Gabriela

This book has no business being this fun and sweet. Really loved it. It's probably a 4.25 for me. They have great chemistry and the characters are so well written. I find stories like these to be a harder for me to suspend my disbelief on, but that doesn't make the experience of reading it any less fun. Oh, I wish we lived in a society closer to what was portrayed here...

3.5 I'm sad because I wanted to like this more, but the end fell a bit flat. The reveal wasn't as satisfying and the secret identity aspect was a bit annoying. It was still cute and I'm glad I read it, but I was sure I was going to love it. Some of the dialogue felt trite and uninspired.

4.5. Delightful. This series is peak cozy sci-fi. Go read it!

Equal parts delightful and existential. A wonderful read with stunning descriptions of scenery and exploration of philosophical themes relevant to us all. I underlined SO MUCH in this book. I now understand why it's such a beloved book. I have a feeling I'll come back to it often.

“You keep asking why your work is not enough, and I don't know how to answer that, because it is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it. You don't need to justify that, or earn it. You are allowed to just live.”
― Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built

If I didn't have to give full stars, this would likely be a 4.5, but I'm rounding up because I really loved this book. I loved getting to know these characters. Through reading this book, you start to get to know Eleanor, her way of thinking, her routines, and her story. Told from her perspective, you see the world through her eyes and the stories she tells herself. It's equal parts delightful and tragic. I miss her already!

“I wish I'd done everything on earth with you”

4.5
There were many times when this story took my breath away. Claire does a fantastic job making these characters feel compelling and real. I have never read love and longing described so beautifully and evocatively. They fall in love when they're young, but life and their fear get in the way. We grow up with them, and see how their relationship evolves, as they come in and out of each other's lives. This is a sorrowful and heavy story, so proceed cautiously and check content warnings. But it is also hopeful and lovely in all the ways that matter.

This novel took what Normal People attempted, and improved on it significantly. The only reason it's 4.5 is because I felt like some sections could be trimmed down to improve the pacing in the middle of the book. But do not let that stop you from reading this. It is exquisite.

I thought this story was incredibly engaging and compelling, even reading this as a 30-year-old. These characters had a lot of depth and felt like real, complete people. Ultimately, this is a coming of age story about characters who feel like a path has been traced for them, but they have lost themselves in the process of doing “what's expected from them.” This novel also explores topics like identity, sexuality, and friendship. As a YA novel, I think it is very successful and delivers a powerful message to young people. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it was definitely a page-turner. Alice doesn't miss, doesn't she?

4.5 - What a charming and emotional epistolary memoir. It captures perfectly how books can provide opportunities for reflection, information, and deep meaningful connections. These letters also give us a glimpse of life in the US and England post WW2, which I found fascinating. The generosity and kindness these people showed through their letters and parcels made me feel so proud to be human. Give this short book a read. It's delightful.

A wonderful reflection on motherhood, the pressures women face to become one, and how to reconcile society's expectations with our desire not to participate in motherhood.

I especially loved the concept of a woman's existence as an end in itself, instead of a vessel through which other lives come through. A woman existing has intrinsic value, motherhood is just a choice that can be made by those who desire it.

Madeline Miller doesn't miss! This was so different from The Song of Achilles, yet it still shares the same essential qualities of what makes a compelling novel. This story had a chokehold on me since the moment I first started reading it. Without giving any spoilers, this was the perfect book to transition me from the hot summer days to the hopefully soon to come autumn vibes. A new favorite, for sure.

PS: If you are going to read both, read Song of Achilles first. They're standalone, but they make many references to that story here. Unless you're already super well versed in Greek mythology, then it probably won't make a difference.

3.5 - Reviewing short story collections can be tricky due to the varying reactions each story can provoke. Takeout Sushi presents a range of slice-of-life tales that delve into amusing, relatable, and intriguing aspects of human behavior. The standout stories are both shocking and humorous, although some lack compelling points or plots.

Most narratives are set in Japan, offering perspectives from both natives and visitors. The writing style is direct yet engaging, effectively bringing scenes to life.

Each of the 17 stories is accompanied by an illustration, enhancing the reading experience. The cover art particularly caught my eye and drew me to the collection. Overall, I enjoyed my time with these stories and am grateful for the opportunity to review them, courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

3.5. I didn't know about Ariel Levy before reading this book, but I thought this was a compelling memoir. Without getting into many spoilers, it's about wanting to have it all in life, the sacrifices we are forced to make (especially as women), it's about love, lust, marriage, motherhood, grief, addiction, and growth. The writing is fantastic and I highlighted so many quotes that hit really close to my heart.

However, I experienced something weird reading this; while I related or empathized with a lot of what she went through, I also felt somewhat disconnected with the story and therefore didn't feel like it hit me emotionally in the way I wanted it to. I know that is a weird thing to say about someone's real life story. So many tragic things happened. But I didn't connect with the text in the way such a story should've. It's the kind of book I am glad I read, but I'm not going to run to recommend to everyone around me.

This is my favorite kind of memoir, ones that allow me to see the world from a completely different perspective. This was a compelling and research-based account of the author's acceptance journey before and after her diagnosis. I often think about that TED Talk about the power of one story and how it limits so much of our understanding of other human beings. This was very well written, provided an interesting story, and had insights that every person could benefit from. Reading can be an act of compassion and empathy; this book was no exception.

It look me a bit to read this, but it was worth it. I have always admired Justice Ginsburg, but reading her biography has added many more layers of respect. The audiobook enhanced my reading experience, as hearing her and her husband's speeches in addition to clips of various opera performances helped make this a richly textured biography.

My understanding of the court's procedures and her philosophies on said procedures were greatly expanded during my reading of this biography. Justice Ginsburg has made history being a champion of sex and race-based discrimination; what better read for Women's History Month?

This woman doesn't miss! This book is an exquisite blend of profound themes presented in a literary manner, intertwined seamlessly with heartwarming romance. Abby skillfully navigates deep emotional waters, offering authentic and poignant portrayals of mental health struggles that resonate deeply with readers. The crossover of characters from previous books adds an extra layer of delight, enhancing each story by interconnecting them (I now have more reasons to go reread them!). Abby's talent for crafting heart-wrenching romances shines brightly throughout every page. Without a doubt, this is my favorite romance series. Every single one has been a hit.

It's cute. It's cheesy. It's enemies to lovers/fake dating goodness. If you like romcoms and movie soundtracks, this will be right up your alley. I did find some of the main character's decisions a bit difficult to understand or justify. Liz was really going through it after the death of her mom, but even with that context she sometimes came across as unjustifiably clueless and/or deceitful. It's a slow burn romance with a predictable plot, but both the journey and the destination were enjoyable even taking that into account.

This is one of the best character-driven stories I've read, with characters that are lovable, flawed, nuanced, and feel real. A five-star read (for me) should make me feel something deeply and have stories and characters that will stay with me forever. This is that story. That being said, I would be very hesitant to recommend this to people. Please check the trigger warnings and only read when you're in the right headspace to read some traumatic shit.

—

I understand why some people would not like this book. This book has so many horrific things described or alluded to, but they aren't there for shock value. To reduce this book to “trauma porn” is to ignore the way this story focuses on the impact these events have on the human who experienced it and those around them; it's to ignore the feelings of joy and hope this book elicits (don't get me wrong, you will also experience plenty of anger, despair, and sadness!).

There is a tenderness and sweetness to the way this story is told despite the horrible events. This is a found-family story, of living with a disability, addiction, mental illness, identity, and the transition to adulthood. It is also largely a story about growing up with trauma, ending up in cycles of abuse, and trying to overcome these things.

Most of this story is told from a third-person perspective, but later on in the book it switches from third and second-person perspective. This is done effectively and produces the desired impact. No notes. My only complaint with this is book is how ridiculously long the chapters are. I was listening to the audiobook alongside it and most chapters were 2-3 hours long. Some even 4. So beware if you, like me, have big chapter fear.

I don't think this is a 5-star read everyone needs to read. I would say most people shouldn't. But if you want to embark on the journey of reading it, you will meet some of the most wonderfully written characters who will steal your heart and then destroy it. Good luck!

I'm no literary scholar, but I still want to document my thoughts.

A weird story, but so effective. For the longest time, I kept getting from this story themes of mental illness and how othering that experience can feel and how it changes how people see you. Well, the consensus doesn't seem to be that those were the themes being explored, but I did want to mention it.A part of the story that had me quite shocked was how much emphasis Gregor put onto his work and going back to work, even in the face of such a shocking transformation. Work was giving him a sense of purpose, direction, and worth (for self-worth and worth in the eyes of his family).My takeaway is that the more isolated he became and the less like a human his family treated him, the further away his humanity felt. I also enjoyed how his death also allowed for a metamorphosis in its own right to occur to the family and its members.

This edition in particular has a wonderful introduction (although slightly spoilery!), a timeline of his life, some background information, and multiple critical essays about Kafka as an author and The Metamorphosis in itself.

Overall, it was a good time. It's short, but I loved reading it slowly, with pen and tabs in hand.

2.5 - Got this as part of March's Prime First Reads.

Without a doubt, this story created a wonderful sense of whimsical atmosphere, all credit to the writing. In terms of plot and characters, the story felt like it went everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Maybe I'm simply not smart enough for this, but I felt like I was reading the accounts of someone trying to recount their dreams. You might find the unanswered mystery compelling, but I found it unsatisfying. I couldn't even begin to form a theory. Maybe it should've been longer. But hey, it was free and I enjoyed reading parts of it, even if I didn't end up liking it.

“I'm certain that there was something vibrating in the air, like a murmur, like the river of words we say without thinking when we make love. You know what I mean?”

4.5 - I had an absolute blast diving into this book! Natalie Sue's writing skillfully breathes life into characters with remarkable depth. She effortlessly blends outrageous and humorous workplace conflicts with poignant explorations of complex themes. From grappling with grief and parental expectations to shedding light on issues like child neglect and domestic abuse, this book exceeded all my expectations. And let's not forget the utterly charming romance subplot that had me swooning!

What really stood out to me was how the book delved into the idea that the cutthroat nature of work and the relentless demands of capitalism often blind us to the humanity of our coworkers. It's a poignant commentary on how this system fosters competition at the expense of genuine connection and community.

I was so engrossed in this story that I even brought it along to a concert! It consumed my thoughts and sparked countless discussions with friends. Relatable and engaging, it's a must-read for anyone navigating the corporate world, especially those who struggle to find meaning in the daily grind imposed by society.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to this review copy.

3.5. I consumed this book as an audiobook, which was a really enjoyable experience. With its short chapters and engaging storytelling, I honestly had a great time listening to this. However, it felt a bit long for my taste, while also leaving some topics not adequately explored. I won't go into many details, but this is a book for people interested in true crime and podcasts in that genre. However, as entertaining as it was, the statement that it was trying to make feels so obvious and cliche that it holds it back from a 4-star rating. It's written in a clear and accessible way, while still managing to deliver compelling emotions that keep you coming back for more. It was a good time, but nothing exceptional.

Even though I couldn't relate to these characters, I liked reading this story a lot. Kit and Theo are fully developed as characters individually, making my desire to root for them stronger. This is basically a second chance romance where these two childhood friends reconnect after a falling out. Now, was this falling out completely centered around miscommunication? Yes. But did it diminish my enjoyment of seeing them come back together? Absolutely not.

I read this as an audiobook and really enjoyed both narrators on top of the small sections of music tha accompanied each of the pairings. I can't comment on how good the pronunciation is of the French and Italian words, but the Spanish was quite good. I'll admit when someone goes too hard on the pronunciation of foreign words when speaking English, I do cringe a little bit, but that could just be a me thing. Nonetheless, I am so happy I read this as an audiobook! I had already preordered the physical book, but the audiobook is a great way to go for this story.

Theo and Kit definitely tasted a lot of wine, food, and local residents during this tour, making reading this book an experience that you feel with more than one sense. There were a lot of sex scenes, but they are all affective at being hot. I loved seeing these two bi icons whore around Europe while falling back in love with each other! It was funny, sexy, and understatedly sweet!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook.

I wanted a good laugh, but mostly this gave me the ick. And none of the icks are related to the MMC being a door. Is this good? Absolutely not. Should you read it? No, but it's also so short that if you're curious, I support you. I listened to the audiobook while reading it. It didn't enhance the experience in a good way.

P.S. why is there true crime plot and greek mythology in my door erotica?

Two young queer artists go on a roadtrip to make cool art!

Housemates brings you along in this journey towards identity, creativity, reinvention, and acceptance. Leah and Bernie, our main characters, are queer artists figuring out what they want their lives and art to look like. This story focuses heavily on the creative processes of both our writer, Leah, and our photographer, Bernie, as they figure out how to translate the world into art that means something and produces change. It's also successful in its exploration of queer friendships and relationships (as well as the messiness that can often come from them!).

One of the strongest topic this novel discusses is how fatness changes the experience of being a human both internally and externally. Some of the most powerful chapters explored how Leah felt about being perceived, interacting with the world around her, how limiting and dehumanizing it often felt. I really identified with a lot of it; the exploration of this theme provided the space and language to process a lot of my own emotions about it.

The only reason I couldn't give this book a five-star rating is because the narrator's story and our main characters' story didn't feel like it came together in any meaningful way (or at least it wasn't clear to me). Of course, there are parallels between their stories, but I was hoping it was building up to something emotional or impactful. It didn't. More often than not, it took me out of the story.

Another thing to note is that this is written without the use of quotation marks. I don't mind that at all, especially when the text is still clear in terms of who's speaking and what's being said. However, I know some people have strong opinions about it, so it's best to know it in advance.

I think this book is a great addition to your Pride Month TBR! Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Oh this book was so much fun and it hit me quite hard. This contemporary romance story hits that spot that I seek where it provides depth of characters (main and side) while also exploring very difficult topics. In this book, Dawson does a wonderful job at portraying the cycles of abuse a person can get stuck in when it's all they've known. From parents homophobia, to emotionally abusive partners and bosses, this book shows how it can inhibit a person from knowing they deserve better from their families, friends, partners, and jobs.

This story is told form a 3rd person perspective, which scared me a bit because sometimes that makes it harder to connect with the inner world of the main character (in my experience). However, I think it does a great job at giving you the insight of how Charlotte felt throughout the book. On the other hand, I kept wishing I could get more insights on how Reese (mmc) or Jackie (bff) were feeling; even though it was 3rd person, it gave me the same vibes a 1st person pov gives me where all the insight comes from the main character and their perceptions of others. It still worked and conveyed the emotions it needed to, but I do wonder if fully committing to 1st person or exploring more of what a 3rd person pov could do for side characters would've benefit this story.

In summary, this one is for the queer kids with parent or partner-related trauma who don't know how to ask for help or they feel like they are so behind their peers. This book was fun, emotional, sexy, and sweet.

Side note: I LOVE that it didn't include an epilogue. The ending was perfect! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this review copy.