fun with this book.