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somethingarosie's reviews
446 reviews
Happy Place by Emily Henry
4.0
✨Happy Place ~ Emily Henry
‘Happy Place’ is a captivating read that left me thoroughly engrossed. Initially, I found myself struggling to fully immerse myself in the story, but as the plot unfolded, the second half of the book swept me away in a whirlwind of chaotic and unexpected turns, keeping me eagerly turning the pages. What struck me most about the novel was its unexpected tinge of sadness. Emily Henry skillfully navigates serious themes like grief and the challenges of caregiving for ill parents, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. These moments of emotional intensity hit close to home for me, evoking a deep sense of empathy and connection with the characters.
While the absence of dual points of view, a tool often utilised to enhance romance narratives, left me longing for more insight into the mind of the male love interest, the poignant conclusion still managed to tug at my heartstrings. Despite its slow start, ‘Happy Place’ ultimately left a lasting impression on me. It offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, reminding readers of the power of resilience and the importance of finding solace in unexpected places.
In ‘Happy Place’, the second chance romance between the protagonists is portrayed with delicate intricacy. Their shared history is revealed gradually, weaving through the narrative with tantalising glimpses into their past relationship. As they navigate the complexities of their feelings and confront the obstacles that led to their initial separation, readers are drawn into a poignant journey of rediscovery and reconnection. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, filled with tender moments and heartfelt conversations that spark hope for a future together. Each interaction is imbued with a sense of longing and possibility, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they root for the couple to overcome their past and embrace the chance for a new beginning.
The literary setting of Beach Read + the academic rivals/enemies to lovers tropes means it still remains my favourite Emily Henry book. Nonetheless, Happy Place was a joy to read.
The literary setting of Beach Read + the academic rivals/enemies to lovers tropes means it still remains my favourite Emily Henry book. Nonetheless, Happy Place was a joy to read.
4⭐️
Work-Life Balance: Malevolent Managers and Folkloric Freelancers by Wayne Rée, Benjamin Chee
2.5
Work-Life Balance is a very interesting and innovative book in theory; combining the traditional novel with graphic storytelling. In practice, however, it just did not work well. With the two modes of storytelling, the plot was incredibly difficult to discern. I really had to ~work~ to glean any sense of a storyline, and no book should require you to do that. Work-Life Balance has all the tell-tale signs of a half-baked idea. It would have been a fabulous book, if it had been fully cooked.
Additionally, I was under the impression that there would be a clear allegory here, Animal Farm style. The allegory in Work-Life Balance being the distorted relationship our society now has with our jobs and the hierarchy of professions. However, this did not turn out to be the case. At least it did not translate this way for me, leaving me wondering what point this book was trying to make.
A very unique concept, but unfortunately underdeveloped. This book would have benefited from another round or two of developmental edits.
2.5⭐️
*Thank you to #TandemReadalong for having me on this readalong.
Every Night is Full of Stars by Aoibhin Garrihy
4.0
I really enjoyed this, the poems were very relaxing and cathartic to read. Aoibhín Garrihy certainly knows how to pick good poems. As a collection this is a really really strong.
I’ve discovered some new-favourite poems of mine from reading this. My top favourites are:
- I want to live a little life ~ Erin Hanson
- Mouthful of Forevers ~ Clementine von Radics
- Self-care ~ Karen McMillan
- If I had three lives ~ Sarah Russell
However, I found Garrihy’s contribution to the collection somewhat vapid and very superfluous, to be honest. They were generic one or two liners that didn’t add anything to my experience of the poems. I would have loved to have learned about the compilation process; how she decided what poems to include and why she included them. Perhaps an essay to close the book where she reflects on the compilation would have been better.
Garrihy’s musings precede the poem and I felt that they took me out of the reading experience, they were distracting. I didn’t like how it felt like I was being told her thoughts on the poem before I had the chance to form my own. This is why I think a closing essay where she reflects on her choices would work a lot better. After reading a few poems, I started ignoring her reflections and diving straight into the poems. I circled back later to read Garrihy’s thoughts, feeling let-down by the lack of insight they offered. In principle, these reflections are a lovely idea. However, for a concept like this to work effectively, the author needs to allow the reader deeper insight into their thoughts, further than saying a poem is a ‘hard relate’.
I rate this poetry book so highly because it truly is a fantastic collection of poetry, despite how Garrihy’s contribution to it irked me.
4⭐️
Normal Sheeple by Ross O'Carroll-Kelly
5.0
This book is a masterful act of political satire. Gloriously funny while also offering a clever, biting commentary on our political landscape in Ireland (spoiler alert, nobody knows what the hell they’re doing, and those in power are completely out of touch with what the general public need and want).
Howard creates characters that are so relatable to Irish readers. We know them, we see them, we are them. In Normal Sheeple, Howard explores personalities beyond the Pale, painting a humorous view of rural Kerry, and those who occupy it.
The inclusion of Putin & the Taoiseach’s friendship dates this book a little, in the sense that this was very obviously written prior to the invasion of Ukraine. Interestingly, it makes the portrayal of these political figureheads even more ironic and low-brow humorous, knowing what we know in hindsight.
Howard continues to get the characteristics and personalities of the Irish people spot-on! Stereotypes they may be, but they are inarguably too true to be denied!
'Normal Sheeple' is an absolute gem of political satire, leaving readers thoroughly entertained and reflecting on the absurdities of our political landscape. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a hilarious yet astute commentary on Irish society.
5⭐️
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
2.0
Detransition, Baby is a fascinating study of parenthood, specifically motherhood, what that means and the many different ways that parenthood can look. Especially interesting, was the perspective of the queer parenthood experience. I absolutely adored this aspect of the book, and the premise of the book sounded so intriguing to me. I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately I was very disappointed.
I want to preface before I continue my review; I loved the queer aspect, and I was never bored by the book. It’s quite the whirlwind, actually. Unfortunately, the plot is totally illogical in my eyes. Here are my three main issues with the book.
1. Ames’ involving his ex from years ago in the raring of his child: I could never buy into his reasoning for this decision. In no world would I be asking my ex to raise the child I conceived with another person….it just, does not make sense. You obviously broke up for a reason, there is nothing you can tell me to convince me of your decision to involve said ex in the upbringing of a child you are having with another person, gender dysphoria or not!
2. The catalyst for Ames’ detransition is when he was attacked by a man while presenting as Amy, and the reality of how dangerous it is to live as a trans woman is too fierce to ignore. When it was revealed who the man was, and his connection to Reese, I was absolutely fuming and even more flummoxed. I still cannot comprehend why, after all of this, Ames’ would consider ever speaking to Reese again, let alone inviting her to raise his child.
3. The ending of the book is so disappointing. If the book had gone in the direction I thought it would have been, it would have been chaotic, sure! However, the direction the book took, rendered the book pointless for me. That’s all I’m going to say on that!
2⭐️
I want to preface before I continue my review; I loved the queer aspect, and I was never bored by the book. It’s quite the whirlwind, actually. Unfortunately, the plot is totally illogical in my eyes. Here are my three main issues with the book.
1. Ames’ involving his ex from years ago in the raring of his child: I could never buy into his reasoning for this decision. In no world would I be asking my ex to raise the child I conceived with another person….it just, does not make sense. You obviously broke up for a reason, there is nothing you can tell me to convince me of your decision to involve said ex in the upbringing of a child you are having with another person, gender dysphoria or not!
2. The catalyst for Ames’ detransition is when he was attacked by a man while presenting as Amy, and the reality of how dangerous it is to live as a trans woman is too fierce to ignore. When it was revealed who the man was, and his connection to Reese, I was absolutely fuming and even more flummoxed. I still cannot comprehend why, after all of this, Ames’ would consider ever speaking to Reese again, let alone inviting her to raise his child.
3. The ending of the book is so disappointing. If the book had gone in the direction I thought it would have been, it would have been chaotic, sure! However, the direction the book took, rendered the book pointless for me. That’s all I’m going to say on that!
2⭐️
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
4.0
Delving into dark and complex themes of abuse, manipulation and generational trauma, Strange Sally Diamond is unpredictable at every turn. With elements of mystery, suspense and psychological intrigue, this book is one you will be unable to put down, even when it churns your stomach.
Sally Diamond’s story is one of sadness, hope, and heartache. The depravity of some of the characters within this is quite astonishing. There is little I can say without giving major spoilers, but be prepared to spend the entire book filled with anticipation and dread.
The dual POVs and timelines add to the adrenaline and whirlwind of emotions that one experiences when reading this book. The reader often knows more than the characters, meaning the reader is on tender hooks constantly.
Where this book loses a star is in its ending. Everything ties together very neatly, with little ambiguity - which I don’t think fits with the sense of unease that permeates the rest of the book. Similarly, the epilogue, while allowing the book to end on somewhat of a hopeful note and symbolises the breaking of cyclical generation trauma, felt like an abrupt change in mood, from the suffocating feeling of despair that is palpable throughout the rest of the novel. The transition between the hopeless ending and optimistic epilogue could have been more developed, to dissuade the feeling of whip-lash while reading.
Nonetheless, highly recommend!
Thank you Penguin Ireland for sending me a proof copy to read!
4⭐️
Sally Diamond’s story is one of sadness, hope, and heartache. The depravity of some of the characters within this is quite astonishing. There is little I can say without giving major spoilers, but be prepared to spend the entire book filled with anticipation and dread.
The dual POVs and timelines add to the adrenaline and whirlwind of emotions that one experiences when reading this book. The reader often knows more than the characters, meaning the reader is on tender hooks constantly.
Where this book loses a star is in its ending. Everything ties together very neatly, with little ambiguity - which I don’t think fits with the sense of unease that permeates the rest of the book. Similarly, the epilogue, while allowing the book to end on somewhat of a hopeful note and symbolises the breaking of cyclical generation trauma, felt like an abrupt change in mood, from the suffocating feeling of despair that is palpable throughout the rest of the novel. The transition between the hopeless ending and optimistic epilogue could have been more developed, to dissuade the feeling of whip-lash while reading.
Nonetheless, highly recommend!
Thank you Penguin Ireland for sending me a proof copy to read!
4⭐️
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
2.0
You know, I gotta be honest here, this book, 'The Catcher in the Rye,' it didn't really do it for me. I mean, Holden, he's just so darn irritating most of the time. Yeah, sure, there were moments when I kinda felt for the guy, but overall, he's just too much to handle. I get it, the whole point is he's supposed to be this insufferable teenager who doesn’t want to study and it's like... boohoo, you don’t wanna study, get over it! But, hey, I do feel for him, 'cause there's nods to him dealing with the grief of losing his brother, but his arrogance distracts from what could have been a much more profound book. And if I hear the word 'phony' one more time, I swear, I'm gonna explode. It's like, I wanted to give Holden a shake and tell him to snap out of it, ya know? But hey, that's just me. Some folks dig it, but for me, it was just a big ol' snooze fest. Couldn't catch me in that rye if you paid me.