vasingca's reviews
124 reviews

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

challenging dark emotional informative sad slow-paced

5.0

Incredibly informative about the history of Mormon fundamentalism. It took me a long time to get through this book, but the prose itself was engaging and well written. 

Good Neighbors by Sarah Langan

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

This book is so deeply unsettling I couldn’t put it down. It feels like an unresolved indictment on modern society and suburbia. It’s a cross between Stephen King’s It and a Gillian Flynn novel. I think the domestic noir and psychological warfare unearthed on Maple Street seem both horrifically absurd and unbelievable and also ghoulishly plausible and realistic.   

The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

I wanted to give this book fewer stars because it was so devastating. But I know it’s a story I will think about for years to come, and it deserves to be talked about especially in light of current events. Frida feels so real, and the way she is treated is both horrifying and not unexpected. I really appreciated the way this book touched on racism, misogyny, class struggles, and many other important issues in a way that was meaningful but never felt forced or shoehorned in.

The Girls by Emma Cline

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0

The plot has no originality. It’s the Manson Family verbatim with almost no changes to the material facts of the case.
However, the characterization of the female characters in this book is visceral and honest and gutwrenching in a way that few are able to capture. The depiction of female desire in this book is probably the most genuine I’ve ever encountered. For that reason, I was still very compelled by the story even though it is familiar. 

Shipped by Angie Hockman

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

2.0

I thought this book was fine, but nothing special. It’s sweet, lighthearted, and a quick read. I appreciate the focus on female friendship, careers, and sisterhood aside from the romantic story. However, the way all of the conflicts magically get wrapped up in the end was cartoonishly implausible, beyond even what is typical for the romance genre. It just didn’t feel authentic. 

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this book and found myself very compelled by the many twists and turns. It may be cheesy and slightly overplayed but I appreciated the philosophy and faith in the story. However, I did think it was slightly preachy at times, and the loose ends were wrapped up far too conveniently. All in all, it was an enjoyable read, but falls short of being truly meaningful because it’s so surface level and heavy handed. 

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

A truly touching reflection on grief, mourning, and the ordinary but extraordinary struggles of losing a loved one. I was really touched by Didion’s prose and her meaningful recollections and use of excerpts. I felt that the book was slightly repetitive at points but it’s hard to criticize a memoirist’s own retelling of her life. 

Wildland: The Making of America's Fury by Evan Osnos

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

A truly profound and thought provoking work. Osnos has a gift for writing prose that is both informative and eloquent. Many of his sentences will stay with me for years. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of this book and the way that Osnos connected with so many communities without judgment or reservation. My one big fault with his narrative is that racism isn’t acknowledged enough. It is undoubtedly important throughout the story, but I feel that Osnos undervalues it’s impact. White supremacy and racism are so crucial to the reality of our country’s issues, even if those who contribute to its promotion are ignorant of their role in doing so. All in all, however, this book made me feel both profoundly sad and also patriotic and hopeful in a way I haven’t felt in years. I would recommend this to anyone on either side of the political aisle. 

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

Another cozy and enjoyable mystery from the Thursday Murder Club. I actually enjoyed this one more because the characters are familiar and it was therefore easier to follow. I also really loved the emotions in this book we see from Ibrahim, Donna, and Chris. I’m looking forward to another book in this series! 

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

I found this to be very moving and surprisingly thought provoking. Nothing really happens in terms of plot but it’s an evocative and realistic character study. I feel like any reader could connect with this book in some way.