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csmoke85's reviews
181 reviews
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
emotional
sad
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? No
3.0
Such a sad story! I was predicting parts of the story, but once they happened it was still sad nonetheless. This was a one day read, and I was hoping more from the ending. Still an interesting concept for the stories plot, and that is what kept me reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Death
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the second book I have read by Coco Mellors, and once again, I am not disappointed.
The Blue Sisters, all unique in their own way. Raised in a home where the eldest sibling is more of the mother than the actual mother. The father is a violent alcoholic. Now the story is told from present day, and the sister Nicky has passed away.
This story really hits home for me. I too grew up in a less than ideal home environment, and I have 5 siblings. My siblings and I have dealt with tragic loss much like the sisters in the story. The sisters constantly questioning what could they have done differently made me cry. The grief in this book was really moving.
The end also had me in tears. After everything that happened, it was a wonderful way to close out then story.
This is the second book I have read by Coco Mellors, and once again, I am not disappointed.
The Blue Sisters, all unique in their own way. Raised in a home where the eldest sibling is more of the mother than the actual mother. The father is a violent alcoholic. Now the story is told from present day, and the sister Nicky has passed away.
This story really hits home for me. I too grew up in a less than ideal home environment, and I have 5 siblings. My siblings and I have dealt with tragic loss much like the sisters in the story. The sisters constantly questioning what could they have done differently made me cry. The grief in this book was really moving.
The end also had me in tears. After everything that happened, it was a wonderful way to close out then story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Alcohol
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Bunny by Mona Awad
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Violence, Blood, and Toxic friendship
We Kept Her in the Cellar by W.R. Gorman
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy.
This story is not your classic Cinderella, it’s a dark twisted version, and I am living for it. Told from the perspective of the step sister named Eunice, who is Cinderella’s sort of “caretaker.” I say this because she lives in the cellar. In this story, Cinderella is monster in the form a beautiful girl.
I was completely enthralled with this story. I enjoyed the dark and sicking nature of this Cinderella. Also, how the mice in the story are connected to her, but in the way you think. Very imaginative and interesting retelling, I would recommend this book to others who enjoy a fairytale with a side of gore.
This story is not your classic Cinderella, it’s a dark twisted version, and I am living for it. Told from the perspective of the step sister named Eunice, who is Cinderella’s sort of “caretaker.” I say this because she lives in the cellar. In this story, Cinderella is monster in the form a beautiful girl.
I was completely enthralled with this story. I enjoyed the dark and sicking nature of this Cinderella. Also, how the mice in the story are connected to her, but in the way you think. Very imaginative and interesting retelling, I would recommend this book to others who enjoy a fairytale with a side of gore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Murder
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. An excellent read for the fall. I loved the characters and the whimsical magic throughout the book.
Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0