whatsmadsreading's reviews
247 reviews

All's Well by Mona Awad

dark tense 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? Yes

4.5

She’s completely unhinged and I absolutely ate it up. 

Weird girl, female rage fiction that scratches a particular itch if you deal with chronic pain/illness.

The Dysautonomia Project: Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders for Physicians and Patients by David S. Goldstein, Kelly Freeman, Charles R. Thompson

informative medium-paced

3.75

Here’s the thing: I really appreciate that this book exists. It’s probably a Dysautonomia 101 book, whereas I’m ready for 201 info. I don’t know that I learned anything groundbreaking or new things to try, but it’s a good overview.

However, the format is strange, some of the jokes are misogynistic, and if it wasn’t clear that so many of the authors are board-certified doctors, I would have put it down. The vibe of the book, including the layout, feels a little DIY and unofficial.

Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

I love the premise and the cover.

The writing and the execution, not so much.

If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga

challenging emotional 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

5.0

The only critique I have is that this book made me insecure about my own ability to write because I don’t think it’ll ever be this good.

I need a physical copy because this might be a new top ten for me. But, for the first time ever, I’m also grateful that I did the audiobook because the way it’s read aloud is so powerful. Highly recommend that format specifically.

READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!

Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill

dark 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? Yes

5.0

Immediately went out and got another Heather O’Neill book because how does someone capture the voice of a twelve year old like that??

Having worked with kids in foster care, sex workers, and families in shelters, can confirm that this is so heartbreakingly real. She captures the voice so well; I truly can’t say enough good things.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

emotional funny sad 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? Yes

3.75

I’m glad I bought this, because, being in my DNF era, I definitely would’ve given up on a library book.  I’m glad I finished it. I’m obsessed with the cover.

I’m not the biggest fan of conversation-heavy writing and that’s what most of this is (it read like Emily Henry to me, which I know people love but her writing also feels very middle-of-the-road, “it was good, fine” to me personally). 

I did love Cleo and Elenor though; I wish there had been more depth for them and less of the side characters. 

The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante

dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

5.0

A new hall of fame book for me and my favorite of the quartet.

The only slight drawback (?) is that it’s long - but that’s never stopped me from a 5-star rating before. 

The other books on my TBR are screaming to have attention paid to them but this one deserved every bit of savoring it got.

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar

4.0

Amal El Mohtar’s writing is gorgeous. I loved This is How You Lose the Time War, and this is the same kind of poetic, buttery prose. 

The production of the audiobook is fantastic but I will say, because it’s such a lyrical book, I did find it hard to follow at times. I do also think that’s a me-problem when it comes to audiobooks.

I probably would’ve rated it higher if I had read a physical copy.

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön

challenging inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.75

I’m in a bit of a spiritual, woo woo phase at the moment and this is a quintessential book for that. For being about pretty advanced and intense Buddhist/meditation practices, it’s really accessible.

Because every line feels like advice, it’s a slow read.

My annotations go crazy. 

-0.25 because I’m very pro-therapy and western medicine and a tiny bit of it is a little too much (or too uncomfortable to do). 

Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.

I picked it up at the library because I saw it recommended in Indie Next. I love an unhinged protagonist. High hopes for a quick, Saturday night one-seating-er.

The 30% that I read was giving me Murder Your Employer vibes.

I like gothic thrillers and I love weird girl fiction, but turns out, I don’t love them together.

I think I would’ve liked this if Winifred either 1. hadn’t been a cheeky protagonist, but a somber Victorian-era narrator (a la Fingersmith), or 2. been a cheeky protagonist in a more modern-era, Moshfegh setting.