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teeclecticreads's reviews
233 reviews
Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking
adventurous
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Thank you to Megan Reinking for sending me an ARC of this book. All these opinions expressed are my own.
I think this book was pretty good and I really appreciated how depression was portrayed, because most people believe that to be depressed you have to be stuck in bed all day and unable to do anything. While this is true for a lot of people, others experience high functioning depression where on the outside they may seem like they are okay and active, but on the inside they really are wrestling with negative thoughts and emotions.
The romance between Blair and Graham developed beautifully and I think it was really important that Graham emphasised how much of the work Blair did herself and that he was not the reason why Blair was able to fight through her depression. It’s important that people remember that as much as someone on the side may be able to help, a lot of the work comes from within.
My only critique is that there didn’t seem to be as much of a buildup in relation to the climax of the story. The conflict didn’t really feel like much of a conflict because of how easily things were resolved, and it felt like there were subplots that got thrown away at the end like Sydney not wanting to visit their mom and Graham and his dad dealing with her Alzheimer’s . Regardless, it’s still a good read.
I think this book was pretty good and I really appreciated how depression was portrayed, because most people believe that to be depressed you have to be stuck in bed all day and unable to do anything. While this is true for a lot of people, others experience high functioning depression where on the outside they may seem like they are okay and active, but on the inside they really are wrestling with negative thoughts and emotions.
The romance between Blair and Graham developed beautifully and I think it was really important that Graham emphasised how much of the work Blair did herself and that he was not the reason why Blair was able to fight through her depression. It’s important that people remember that as much as someone on the side may be able to help, a lot of the work comes from within.
My only critique is that there didn’t seem to be as much of a buildup in relation to the climax of the story. The conflict didn’t really feel like much of a conflict because of how easily things were resolved, and it felt like there were subplots that got thrown away at the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping: Interpreting the Language of Our Fathers Without Repeating Their Stories by Lisa-Jo Baker
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This novel has been added to my top books of 2024. It was that good. Lisa-Jo is an immaculate storyteller and I was so deeply invested in this story about family trauma and reconciliation, new experiences, historical injustices and self-discovery all wrapped into a memoir.
Being born white in South Africa during apartheid while dealing with her mother’s death and father’s vitriol was clearly a painful yet eye-opening experience for her. Yet still, the beauty of love, friendship and forgiveness shone brightly. I don’t even know what more I can say except go read this, but please read the content warnings before you do.
Being born white in South Africa during apartheid while dealing with her mother’s death and father’s vitriol was clearly a painful yet eye-opening experience for her. Yet still, the beauty of love, friendship and forgiveness shone brightly. I don’t even know what more I can say except go read this, but please read the content warnings before you do.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Terminal illness, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie by Jackie Lau
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
I received an ARC for this on NetGalley, but I’m 25% in and it still hasn’t intrigued me. The MMC doesn’t seem to have a personality I can see yet and just mindlessly goes along with whatever the FMC says, and Emily, the FMC feels more like 13 than 33 with how she behaves. Her mother’s meddling in her relationship and the overall way she handled things was annoying. Unfortunately I can’t get into it.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
there is discussion about being in a cult and death as a result of the cult
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a pretty good introduction to Emily Henry for me. The banter, romance, complexity of family relationships and overall concept was very enjoyable to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent
Pack Up the Moon by Kristan Higgins
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’m going to go ahead and say that this is already one of the best books that I’ve ever read this year. Kristan Higgins wrote this book with $5 in her bank account, an overdue car loan, and her dreams in her back pocket. I went into this book not knowing the rollercoaster of emotions I was going to experience. I felt like I was experiencing the love between Lauren and Joshua firsthand. These two people with disabilities were just pouring into each other so deeply It’s very rare to find two people who seem so perfect for each other, and I know this is a book, but it was so heartwarming to witness the same.
Joshua is the real definition of “if he wanted to he would“. He was such a loving husband and when Lauren died from her IPF, my heart broke in pieces for him. Witnessing what heartbreak and grief is like for someone on the autism spectrum was really insightful because I got to see how intensely Josh felt his emotions and how much more effort it took for him to slowly move on as the months went by.
I found it so interesting how the plot played out because I personally don’t even know what I would do if someone I love wrote me letters to help me cope with their passing. I could however relate to the different stages of grief that each member of Lauren’s family went through in no order and some stages even more than once.
Despite it being sad, there were still a lot of moments of joy and even humour, especially with Josh’s bluntness. Each character was lovable in their own way (except Lauren’s mom, she was annoying). I felt all the emotions that I felt when I read “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them” for the first time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing, Chloe Liese and NetGalley for this arc. All thoughts are 100% my own.
I really enjoyed this story because it was from the perspective of the youngest Bergman being a hopeless romantic and pining for someone unavailable. We’re so used to MMCs being manly, assertive or gruff and it was so lovely to read about a man who was openly soft. Grumpy x Sunshine is one of my favourite tropes but especially when it’s reversed.
As usual, Chloe did a great job with the Type 1 diabetes rep. I was pleasantly educated about the advancements in technology for people living with T1D. As a character, Tallulah was also very complex. I found myself having empathy for her and all that she was holding in, even though it made her come across as mean sometimes.
The pacing was great and the humour sprinkled throughout was fun. I just wish that we got more information about Virgo’s ADHD. However, I think this was a beautiful end to the Bergman Brothers series.
I really enjoyed this story because it was from the perspective of the youngest Bergman being a hopeless romantic and pining for someone unavailable. We’re so used to MMCs being manly, assertive or gruff and it was so lovely to read about a man who was openly soft. Grumpy x Sunshine is one of my favourite tropes but especially when it’s reversed.
As usual, Chloe did a great job with the Type 1 diabetes rep. I was pleasantly educated about the advancements in technology for people living with T1D. As a character, Tallulah was also very complex. I found myself having empathy for her and all that she was holding in, even though it made her come across as mean sometimes.
The pacing was great and the humour sprinkled throughout was fun. I just wish that we got more information about Virgo’s ADHD. However, I think this was a beautiful end to the Bergman Brothers series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Chronic illness
Moderate: Alcohol
Cut & Thirst: A Short Story by Margaret Atwood
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Leland
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0
I got really great insight into what it's like living in a world that is so visual as someone gradually losing eyesight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was so good! Firstly, I love that there were indicators for the present time and past events. It helped me to not get confused plus I could easily to back and connect dots as the plot unwound. I’m happy that all of my guesses of what was happening were absolutely wrong because I hate when thrillers are too predictable. I could’ve NEVER guessed any of this lol. I’m for sure gonna check out Riley’s other work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Alcoholism, and Death