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writemare31's reviews
234 reviews
Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft by Laura Tempest Zakroff
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Bisexual representation! Empowering female sexuality!
Magic of the Celtic Otherworld: Irish History, Lore & Rituals by Steve Blamires
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Really questionable advice/information.
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
What I liked: Deep and lasting female friendship, inner exploration, exploration of the divine, finding freedom, pure honesty and authenticity, atmospheric South Carolina wildlife, art, mysteries of the psyche, and most importantly the power and necessity of revelation.
What I didn't like: At times the writing style grew a little too sappy or cheesy for me, despite the good ideas.
What I didn't like: At times the writing style grew a little too sappy or cheesy for me, despite the good ideas.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
challenging
dark
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? Yes
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-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
3.5
To me, this book felt like a collection of deep, descriptive, beautiful short stories. There was a large cast of characters tied together through familial connections, though those connections became taut and stressed as they crossed continents and generations. Each chapter tended to focus on a different character and explored their perspective. There were some stunning lines in this book, immensely creative and satisfying scenes. There was a deep darkness to it as well; it does not resolve your conflicts or aim to make you comfortable. It won't coddle you.
There is a lot to appreciate in this book. The depictions of women are diverse, each character with their distinct personality and troubles, all of them portrayed with depth and care.
This book did not hit five stars for me because the plot was sprawling. If you asked me to outline the events, I could only name two that actually bring cohesion to the book, and the last one is in the final chapter. The ending felt slightly rushed or forced. I was often fighting confusion as I read through this, despite the clear artistry in the writing. Sometimes a little structure is needed to help bring that artistry to its full potential.
If I had read almost any of these chapters as stand alone stories, they likely would've earned five stars.
There is a lot to appreciate in this book. The depictions of women are diverse, each character with their distinct personality and troubles, all of them portrayed with depth and care.
This book did not hit five stars for me because the plot was sprawling. If you asked me to outline the events, I could only name two that actually bring cohesion to the book, and the last one is in the final chapter. The ending felt slightly rushed or forced. I was often fighting confusion as I read through this, despite the clear artistry in the writing. Sometimes a little structure is needed to help bring that artistry to its full potential.
If I had read almost any of these chapters as stand alone stories, they likely would've earned five stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual content, and Racism
The Way of the Water Priestess: Entering the World of Water Magic by Annwyn Avalon
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Great introduction to in-depth water magic. Provided tons of rituals, both long and short, monthly and potentially daily. Information on the history of water magic and water priestesses was particularly interesting--there could have been more of that, what was here was really a teaser, just enough to get a sense of the tradition and the potential therein.
Definitely will make you more aware of the power and importance of water, and ways in which you might show gratitude for it.
Definitely will make you more aware of the power and importance of water, and ways in which you might show gratitude for it.
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Well thought out, great voice.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I have seen some reviews of this book that say 1) this book is about white feminism and 2) it shouldn't have been set in the 90s, because the presence of racism and sexism is so strong. I'd like to respond to these claims.
First, this book addresses white feminism, it does not support white feminism. White feminists are directly confronted with the problematic (and extremely damaging) nature of their actions in this book. While there isn't a lot of representation, the effect of systemic racism as well as the effect of apathetic and/or racist white people are clearly represented as not only negative but fatal.
Second, as someone from the South, I didn't see a big problem with the timeline. Even if the housewives seem a little old-fashioned for the 90s, I think Charleston housewives fit into the book pretty well. Either way, whether the timeline is right or not, sexism was a huge point of this book. It played out in person relationships and in the plot really strongly. This made the novel stronger, in my opinion. It humanized the trope of the housewife.
As with a lot of horror, the bad guy turns out to something bigger than just a monster. Here, the true antagonist is the sexist, racist, capitalist structure of Southern society. I think that's awesome. Paired with a great cast of characters, high tension and some comedic moments, I sped through this book.
First, this book addresses white feminism, it does not support white feminism. White feminists are directly confronted with the problematic (and extremely damaging) nature of their actions in this book. While there isn't a lot of representation, the effect of systemic racism as well as the effect of apathetic and/or racist white people are clearly represented as not only negative but fatal.
Second, as someone from the South, I didn't see a big problem with the timeline. Even if the housewives seem a little old-fashioned for the 90s, I think Charleston housewives fit into the book pretty well. Either way, whether the timeline is right or not, sexism was a huge point of this book. It played out in person relationships and in the plot really strongly. This made the novel stronger, in my opinion. It humanized the trope of the housewife.
As with a lot of horror, the bad guy turns out to something bigger than just a monster. Here, the true antagonist is the sexist, racist, capitalist structure of Southern society. I think that's awesome. Paired with a great cast of characters, high tension and some comedic moments, I sped through this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Misogyny, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, and Terminal illness
It is a horror book, so expect some gore. Some scenes were intensely scary, but most of the book was character driven rather than suspense driven. The biggest trigger warning I would note is sexual assault.