themanicuredreader's reviews
332 reviews

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. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark funny tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Could not put this one down! Part thriller, part social commentary, part horror, part humor, this book had it all. It was so smart & made me cringe & almost made me feel like I did something wrong, as if I was the main character, it immerses you that much! I gave if four stars because I didn’t fully love the “reveal” near the end. Still, it was brilliant! I want to read more by this author. 

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer

sad slow-paced

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

3.0

I had high hopes for this one. It is beautifully written. I reread many passages that hit close to the heart. But it took me forever to read, & I wanted to finish it. Nearly every character was insufferable. Ethan & Jonah were the only ones I enjoyed reading about. Jules could’ve tried to change her situation hundreds of times. I do think Sara Bareilles’s stage adaptation will be phenomenal, because it’s Sara. 

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Been wanting to read this one for a while & finally picked it up after seeing a rave review on TikTok. I’m so glad I did! It was one of those unputdownable reads. Every character was unlikable (except Syl), though I was even rooting for Gale. There was a lot of “mystery” within that I’d like more answers to, including the end, but that’s what made the plot work. So much happened, but it didn’t feel like I was “missing” any scenes in between Bea’s major life milestones that the book covered. A fun read! 

Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir by Dolly Alderton

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Love love loved this one. I listened on audio (shoutout Spotify), but I need to buy a copy so I can highlight & tab it to remember my favorite passages forever. This is the book for the girls who wish everything could stay the same but know that change is inevitable. I loved Dolly’s story & could listen to her chat about her life & friends for eight more hours. Must read for all of us twentysomethings! 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What a thrill to be back in this world! And why are villain origin stories so compelling? This is how a prequel is done. I still have so many questions & I selfishly hope Suzanne Collins keeps giving us these 500-page glimpses into this world. A perfect way to cap off my THG reread & rewatch. 

Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg
Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.

I really wanted to like this one. It felt unrealistic to me when it came to the main character’s career, & she was far too caught up on her best guy friend. I want to know what happens, so I will likely just google it. 

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

reflective medium-paced

Read for the January 2024 Bad on Paper book club. A few good nuggets that I can apply. I think Becca & Olivia will do a great job discussing it!

Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

So beautifully written — I wish I had a highlighter in hand while reading. The premise is unique & thought-provoking. I felt deep empathy for Wren, & I think Angela’s story is my favorite. 

The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

A story of chosen family with touches of holiday magic that made me cry at a few points. I love following this author on Instagram & on Bad on Paper, so it was the most fun to see TCOC come to life! I loved Hannah & Finn’s relationship. Here’s to more books about best friends & chosen family.