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karin_goodreads's reviews
111 reviews
I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You, and Other Stories by Julianna Baggott
I think I enjoy the systematic progression of listening through a short story collection one story at a time. That way there isn't any confusion and breaks. One story in one sitting and soon the book will be over. Each story takes about 30 minutes to an hour, so it’s a good timeframe. Though some stories stuck with me more than others, the collection overall was thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. A solid listen, and I’m definitely eager to dive into more short story audiobooks in the future!
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Wrapped up my second audiobook! (9 hours 8 minutes ✔️)
Julianna Baggott's "I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You" is a collection of speculative fiction short stories revolving around human nature in its many shades. An interesting listening experience, granted some stories I was keenly listening to, while other times I was waiting to be done with. Despite that, most were a pleasant experience. Some thoughts for each story, but no plot spoilers:
Julianna Baggott's "I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You" is a collection of speculative fiction short stories revolving around human nature in its many shades. An interesting listening experience, granted some stories I was keenly listening to, while other times I was waiting to be done with. Despite that, most were a pleasant experience. Some thoughts for each story, but no plot spoilers:
- Welcome to Oxhead - what an opening, definitely set the mood for the coming stories and themes.
- I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You - the ~drama~ was here, also the name of the book.
- How They Got In - eerie and mystical, with a creepy vibe.
- The Now of Now - wanted a little bit more of something..
- The Versions - aww? a little bit in a cute way, but mostly in the sad way.
- Nest -🔸a personal attack, so it probably hit the most, plus I liked the horror of it too!
- The Gaslighter's Lament - this one got stretched out for me, couldn't focus, but an interesting plot twist.
- Backwards -🔸cool take, liked this one too.
- The Drawings - kind of sad, kind of messy.
- Portals -🔸"curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back" and I liked the vibes.
- The Knockoffs - wild (but not crazy) with a hint of sorrow.
- The Virtuals -🔸that's actually a great idea, I would like to try that and it doesn't even seem that unrealistic. Liked.
- The Holographer - the twinge of suspense was always in the air, disturbing, but so delicious.
- Inkmorphia -🔸really liked the concept and the execution of this storyline, the right amount of distress.
- Mental Diplopia: An Eradication - insane, but somehow grounded in our collective experiences—hard to explain, but it left me with mixed feelings.
I think I enjoy the systematic progression of listening through a short story collection one story at a time. That way there isn't any confusion and breaks. One story in one sitting and soon the book will be over. Each story takes about 30 minutes to an hour, so it’s a good timeframe. Though some stories stuck with me more than others, the collection overall was thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. A solid listen, and I’m definitely eager to dive into more short story audiobooks in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty, Self harm, and Murder
Diary of an AssCan: A Mark Watney Short Story by Andy Weir
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Hehe, I'm so excited! I watched "The Martian" movie a while ago, and it solidified my wish to also read the book. I've read through the entire Murderbot series, and I love it, so I'm always on the lookout for some funny space books. 🤖 Just some science and well-equipped wit to make it a good time.
This was a short peek into the literary world of Mark Watney, and I vow to not compare it to the cinematic one! Over & Out🌌🚀
This was a short peek into the literary world of Mark Watney, and I vow to not compare it to the cinematic one! Over & Out🌌🚀
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement
Layover (a Beach Read epilogue) by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
This is a "Beach Read" epilogue, and I read that book a long time ago, but despite that, I was easily relaxing back into January and Gus' world. Short, sweet, and simple, but still able to evoke some emotions.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
I saw a clip from this audiobook online, and I was instantly taken. I was aware that this was a stalker romance and all that (which isn't a problem; dark romance is my old friend), but the humor... that's what got me hooked at first. I just had to look it up, and suddenly I was 9 hours into the book, unable to stop. Also, let's be real, the male narrator, Jacob Morgan... The man you are.
Aly Cappellucci might be a trauma nurse who drowns herself in work, but the woman has her priorities straight: cuddle her fur baby and watch masked men thirst traps online. Now, some drinks and bold decisions later, she has made her fantasies very, very real. On the other side, Josh Hammond keeps his "normal" life pretty low-key, but his online persona is everything other than that. I suppose being faceless helps. The two get involved with each other, and the narrative follows their escalating relationship, which is driven by their dark fantasies and intense chemistry. That is, until a third party gets involved who throws the story (only a little bit) off track and turns Josh from a stalker to a saviour with many following consequences that keep the reader/listener on edge. The plot gets steered from edgy romance into straight up dangerous territory(let's pretend it wasn't dangerous from the beginning).
The relationship between Aly and Josh was perfect in a "they can match each other's freak" kind of way. The banter and their energy was great to experience, I was amused almost the entire time. It made the book really fun to get through, as is evident by the fact that I haven't gotten through a book this fast in a while. The story developed pretty fast, so sometimes it felt a tad bit weird or I got a little second-hand embarrassment, but otherwise it wasn't a major problem. We won't discuss the sexual parts, but I'll say that it was... extensive. 😳 I guess on an emotional note, we got to see the couple grow and heal together, both of them trying to deal with past traumas that still carry their influence. And in many ways, the things they did and experienced together bonded them in a way that is hard to forget.
Also, props to the narrators, Elena Wolf & Jacob Morgan, for making the characters feel so alive, they did an excellent job! The writing made it very easy to connect with Aly and Josh, plus it was a dual POV duet narration. If we're getting technical, then this book could be summed up as a dark rom-com erotica, but somehow the author made it all seem lighter compared to some other stories. At least this one felt easy to digest and not overwhelmingly tropey.
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
My first time listening to an audiobook is done! (13 hours and 38 minutes ✔️) I'm definitely picking up more audiobooks in the future. 😗 Why did no one tell me how fun this is!?
I saw a clip from this audiobook online, and I was instantly taken. I was aware that this was a stalker romance and all that (which isn't a problem; dark romance is my old friend), but the humor... that's what got me hooked at first. I just had to look it up, and suddenly I was 9 hours into the book, unable to stop. Also, let's be real, the male narrator, Jacob Morgan... The man you are.
- The audiobook had content/trigger warnings at the beginning, so be sure to check them out.
Aly Cappellucci might be a trauma nurse who drowns herself in work, but the woman has her priorities straight: cuddle her fur baby and watch masked men thirst traps online. Now, some drinks and bold decisions later, she has made her fantasies very, very real. On the other side, Josh Hammond keeps his "normal" life pretty low-key, but his online persona is everything other than that. I suppose being faceless helps. The two get involved with each other, and the narrative follows their escalating relationship, which is driven by their dark fantasies and intense chemistry. That is, until a third party gets involved who throws the story (only a little bit) off track and turns Josh from a stalker to a saviour with many following consequences that keep the reader/listener on edge. The plot gets steered from edgy romance into straight up dangerous territory
The relationship between Aly and Josh was perfect in a "they can match each other's freak" kind of way. The banter and their energy was great to experience, I was amused almost the entire time. It made the book really fun to get through, as is evident by the fact that I haven't gotten through a book this fast in a while. The story developed pretty fast, so sometimes it felt a tad bit weird or I got a little second-hand embarrassment, but otherwise it wasn't a major problem. We won't discuss the sexual parts, but I'll say that it was... extensive. 😳 I guess on an emotional note, we got to see the couple grow and heal together, both of them trying to deal with past traumas that still carry their influence. And in many ways, the things they did and experienced together bonded them in a way that is hard to forget.
Also, props to the narrators, Elena Wolf & Jacob Morgan, for making the characters feel so alive, they did an excellent job! The writing made it very easy to connect with Aly and Josh, plus it was a dual POV duet narration. If we're getting technical, then this book could be summed up as a dark rom-com erotica, but somehow the author made it all seem lighter compared to some other stories. At least this one felt easy to digest and not overwhelmingly tropey.
“Are you saying that the couple who commits homicide together, stays together?” He snorted. “Too wordy. I prefer the couple who slays together, stays together.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Vomit, Mass/school shootings, and Cannibalism
Sa suudad! by Helen Exley
inspiring
A special little someone handed it to me and it was a really inspiring short read!
Ma olen tänulik. Tänulikkuse elumuutev maagiline jõud by Elen Marunevitš
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
A sweet book about gratefulness!
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
I went into this looking for M. L. Rio's unique style and found something not quite that level. I have read "If We Were Villains" before, and I loved that book. I didn't particularly expect anything from this book, but somehow I'm still left dissatisfied.
The whole story takes place over one night, well, the uncovering part, and we get to meet and learn about these different people who all have a connection (spoiler: it's smoking). We follow them around for the night and see how the story unfurls from their perspective (yes, it's multiple POVs). It's a lot to take in for such a short book: the mystery, the medical and scientific information, and the characters whose personal stories we get glimpses into. All of them were very different, which was great for fast differentiation.
The mystery and tense atmosphere were very nice for a read in the evenings. I liked the suspense and the fact that the reader kind of figures out the story as it unfolds. First it seems like a story of people who are just living their life with all its complicated shades, but then it turns into a one-night hunt after a story to unveil.
The thing is... I don't love anything particular about this book, but there's also nothing to hate about it. What did upset me was the length, more precisely the ending. I felt like I just got cut off, as if some chapters were left unread. It felt like the author was pulling all the strings tight together to tell the story and then randomly let go, and it was just, poof, over. On the other hand, I didn't mind the pacing before that; the multiple perspectives and time flow were good enough.
Maybe that's just what it needed to be. A story of five paths crossing and how (and if) they continue to do so. Either way, I'm going to wipe my hands clean of this story and leave it where it started.
The whole story takes place over one night, well, the uncovering part, and we get to meet and learn about these different people who all have a connection (spoiler: it's smoking). We follow them around for the night and see how the story unfurls from their perspective (yes, it's multiple POVs). It's a lot to take in for such a short book: the mystery, the medical and scientific information, and the characters whose personal stories we get glimpses into. All of them were very different, which was great for fast differentiation.
The mystery and tense atmosphere were very nice for a read in the evenings. I liked the suspense and the fact that the reader kind of figures out the story as it unfolds. First it seems like a story of people who are just living their life with all its complicated shades, but then it turns into a one-night hunt after a story to unveil.
The thing is... I don't love anything particular about this book, but there's also nothing to hate about it. What did upset me was the length, more precisely the ending. I felt like I just got cut off, as if some chapters were left unread. It felt like the author was pulling all the strings tight together to tell the story and then randomly let go, and it was just, poof, over. On the other hand, I didn't mind the pacing before that; the multiple perspectives and time flow were good enough.
Maybe that's just what it needed to be. A story of five paths crossing and how (and if) they continue to do so. Either way, I'm going to wipe my hands clean of this story and leave it where it started.
What happens in the graveyard stays in the graveyard.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Alcohol
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer, Drug use, and Cannibalism
human experimentation
EI öelda on okei by Fanny Vella
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Sweet story with a twist that teaches small and big to say "No!" when we really want to.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo is perhaps one of the more complex characters that I've had the pleasure of meeting in recent history. It's been absolutely lovely to get to know her story and the complexities of her life. I love that she doesn't fit in a box in more ways than one; she's a surprise. She is not necessarily "good" or "bad", but rather simply a human with her own motivations and reasons. We got to learn a lot about Hollywood, moral and emotional issues, and sexuality.
I quite enjoyed the sectionalization: how the 'smaller' chapters were paced and the 'bigger' sections had Evelyn's husbands as the titles. That was a smart way to do it, plus it gives you a chance to be more intimate with the other characters. I got to love Harry till the bittersweet end, he had me in his corner pretty early on.
But let's not forget Monique and her story! Even though she was mostly out of the picture, the times she did show up were well-fitted into the story. She didn't get lost or overshadowed by Evelyn (maybe a little, but come on, she's a star). It had a great unbalanced balance, if that makes sense. Most of the characters had a chance to shine in their moments. Nevertheless, strangely, the star of it all shone the most and the least - we got to know Evelyn like no one else, but she's still a total mystery. And that's intricate storytelling for you.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Oh my god, this is one hell of a story! I heard so much good about this book, and I finally got to read it myself. I'm not crazy over it, but I recognize it's a remarkable piece of literature, as word on the street said it was.
Don't ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box. Don't do that.
Evelyn Hugo is perhaps one of the more complex characters that I've had the pleasure of meeting in recent history. It's been absolutely lovely to get to know her story and the complexities of her life. I love that she doesn't fit in a box in more ways than one; she's a surprise. She is not necessarily "good" or "bad", but rather simply a human with her own motivations and reasons. We got to learn a lot about Hollywood, moral and emotional issues, and sexuality.
It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.
I quite enjoyed the sectionalization: how the 'smaller' chapters were paced and the 'bigger' sections had Evelyn's husbands as the titles. That was a smart way to do it, plus it gives you a chance to be more intimate with the other characters. I got to love Harry till the bittersweet end, he had me in his corner pretty early on.
But let's not forget Monique and her story! Even though she was mostly out of the picture, the times she did show up were well-fitted into the story. She didn't get lost or overshadowed by Evelyn (maybe a little, but come on, she's a star). It had a great unbalanced balance, if that makes sense. Most of the characters had a chance to shine in their moments. Nevertheless, strangely, the star of it all shone the most and the least - we got to know Evelyn like no one else, but she's still a total mystery. And that's intricate storytelling for you.
I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Cancer, Death, Homophobia, Sexual content, Suicide, Car accident, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Miscarriage, Abortion, and Pregnancy
Thousand Autumns [千秋] by 梦溪石
This book is longer than The Bible (fun fact!!) and I for some reason thought that it would be a good idea to read through it as fast as possible. In reality I finished it in less than a week, but I sat on it for a long time, since I had plans to reread it. Now I'm waiting for the official English translations, which will be complete by summer 2024 (yay!!) and then I'm good to go. The book translations are in 5 parts, so I'll get to read through five books, which is probably better than the out of this world volume the original one has.
The story itself is a little insane (or very much so). Yan Wushi is such a brazen and striking character that even if he does something unlikable, you might find yourself fine with such happenings, because that man has a way to wiggle himself into your system. I don't know if I love him (I do, he is super interesting) or hate him, but I think that he's so much more than that, he is simply put fucking complex.
While Yan Wushi did not believe in the good nature of humanity, we had his opposite, the epitome of goodness - Shen Qiao. He is better and stronger than I'll ever be, because what the fuck? Man had so many misfortunes and people with bad intentions surrounding him, yet he stayed true to his beliefs - considerate without waiting for anything in return. It felt so great to see him learn about the ways of the world and become wiser. Despite that, he was already so resilient from the beginning, he took everything life gave him and dealt with it (and he had to suffer A LOT, ok).
Yan Wushi's only thought, of course, was to try and break that poor man, to prove that the world is full of evil, because "after thousands of autumns, who could stay eternal?". Truth be told, somehow their duo made sense, it might be the opposites thing, but it was just so good! The book can be a little intimidating, because of it's length, but in reality, it's too fun to feel boring. So many things happen, so many twists and turns, so many emotions. I literally cried when I finished the story. The ending chapters made me want to scream into a pillow. The end truly was crazy, but good crazy :D
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
slow-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
5.0
I should've know that this would happen. The last time I binge-read through a book like this, I was stuck in that rabbit hole for months after (I still am). "Thousand Autumns" wasn't any different. In addition, I watched through the animated series, which still hasn't been finished, even though two years have passed. I would LOVE to get season 2... the series was very fun to watch and very eye-catching.
"But what about the book?" you ask.
This book is longer than The Bible (fun fact!!) and I for some reason thought that it would be a good idea to read through it as fast as possible. In reality I finished it in less than a week, but I sat on it for a long time, since I had plans to reread it. Now I'm waiting for the official English translations, which will be complete by summer 2024 (yay!!) and then I'm good to go. The book translations are in 5 parts, so I'll get to read through five books, which is probably better than the out of this world volume the original one has.
The story itself is a little insane (or very much so). Yan Wushi is such a brazen and striking character that even if he does something unlikable, you might find yourself fine with such happenings, because that man has a way to wiggle himself into your system. I don't know if I love him (I do, he is super interesting) or hate him, but I think that he's so much more than that, he is simply put fucking complex.
Everyone has evil intentions in their minds. The only difference is executing it or not. There's no need to criticize them so harshly.
While Yan Wushi did not believe in the good nature of humanity, we had his opposite, the epitome of goodness - Shen Qiao. He is better and stronger than I'll ever be, because what the fuck? Man had so many misfortunes and people with bad intentions surrounding him, yet he stayed true to his beliefs - considerate without waiting for anything in return. It felt so great to see him learn about the ways of the world and become wiser. Despite that, he was already so resilient from the beginning, he took everything life gave him and dealt with it (and he had to suffer A LOT, ok).
There are many people in this world — some of them are good, and some of them are bad. But there are even more who can't be simply classified as 'good' or 'bad'. They may not think in the same way you think, or walk the same path you walk.
Yan Wushi's only thought, of course, was to try and break that poor man, to prove that the world is full of evil, because "after thousands of autumns, who could stay eternal?". Truth be told, somehow their duo made sense, it might be the opposites thing, but it was just so good! The book can be a little intimidating, because of it's length, but in reality, it's too fun to feel boring. So many things happen, so many twists and turns, so many emotions. I literally cried when I finished the story. The ending chapters made me want to scream into a pillow. The end truly was crazy, but good crazy :D
And yet past dreams sought, people departed, what has passed will never return.
Just like some errors have no way of being remedied, some cracks will forever persist, and death, impossible to wake from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness and War