reallyblxndes's reviews
215 reviews

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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4.0

This was such a lovely read. McQuiston writes characters with such depth; they feel all so relatable even though I am neither an heir to the throne nor the child of the president of the United States. While somewhat predictable, it didn't make the book any less enjoyable. This was a feel good book that had me crying tears of joy at the end. I definitely recommend: this is a must have.

Did I mention I wish so deeply that I lived in this alternate reality?
The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe V. Wade by Ann Fessler

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4.0

Fessler's work is an crucial piece of feminist literature that everyone should read. This is a narrative we don't often hear about often, especially in the years after Roe v. Wade. In the 21st century, these stories are still necessary, especially in the wake of Texas' abortion bans. Adoption isn't an easy choice to make either and can lead both the adoptees and their mothers with trauma that can last a lifetime. Fessler and the women she interviews argue that there need to be better laws for both parties that could ease the damage caused. With all of this said, it is a very difficult book to read-emotionally. It was heartbreaking and I cried some tears I needed a lot of breaks throughout reading. My heart goes out to all of the interviewee, the women who did get interviewed, and all of the women who never told their story.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

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4.0

There is so much right with this book. Three narrarators can get confusing very quick, especially when they switch throughout the chapters. However, it is very clear who is the narrarator at each point. Liane Moriarty wrote some of the most well done characters I've read in a long time. Even the side characters were interesting and fleshed out with purpose. The main characters were relatable, likable, and deeply flawed. The storyline was intriguing and even as it leads to the big event at the end; it didn't feel to drag. It was thrilling and interesting; leaving you to long for more as you put it down. Moriarty also does a great job not using an excess of filler. Each part of the story felt purposeful. Overall it was a great read and I was not disappointed.

TW:
Spoiler domestic violence, sexual assault
One Day in December by Josie Silver

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4.0

Silver's love triangle focuses on the lives of Laurie, Sarah and Jack. The narration is from Laurie mostly and some Jack. The story takes place over a decade as they grow up and handle life as it comes with it's tragedy, brokeness, loves, and happiness. The friendship between Sarah and Laurie feels authentic and is a plot point that's fully fleshed out. I loved that Sarah was a full character with a life outside of the love story with flaws, personality, and feelings that didn't feel out of place in the plot. Silver's storytelling is one that was enjoyable and unforgettable. This was a first time reading any of her work. One Day in December is a great read.
Verity by Colleen Hoover

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3.0

This book was heavily talked about on #booktok. I decided, after reading another book from Colleen Hoover to go back and pick up this one since I enjoyed the last one so much. I grabbed the very last one off of the floor and it was the best decision I've made this week. Now this book is not for the faint of heart. It is dark and even knowing this beforehand, I was simply unprepared for how dark. It was a fantastic book written wonderfully. I stayed up way later than I should have (definitely needed to grab an extra large coffee that next morning) just to finish it. No regrets! No wonder it was flying off the shelves!
Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown

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3.0

While not a terrible book, it is one of the few where the movie may be better than the book. Some of the changes are absolutely jarring- like her going to Stanford Law and not Harvard and even tiny Bruiser's name is actually Underdog. The reviews are much worse than the book actually is, the book really isn't so bad. My preferred way to consume Legally Blonde is definitely the movie. Reese Witherspoon adds a charm to Elle that simply doesn't exist in the book (though it's hard to imagine Elle as anyone else). Don't let the reviews scare you-it's a decent book. Just be prepared that there are clear differences between the stories and characters.
Girls of a Certain Age by Maria Adelmann

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4.0

This is one of those books I think all women should read once in their lifetime. Each chapter is a short story of a woman or girl on a different path of life. After reading, I had reread it and even come back to certain stories several times. I really appreciated the author's writing style as well. It's a quick read; perfect for readers drought. The short story style also makes it a great book to read simultaniously with other books; just reading a chapter or two. It tackles some difficult topics and does a really good job in doing so. This book felt so theraputic while reading and I know I am going to come back to it many times.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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4.0

The way Taylor Jenkin Reid storytells is so unique; if I didn't know otherwise I would've thought that they were a real band. Their stories feel so raw and real. There was so much going on in everyones life. Everyone was so tangled in everyone else's stories. The ending.... so tragic and beautiful. That last chapter is one of my favorites in books I've read. TJR is a remarkable author and she captures the magic of the 60's and 70's music era. I felt as if I was living it with them.