sarah2438's reviews
1046 reviews

Completely addicting-- I read it in a day.
I found it very interesting how if I wasn't paying attention, I could almost be sucked into June's ideology. She does such a thorough job of brainwashing herself that there are times (especially when she's being more subtle) that you almost feel it yourself.
I loved the unreliable narrator aspect because of this, and how it prompts you to wonder who Athena really was. June is overtly critical of her most times, while at other times deeply sentimental and borderline-Sapphic in her descriptions. But as June herself writes at one time, that's a way to get Tiktok talking. So who even was June?
Finally, I have to say that I did not expect the thriller aspect to actually feel thrilling. Without going into detail, I'll say that there were a few sections that were actually quite unsettling, particularly in the last quarter of the book.
The commentary on the publishing industry was a bit on the nose, but that's really my main complaint. I think this may even be closer to a 4.5 than a 4, but it's just not quite at a perfect 5 stars for me. Highly recommend though.

I feel like this is 4.75 stars but I don't do quarter ratings so we'll say it's 5. The vibes and writing are IMMACULATE. I'm just undecided on how I feel about the ending, I'm not sure I totally got it. It's odd to say because of how integral the competition is, but it was my least favorite part. But the romantic chemistry and everything else was just divine.

I understand that Briony is a fictional character, but that's not gonna stop her from being public enemy #1.
I started this book knowing basically nothing about it except that a selfish little girl ruined everyone's lives and yeah, that's right. But as anticipated, this book is critically acclaimed for a reason. It took me a while to get into-- Briony is so damn pretentious as a child, the font is tiny, and unimportant details are dragged out for quite a while-- but I can absolutely see the merit and came to love/hate it as I binged it on this fine Saturday. I don't think I'm as critical of a reader as I maybe should be, so I'm sure there's all manner of analysis I should be doing, but I am simply a vibes reader.
I recommend, but be in the right headspace and know that this book probably won't give you an ounce of joy.

Too stinking cute. I've been feeling a little under the weather today, so I called out from work and just read this in bed with my cat. It was exactly the right medicine. It may be a little cheesy at times but it's just so sweet and cozy. Highly recommend when you just need a comfort read.
Also, yay for the 100th book of 2023!

I love Julia Whelan's narration on this audiobook but it feels like 3 star to me. I don't like teacher/ student relationships, even if everyone's saying it's okay because he's technically only a TA (who is teaching the whole class...) Aside from that, I'm not feeling and chemistry and I also think it's odd to introduce such a highstakes, important job and then never actually show her doing it.

As per my rule, any memoir that doesn't feel like 5 stars will not receive a rating. I don't want to rate someone's story unless it's phenomenal. I struggled with the bluntness of how graphic the abuse was, as well as the overtness of religion at the end. But it does present a lot of food for thought and is a worthwhile read. I had no idea this was the background of #metoo.

Cute. The ending left me with a lot of unanswered questions

Why doesn't Ben want to go home? Who are the travelers every year? What will their families do if they're actually going on this grand adventure around the earth?

  but I don't want to be super critical since this is technically a middle-grade book. The art was beautiful and it's just a nice story of friendship and adventure. I would like to see an adult version of this-- I think it could be darker and a little more twisted.

This one was fun! Not much of a mystery but the writing was good and I liked the creepy atmosphere. Pretty twisted. I'd recommend.

Umm this was stunning?? I loved it from the first page. Romance and mystery without being a romance or a mystery.

I'm starting to slump. I tried liking this because I loved Circe and I expected similar vibes, but the story just isn't working and I don't want to push through for 3 stars. It's boring and the characters are flat.