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hayleygray's reviews
69 reviews
Family of Liars by E. Lockhart
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
[Huge thank you to Hot Key Books UK for sending me an uncorrected proof of this book before the release date]
This was a long-anticipated read for me after reading 'We Were Liars' years ago and it did not disappoint!
E. Lockhart has a way of gripping readers from the very first sentence and keeping them invested in the story, the whole way through – with twists, turns, and huge family secrets being revealed throughout. 'Family of Liars' provided a sense of nostalgia from reading 'We Were Liars' but it also provided a brand new experience, simultaneously. You truly feel like a part of this disheveled family, learning about, and keeping, secrets along the way (especially, as I read the proofs before its publication date, so I had to keep the whole thing a secret!)
I highly recommend this book – but, only after you read 'We Were Liars' as it contains spoilers which are the fundamental basis to this new(ish) story!
This was a long-anticipated read for me after reading 'We Were Liars' years ago and it did not disappoint!
E. Lockhart has a way of gripping readers from the very first sentence and keeping them invested in the story, the whole way through – with twists, turns, and huge family secrets being revealed throughout. 'Family of Liars' provided a sense of nostalgia from reading 'We Were Liars' but it also provided a brand new experience, simultaneously. You truly feel like a part of this disheveled family, learning about, and keeping, secrets along the way (especially, as I read the proofs before its publication date, so I had to keep the whole thing a secret!)
I highly recommend this book – but, only after you read 'We Were Liars' as it contains spoilers which are the fundamental basis to this new(ish) story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was different to anything that I have ever read before and I think it is something that a lot of people should read. I learned a lot from this book about the varying experiences of people of colour and the racism within communities. Bennett's writing is intriguing, heart-felt, honest and raw – which is what made me really like this book. There was no avoiding the issues at hand here: it was stated clearly and boldly... it was the life lived by millions of people.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Dementia
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
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
4.5
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it really added to the experience and the story – the narrators were incredible and fit the characters so well. The main thing that I loved was how strong all the female characters were, but also how different and vulnerable they are, in their own ways. Throughout the whole novel, O'Leary highlights that every single person has a past (and maybe, trauma) that they have to deal with before stepping into a happy future. It's raw, emotional, funny, hopeful and tragic all at the same time.
Listening to this audiobook took me on a journey that I am very grateful for and I would highly recommend it!
Listening to this audiobook took me on a journey that I am very grateful for and I would highly recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Stalking
Moderate: Dementia and Sexual harassment
The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I listened to the audiobook version of this text and really enjoyed it–mostly, because Josh Dylan was narrating Dylan's chapters.
The plot and characters were very well-written (and cast well in the audiobook) and I think the whole story worked very well as audio due to the roadtrip plot. The text dealt with various issues and themes in a good, and informative, way and with various perspectives.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience of listening to this book and would recommend. It's a typical O'Leary text (emotional, sexy, tense, mysterious) but, I do have to admit that it fell a bit short after reading 'The Flatshare' as I didn't love Addie and Dylan as much as I loved Leon and Tiffy.
The plot and characters were very well-written (and cast well in the audiobook) and I think the whole story worked very well as audio due to the roadtrip plot. The text dealt with various issues and themes in a good, and informative, way and with various perspectives.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience of listening to this book and would recommend. It's a typical O'Leary text (emotional, sexy, tense, mysterious) but, I do have to admit that it fell a bit short after reading 'The Flatshare' as I didn't love Addie and Dylan as much as I loved Leon and Tiffy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.75
When I read the blurb and realised that this story was going to be split into alternating universes, I thought to myself "how is this going to work?" But, oh my god, it works.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is extraordinary–she gets these insane and unique ideas for novels, sprinkles some magic on them, and brings them to life EXACTLY how they should be written and read. I am never disappointed after reading her work and I highly recommend this, and all other books, written by her wonderful hand.
Incredible. Emotional. Genius.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is extraordinary–she gets these insane and unique ideas for novels, sprinkles some magic on them, and brings them to life EXACTLY how they should be written and read. I am never disappointed after reading her work and I highly recommend this, and all other books, written by her wonderful hand.
Incredible. Emotional. Genius.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abandonment
Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.25
[Huge thank you to Bonnier Books UK for sending me an uncorrected final proof of this books before its publication date!]
This book was a breath of fresh air and a nostalgic experience, all at once.
Joya Goffney is a literary genius as she knows exactly how YA teen rom-coms should be written and read: a combination of reminiscence and modernism. Throughout reading this book, I was transported back to my teenage years and remembering what it was like to go through the majority of the things that Mo was going through–strict parents, boys, sex, and understanding your own body and boundaries–whilst also learning so many new things. This book was romantic, funny, emotional, and educational–I learned so much about the female experience and body... and I am a woman! It made me question why these topics are so taboo and why this book is so needed in literary discourse!
The diversity and female empowerment inherent in this book was also incredible and I can't wait for the world to enjoy all that it has to offer (I was sent a final proof from Bonnier Books UK before the publication date in May 2022). Goffney truly shows the power of taking control of your body, mind, and life through various characters and mediums–there is something that everyone will relate to in this novel.
This book was a breath of fresh air and a nostalgic experience, all at once.
Joya Goffney is a literary genius as she knows exactly how YA teen rom-coms should be written and read: a combination of reminiscence and modernism. Throughout reading this book, I was transported back to my teenage years and remembering what it was like to go through the majority of the things that Mo was going through–strict parents, boys, sex, and understanding your own body and boundaries–whilst also learning so many new things. This book was romantic, funny, emotional, and educational–I learned so much about the female experience and body... and I am a woman! It made me question why these topics are so taboo and why this book is so needed in literary discourse!
The diversity and female empowerment inherent in this book was also incredible and I can't wait for the world to enjoy all that it has to offer (I was sent a final proof from Bonnier Books UK before the publication date in May 2022). Goffney truly shows the power of taking control of your body, mind, and life through various characters and mediums–there is something that everyone will relate to in this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Sexual content, Religious bigotry, and Medical trauma
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
This was a magical experience. I truly wish it would not end.
I have no words good enough to summarise my experience reading this novel, but I have to say this: I will never forget Addie LaRue!
I have no words good enough to summarise my experience reading this novel, but I have to say this: I will never forget Addie LaRue!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was such an easy and fun (yet, emotional) read that I really enjoyed. The overall story was so well-written and the different narrative styles helped with character-building as both Tiffy and Leon's personalities were shown through the ways that they speak.
There was a strong focus on emotional abuse and trauma which I think O'Leary dealt with well as she highlighted the ignorance of some people towards emotional abuse in comparison to physical abuse – yet, she also included progression and development of those people through education and experience towards an accepting and helpful mindset.
I liked the majority of the characters (even with their flaws) and got through the book pretty fast because I enjoyed reading it. It was the cheesy, easy and emotional romance that I craved.
There was a strong focus on emotional abuse and trauma which I think O'Leary dealt with well as she highlighted the ignorance of some people towards emotional abuse in comparison to physical abuse – yet, she also included progression and development of those people through education and experience towards an accepting and helpful mindset.
I liked the majority of the characters (even with their flaws) and got through the book pretty fast because I enjoyed reading it. It was the cheesy, easy and emotional romance that I craved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Minor: Death
The Maid by Nita Prose
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I had looked forward to reading this book, for so long, and have to say that I am sadly, disappointed. It wasn't a bad story, it just wasn't a great one either.
Firstly, it took me a few attempts to get into the book enough to want to finish it as I struggled with the way that the narrator told the story. I kept zoning out whilst reading and not paying attention fully which isn't what I wanted from a murder mystery novel.
Secondly, it was hardly a 'mystery' as I had guessed the turn of events from very early on because of how matter-of-fact the narrator was – she was oblivious to the facts, but I found it fairly obvious as a reader.
Finally, the plot twist in the epilogue was anti-climactic. I expected more.
Overall, it was an ok book but I wouldn't recommend to any mystery / crime fans as they would probably be disappointed, like I was.
Firstly, it took me a few attempts to get into the book enough to want to finish it as I struggled with the way that the narrator told the story. I kept zoning out whilst reading and not paying attention fully which isn't what I wanted from a murder mystery novel.
Secondly, it was hardly a 'mystery' as I had guessed the turn of events from very early on because of how matter-of-fact the narrator was – she was oblivious to the facts, but I found it fairly obvious as a reader.
Finally, the plot twist in the epilogue was anti-climactic. I expected more.
Overall, it was an ok book but I wouldn't recommend to any mystery / crime fans as they would probably be disappointed, like I was.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.5
This book was spell-binding and paid homage to the Marilyn Munroe's and Elizabeth Taylor's of the glamorous Hollywood era – love, destruction, friendships and prices of fame.
Everything about this book was intriguing and beautifully written (even the not-so-beautiful parts) which is exactly what I expected from Taylor Jenkins Reid. Evelyn Hugo was raw and unapologetic in her sexuality, confidence and power which is a real refreshing representation of women – especially, older women in the spotlight in the 50's, 60's and 70's.
The ending was more than I could have hoped for and the medium of writing throughout the book was incredible.
Everything about this book was intriguing and beautifully written (even the not-so-beautiful parts) which is exactly what I expected from Taylor Jenkins Reid. Evelyn Hugo was raw and unapologetic in her sexuality, confidence and power which is a real refreshing representation of women – especially, older women in the spotlight in the 50's, 60's and 70's.
The ending was more than I could have hoped for and the medium of writing throughout the book was incredible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Rape, and Suicide