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amanda_reads13's reviews
451 reviews
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Elspeth's mind is now completely taken over by Nightmare. We follow the group as the continue to search for the Twin Adler card.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first. First off, I am so glad that it switched to multiple POVs. It added so much more to the story and character development. Also, I really liked that there was a lot more world building and history of the magic throughout the book. For those who found the first book slow, the pace was a lot faster in this one.
I am so glad we got Nightmare's POV. That was exactly what I was looking for. In the first book, I found it was lacking information about his story and motivation. In book two, we got all that and so much more. We learn about the creation of the cards, his family, and the truth of what happened to him.He was betrayed by his captain, Brutus Rowan. Brutus murdered his entire family and took the crown for himself. He is definitely the most interesting character for me. We see how the magic completely twisted his priorities.
In this book, we also get Rayvn and Elm's POVs. We get to see the development of Elm and Ione's relationship. They are so cute together.I thought it was a smart choice to make Elm king over Rayvn. Though still within the Rowan line, he was so unlike any king before him.
Adding Ravyn's POV added a lot of emotion to the story. We see his story reflecting that ofThe Shepherd King. Yet while Nightmare is willing to sacrifice anything for magic, even his sister, Rayvn is only willing to sacrifice himself. Though I did see this coming, we find out that Rayvn is a descendent of the Shepherd King. The King's eldest son escaped Brutus' slaughter and went on to change his last name to Yew.
I love how they ended up using Hauth's blood to unite the deck. Justice.
Tropes: found family
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first. First off, I am so glad that it switched to multiple POVs. It added so much more to the story and character development. Also, I really liked that there was a lot more world building and history of the magic throughout the book. For those who found the first book slow, the pace was a lot faster in this one.
I am so glad we got Nightmare's POV. That was exactly what I was looking for. In the first book, I found it was lacking information about his story and motivation. In book two, we got all that and so much more. We learn about the creation of the cards, his family, and the truth of what happened to him.
In this book, we also get Rayvn and Elm's POVs. We get to see the development of Elm and Ione's relationship. They are so cute together.
Adding Ravyn's POV added a lot of emotion to the story. We see his story reflecting that of
Tropes: found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Infidelity
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After surviving the fever as a child, the magic she developed has lead to her living with a 500 year old monster, Nightmare, in her head. Something she has had to hide for the last 11 years as her magic is illegal magic. The fever has been a blight over Blunder and is only getting worse. Now she must work to help collect the Providence cards... The key to the cure.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this book, it is something completely different than any other book I have read. I appreciated that there were consequences to using magic, and it wasn't just a free for all. I wanted more world building. We know a few things about Blunder, but not much.
As always, I wish this had been dual POV. I really wanted to get into Ravyns head so that I could better understand him. He is not what you expect him to be. As the Captain, you expect him to be brutal and harsh, but he is quite the opposite. Elspeth a strong and intelligent woman who has had to fight to keep her secret and stay alive for the last 11 years. Yet, she is also kind of a boring character, her banter with Nightmare is the more interesting part of her.
I really want more background on Nightmare, I find him very intriguing and the most interesting character in the book. I hope that we get more of his story in the second book. Is it weird that I wanted Elspeth to fall in love with him...?It was not a surprise that Nightmare is The Shepherd King. That was pretty expected from the beginning.
Tropes: fantasy, magic, slow burn, Found family, forced proximity
I really enjoyed the magic system in this book, it is something completely different than any other book I have read. I appreciated that there were consequences to using magic, and it wasn't just a free for all. I wanted more world building. We know a few things about Blunder, but not much.
As always, I wish this had been dual POV. I really wanted to get into Ravyns head so that I could better understand him. He is not what you expect him to be. As the Captain, you expect him to be brutal and harsh, but he is quite the opposite. Elspeth a strong and intelligent woman who has had to fight to keep her secret and stay alive for the last 11 years. Yet, she is also kind of a boring character, her banter with Nightmare is the more interesting part of her.
I really want more background on Nightmare, I find him very intriguing and the most interesting character in the book. I hope that we get more of his story in the second book. Is it weird that I wanted Elspeth to fall in love with him...?
Tropes: fantasy, magic, slow burn, Found family, forced proximity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Misogyny
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Sexual content
Hands Down by Mariana Zapata
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Bianca and Zack grew up together but lost touch. 10 years later they are back in each other's lives.
I really wanted to love this one. I did like Zac and Bianca for the most part and the overall premise, but there were just too many issues with the book.
Bianca drove me a little crazy to be honest. She is very outgoing, funny and goofy around her family, but half of the book is her spiralling into these moments when she doesn't feel "worthy" or is feeling like she is a burden. She has a victim mentality, where she has convinced herself that people don't want to be around her. She makes assumptions about people instead of communicating with them.
Why the hell would she give her ex all her money? She just rolled over and gave him everything? What the hell?
What happened between her and Zac was so strange to me. If I couldn't get ahold of my really good friend after messaging and calling a few times, I would try another way or reach out to a mutual friend. It seems weird to me that you just give up, but I guess it goes along with her "woe is me" mentality.His jealous ex changes their phone numbers in each other's phones.
I liked Zac, but he was very flaky. I hated how he called her kiddo, it gave me the ick. While I really liked their friendship, I didn't feel a romantic connection between them. He definitely loves her like a friend and family, but there really aren't signs throughout the book that he is in love with her. I think part of the problem is that we only get her POV so I cannot really pinpoint when his feelings change or if he felt them all along.
I felt as though this could have been a little shorter as it was very repetitive and the whole "my YouTube page was hacked" part didn't add anything to the plot.
Tropes: second change, best friend, football, slow burn
I really wanted to love this one. I did like Zac and Bianca for the most part and the overall premise, but there were just too many issues with the book.
Bianca drove me a little crazy to be honest. She is very outgoing, funny and goofy around her family, but half of the book is her spiralling into these moments when she doesn't feel "worthy" or is feeling like she is a burden. She has a victim mentality, where she has convinced herself that people don't want to be around her. She makes assumptions about people instead of communicating with them.
What happened between her and Zac was so strange to me. If I couldn't get ahold of my really good friend after messaging and calling a few times, I would try another way or reach out to a mutual friend. It seems weird to me that you just give up, but I guess it goes along with her "woe is me" mentality.
I liked Zac, but he was very flaky. I hated how he called her kiddo, it gave me the ick. While I really liked their friendship, I didn't feel a romantic connection between them. He definitely loves her like a friend and family, but there really aren't signs throughout the book that he is in love with her. I think part of the problem is that we only get her POV so I cannot really pinpoint when his feelings change or if he felt them all along.
I felt as though this could have been a little shorter as it was very repetitive and the whole "my YouTube page was hacked" part didn't add anything to the plot.
Tropes: second change, best friend, football, slow burn
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In Maine, 1789, Martha Ballard, a midwife, is called to examine a dead man who was found in the frozen river. Martha immediately recognizes him as one of the men accused of raping a local woman. She's certain the two crimes are connected.
This an incredibly intriguing and thought provoking story. The author blends fact and fiction to bring this historical fiction to life. This is a heartbreaking story, and caution should be given as there is much discussion of rape.
Maine acts as its own character in this book, with its difficult winters and beautiful landscape as a backdrop. I loved the vivid descriptions of the landscape throughout the story.
During a time when women had no rights or freedoms, Martha was an outspoken advocate for her patients. She's a strong, empathetic, and courageous woman who goes to extreme lengths to protect and care for the women in her community.
This book does a really great job at exploring the role and treatment of women at this time. Martha lived in a time when women were seen as less than. You could be charged for having a baby out of wedlock, but of course there were no repercussions for the man. Martha fought for justice even when all odds are against her. Even as a midwife, she was looked down upon by the male doctors.
The murder mystery element within the story was very compelling. We were given some clues that pointed to Sam as the murderer earlier on. So I had an idea that it may have been him, but I couldn't figure out his motivation. That came as a surprise.
I'm really happy that North got what he was due. I actually burst out laughing when Martha cut off his *appendage*. As she said, he can't hurt any women now.
I felt as though the story could have been a little shorter, there were some scenes that didn't really add to the book. Also, there are a lot of characters who I lost track of and had to go back and figure out how they fit in the story.
The Frozen River was inspired by Martha Ballard (February 9, 1735 – June 9, 1812), a midwife who delivered hundreds of babies and never once lost a mother during birth.
This an incredibly intriguing and thought provoking story. The author blends fact and fiction to bring this historical fiction to life. This is a heartbreaking story, and caution should be given as there is much discussion of rape.
Maine acts as its own character in this book, with its difficult winters and beautiful landscape as a backdrop. I loved the vivid descriptions of the landscape throughout the story.
During a time when women had no rights or freedoms, Martha was an outspoken advocate for her patients. She's a strong, empathetic, and courageous woman who goes to extreme lengths to protect and care for the women in her community.
This book does a really great job at exploring the role and treatment of women at this time. Martha lived in a time when women were seen as less than. You could be charged for having a baby out of wedlock, but of course there were no repercussions for the man. Martha fought for justice even when all odds are against her. Even as a midwife, she was looked down upon by the male doctors.
The murder mystery element within the story was very compelling.
I'm really happy that North got what he was due.
I felt as though the story could have been a little shorter, there were some scenes that didn't really add to the book. Also, there are a lot of characters who I lost track of and had to go back and figure out how they fit in the story.
The Frozen River was inspired by Martha Ballard (February 9, 1735 – June 9, 1812), a midwife who delivered hundreds of babies and never once lost a mother during birth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
The Love You Fight For by Brit Benson
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Sam is a politicians daughter who has never wanted for anything except for her freedom.
Sam is her father's tool, at least that's how he sees her. He has spent her whole life manipulating, abusing, and attempting to mold her into a submissive woman who does his bidding. But Sam is a vicious, vengeful queen. Her heartbreaking and painful past has not made her pliant, it has made her angry. While she may look like she is her father's puppet, she is actually plotting and planning to get her revenge on the men who have abused her her entire life. She is an absolute badass who is incredibly strong, fearless, capable, and demands respect.All along she has been working with the police to gather evidence and take down her father and his buddies. The final takedown at the gala is pure brilliance.
Chris Casper is the definition of a cinnamon roll. He knows that there is more to Sam that her ice queen exterior. She pushes him away at every turn, but he is patient, persistent and so supportive. He is her peace. Hello green flags. They are waving all over the place. He is her north.
Sam has suffered years of abuse from the powerful men in her life. *This is not shown on page.* We do not need to relive Sam's trauma to experience her pain and the torment she endured. Benson is able to evoke so much emotion and depth throughout the book without recounting all those details.
I love that we get to revisit Macon and Lennon thought the story, but their addition doesn't distract us from Chris and Sam. I like how their friendships add so much depth to the story.
Tropes: Opposites attract, he falls first, found family, revenge
Sam is her father's tool, at least that's how he sees her. He has spent her whole life manipulating, abusing, and attempting to mold her into a submissive woman who does his bidding. But Sam is a vicious, vengeful queen. Her heartbreaking and painful past has not made her pliant, it has made her angry. While she may look like she is her father's puppet, she is actually plotting and planning to get her revenge on the men who have abused her her entire life. She is an absolute badass who is incredibly strong, fearless, capable, and demands respect.
Chris Casper is the definition of a cinnamon roll. He knows that there is more to Sam that her ice queen exterior. She pushes him away at every turn, but he is patient, persistent and so supportive. He is her peace. Hello green flags. They are waving all over the place. He is her north.
Sam has suffered years of abuse from the powerful men in her life. *This is not shown on page.* We do not need to relive Sam's trauma to experience her pain and the torment she endured. Benson is able to evoke so much emotion and depth throughout the book without recounting all those details.
I love that we get to revisit Macon and Lennon thought the story, but their addition doesn't distract us from Chris and Sam. I like how their friendships add so much depth to the story.
Tropes: Opposites attract, he falls first, found family, revenge
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Pucking Revenge by Brittanée Nicole
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
When Sara finds out her boyfriend is actually married, her best friend Brooks steps as her fake boyfriend.
I do love a good friends to lovers story and this one was pretty decent. I really enjoyed Sara and Brooks' chemistry and liked that it was built up through a strong friendship first. I was a little annoyed by their lack of communication, talk to each other! They could have been together way before had they just got out of their own heads and had an honest conversation.
I loved Brooks, he really was the quintessential good guy. His relationship with his brothers and their text chain is absolutely hilarious. It was truly the best part of the book.
I didn't really like Sara that much... I found her kind of annoying.
Why are they plotting petty revenge on the coach instead of going to Gavin and explaining how the coach used his position of power to manipulate another employee? Sure fire way to get the guy fired. Boom, revenge done.
Why. Are. They. Not. Exposing. Cheaters? I hate that they didn't tell the aunt and let her be bindsided. You don't want to hurt her, but you keep such a hurtful secret from her? Awful.
I really like all the side characters, even though it was hard to keep track of them at times (there are so many). But their relationships with the MCs and their personalities added a lot to the story. I love how close they all are and how they always have each other's backs.
A few things gave me a the ick though... The fact that the coach was his uncle and the scene in the office. Major ick. I wish the coach had just been a coach and not his uncle. Also I didn't like their nicknames...
Honestly, I could have done without the podcast segments. I didn't feel like they added anything to the story.
Tropes: hockey, best friends to lovers, fake dating, found family
I do love a good friends to lovers story and this one was pretty decent. I really enjoyed Sara and Brooks' chemistry and liked that it was built up through a strong friendship first. I was a little annoyed by their lack of communication, talk to each other! They could have been together way before had they just got out of their own heads and had an honest conversation.
I loved Brooks, he really was the quintessential good guy. His relationship with his brothers and their text chain is absolutely hilarious. It was truly the best part of the book.
I didn't really like Sara that much... I found her kind of annoying.
Why are they plotting petty revenge on the coach instead of going to Gavin and explaining how the coach used his position of power to manipulate another employee? Sure fire way to get the guy fired. Boom, revenge done.
Why. Are. They. Not. Exposing. Cheaters? I hate that they didn't tell the aunt and let her be bindsided. You don't want to hurt her, but you keep such a hurtful secret from her? Awful.
I really like all the side characters, even though it was hard to keep track of them at times (there are so many). But their relationships with the MCs and their personalities added a lot to the story. I love how close they all are and how they always have each other's backs.
A few things gave me a the ick though... The fact that the coach was his uncle and the scene in the office. Major ick. I wish the coach had just been a coach and not his uncle. Also I didn't like their nicknames...
Honestly, I could have done without the podcast segments. I didn't feel like they added anything to the story.
Tropes: hockey, best friends to lovers, fake dating, found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Coda by Jennifer Hartmann
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Years later, Noah is happily married and Chelsie has found peace in life. When tragedy strikes they are thrown back together.
I really liked the first book and the ending. I liked the idea that they were an integral part of each other's lives, but not necessarily end game. That said, I did enjoy the continuation of their story. This book, like the first, was filled with heartbreak, angst, and tragedy.
Chelsie went through years of healing on her journey to self-love. I just really wished we saw some of that journey. She is still filled with so much self-doubt, but she has such a big heart and cares so much. Sadly, her past manages to catch up to her and threatens to undo all the hard work she has done. She is such a strong and determined woman. She makes some very dumb choices, but her heart is in the right place.
Noah has endured so much loss in this book, he is broken and on a self-destructive path. You can see how torn he is.Yes, he definitely loved his wife and their life together, but Cheslie has always been his soulmate. He struggles with the idea that being with Chelsie is betraying Beth. Considering the complex situation, this is understandable.
I love these two together. They have so much chemistry and I love how seamlessly Cheslie fits into their family. They just need to work on their communication a bit more.
I adored the supporting characters in this book. Especially the kids and Elsa. They added so much to the story and the development of the main characters. I love how her side characters have big personalities and don't just fade into the background.
As soon as wefind out that Beth has been killed, I knew right away it was Ian's brother. So, that, and Riley's involvement, didn't come as a shock at all.
The ending felt very rushed to me. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of their life together in Florida. What is their "normal" now?
Tropes: rockstar, second chance
I really liked the first book and the ending. I liked the idea that they were an integral part of each other's lives, but not necessarily end game. That said, I did enjoy the continuation of their story. This book, like the first, was filled with heartbreak, angst, and tragedy.
Chelsie went through years of healing on her journey to self-love. I just really wished we saw some of that journey. She is still filled with so much self-doubt, but she has such a big heart and cares so much. Sadly, her past manages to catch up to her and threatens to undo all the hard work she has done. She is such a strong and determined woman. She makes some very dumb choices, but her heart is in the right place.
Noah has endured so much loss in this book, he is broken and on a self-destructive path. You can see how torn he is.
I love these two together. They have so much chemistry and I love how seamlessly Cheslie fits into their family. They just need to work on their communication a bit more.
I adored the supporting characters in this book. Especially the kids and Elsa. They added so much to the story and the development of the main characters. I love how her side characters have big personalities and don't just fade into the background.
As soon as we
The ending felt very rushed to me. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of their life together in Florida. What is their "normal" now?
Tropes: rockstar, second chance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Aria by Jennifer Hartmann
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Chelsie is a struggling waitress when she catches the eye of Devon, the frontman of a famous band. Noah, the guitarist, will do anything to get her out of the picture so she will not become a distraction. But evrything changes the night she spills all of her secrets to Noah.
THIS BOOK! Ugh, Jennifer Hartmann just rips my heart out over and over again. Love is messy and complicated, we don't always get the fairytale ending we hope for. This book is about enduring and surviving trauma, healing, love, and friendship. It is filled with so much angst and tension. Hartmann does such a good job delving into the mind of a survivor in the midst of her healing journey. I thought it was a beautiful story of the messy journey of healing trauma, it's not easy and it's not pretty, sacrifices and hard choices are made.
Chelsie is such a strong woman. She has been through unthinkable abuse and trauma, yet she manages to survive and flourish. She makes many questionable choices, but she has never really healed from her trauma so her choices are completely understandable. She is a survivor just trying to get through each day.
Although I really want to see these two together, I really respect the choice she made to leave. She needed to heal on her own terms and to grow as her own person before being able to have a healthy relationship. Her leaving was a tough pill to swallow, and even though she still loves Noah, she made the right choice for both of them.
Noah. Oh, Noah. I love him so much. He is there for Chelsie every single time she needs him. We see him slowly fall for her knowing that she will never be anything more than his friend, he is Devon's girlfriend afterall. I love seeing his character grow, seeing his rough exterior soften around Sam and Chelsie.
I actually really loved the ending of this book.Yes, it was shocking that they aren't together. But I love that both are at a point where they are happy and healed. Yes, they still love one another, which I am sure will be explored more in book one. Maybe we will get a second chance romance?!
A few things:
-The massive jump in time threw me off. I really wish there had been more time spent delving into Chelsie's healing journey and not just a play by play it it. That is such an important aspect of the story and I feel like it was just glossed over.
-I really wish this was written written in 1st POV.
-Some of the pacing felt a little off.
Tropes: rockstar, forbidden, enemies to lovers, love triangle, slow burn
THIS BOOK! Ugh, Jennifer Hartmann just rips my heart out over and over again. Love is messy and complicated, we don't always get the fairytale ending we hope for. This book is about enduring and surviving trauma, healing, love, and friendship. It is filled with so much angst and tension. Hartmann does such a good job delving into the mind of a survivor in the midst of her healing journey. I thought it was a beautiful story of the messy journey of healing trauma, it's not easy and it's not pretty, sacrifices and hard choices are made.
Chelsie is such a strong woman. She has been through unthinkable abuse and trauma, yet she manages to survive and flourish. She makes many questionable choices, but she has never really healed from her trauma so her choices are completely understandable. She is a survivor just trying to get through each day.
Noah. Oh, Noah. I love him so much. He is there for Chelsie every single time she needs him. We see him slowly fall for her knowing that she will never be anything more than his friend, he is Devon's girlfriend afterall. I love seeing his character grow, seeing his rough exterior soften around Sam and Chelsie.
I actually really loved the ending of this book.
A few things:
-The massive jump in time threw me off. I really wish there had been more time spent delving into Chelsie's healing journey and not just a play by play it it. That is such an important aspect of the story and I feel like it was just glossed over.
-I really wish this was written written in 1st POV.
-Some of the pacing felt a little off.
Tropes: rockstar, forbidden, enemies to lovers, love triangle, slow burn
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Sally is a comedy writer who has sworn off love until she reconnects with Noah, a pop star.
So this IMHO is not a romantic comedy. It is called such because Sally writes for a SNL like show. I didn't really find it funny per se, but the "behind the scene" look at the SNL lifestyle was interesting.
This book felt like it was one giant political statement about how it's unfair that less attractive men can reel in gorgeous women without anyone saying a word, but it's a scandal if the opposite happens. It was rammed down our throats. We get it.
Sally believes that she is unworthy of love because she isn't pretty enough to get the guy. We are hit over the head with this over and over. She is so awkward and I cringed at so many things she said. No matter how much validation Noah gives her, her insecurities get the best of her. She is a successful, Emmy award winning writer who has such little self-confidence. There is zero character development. This woman needs therapy to work through her issues.
The second half of the book takes part during the pandemic. Noah reaches out to Sally via email and they become pen pals. Their email correspondence is all over the place. ALSO it's never really explained why he reaches out after 2 years of no contact...
She is such a a hypocrite, she accused Noah of dating models younger than him while setting her friend up with a doctor 20 years her senior. ALSO calling herself a feminist while constantly belittling other women.
COVID is used as a plot device to push the characters together (not in a good way). We see them get together in this COVID "bubble", not real life. Their "real life" is squashed into a short epilogue. I would have preferred to have seen the progress of their relationship without COVID thrown in. It was unnecessary.
There is a whole section in their emails that felt so preformative. "Did you for to a BLM march?" Was basically the whole conversation. Why have two white characters mention this if that is going to be the whole conversation.
Tropes: workplace, celebrity romance
So this IMHO is not a romantic comedy. It is called such because Sally writes for a SNL like show. I didn't really find it funny per se, but the "behind the scene" look at the SNL lifestyle was interesting.
This book felt like it was one giant political statement about how it's unfair that less attractive men can reel in gorgeous women without anyone saying a word, but it's a scandal if the opposite happens. It was rammed down our throats. We get it.
Sally believes that she is unworthy of love because she isn't pretty enough to get the guy. We are hit over the head with this over and over. She is so awkward and I cringed at so many things she said. No matter how much validation Noah gives her, her insecurities get the best of her. She is a successful, Emmy award winning writer who has such little self-confidence. There is zero character development. This woman needs therapy to work through her issues.
The second half of the book takes part during the pandemic. Noah reaches out to Sally via email and they become pen pals. Their email correspondence is all over the place. ALSO it's never really explained why he reaches out after 2 years of no contact...
She is such a a hypocrite, she accused Noah of dating models younger than him while setting her friend up with a doctor 20 years her senior. ALSO calling herself a feminist while constantly belittling other women.
COVID is used as a plot device to push the characters together (not in a good way). We see them get together in this COVID "bubble", not real life. Their "real life" is squashed into a short epilogue. I would have preferred to have seen the progress of their relationship without COVID thrown in. It was unnecessary.
There is a whole section in their emails that felt so preformative. "Did you for to a BLM march?" Was basically the whole conversation. Why have two white characters mention this if that is going to be the whole conversation.
Tropes: workplace, celebrity romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Death of parent, and Pandemic/Epidemic
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Frida's one very bad day results in her being sent to a one-year program to become a "better mother".
The premise is a commentary on the very real control our patriarchal government has over our lives. The book was incredibly disturbing; I felt very uncomfortable and angry throughout the story. I had to take many breaks while listening. The author successfully illustrates the pressures put on mothers to be perfect and the unrealistic expectations society expects them to meet. It also sheds light on the racial prejudices towards mothers of colour as they endure even harsher punishments.
Frida is a single mom struggling to find balance. She is overworked, stressed, and probably dealing with post-partum depression. On her worst day she makes the choice to leave her daughter home alone for two hours, which is reported by the neighbours. That day her daughter is taken from her and Frida ends up being sent to a Big Brother type institution. Here, the mothers endure harsh and strict rules and while being pushed to achieve unrealisticly high standards of perfection.
My main issue with the book is our main character. She is not a sympathetic or likable character. She made a terrible choice that put her daughter in danger. If we really look at her, her concern is not for her child's welfare, it's for her own and her "need" to be with her baby. I was really waiting for that "ah-ha" moment when she realizes that her behaviour truly put her daughter at risk, but there wasn't. There was so much focus on her whining and lamenting her situation, which I get. Her daughter was taken from her, her husband left her for another woman, and the school is awful, BUT there is little to no growth in her character. Her pride stands in her way at every step.
Also, the plot is very, very slow. Since this was a dystop an society, I wanted more world building. Does society truly not know about these schools? How is this abuse allowed to occur?
The premise is a commentary on the very real control our patriarchal government has over our lives. The book was incredibly disturbing; I felt very uncomfortable and angry throughout the story. I had to take many breaks while listening. The author successfully illustrates the pressures put on mothers to be perfect and the unrealistic expectations society expects them to meet. It also sheds light on the racial prejudices towards mothers of colour as they endure even harsher punishments.
Frida is a single mom struggling to find balance. She is overworked, stressed, and probably dealing with post-partum depression. On her worst day she makes the choice to leave her daughter home alone for two hours, which is reported by the neighbours. That day her daughter is taken from her and Frida ends up being sent to a Big Brother type institution. Here, the mothers endure harsh and strict rules and while being pushed to achieve unrealisticly high standards of perfection.
My main issue with the book is our main character. She is not a sympathetic or likable character. She made a terrible choice that put her daughter in danger. If we really look at her, her concern is not for her child's welfare, it's for her own and her "need" to be with her baby. I was really waiting for that "ah-ha" moment when she realizes that her behaviour truly put her daughter at risk, but there wasn't. There was so much focus on her whining and lamenting her situation, which I get. Her daughter was taken from her, her husband left her for another woman, and the school is awful, BUT there is little to no growth in her character. Her pride stands in her way at every step.
Also, the plot is very, very slow. Since this was a dystop an society, I wanted more world building. Does society truly not know about these schools? How is this abuse allowed to occur?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicide, Grief, Gaslighting, and Abandonment