Mollie

1.5.

I don't even know where to start.
This book isn't poorly written so much as baffling in it's choices. It needs to either be far more over the top or way less- it does some weird middle of the ground choices that make no sense in any sort of way. Is this real world or not? No decision seemed to be made in that regard. It's like a bad teen book version of Get Out meet Hunger Games.

I can appreciate some facets of this novel deeply but at the end of the day, the characters all feel kind of flat to me and lack the depth to make them truly pop against a background of interest/the fires. Some of them especially feel neglected- it just feels clunky throughout the story line. I think the bones of this story were good, but it did not quite live up to the potential.

This was an interesting read so closely behind the Poet X as there are definitely some similarties between the two, but the style used is completely different. I was rooting for the characters here, but sometimes everyone just felt a little bit unrealistic, a little too manufactured.

3.5

I genuinely liked the main concepts here- the magical typewriters felt unique and captured my attention. It's by no means perfect though. I think a significant amount of world building is missing here though. Like obviously not a historical time since there are Gods out and about and all, but truly what am I supposed to be imaging? Typewriters have been around for generations in the novel, there's modern showers and kitchens in every house, but then it's mixed in with aspects that seems incongruent with those technologies like the stark lack of phones or telegrams or any other way to communicate other than letters. It's odd. It's not explained enough.

It's otherwise a novel you can breeze through. The emphasis on a quick marriage was a bit odd to me, but you know, whatever works for you.

The things she endured are awful, horrible, and a glimpse into an industry that exploits children- especially those with mentally ill parents who have unfurfiled dreams. I hope Jennette continues to be able to heal from all the hurt of her formative years.

This read is very compelling and a real page turner, for better or for worse. I will say the only reason it is not rated higher for me is that it's not the most complex/intricate writing, but it is still effective.

I'm a sucker for TJR books and this one is no different.
If you are a sports fan, you'll like this, and if you're a fan of women's sports- even more so. Just makes you wanna go pick up a racket. Importantly, it ruminates on what it means to build a legacy, and just how much should you allow that to be a northern star in your life.

This is such a lovely, fun anthology of cryptid stories. If you're looking for deep dives into cryptid truthers- this ain't it. This focuses on the cultural importance of cryptids, and is told with such a genuine, kind demeanor that is just such a breath of fresh air. It'll make you want to travel to every cryptid town and embrace what makes them special.

This novel is not without things we might view as “could have been handled better by the author” (like the long term trauma of pedophilia) but, still, it's a gutting read about the orbit true sociopaths can hold a person in, and the destruction they leave in their wake.

Absolutely brutual, gut-wrenching, yet so very brave and hopeful.
Kudos to Stephanie for being a light and telling her story in such a raw and honest way.
This was a good follow-up read to You Should Talk to Someone. Additionally, I was fascinated by the later discussions of culture, genetics, and trauma.

1.5

I was excited to read this despite the lower rating, as I have really enjoyed other works of Crosley's. But this was just not working for me. I don't quite get it- the point, the characters, the vision. It's certainly unique and she's still talented in her work with words, but I just felt confused by why I should care about any of these unsufferable people (especially the main character- dear lord.) I think it was supposed to be humorous, but I just really didn't get any of the point here except that perhaps communication is important??

This waffles between a 2.5 and a 3 for me. I think it has strength in capturing the trickiness of figuring out who you are as a teen & the pull of doing what you really want versus what's acceptable or expected (or edgy). However, sometimes I felt like the character do not act like teenagers at all, especially the male main character.

Additionally, spoilers here- I don't love the way teen pregnancy is handled. It felt weirdly disconnected from the current times and almost romanticized in a way? Missed opportunities for discussions of safe sex and consequences of choices.

Also- I really dislike how it seems like we're supposed to blame “the other girl” for most of the bad in this book.

It's not an unpleasant read, I just kinda felt like it was meh.

I wish this book had existed when I was a teenager.
There are so many stories that matter in this book. Some of them are revealed slowly, but all are so important. I think the empathy in this book is quite astounding too- it has a naunce that so many books just do not have, especially in YA.

The diaries are never my favorite moments from Sedaris, but yet, I still enjoy them a whole bunch.

3.5

I did really enjoy the pace of this one- it keeps you guessing and trying to figure out just what is going to work to save the world. As a whole, the entire book feels tense. The ending did feel like a bit of a cop-out. The reader might ultimately be happy, but it also makes the series as a whole less effecting.

3.5

This one does really improve upon the first. The complexity I felt the first lacked is found here. I found Feyre's trauma (and reaction to those who “protect her” to feel very real in this very unreal universe. This sequel does well to show how sometime the thing you always wished for is not the thing you want or need- and the leaving for the unexpected is the best thing you can do for yourself.

I really enjoy this series. It's comforting and sweet and also spicy. They are just truly delightful. I love that the characters are intelligent, layered and dynamic.

3.75. Essential reading if you consider the RH franchise a core personality trait like myself (for better or for worse.) I will take this moment to say I consider the Housewives to be the Shakespearean dramas of the current era.

2.5
Listen, this isn't a bad read but ultimately seems like the point is “spare everyone from your suffering” which... especially from the perspective of a dying child seems hard to understand the motivation behind? The entire book it just feels like you wonder where everyone's families are. But I do think a fair amount of that may be a cultural differences? I'm not sure. There's a few parts here and there that have some wisdom, though.

Listen, I'm just a sucker for TJR's writings. They are just my preferred type of “easy” read that doesn't feel dumb or like rotting my brain. I find them compelling every time even if they ultimately have no big life changing impact.

I found this book so very compelling and comforting. Though very honest about the intense dread and anxiety that being alive means- I found it to be the most hopeful novel I've read all year.

Delightful. Meaningful. Realistic in many ways except some really big ones, but lovable and joyous no matter what.

3.5

I know a lot of people hate this one but I do find Nesta to be one of the more compelling and interesting characters in this series. I think she's far more interesting than her sisters. She's not always good or fair- but I find her to be the most realistically emotionally. So I found this one to be stronger than the last few.

Since this is the last one at this point- a few criticism for the series as a whole: despite the vastness of the types of worlds/cultures/lands in these novels, they felt like shallow depictions of diversity and in some areas, the diversity is entirely lacking. The beauty standards seem incredibly high and reinforce many ideals than can be damaging. To be clear, I do not think this is the SJM's intention, just that it's of note that everyone is described as muscular and/or thin. Additionally, we get the Mor storyline, but it lacks true care and is a very surface level attempt at a gay perspective. I appreciate the inclusion of her character, but her storyline felt unfinished and superficial.

I struggled to rate this between a 2 and a 2.5.

Listen, I'm not going to judge anyone for reading this and I will finish the whole series since I've already started but..... I can't say I'm impressed by the writing or the lack of originality in storylines here. It really does feel like some slightly (and I do mean slightly- the spice is low) NSFW version of Beauty & the Beast. Also- then how many different popular fantasy novels can have some brooding man who reads the main character's mind in them?? What is that phenomenon? The characters are all fairly one dimensional despite how much world building there seems to be happening.

Cute. I liked the story line, however improbable it is. It was hard to tell the characters apart by voice only in the beginning- the chapters didn't have enough of a different vibe at first.

I love Sam Irby's style and stories, I just didn't vibe with this one as much. Her newsletter is often one of the best things I subscribe to though!