gaiadances's reviews
285 reviews

i knew what i was signing up for when i picked this book but it was still both too much and not enough for me. all the questions posed at the beginning remain unanswered throughout. we follow this very messy and incestous family throughout their daily life in the aftermath of a postapocalyptic climate disaster. i hated the constant and never ending violence, incest and grotesque descriptions and that didn't allow me to fully appreciate, understand and breakdown the writing. while i think i would definitely try another of this author's books, i would be wary if it revolved around similar topics. some of the descriptions of body and body horror were definitely too much for me and i think some of her writing about fatness was quite offensive and fat phobic but i couldn't tell if that was just how she wanted the characters to come across. i completely missed the idea of the absurdist television show and never understood how that and the schoolmaster really fit into the plot and trajectory of the family.

Content Warnings

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

this was a heartbreaking love story experienced and endured by three characters. most of the plot points of the story are revealed in the blurb and jones instead takes us on an exploration of character through three different perspectives. the story is incredibly immersive and engaging although very little actually happens. you trace the evolution of a young newlywed couple - they experience the same ups and downs of a normal couple yet their future is torn away by a wrongful accusation and conviction. the trial and sentencing barely take up any real estate in the book because it is clear that only roy and celestial's truths about that night are real yet they do not matter. i felt andre was the weakest and least developed character of the three and did not really sympathise much with him. but my feelings for roy and celestial were more than enough to keep me invested. the first portion of the book told thorough letters is wonderfully done and makes it especially apt that the book ends in letters as well. ultimately the book is asking readers - what is life like for a man after prison? can he go back to who he was before or does he have to remake himself in a similar likeness to who he once wanted to be?

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

this book is not a romance novel at all and it should not be marketed that way. it is a literary fiction novel mainly revolving around Lily. we see her past, growing up with an abusive father while falling in love for the first time and her present where she meets and has insta-love with a handsome rich surgeon who big surprise also ends up being violent and abusive. the story takes readers through the ups and downs and back and forths of being the victim of DV and highlights some of the struggles survivors face when trying to leave the relationship. colleen hoover makes very questionable writing and plot choices including offering the abusive partner the semblance of a redemption arc. the worst part of the book is the lack of trigger warnings coupled with the framing and marketing of it as a love triangle romance story when it is nothing like that at all.

Content Warnings

Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love by Huma Qureshi

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

i really enjoyed this short story collection and Qureshi's writing is simple yet lyrical and effective. every story was emotional and evocative in its own way immersing me in the relationships and dynamics of the characters. the main themes of the stories were conversations and words left unsaid, silences and resentments in relationships as well as the delicate balance between mothers and daughters and interracial partners. Summer thoroughly shocked me with its ending, Too Much was heartbreaking for me and really made me feel quite hateful towards the daughter. I liked that the collection ended on a hopeful note of love, healing and restoration with The Wishes.

King of Greed by Ana Huang

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Second chance romance where a married couple faces difficulties in the relationship and end up getting divorced. Loads of groveling, winning the girl over again and rediscovering the romance. Both characters' past plays a big role in the unfolding of their stories. I liked the small tie ins with characters from previous stories and I enjoyed the exploration of brazillian culture in this book.

More...

gaiadances's reviews 285 reviews

gaiadances's reviews
285 reviews