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woahshereads's reviews
144 reviews
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
5.0
Madeline Miller writes a classic story for the modern reader.
This book has long been on my list to read and I finally picked it up this summer while my husband and I were on our honeymoon in London (shout-out to the cutest book shop, Word on the Water). As I was checking out, the owner had said this was one of his favorite books he has read in a long time. I knew the hype had to be worth it, if I have been hearing nothing but great things from Europe and the US. For me, it lived up to the hype. After reading the first two chapters, I had already thought “yep, this is probably going to be a 5-star read”.
The writing & story telling felt so poetic yet so easy to understand and follow. I found myself devouring the pages but at a slow and steady pace because I did not want this story to end. I fell in and out of love with Achilles but I admired how in those moments of my doubt, Patroclus would find his way back to him. These characters had such a deep understanding and love for one another that nothing could come between them. In life and in their death. This story was so beautiful, it’s hard to put it into words.
When I had told friends I was reading this book, their first response was “get the tissues ready”. I am not immune to crying, in fact I probably cry more than most people while readying. But I was surprised that I found myself near the end of the book wondering “what are people talking about?!”.
“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood, like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun”
^^ this last passage of the book is what got me. In the end, not even Thetis, Achilles goddess mother, who despise Patroclus throughout this entire story, was the one to grant them their peace together in the underworld. I could not have imagined a better ending.
I am so excited to pick up Circe as that was the second reaction people have had when telling them I was reading “The Song of Achilles”… “okay but have you read Circe?!”
I am expecting nothing less than a similar experience reading this.
This book has long been on my list to read and I finally picked it up this summer while my husband and I were on our honeymoon in London (shout-out to the cutest book shop, Word on the Water). As I was checking out, the owner had said this was one of his favorite books he has read in a long time. I knew the hype had to be worth it, if I have been hearing nothing but great things from Europe and the US. For me, it lived up to the hype. After reading the first two chapters, I had already thought “yep, this is probably going to be a 5-star read”.
The writing & story telling felt so poetic yet so easy to understand and follow. I found myself devouring the pages but at a slow and steady pace because I did not want this story to end. I fell in and out of love with Achilles but I admired how in those moments of my doubt, Patroclus would find his way back to him. These characters had such a deep understanding and love for one another that nothing could come between them. In life and in their death. This story was so beautiful, it’s hard to put it into words.
When I had told friends I was reading this book, their first response was “get the tissues ready”. I am not immune to crying, in fact I probably cry more than most people while readying. But I was surprised that I found myself near the end of the book wondering “what are people talking about?!”.
“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood, like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun”
^^ this last passage of the book is what got me. In the end, not even Thetis, Achilles goddess mother, who despise Patroclus throughout this entire story, was the one to grant them their peace together in the underworld. I could not have imagined a better ending.
I am so excited to pick up Circe as that was the second reaction people have had when telling them I was reading “The Song of Achilles”… “okay but have you read Circe?!”
I am expecting nothing less than a similar experience reading this.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
3.5
I enjoyed this book but I kept waiting for a captivating twist or an emotional confrontation to engage me & it never came. Although I loved following these characters journey and watching their lives unfold into adulthood and beyond, the timeline and plot jumping I felt was what caused the lack of emotion in this book. It’s a tough story to read if you put yourself in Desiree’s shoes but beyond that I didn’t feel any particular way. & I was so expecting to cry at the end of this book (because believe me, I cry in almost every book I read) but I didn’t find myself emotional at all.
I can’t speak upon the colorism and trans subjects of this story and I think that is a personal barrier I am working on to overcome so that I am able to have more of an educated review or opinion for books with such a strong message in these subjects. But overall I felt the book, regardless of one’s exposure to such matters, just lacked emotion for a book that felt like it should be packed with it.
I can’t speak upon the colorism and trans subjects of this story and I think that is a personal barrier I am working on to overcome so that I am able to have more of an educated review or opinion for books with such a strong message in these subjects. But overall I felt the book, regardless of one’s exposure to such matters, just lacked emotion for a book that felt like it should be packed with it.
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
4.0
I think I liked this one just as much if not slightly more than The Housemaid. The writing and plot and concept is pretty much exactly like the first but I felt the twist and ending were better and written/presented better to the reader this time around.
Of course, I think, with these “types” of books, you cannot over analyze the small details that would definitely have taken place in an investigation. I think as an overarching storyline, both of these books took you on a JOURNEY. I will say, in the second book I did not find myself feeling any particular way towards Millie other than she was completely and utterly lost in life & it never really felt otherwise, even at the end. The book definitely ends with room for a third book to continue these “jobs” but I’m more sure how the story could get any more creative.
All in all, I enjoyed these reads and I DEVOURED them. Would definitely recommend for some filler books between genres or series!!
Of course, I think, with these “types” of books, you cannot over analyze the small details that would definitely have taken place in an investigation. I think as an overarching storyline, both of these books took you on a JOURNEY. I will say, in the second book I did not find myself feeling any particular way towards Millie other than she was completely and utterly lost in life & it never really felt otherwise, even at the end. The book definitely ends with room for a third book to continue these “jobs” but I’m more sure how the story could get any more creative.
All in all, I enjoyed these reads and I DEVOURED them. Would definitely recommend for some filler books between genres or series!!
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
4.0
This was definitely a page turner and for about 90% of the book I was HOOKED. But the ending was not only predictable, it also didn’t feel original. I got major Gone Girl vibes or even Girl on the Train Vibes. I had guessed the ending near the start of the book but decided to put those thoughts in the back of mind and hold out. In the end, I was pretty much right.
There were a few instances that shocked me but not to my core, it was more so a “how clever” reaction. The plot just kind of falls off and ends and I don’t feel like it gives Nina the redemption for her story nor Millie justice. Nonetheless,
I am nitpicking and overall enjoyed this book! I devoured it in a day so I think that speaks for itself in some ways. I am excited to read The Housemaids Secret and am hoping it lives up to the hype as it’s predecessor!
I have definitely already recommended this book to many friends who I feel like would enjoy this!
There were a few instances that shocked me but not to my core, it was more so a “how clever” reaction. The plot just kind of falls off and ends and I don’t feel like it gives Nina the redemption for her story nor Millie justice. Nonetheless,
I am nitpicking and overall enjoyed this book! I devoured it in a day so I think that speaks for itself in some ways. I am excited to read The Housemaids Secret and am hoping it lives up to the hype as it’s predecessor!
I have definitely already recommended this book to many friends who I feel like would enjoy this!
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
4.5
I FLEW through this book. I simply could not put it down. Every time I finished a chapter, I found myself saying the notorious “just one more chapter” until I had no choice but to finish it. Abby Jimenez does an amazing job in telling this story & I am so excited to read Bri’s story next!
This book reminded me of Virgin River (which I have never read but watched the series) and/or Alexis and Mutt’s dynamic on Schitt’s Creek. Small town, opposites attract and complicated relationships are pretty much right up my alley for romance novels and although this story didn’t feel entirely original it definitely came to life on the page. It was so easy to imagine Alexis and Daniels life through a screen as if it were a movie and Abby does an amazing job at setting the scene.
A few but minor issues I have:
The “magic” Wakan is said to have and hold. There were unexplainable weather events that happened and some of the locals believed the town had a way of protecting itself and getting people to stay. But I wish this magic was expanded further beyond just Daniel and Alexis. I also don’t know why it would keep Jake around for so long.
The dick pick situation was just awkward..I grew up in a VERY small town & I can confidently tell you that I don’t know a single person who’s female cousin would be helping them take a dick pick let alone their male best friend? That kind of stuff is private and is so because people like to take advantage of such intimacy so having the entire town know about it….just unnecessary.
Lastly, the extremities of which Alexis is written to be ignorant of. She doesn’t know how to sweep? She doesn’t know how to peel potatoes? I get it, we’re thinking about Kardashian level wealthy and sheltered BUT even Kendall knew how to somewhat cute a cucumber. If she grew up with a household of help wouldn’t there be a chance she would have at least witnessed these things let alone know what they’re called?! I get all of this to extent but it seems like it was taken just a tad too far to be believable. Especially because she is a doctor & has been through medical school twice…? Seems unlikely she would call a broom a “sweepy thingy” & not know whether her oven was gas or electric.
Regardless of these I still give this books 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I am really excited to continue reading Abby Jimenez’s writing with Your’s Truly.
Also, brb recommending this to all my small town girlfriends!!
This book reminded me of Virgin River (which I have never read but watched the series) and/or Alexis and Mutt’s dynamic on Schitt’s Creek. Small town, opposites attract and complicated relationships are pretty much right up my alley for romance novels and although this story didn’t feel entirely original it definitely came to life on the page. It was so easy to imagine Alexis and Daniels life through a screen as if it were a movie and Abby does an amazing job at setting the scene.
A few but minor issues I have:
The “magic” Wakan is said to have and hold. There were unexplainable weather events that happened and some of the locals believed the town had a way of protecting itself and getting people to stay. But I wish this magic was expanded further beyond just Daniel and Alexis. I also don’t know why it would keep Jake around for so long.
The dick pick situation was just awkward..I grew up in a VERY small town & I can confidently tell you that I don’t know a single person who’s female cousin would be helping them take a dick pick let alone their male best friend? That kind of stuff is private and is so because people like to take advantage of such intimacy so having the entire town know about it….just unnecessary.
Lastly, the extremities of which Alexis is written to be ignorant of. She doesn’t know how to sweep? She doesn’t know how to peel potatoes? I get it, we’re thinking about Kardashian level wealthy and sheltered BUT even Kendall knew how to somewhat cute a cucumber. If she grew up with a household of help wouldn’t there be a chance she would have at least witnessed these things let alone know what they’re called?! I get all of this to extent but it seems like it was taken just a tad too far to be believable. Especially because she is a doctor & has been through medical school twice…? Seems unlikely she would call a broom a “sweepy thingy” & not know whether her oven was gas or electric.
Regardless of these I still give this books 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I am really excited to continue reading Abby Jimenez’s writing with Your’s Truly.
Also, brb recommending this to all my small town girlfriends!!
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
3.0
I am a little confused as to why this book is so highly praised and rated… it was cute but is also your predictable romance novel & in my opinion, does not stand out to others in this genre. I listened to this book on audio and it was very easy for me to imagine this book play out as a movie BUT I felt the characters had NO personality whatsoever. It really made it hard to connect to them or even care about their story in general. Lemon’s entire “personality” is her career but they never dive into what exactly she does past her title so it’s hard for that passion to come through to the reader.
There were some really moving passages about grief and dealing with loss of loved ones that I felt also had undertones of regrets (such as not spending enough time with someone before they’re gone or not asking them how they are REALLY doing). But again, I felt the relationship between “lemon” and her aunt was even lacking anything unique to them? There are brief mentions of how they liked to travel together and take trips but beyond that nothing.. so again, really cute concept and great idea for the book which has such potential but the execution in writing just was not there for me.
I will say, I was surprised to se how people liked this over dead romantics because I remember loving that book! Maybe it’s time for a reread.
There were some really moving passages about grief and dealing with loss of loved ones that I felt also had undertones of regrets (such as not spending enough time with someone before they’re gone or not asking them how they are REALLY doing). But again, I felt the relationship between “lemon” and her aunt was even lacking anything unique to them? There are brief mentions of how they liked to travel together and take trips but beyond that nothing.. so again, really cute concept and great idea for the book which has such potential but the execution in writing just was not there for me.
I will say, I was surprised to se how people liked this over dead romantics because I remember loving that book! Maybe it’s time for a reread.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
2.5
I wanted to love this book so badly but for me, it was a struggle to get through. I felt the book dragged in some places and I wish there would have been more depth in their moments they create. Instead it brushed over them, explaining in just a paragraph or two and then reciting the “live life as if it’s your last day” mantra - which I guess is the point of the book but it got repetitive to the point where I didn’t know why it was necessary.
My saving grace for this book was the connection Mateo and Rufus brought out in each other. But the living life with regrets shadow followed their relationship even as it blossomed which I felt overtook the moment than what they were supposed to be doing - which was living…
This was my first Adam Silvera book and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ve heard great things & am excited to read more from him! Sadly, this one didn’t tick my boxes in the way I hoped it would!
My saving grace for this book was the connection Mateo and Rufus brought out in each other. But the living life with regrets shadow followed their relationship even as it blossomed which I felt overtook the moment than what they were supposed to be doing - which was living…
This was my first Adam Silvera book and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ve heard great things & am excited to read more from him! Sadly, this one didn’t tick my boxes in the way I hoped it would!