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thebigemmt505's reviews
27 reviews
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Behind Closed Doors is a thriller that critiques the idea perfection - there’s always potential for a skeleton in the closet.
The uneasy tone is set immediately at a dinner party that feels just off enough to make the reader suspicious, but not so much so it feels like front-loading. There’s immediate intrigue for the story, as the characters are rather flat. The pacing is pretty consistent and the storytelling is well-organized in chapters that flip between past and present. Unfortunately, it’s as the reader learns about what is going on behind closed doors that the story meanders and dwindles, falling too far into absurdity that’s it’s difficult to suspend one’s disbelief.
I have to give examples of my issues with this novel in the form of spoilers, unfortunately. Before the story, I have to point out the sentence structure. While not every story has to be written poetically to be good, this story is full of clunky and long sentences “While I was fiercely proud of her, that she had managed to master the steps she was performing, I was also fiercely protective, and when I heard someone laughing behind me I had to remind myself that their laughter was probably kind and that even if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t affect Millie’s enjoyment of what she was doing.” “After all, he as good as admitted, when he said earlier that I was getting too clever for my own good, that he misses punishing me, so I can imagine how happy he must have been to see Esther’s message - and how he must have laughed at her attempt to help me.” goddamn those are paragraphs as well as bizarre adverbs adding “-ly” to any adjective, no matter how awkward . Also, and this is one word word usage I have to complain about: the author says “to know the extent of his depravation” which, is a word, but is essentially never fucking used ever. why not just use depravity instead of a word that is barely correct and easily mistaken with “deprivation”?
As for the plot, it does meander in the middle. Grace’s decisions are often frustrating and bizarre. Jack’s calculation and intelligence are just as inconsistent, i.e.: apparently he knows to check every restaurant for single bathrooms, but doesn’t think for a second Grace could be attempting to fool him when she talks about giving up + various other ludicrous decisions . The reader is led to believe there’s more to than the story than is set up, but it truly lays all its cards on the table about 100 pages in. The rest of the tale is detailing Jacks cruelty, which, despite reviews, really isn’t all that shocking or graphic, nor is it unique or intriguing. Jack is a pretty flat character, one whose pure insanity has been done to death and much better in other works of fiction. That being said, it’s far from all bad. I found myself curious about the ending and rooting for Grace. The ending was satisfying, even if a bit unbelievable at points. The plot didn’t overstay its welcome which also helped.
This is a debut novel, and the storytelling has a lot of potential. If you’re looking for a quick but simple thriller to read, picking this up isn’t the worst move.
The uneasy tone is set immediately at a dinner party that feels just off enough to make the reader suspicious, but not so much so it feels like front-loading. There’s immediate intrigue for the story, as the characters are rather flat. The pacing is pretty consistent and the storytelling is well-organized in chapters that flip between past and present. Unfortunately, it’s as the reader learns about what is going on behind closed doors that the story meanders and dwindles, falling too far into absurdity that’s it’s difficult to suspend one’s disbelief.
I have to give examples of my issues with this novel in the form of spoilers, unfortunately. Before the story, I have to point out the sentence structure. While not every story has to be written poetically to be good, this story is full of clunky and long sentences
As for the plot, it does meander in the middle. Grace’s decisions are often frustrating and bizarre. Jack’s calculation and intelligence are just as inconsistent, i.e.:
This is a debut novel, and the storytelling has a lot of potential. If you’re looking for a quick but simple thriller to read, picking this up isn’t the worst move.
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage
Br*tish People
Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.25
“I am a woman who loves women.” She just like me fr!
Notes of a Crocodile is a textbook on college angst and societal alienation. To be queer, in love, and in Lazi’s own terms, “fucked up,” is to be vulnerable, no matter how many walls one puts up to protect oneself. The writing is poignant and emotional, occasionally bursting at the seams and becoming a bit excessive in it’s rawness. That being said, it resonates strongly, especially to college-age outcasts. The story is a joy to read, with so many emotions well encapsulated through descriptive language and metaphors that speak to the heart. The crocodile as a metaphor for queerness is not only clever, it’s beautifully satirical. This book is by no means the easiest read, and some of it’s lose ends and long confessional passages leave more to be desired, but it’s a masterful example of how to capture an era of life well.
Notes of a Crocodile is an incredible read. Crying, screaming, throwing up, Lazi is me on god (okay I’ll stop.)
Notes of a Crocodile is a textbook on college angst and societal alienation. To be queer, in love, and in Lazi’s own terms, “fucked up,” is to be vulnerable, no matter how many walls one puts up to protect oneself. The writing is poignant and emotional, occasionally bursting at the seams and becoming a bit excessive in it’s rawness. That being said, it resonates strongly, especially to college-age outcasts. The story is a joy to read, with so many emotions well encapsulated through descriptive language and metaphors that speak to the heart. The crocodile as a metaphor for queerness is not only clever, it’s beautifully satirical. This book is by no means the easiest read, and some of it’s lose ends and long confessional passages leave more to be desired, but it’s a masterful example of how to capture an era of life well.
Notes of a Crocodile is an incredible read. Crying, screaming, throwing up, Lazi is me on god (okay I’ll stop.)
Unthinkable: An Extraordinary Journey Through the World's Strangest Brains by Helen Thomson
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Unthinkable is a great peek into the human brain and it’s many intricacies. The book takes a compassionate and reflective approach to each case. The science in the book is accessible, and the reader is never made to feel like they’re stupid. The writing is well-done and very readable, although it doesn’t particularly stand out. There are a couple segments and chapters that feel disorganized; the structure changes frequently, which sometimes interrupts the pace of each case study. That being said, there’s not a dull moment in the book and each person’s brain explored is fascinating. The addition of practical applications and experiments for each brain anomaly is a great touch and makes Unthinkable an engaging read. The only other issue to note is more a personal one: something feels missing from this book. I think it could’ve been perfect with a more consistent structure, and within that structure a bit more research cited. This, and I believe it also would’ve been enhanced with a picture diagram of the brain, although that’s a very personal critique. Overall, the book is incredibly informative and accessible. I highly recommend it!
No Exit by Taylor Adams
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
No Exit is a face-paced, action-based thriller that delivers on its intensity but overstays it’s welcome.
The reader follows Darby, a wiry college student who finds a child named Jay locked in a car at a rest stop during a blizzard. It follows her journey attempting to save Jay and defeat her kidnappers. The intensity never ceases, and the author effortlessly hooks the reader into a page-turner. It’s very competently written with well written descriptions and vivid verbs that help the reader picture every grimy detail. Darby is a very loveable, complicated character and the way her quirks and problems are worked into the plot is very satisfying. The other characters in the story, while not as developed and at times a bit over-the-top (looking at you, Ashley), are fun to read about. There are twists and turns that are genuinely gut wrenching and surprising. The Wanasho vs. Wanashono rest stop twist The plot points and themes are cohesive and it feels like every detail actually matters. The story’s strength lies in its brevity and gruesome chaos.
There are problems holding it back, though. The story has plot holes that chip away at the readers suspension of disbelief ( nobody at the rest stop having an iPhone charger, Darbys mom finding an arm lump despite the cancer being pancreatic, the constant change in how much snow is on the ground [is it knee deep or barely drivable?], Darbys lack of side effects despite dangerous levels of caffeine consumption, many shots being fired in the room during the Lars and Darby fight then Darby refusing to fire one more shot at Ashley because of gasoline fumes in the same room, the cop somehow getting past the plow truck to then not see Jay or the driver and shoot Darby, etc. etc. ). Towards the end of the story, the plot becomes so excessively dramatic it loses its dramatic tensions. I found myself rolling my eyes when the final stand down became the next, then the next, then the next until the bitter end.
Overall, this is a great thriller and an easy read. It’s imperfect but not irredeemable. If you’re looking for a fast and fun read with many dark elements, give this one a try. Just be prepared to exhale out of your nose in mild frustration a few times.
The reader follows Darby, a wiry college student who finds a child named Jay locked in a car at a rest stop during a blizzard. It follows her journey attempting to save Jay and defeat her kidnappers. The intensity never ceases, and the author effortlessly hooks the reader into a page-turner. It’s very competently written with well written descriptions and vivid verbs that help the reader picture every grimy detail. Darby is a very loveable, complicated character and the way her quirks and problems are worked into the plot is very satisfying. The other characters in the story, while not as developed and at times a bit over-the-top (looking at you, Ashley), are fun to read about. There are twists and turns that are genuinely gut wrenching and surprising.
There are problems holding it back, though. The story has plot holes that chip away at the readers suspension of disbelief (
Overall, this is a great thriller and an easy read. It’s imperfect but not irredeemable. If you’re looking for a fast and fun read with many dark elements, give this one a try. Just be prepared to exhale out of your nose in mild frustration a few times.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Dark Matter is a sci-fi thriller with an infinitely intriguing concept - the multiverse. The reader follows Jason, previously a scientist, now a teacher, who is thrown into the multiverse by an alternate version of him.
This book thrives in its exploration of the self / the many selves. It tackles many interesting questions on how personalities, how people, develop - is it the sum of one’s choices? Is it fate? Is it a series of inherent qualities found within each person? Jason, a relatively average man in his iteration, explores himself thoughtfully and tragically throughout the story up until the bittersweet end. Dark Matter also thrives in its thrilling elements; it’s fast pace and brutal moments land well, making it a page turner. The action scenes are well written and entertaining, and at times quite emotional.
Dark Matter struggles in its character development, as Jason’s character, while decently rounded, seems to twist and fluctuate in unnatural ways to fit the plot. One moment he’s a rational scientist, the next he makes a rather unintelligent decision that leaves the reader frustrated (talking to you, plague world scene). Daniela and Charlie are rather one dimensional characters, and with the arrival of Amanda later in the story, there’s a bit of “man writing a female character” syndrome that slips through. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was noticeable. Personally, during the more character driven scenes, while they weren’t so poorly done to make me not enjoy them, I did find myself rolling my eyes a little. It’s also worth mentioning that some of the writing felt clunky and unengaging, which is to the detriment of the story. Many of what seem “plot twists” were rather predictable. Personally, the ending fell a little flat to me, but it did give me a slight sense of content and satisfaction for characters that I came to semi-love.
Dark Matter is a solid, fast paced sci-fi thriller I’d recommend to anyone who is fascinated by the multiverse, the human personality, and seeks a quick and easy read.
This book thrives in its exploration of the self / the many selves. It tackles many interesting questions on how personalities, how people, develop - is it the sum of one’s choices? Is it fate? Is it a series of inherent qualities found within each person? Jason, a relatively average man in his iteration, explores himself thoughtfully and tragically throughout the story up until the bittersweet end. Dark Matter also thrives in its thrilling elements; it’s fast pace and brutal moments land well, making it a page turner. The action scenes are well written and entertaining, and at times quite emotional.
Dark Matter struggles in its character development, as Jason’s character, while decently rounded, seems to twist and fluctuate in unnatural ways to fit the plot. One moment he’s a rational scientist, the next he makes a rather unintelligent decision that leaves the reader frustrated (talking to you, plague world scene). Daniela and Charlie are rather one dimensional characters, and with the arrival of Amanda later in the story, there’s a bit of “man writing a female character” syndrome that slips through. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was noticeable. Personally, during the more character driven scenes, while they weren’t so poorly done to make me not enjoy them, I did find myself rolling my eyes a little. It’s also worth mentioning that some of the writing felt clunky and unengaging, which is to the detriment of the story. Many of what seem “plot twists” were rather predictable. Personally, the ending fell a little flat to me, but it did give me a slight sense of content and satisfaction for characters that I came to semi-love.
Dark Matter is a solid, fast paced sci-fi thriller I’d recommend to anyone who is fascinated by the multiverse, the human personality, and seeks a quick and easy read.
And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks by William S. Burroughs
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Tampa by Alissa Nutting
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
(CW) Don’t read this review if you don’t know anything about this book ; there will be lots of mentions of horrible taboos and horrific acts, specifically sexual violence.
This is one of the most disgusting, predatory, uncomfortable, unacceptable, depraved pieces of literature I have ever read. I thought it was pretty good!
A Lolita-type novel from the female point of view isn’t unheard of but certainly less common than stories involving male predators (which, in fairness, does reflect reality), so this book brings an interesting (if disturbing) concept to the table. What keeps the book from being completely unreadable garbage or entirely rape-porn is…
1) Celeste as a character is not only intentionally funny and occasionally cracks jokes that have a tendency to make me nervously laugh then cringe, but her narrative at times is often so over the top and obsessive it becomes comedic. Her droning on about how fixated she is with the bodily fluids of teen boys is far from fun to read, but often becomes as funny as it is distressing because of just how relentlessly obsessed she is. Not to mention how much a MATERIAL GWORL she is, getting depressed over not having expensive skin care products in…well…spoiler situations.
2) There is important commentary on the way women are seen when they are predators vs how men are seen. Obviously men have a MUCH higher tendency towards predations, particularly when it comes to pedophilia, but there is far from an absence of women who prey on children and when they are outed, those why were preyed upon are seen as “lucky” or as if they “wanted it” much more than for those who were preyed on by men. There’s a really dangerous double standard in general, as when we see women so horrific acts it’s often much more of a spectacle. “How could someone so attractive do this?!” “I bet the victims wanted/enjoyed this. You know teen boys!” “Oh my god, a WOMAN sociopath?’ Unheard of!” And so on.
I do have critiques though. While in reading this book I obviously signed up for disturbing sexual content, I REALLY did not need to read multiple graphic scenes of statutory rape. One or two get the point across, and even then it still felt a bit too much. Also , I do think the end of the book started to feel a bit rushed and messy, and Jack’s presence during the climax of the novel isn’t ever FULLY and TRULY explained in my opinion.
Overall this was an interesting read, but I feel a strong desire to take a shower and bleach my eyes now that I’ve finished it. I can’t say it horrified me or even disturbed me like it aimed to ; I more just felt uncomfortable and surprised at how over the top it is. I do recommend it though if you have the stomach.
This is one of the most disgusting, predatory, uncomfortable, unacceptable, depraved pieces of literature I have ever read. I thought it was pretty good!
A Lolita-type novel from the female point of view isn’t unheard of but certainly less common than stories involving male predators (which, in fairness, does reflect reality), so this book brings an interesting (if disturbing) concept to the table. What keeps the book from being completely unreadable garbage or entirely rape-porn is…
1) Celeste as a character is not only intentionally funny and occasionally cracks jokes that have a tendency to make me nervously laugh then cringe, but her narrative at times is often so over the top and obsessive it becomes comedic. Her droning on about how fixated she is with the bodily fluids of teen boys is far from fun to read, but often becomes as funny as it is distressing because of just how relentlessly obsessed she is. Not to mention how much a MATERIAL GWORL she is, getting depressed over not having expensive skin care products in…well…spoiler situations.
2) There is important commentary on the way women are seen when they are predators vs how men are seen. Obviously men have a MUCH higher tendency towards predations, particularly when it comes to pedophilia, but there is far from an absence of women who prey on children and when they are outed, those why were preyed upon are seen as “lucky” or as if they “wanted it” much more than for those who were preyed on by men. There’s a really dangerous double standard in general, as when we see women so horrific acts it’s often much more of a spectacle. “How could someone so attractive do this?!” “I bet the victims wanted/enjoyed this. You know teen boys!” “Oh my god, a WOMAN sociopath?’ Unheard of!” And so on.
I do have critiques though. While in reading this book I obviously signed up for disturbing sexual content, I REALLY did not need to read multiple graphic scenes of statutory rape. One or two get the point across, and even then it still felt a bit too much.
Overall this was an interesting read, but I feel a strong desire to take a shower and bleach my eyes now that I’ve finished it. I can’t say it horrified me or even disturbed me like it aimed to ; I more just felt uncomfortable and surprised at how over the top it is. I do recommend it though if you have the stomach.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
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