themanicuredreader's reviews
331 reviews

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

Absolutely phenomenal story — I didn’t know all of these details about Kelly’s past! I love her love for animals, her firm decision to be childfree, her incredible career, her drive to not take no for an answer, & her love for her family & friends. Kelly is a national treasure. 

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Absolutely adored this one. After not loving Every Summer After a few years back, I didn’t know what I’d think of this one, but the author’s Bad on Paper interview convinced me to read it. I’m so glad I did. I loved Lucy & Felix’s romance & chemistry. Lucy’s friendship with Bridget and relationship with her aunt was so special. And most importantly, I was touched by Lucy’s relationship with her career vs. her passion. Lucy is dedicated to her job but has bigger dreams & is unsure where to start & how to make that break. It was so real, & I felt seen. I made so many highlights on Kindle! And I adored the PEI setting! 

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Could not put this one down! It was such a unique premise. While I don’t always love baby-content, Margo and Bhodi worked so well for this story. I loved the shifting tenses between first and third person. Every relationship — from Margo and Jinx down to Margo and each of her roommates — was so thought out and well written. One of the best of the year for sure! 

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Really interesting premise & I rooted for the group to find the prize the entire time. I didn’t know how they’d manage to get out of a lot of situations. The writing wasn’t always the best. But I’m still left wanting to know what happens next. 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Abby Jimenez does it again! I love the characters, the storylines, the humor. Emma and Justin brought a lot of joy. 

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Fast read & unique premise. I loved the LA setting. 

Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter

reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

All of the stars for Olivia’s debut! This story kept me questioning who I could trust, & it delivered. Can’t wait to listen to the BOP Book Club ep to analyze it. 

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This one was sweet & quirky & quick-witted. 

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering

dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It’s been so long since I’ve read a whole book in a weekend, & this was the perfect one to grab my attention. Billie & Cassie reminded me a lot of Vix & Caitlin from SUMMER SISTERS — I’d love to know if the author was influenced by their friendship & story. This is a complicated & complex story. I felt for Billie throughout all of it — her desire to be childfree, her sadness over losing a friend from her youth, etc. The book offered the good type of anxiety that kept me turning the pages. I’d wish for a little more from the ending, though.  

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

funny informative reflective fast-paced

Been loving Amanda Montell’s podcast “Sounds Like a Cult,” so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this. As an overthinker & English major who loved learning about fallacies & biases in AP English, this was an interesting lens! I need to read Amanda’s other books next.