Kayleigh Paxton

This is a 2.5 rounded up for me.

In short, this would have made an incredible novel, even in keeping the stylization of a memoir, but simply has a few too many assumptions and too many accusations and conflicting accounts lobbied against it, particularly by other family members, for it to be justified as a memoir for me.

I enjoyed the prose and the winding story telling, which seems to be a reoccurring complaint among other lower scored reviews here on goodreads. I also appreciate the author's desire to understand what her mother and mother's family may or may not have endured, even if how she goes about it in this book is one of the largest issues with it. Alas, the road paved with good intentions...

I think this book will make for great critical conversation for my book club's meeting this month! If you decide to take on this book, I think it's important to at least read the review by the brother, Neville. The sister in law and at least one of the nieces have also left reviews.

Props to writing a book, because so many people cannot manage it. However, if you're a fan of the energy from her online content, it doesn't fully make the translation into the written form.

I think the content is great for teenagers and anyone who's just dipping their toes into the ideas Drew discusses, but unfortunately most of it feels surface level, introductory. I also would have liked to hear more real world studies and initiatives referenced to balance the personal stories, but I suppose it is a memoir.

I'm glad she chose to narrate herself! It's always nice to hear celebrities give their own voice to the words they've written.

Many more thoughts to come post book club discussion next week, but I definitely wish I had read the book before listening to episode 32 of The Real Stuff “My ex-BFF published a book about me.” I think I still would have disliked the mc, but I don't think I would have noticed so many red flags on a first read before digging into it. It would have been nice to go in with a clean slate and then add the additional context in after I got to digest the story a bit.

I think the audio narrator made a lot of the dialogue sound more juvenile than it would have read on the page, but a good chunk of the dialogue was also just cringey/juvenile. I get it was shooting for the unpolished cadence of chatting with friends, talking to a crush, or tripping over your words, but it missed the mark often enough to be notable.

This is a book that I expect to return to again and again as I age, appreciating and understanding more as each decade passes. It made me feel nostalgic for a story I was hearing for the first time (on top of feeling nostalgic for my own life stories), and there is so much tenderness in the story telling that is only accentuated by Meryl Streeps beautiful narration! I was listening to this with my leftover hours on Spotify after finishing our pick for book club each month, and each time I ran out of hours I was VERY tempted to purchase more hours so I could keep listening. I could sit amongst those cherry trees forever. Highly recommend, especially for Spring/Summer reading!

If you wanted to shelve this in the horror section, I wouldn't argue. What was done to this woman turned my stomach to hear about. I can't imagine how she lived it.

It takes tremendous courage to find your voice after 13 years of being what I would venture to call a modern day slave. I am so happy she took the chance to set the record straight with anyone willing to listen. While the prose doesn't fall in my usual preferential range of reading material, it is essential to the authentic delivery of this book. I think this is a must read for everyone.

4.5 rounded up to 5 for Goodreads.

Low rating has much more to do with my (lack of) enjoyment than the technical aspects.

TLDR - heavy content which clearly a lot of people enjoyed, but imo was quickly redundant, a chore, and unnecessary and that's before getting into over dramatization

I finished this purely out of spite not wanting it to be my first ever DNF. We picked it up for book club in July 2023 (personally finishing it May 2024). Definitely don't pick this up expecting to digest it within a month if you'd like to also enjoy your life.

The Voice of the writing is distinct enough to set it apart from other books, and I enjoyed the author's way of setting a scene, particularly those with nature as their backdrop.

This book is a slog. While the ending (hinting at a happy relationship ahead of him) might disqualify this book from being labeled as tragedy porn, it definitely felt like poverty porn. It is literally one thing after another the first half the book, then a brief glimmer of things turning around for Demon, then back to getting the shit kicked out of you, picking up pace in the last 150 pages but dropping off again in the last 60. By the time he finally made it to the Devil's Bathtub, I found myself hoping he would die there so at least he'd be free of his life of torment and I'd only have to read the musings of a ghost from there. I did tear up a few times, but not because I felt attached to or liked any one character, it was always from the needless cruelty of the situation at hand. The last half of the book this idea that “mountain folk” are constantly misrepresented in media comes up multiple times, but yet this book paints every character and family you spend any meaningful time with as having tragic existences only which I find deeply disingenuous of rural life. The Peggots family is the closest you get to seeing people enjoy their rural life and even that is painted with all these undertones of “lesser”. In the end, Demon feels all this nostalgia for idyllic scenes typical of rural life, but we never got to see him experience any of that. Most of the word count is devoted to seeing how much neglect can be packed into one kid's life.

I dreaded picking this book up. I got to where I was bribing myself to read just one chapter. I seriously considered ending it once he had a happy season with Coach and Angus because that was the first good thing that had happened all book and I really wasn't interested in watching the rug get yanked out from under Demon (and me, the reader!) yet again. The bad things kind of lost their impact for me because they were so predictable. Maybe if I had skipped to the last chapter and known I had something other than a tragic ending to look forward to, then I could have powered through a little quicker than 9 months.

Even with books I don't jive with, I often walking away feeling glad I had read it to find out it wasn't for me. I do not have that feeling with this book, simply relief that it is finally over.

4.5 rounded up to a 5 for Goodreads

This was a beautifully emotional tale that I know I'll find myself returning to in the future.

My only complaint is that sometimes I was frustrated without obtuse the main character was in certain situations despite being very intelligent. That's not to say, I don't think it wasn't warranted. Alex lives in a world where everything down to her very thoughts of dragons are repressed and shamed, and so dragoning wouldn't be her natural conclusion in the same way it is to the reader. It just happened a few too many times and my annoyance took me out of the story the last few times it happened.

Beyond this, I loved everything else. The characters (especially Alex and her internal monologue), the memoir style, the scientific writings interwoven with the story, the consistent knot/weaving theme, and especially the ending! I wish this wasn't a stand alone novel, because the potential this concept has is a well deep and wide!

I read this book with the self-development book club at work. I typically stay away from the “self-help” category because I tend to find much of the genre is fluff masquerading as wisdom, but this year I told myself I wanted to expand the types of literature I ingest, so I joined. The first book we read confirmed my opinions of the genre (Atomic Habits by James Clear), but I am happy to announce this book made me rethink my beliefs! badumtss

I love the way Adam Grant shares his stories and ideas. Never once did I not feel engaged during my personal reading experience, and during the book club, our 1hr session to 1 chapter ratio always felt too short for the multitude of conversations this book's contents sparked. I think I might reread this book every year to remind myself how to know what I don't know.

I am excited to continue with book club, I am excited to share this book with my friends and family, and I am excited to see where rethinking might take me next!

3 stars

I think my first mistake was jumping right into this book after the epic final 200 pages of book three. I needed at least a wee k or two to sit an appreciate the ending we got for the first major arc of this series.

I knew to expect new POVs with this book, but I don't think I was mentally prepared for it to read like the first book in a series (which typically rank at the bottom for me when it comes to characters). I don't necessarily dislike Nesta, and I think it was interesting to explore the trauma response of self destruction, but after dealing with one and a half books already waiting on the first FMC to get to the good part of character growth, having to then go through it again with Nesta felt a bit tedious. Although I do like the friendship arc she went through.

I do felt like I was suspending a little too much belief with them achieving slicing the ribbon and becoming proficient enough to wield blades, but mostly because Maas decided to mention multiple times how long the both the winged cultures they're emulating take to train (it's years on years btw). This was a little disappointing, because while the magic of this world is definitely on the loosey-goosey side, I usually feel like there's been at least a moderately adequate explanation for power levels of various characters.

I don't entirely mind using a pregnancy to explain keeping Feyre out of the way for Nesta's intro book, but the pregnancy complication trope to keep Rhys out of the way too? That felt lazy. Like really? Really? And then to double down with it as an excuse for taking away the bulk of Nesta's power? It's giving “I made my character too powerful, oops.” Like cool moment for Nesta, but a large reason I got invested in her was the promise of her potential future arcs being a badass but also struggling with that insane power. And yeah, I can see the seeds for certain things with because all is not what it seems, but it's just annoying to have the full scope dangled in front of your for a full book to then say “just kidding”. ALSO, hiding it from Feyre? Why do we insist on infantilizing this poor woman yet again?

The main reason I did not find myself itching to pick up and finish this book like the other three before it is the villain, the Queen, is boring. I get she's supposed to be a single book villain to then set up the death god guy Koschie (I know this is not the right spelling, but until I have a reason to care about the conflict of this next main arc, I will not be bothering to learn the correct spelling.) for this next main arc, but at least with Amarantha, fearing her was believable and fun because there emotional connections to the atrocities she committed. There's stories far and wide of her cruelty. Her presence is felt even before you know her name. The Queen feels so absent from this book, the seen with the harp just felt like “oh, there you are, I've been waiting on you”, and not in the fun vein of our (until recently favorite) bat boy. I fear the Trove, not her. The final (and really first) run in with her feels unearned. Which makes it unrewarding. Which makes it unfun to read. Also what's with using the ladies as a appetizer villain for the BBG? The first time it didn't really bother me because honestly, Amarantha was a bigger villain than the king, but doing it again is very meh to me.

The reason I gave this a three is because I see Maas making more of an effort to plant seeds for a later pay off which is an element the first three books largely lack when I compare them to other major fantasy series. Outside of the details regarding the trove covered in this book, I feel like she's gotten more subtle rather than openly telegraphing her plot hints like she does in the first three books. While contianing a lot of things I didn't care for, this books like she's trying to shift into a more ambitious attempt of completing this story than how it feels starting out. Also, I simply enjoy the world despite how little we get to see of it.

I am on the fence on whether I'd like to the next book occur in tandem with this one. On the one hand, I'd actually get to see all the characters I'm actually interested in, and likely a new continent with new cultures. On the other hand, I am desperate to leave this book arc behind. The things I want to see most are:
- find out finally whether one of the sisters is the Mother reincarnated
- literally anything with Mor. I am on my knees begging.
- characters that are not high fae or ancient beings
- for the disparity of treatment between the citizens of Velaris and the Hewn City to be addressed and even better if there's some repercussions
- it's been two whole books now and it's seeming more like there will not be an repercussions for the magic pulse connecting from connecting the two halves of the Book. I was told it would awake unfathomable beings from the depths of Cauldron knows where, GIVE THEM TO ME

I'll still be excited for the next book once it's announced and released, but it needs to be a 180 from this book. I can read through a slog (Wheel of Time fans get me), but book 4 is WAY too early for a slog to be starting. Anyway, this review probably sounds more heated than I feel about this book. I just had so much fun with the first three and a half books, it really sucked to then be let down like this.

3.5 rounded up to a 4

Great bones, loved the karmic angle, being largely introspective for character scenes paired really well with the content to set the tone, but the story did feel a bit tedious at times dragging on with some internal thoughts but then not letting pivotal moments breathe and make an emotional impression on me. Enjoyable enough to recommend to friends, but not so much that I will read it again.

I found myself frustrated with Feyre a little too often for my taste, hence the 4, but I'm hopefully for future character growth! Although I guessed several things correctly through the book, I was happily surprised by the final development! Especially because I was concerned how this human girl was going to believably make it to a 5th book.

This was a fun and easy read, and I'm starting the second book immediately after hitting “Done” on this review! I'm hoping for 1) much more information on fae magic than we've gotten, especially the magic stunt from the very end, 2) information on the gods that I've been constantly reminded humans don't remember, and 3) for Feyre to learn how to read. Good night she could've avoided at least 100 pages of suffering if she was simply literate and had read 3 romance poems in her life.

I lost count of how many times I cried in the last 170 pages.

I've read many fantasy battles. This one is now in my top five.

So many people have told me the second book was their favorite. This one blows it out of the water for me. Book 3, you get the crown.

PS - Tamlin, I might just find it in myself to forgive you.

For once we get to enjoy the heroes getting a chance to just live their (mostly happy) lives after a hard won victory! This was a cute, cozy read!

It was nice to get a chance to get into the heads of some of the other Dreamers, but I did find myself sometimes forgetting who's POV I was in because either I wasn't used to the voice, or it was too similar to Feyre's.

I can't wait to see everything River House will be!

slow clap Worth the hype.

Halfway through the book, I had suspicions about how far Tamlin would go to get what he wanted, but 1) I expected him to be in on Ianthe's deceit (red petals?! I knew what you were) and 2) I doubted Mass would full send it and go there. I am happy to be proven wrong and am fully invested in this series!

I like Feyre much better now after getting her earned character growth! We got a lot more fae magic, but I'll admit not understand the system of it is something to get used to when you're used to systems like Robert Jordan's and Sanderson's. I want just a little more detail than we've gotten so far. And Feyre learned to read, thank the lord! And speaking of lord, no info about the gods yet, but now that we've gotten introductions to the priestesses and the Book and Cauldron, I'm hopeful for the next book!

Loved every Feyre and Rhysand scene and LOVE the full Court of Dreams! I guessed we were headed towards both her new title and immortality for her sisters, but I had no idea they would come so soon, and I'm so happy to get more time than I thought would be given post both of these developments!

Also, Tam's a bitch and can go to hell.

This is the first thriller I've read, and I believe it's single handedly made me a fan of the genre! The pacing of this book is immaculate with perfectly timed twists to keep the momentum going. The plot lines of each of the 5 main characters are perfectly varied and never once felt redundant. Once you get to a POV cast of this size, I feel like there's a least in character the feels like a drag and is standing between me and my preferred POVs' next chapters, but I didn't feel that once this book.

This is bookclub pick for the month, and I can't wait for the discussion! I will definitely be taking a poll of which John Marrs book to read next!

I think this could have been a 4 star read, but the rape scene feels both tonally out of place and unnecessary to reach the end goal of giving Ann a reason to leave her old life behind and get us to present day Heather.

Miriam is my stand out character for sure. I think I could have loved Ann just as much, but we get to see so little of her after a time jump, and I know this is purposeful, the point of the story is to go on this journey of learning about Ann as Heather does, but I wanted more.

Otherwise, this is a cozy, heartwarming historical fiction that gives a fresh angle of a much written-about historical event. I really wanted to suggest this one to my grandma, but I am hesitant now I know about the rape scene. We'll see.

3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads

This is a fun twist to a historical romantic comedy! I think I would have liked it more had I read it before started the new show on Prime, but I had already seen the first half of the first season before I decided to hold off and read the book before finishing the season.

This is one of the rare cases I think so many major changes has served the show, and I like them both separately for the stories they are telling. I feel like the show set me up to expect even more humor than what we get in this book, but I can see where the show gets its witty spirit from!

This was a fun fluffy read, and I can't wait to binge the rest of the show this weekend and then pine for another season well inevitably wait 2-3 years to get.

This was the first book to ever make me cry. I think I was in 3rd grade. It took me years to track down this book because I could only vaguely remember the plot leading up to the ending and what the cover looked like. Some kind soul on reddit helped me figure it out, and I promptly purchased a second hand copy online. But then it's sat on my shelves for at least a year, regularly pulled off and looked at, but never opened. When I know something has made me sad before, or suspect it will make me cry, I tend to avoid it like the plague. Even though I know the ending, even though it's been 20 years and logic tells me I won't be quite affected as much.

Two days ago my dog, my sweet boy that I got just four months into living on my own, passed away unexpectedly. He had cancer in his liver and spleen that we didn't know about. He was only 6 and a half. He always listened to me so attentively and I remember telling him everything I could remember about the book when my copy first arrived at the house. I have cried so much the last 45 hours, but there's still more in me to come. I thought now would be a good time to finally reread this book so I can cry about something other than my sweet Kel. It worked. And the book held up to my childhood memories which is a rare and special thing. Pinky's prayer did get me. “Go forth, O unhappy spirit, from this troubled body and imperfect world into the paradise that has been prepared for you by the Almighty Father...” The important detail is that Mama was not unhappy, she loved deeply and was just as loved. And so is Kel.

I've never read another story by Bebe Faas Rice, and it's my understanding she writes scary stories for children. While this one might be haunting, I find it more moving than anything else.

4.5 rounded up
The way this book reads felt very reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events, but for adults. The narration style, the dark, dry humor, the lovely prose, and many metaphors all felt very nostalgic for me while fresh and enticing at the same time. The half mark is docked only because I felt something was missing from the ending. Maybe I wanted the farewells to be just a little more drawn out, just a little more emotional stabbing? I'm not sure. I'll probably bump it to a full 5 should I ever read this again.

I listened to the audiobook version and was immediately ecstatic the moment I heard “Chapter One” in Caitlyn Kiramman's (from the show Arcane) voice! Katie Leung was a phenomenal choice to voice the FMC! Even when I read a hard copy instead of listening in the future, I know I will hear only her as the FMC. And honestly, I even found myself picturing Cait as The Bridge. Experiencing this story via audiobook is already a great choice given the narration style, Leung's talent makes it a fantastic one.

Now that I've reached the end, I don't know if I want to immediately reread it or read the most heart warming fan-fiction set in Alaska that I can find.

3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads

This book is so startlingly and refreshingly honest, and I cannot wait for the conversations it will lead to when our book club discusses it at the end of this month!

Maybe this stood out more to me because I listened to the audiobook rather than reading the text, but the use of “blank said.” felt excessive at times and weighed down dialogue for me which then broke immersion.

I watched the movie growing up and loved it, so I was excited to read the book. Neil Gaiman has a lovely voice, both literally and in his writing, and I highly recommend listening to his narration in the audiobook! I had not realized the movie was so different from the book, and this is one of the rare occasions I actually like their differences rather than feel like something precious has been missed. Starlight the novel is both charming as well as surprisingly horrific, just as an adult fairytale should be! Having now read Starlight and Coraline, I'm sensing the unsettling is a marker of his work. I am excited to explore more of it!

This cute story about teenage love and friendship was exactly the warm read I needed today. The DND and all the other nerdy references (even a Wheel of Time reference! Of course Nathan is a WoT fan and we love him for that) were the icing on the cake. Will be reading the next book.

3.75 with 4 potential if I end up reading The Silent Patient, the play Agamemnon or find myself in another group description.

I loved the storytelling angle of revisiting scenes from new POVs (especially when you consider the unreliable narrator), and largely blame my moderate indifference of most of the other characters on the POV of the narrator which I think makes sense with the ending of the book imo. Also had a great time theorizing on who the intended audience is!

I feel like this books has a great reread value! Very fun choice for book club!