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hermusings's reviews
271 reviews
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
At surface level, this is a book is a love letter to sisters but when you dig deeper you find that it’s also about grief, addiction and the lingering effects of how our families shape us (both good and bad).
This has some of the most beautiful, painful & reflective proses. Mellors is a phenomenal writer who captured the essence & dialogue of how sisters are with each other. I’m excited to see more from her.
The alternating perspective of the chapters was interrupting to me. Which may have contributed to how long it took me to finish this. However, no chapter was wasteful. Each character was grounded and felt real.
I’d recommend this book to those who enjoyed Writers and lovers by Lily King, have/are sisters and want to cry (!!!).
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Honestly, could not put this down.
Originally gravitated towards this book for the spooky season vibes (and it was available on my Libby), yet it surprised me at how fun of a read it was.
Danan takes the silly plot and unrealistic circumstances the characters find themselves in seriously; making this story feel slightly grounded.
Originally gravitated towards this book for the spooky season vibes (and it was available on my Libby), yet it surprised me at how fun of a read it was.
Danan takes the silly plot and unrealistic circumstances the characters find themselves in seriously; making this story feel slightly grounded.
The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Very few stories are as rich as this. Going into the second novel, it added tremendous weight to know (and in a way have lived) the lore that occurred in the first book.
Lila and Lenu have me stressed at every turn. Their stories are so peculiar and singular yet written in such a way that it resonates with my human experience in an alarming amount of ways.
That’s not to mention the prose, the parallels & foreshadowing made; along with the thought provoking commentary on class, gender upbringing and love.
As I felt with the first book, this was so rich that I need time to digest before even thinking of picking up the next book. Truly feels like I’ve just lived through something
Lila and Lenu have me stressed at every turn. Their stories are so peculiar and singular yet written in such a way that it resonates with my human experience in an alarming amount of ways.
That’s not to mention the prose, the parallels & foreshadowing made; along with the thought provoking commentary on class, gender upbringing and love.
As I felt with the first book, this was so rich that I need time to digest before even thinking of picking up the next book. Truly feels like I’ve just lived through something
DUNE: The Graphic Novel, Book 2: Muad'Dib by Kevin J. Anderson, Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
😴🥱
Dune: the Graphic Novel, Book 1 by Brian Herbert
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This starts out really strong yet quickly looses momentum. The whole story hangs on Emma & Justin’s story and they have absolutely no chemistry. It does pick up around the 70% mark.
However, that’s based on the plot surrounding their trauma and upbringing which was pretty well developed. The romance itself felt like an after thought.
Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a fun, interesting & thought-provoking read.
Tackles the age of tale of how much is enough and what would you do to get there.
I adored Meche, Sebastian and Daniella’s friendship dynamic. Also the commentary on family dynamics, power, grief, regret and reputation; specially in a small community.
Moreno-Garcia’s choice to have the passages be from different povs created very rounded main characters. The way she weaved the magic within the story made it feel grounded and realistic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this alc in exchange for an honest review.