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lespetitesdents's reviews
59 reviews
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
3.0
Sally Rooney is, undoubtedly, a very talented writer. The various paces of tone, Joyce-esque flow, and masterful portrayal of complex interpersonal relationships are genuinely something to be admired. That said, this novel was not my cup of tea.
This was my first Sally Rooney read, and I will admit, I had no idea what to expect; I just knew she was highly praised and obscenely popular. I'm not much of a fan of romance, particularly long-winded and highly descriptive intimate scenes, and all else that encompasses the genre. I found many chapters arduous, even painful, to read, droning on for far too long. The characters have depth and I liked most of them; Rooney is a skilled author, and there were moments I even enjoyed reading this book, but they were overshadowed by the frustration of inexcusable plot developments and insensitive, problematic ableism. I can see why she is so popular and I truly wanted to enjoy this book, but I personally found it insufferable more often than not.
3 stars because the disparity between Rooney’s mastery of her craft and painful plot leaves me conflicted. I can’t give writing like this less than a 3 but can’t excuse the annoyances and frustrations I experienced while reading the book.
This was my first Sally Rooney read, and I will admit, I had no idea what to expect; I just knew she was highly praised and obscenely popular. I'm not much of a fan of romance, particularly long-winded and highly descriptive intimate scenes, and all else that encompasses the genre. I found many chapters arduous, even painful, to read, droning on for far too long. The characters have depth and I liked most of them; Rooney is a skilled author, and there were moments I even enjoyed reading this book, but they were overshadowed by the frustration of inexcusable plot developments and insensitive, problematic ableism. I can see why she is so popular and I truly wanted to enjoy this book, but I personally found it insufferable more often than not.
3 stars because the disparity between Rooney’s mastery of her craft and painful plot leaves me conflicted. I can’t give writing like this less than a 3 but can’t excuse the annoyances and frustrations I experienced while reading the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism
I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O'Farrell
5.0
Wow! What a textured life Maggie O’Farrell has lived. Her ability to transform these brushes with death into invaluable commentary on womanhood, disability, and motherhood is exquisitely adroit. It is a gripping read from start to finish and possibly the best memoir I have read.
As someone who struggles with similar neurological symptoms due to developmental disabilities, I cannot thank Maggie enough for being a voice for these often hidden struggles (particularly when navigating healthcare). This spoke to me on infinite levels, and I can't wait to read more of her work.
As someone who struggles with similar neurological symptoms due to developmental disabilities, I cannot thank Maggie enough for being a voice for these often hidden struggles (particularly when navigating healthcare). This spoke to me on infinite levels, and I can't wait to read more of her work.
Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou
5.0
What an inspiring life and what a wonderful mother Lady came to be.
Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley
3.0
While Sloane Crosley is talented, I wonder if she is talented enough to adopt so pretentious a tone. Excess name-dropping and materialistic superfluity notwithstanding, this memoir was charming at points. I think my issue with it is an issue with the author herself, who is simply not my type of person. Having not heard of her before this book was recommended, I was a bit surprised at the high regard she holds for herself and her personal effects. Proximity to greatness does not make one great, and this read, at times, as a memoir of a narcissist rather than a tribute to a dear departed friend.
I'm not one to judge how someone grieves; that is no one's place, but something about it all just rubbed me the wrong way. Mainly since I listened to this in audiobook format and listened to Sloane speak these words, oozing with privilege and pretension, herself.
As someone who has lost a dear friend to similar circumstances, I hoped there might be something a little more to this than an endless list of not-so-humble brags and this bizarre air of superiority. I suppose it is to be expected from someone with a publicist's background. I wish she approached this from a place of more humility.
I'm not one to judge how someone grieves; that is no one's place, but something about it all just rubbed me the wrong way. Mainly since I listened to this in audiobook format and listened to Sloane speak these words, oozing with privilege and pretension, herself.
As someone who has lost a dear friend to similar circumstances, I hoped there might be something a little more to this than an endless list of not-so-humble brags and this bizarre air of superiority. I suppose it is to be expected from someone with a publicist's background. I wish she approached this from a place of more humility.
Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
3.0
DNF @ 45% I listened to the audiobook version of this and while I found it to be a great portrayal of the Asian-American experience, funny at times, and all-around wholesome, I found the tone a bit too juvenile and really could not get through it. I understand the experience of being marginalized and the challenges and confusion that come with it, I think this book did a good job at explaining a lot of that, I just really can’t stand to listen to the simplistic and childlike tone any further than the point I’ve reached. It’s just not for me.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
5.0
Oh Joan, my heart breaks for all the loss she endured. What a poignant piece on grief.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
4.0
As someone who studied Renaissance art and history and has fallen in love with both Florence and Ferrara in my travels, I thoroughly appreciated this fictional immersion into the world of a Medici woman. O’Farrell’s Lucrezia is an admirable protagonist who paints a compelling view of the lonely lives Renaissance women led in their secluded private spaces.
This was a gripping read that lulled in some parts and strayed a little too far from history in others, but overall captured my heart.
This was a gripping read that lulled in some parts and strayed a little too far from history in others, but overall captured my heart.