this was quite good and compelling, but I finished it a few days ago and I can't remember anything specific that really stood out - very fun & easy tothis was quite good and compelling, but I finished it a few days ago and I can't remember anything specific that really stood out - very fun & easy to read , though!...more
this WAS a four star read... bordering on possibly five stars... until the 80% mark...and then it was simply all downhill from there. SAD.
williams dithis WAS a four star read... bordering on possibly five stars... until the 80% mark...and then it was simply all downhill from there. SAD.
williams did an incredible job of developing the characters, interweaving timelines, and making everything feel REAL -I wasn't ever absolutely desperate to know what was going on, but I couldn't put it down. however, around the uhhh 3/4 mark... I started to get bored and I was ready for things to end. the climax was disappointing, especially because of how well-written the suspense was. the falling action was boring, and the end was just disappointing. there was no satisfying payoff for the reader, and the way she wrote about sex made me really uncomfortable. i realize that was the point, but it was a little too disturbing. ...more
4.5, rounded up. Im convinced the low ratings are from people who didnt realize that this is meant to be SATIRE. it's a hilarious, ridiculous story th4.5, rounded up. Im convinced the low ratings are from people who didnt realize that this is meant to be SATIRE. it's a hilarious, ridiculous story that appears shallow BECAUSE IT IS MEANT TO. I had so much fun reading this and found myself crying from laughter a few times. our main character is so ridiculous but awkwardly relatable at times, making for pretty poignant commentary on jealousy, status, relationships, and basically everything about being a woman in her early twenties. this was SOOO FUN. READING DOESNT HAVE TO BE SERIOUS - and hating on chicklit doesn't make you an intellectual *kisses*...more
reading this while watching the crown definitely perfected the experience.
this book is NOT for everyone - admittedly, there isn't much plot, most (alreading this while watching the crown definitely perfected the experience.
this book is NOT for everyone - admittedly, there isn't much plot, most (all) of the characters are shallow and there is little (absolutely zero) character development, but the modern-day Bridgeton atmosphere, the ridiculousness of the characters, and Sykes's humor made this a super fun, quick, escapism read. I LOVED our entire cast of characters, honestly.
this is perfect for anyone who loves the regency era (it takes place in modern times but feels like regency) and anything British. don't expect an epic love story or anything inspirational, but you can expect a good time...more
WTF is up with this low rating? did this absolutely blow me away? no. did it lack an incredible climax? yeah. but, I thought it was g3.75, rounded up.
WTF is up with this low rating? did this absolutely blow me away? no. did it lack an incredible climax? yeah. but, I thought it was gripping and seductive story about sex work, privilege, and becoming an adult. it was disturbing and thought-provoking in a super unique way ...more
this was INCREDIBLE, impossible to put down, and really really really freaky. tremblay's seamless hopping between timelines had me in an absolute chokthis was INCREDIBLE, impossible to put down, and really really really freaky. tremblay's seamless hopping between timelines had me in an absolute chokehold. I LOVED how well this freaked the reader out, while making insightful, poignant remarks about growing up. THIS WAS INCREDIBLE....more
so you know how in Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban, Ron says "you're gonna suffer, but you're gonna be happy about it?" he was actually talkiso you know how in Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban, Ron says "you're gonna suffer, but you're gonna be happy about it?" he was actually talking about me reading this book
changed my mind after my immediate reread. this was 5 stars. not 4.5
4.5, rounded up. I read this in under 24 hours, so I will be rereading immediately and then I will write a nice long review, because I def missed some stuff - but my thoughts at this moment are: this isn't as good as snow's book, but still incredible, I love haymitch, and i know ill be drooling over him when the film is released next year
all in all, this was amazing and I cant wait to drool over shirtless haymitch in the movie!!! the scene where he shows his abdomen scar is gonna be unreal ....
alright, ive finished my immediate reread, and I have gathered thoughts from my updates and notes. so, upon first finishing this, I kind of thought that ballad was written bc Suzanne had more to say and this one was written as a fan service, but I no longer think that - I just think this had more fan service than ballad, but even then... the connections made this world so much more special. I loved meeting Katniss's parents!!!!! I adored young haymitch!!!! and I loved the message that change takes time and armies and dedication.
I loved the snakes and songbirds allegory - it takes both violence AND love to make real change. straight peace will never bring about change. I loved when the prep team (I think?... or maybe it was Drusilla) mentioned that a university student dyed all the fountains pink due to outrage because of face cream, but called woodbine chance ruining away from death a "riot".... it rang too true for events that weren't all that long ago
I adored haymitch's character - I loved how he was Katniss with more hope and personality, and that that collins's reader really gets to see the consequences of intergenerational trauma and starvation - Katniss has such little personality, hope, and music compared to haymitch, because life just continued to get worse in district 12
I think there was some meaning in magno (kept reading that as mango) being an addict, but I couldnt quite decipher it...so if someone could let me know that would be great
I loved the prep team worrying about their grades, because they appear clueless and superficial, but I know ive spent nights stressed about grades, completely unaware of my privilege in that being my only worry. they weren't being superficial - they were just privileged. I would love another book about Effy and haymitch's blossoming friendship....
I loved masilyee, and the importance in understanding that everyone loses under an oppressive government, even those who seem to benefit. I loved that the arena was beautiful and stunning on the outside, but poisonous on the inside. it reminded me of people who seem to thrive under oppressive regimens, but only because theyve been brainwashed (especially due to propaganda...)
some of my fave revelations: - Katniss descending from burdock who descended from Maude ivory - Lenore gray descending from Lucy gray, meaning that she wasn't killed by Coryo (which ive been saying for FIVE YEARS NOW) - forgot that ceaser flickerman wore the same suit every year - heavensbee staircase....hope.... for a better place (?maybe idk)
this was such an incredible, impossible to put down, all consuming read. Suzanne collins gets me to fall in love with every damn male character she writes. and im manifesting books about finnicks and mags starting now......more
wow, what a start to 2025! (much better than my 2024 reading start)
this was an elusive, incredible, intriguing, unique story - I loved ivy's craftineswow, what a start to 2025! (much better than my 2024 reading start)
this was an elusive, incredible, intriguing, unique story - I loved ivy's craftiness, her deceptive inner monologue, and her inability to stop to get what she wanted. were there some boring, slow sections? yes. did I want a bigger climax, or a bigger conflict? maybe. I never felt an IMMEDIATE need to know what was going to happen, and I didn't necessarily feel connected to the characters, but I was pulled in by the story and they all felt like real people. (well, except for Gideon, but we know why now)
considering this is yang's first novel, I was quite pleased, and I will definitely be picking up her future works. ...more
this was SO interesting, unique, and definitely gave me a fresh perspective on all kinds of relationships - romantic, platonic, etc. highly recommend this was SO interesting, unique, and definitely gave me a fresh perspective on all kinds of relationships - romantic, platonic, etc. highly recommend for anyone, specifically if you’re interested in communication, personal boundaries (in any area of your life, not just dating), and carving your own path!...more
this was an incredible, harrowing read that I absolutely cannot recommend enough - regardless of your relationship (or lack thereof) with religion. sothis was an incredible, harrowing read that I absolutely cannot recommend enough - regardless of your relationship (or lack thereof) with religion. sometimes the stories that hit me the hardest are the ones I have the least to say about (thinking Romantic ComedyRomantic Comedy, and that seems to be the case here. I found this to be touching, and I related to libby an awkward, uncomfortable way, but it was refreshing to read about. I was not expecting this to go the route it did, which made it all the better.
READ THIS, but be aware of a few trigger warnings - assault, incest, homophobia, violence ...more
4.5, rounded up. this was an absolutely incredible account of paris's life - as someone who is incredibly obsessed with memoirs, pop culture, celebrit4.5, rounded up. this was an absolutely incredible account of paris's life - as someone who is incredibly obsessed with memoirs, pop culture, celebrities, and social media, I knew I would love this story, but I had no idea how compelling the prose would be. it was fast-paced, compelling, and beautifully honest. I cried and I laughed and, most importantly, I was reminded that things are not always as they seem. appearances can be so so deceiving, and I am thankful that Paris (I cannot refer to as Hilton I am so sorry) was willing to be so vulnerable in order to teach her reader that. beautiful story. I highly recommend this!...more
im learning to rate YA books on a different scale than adult books, which should have been obvious to me, but for some reason wasn't. this was a fast-im learning to rate YA books on a different scale than adult books, which should have been obvious to me, but for some reason wasn't. this was a fast-paced read that was the perfect mix of light, quirky, fun & complicated, coming-of-age, young adult development LOL. were there some cringy lines and sections? obviously yes. but overall, this was a feel-good read & a super unique concept!!...more
4.5, rounded up. similar to Romantic Comedy and We Should Hang Out Sometime: Embarrassingly, a True Story, this spoke to me on such a deep level about4.5, rounded up. similar to Romantic Comedy and We Should Hang Out Sometime: Embarrassingly, a True Story, this spoke to me on such a deep level about how our relationship with ourself affects everything, EVERYTHING in our lives. there is nothing more important or influential. which like yeah obviously. but sometimes you need a 400 page book to really paint the picture. I really DONT think that was zevin's intent in writing this - but it's what I got. her message was made clear by the title and the nature of, clearly, video games.
SPOILERS INCOMING I must say I am VERY VERY VERY glad that sam and Sadie never had anything romantic transpire between them, and in my mind, neither one of them really wanted that. yeah, sure, crushes and pining were hinted at, but I think, at least on sam's part, that had more to do with his autism and his trouble with relationships in general than anything to do with Sadie. romance would have cheapened this, because it would have felt like fan service, like zevin wanted to please her reader more than teach her reader something. (now im thinking of tom Felton and Emma watson). I related to both Sadie and sam's inner self critic in a way that was so deep and uncomfortable, I thought I simply didnt like either one of them at first. but I did. (well, I liked sam)
THE PIONEER SCENE - I COULDNT BREATHE - I couldn't breathe because it was so beautifully written and actually made me reminisce on my friendship with my best friend from high school whom I no longer speak to, it was emotional and beautiful and honestly, quite lovely.
on sam's autism, the section where he couldn't deal with Sadie and Marx's relationship was SO TOUCHING, I couldn't stop sobbing. I interpreted that as him being unable to deal with the fact that they were together, not because he was jealous of their romantic connection, but because he was jealous of and uncomfortable with the fact that the two people closest to him understood and experienced something he didn't and couldn't understand. he felt left out of that fundamental human experience and it was shoved in his face by their relationship. WHERE IS THERAPY???
I loved sam's inner monologue, I loved his irritation at other people's annoying habits, his bluntness, and the way he didn't care what other people thought or how they responded to his words/actions. I understand that was likely part of his characterization/autism, but still. my favorite kind of character to read about (see: Carrie Soto Is Back).
sam's monologue to Sadie about why he though she didnt love him romantically - he was poor, disabled, whatever - had me crying so hard I literally couldn't see anything
SADIE Sadie Sadie really bothered me. it made me uncomfortable and upset to watch so many awful things happen to her, and to watch her let EVERY SINGLE MAN (with the exception of Marx, I guess) walk all over her and treat her like shit. I couldn't stand dov, and I refuse to accept that he had any influence in her life because I hated him so much. honestly, I was disappointed in her arc and felt that zevin didnt do her justice.
MARX SLAYED. HE SLAYED. I LOVED HIM, ANT, AND SIMON SO MUCH. they were comedic relief that was VERY necessary and SO fun. I KNEW someone was going to die and, while it was HEART WRENCHING, I understood why it had to be Marx. but I loved him so much. he was like the sun in sam and Sadie's stormy clouds (im writing this while looking out the window at hurricane Milton so weather is on my mind)
I understand the message of this book is that there is always a tomorrow, that LIFE GOES ON, it continues, and nothing, truly, is permeant. and I really appreciated it. to me, zevin wants her reader to know that if they look for their identity in other person, in their work, in money, talents, fame, family, whatever, they will always be disappointed. your identity has to come from you, your love and appreciation for yourself. friendship is great, love is great, professional success is great, money is awesome, but all of that can actually be fleeting. sam and Sadie were both so miserable because (all of their trauma and) neither one of them had a sense of self outside of their work and, eventually, their relationship with each other. despite all of my issues with Sadie's development (or lack thereof), I really loved her little monologue about realizing she didnt feel like a full person until her mid thirties (and what a relief that is)
I adored this book and I couldn't put it down. IT WAS SO GOOD AND GUT WRENCHING AND YES, IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN...more
enjoying a guy series was not on my 2024 bingo card but im loving it. this book was a WILD RIDE from start to finish and im positive that if I had reaenjoying a guy series was not on my 2024 bingo card but im loving it. this book was a WILD RIDE from start to finish and im positive that if I had read it last year, it would have probably taken me like 48 hours to get through it but alas responsibilities... this is not a perfect series by any means, but brown is incredibly creative, did an amazing job of world building, SLAYED with character development and simply knows how to enthrall his reader so that its impossible to put down his work
major spoilers incoming I was SO EXCITED about the possibility of an alliance between the jackal and darrow, but alas the twist with their relationship was actually quite a welcome bit - it cemented the message from lorn that some people JUST DONT CHANGE. roque SLAYS AND I loved his betrayal, as well as mustang's reaction at the end of the book. i loved watching her be developed into a character that isn't just a manic pixie dream girl for darrow. I was SOOOO sad that victra died, I loved her and would have loved to watch a darrow/victra relationship grow
THANK GOD he's finally reflecting on his relationship with eo because that shit was starting to piss me off - while mustang felt like a manic pixie dream girl, eo WAS LITERALY JUST WRTTEN AS A PERFECT WOMAN. I loved his little reflection at the end about her, and the message that brown conveyed about how people tend to romanticize the past. EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
I LOVED THE PLOTLINE WITH PAX'S FAMILY AND SPECIFICALLY HIS DAD BEING LIKE SUPER LOYA TO DARROW
FITCHNER being Aries, I completely called that and really liked that, also sevro was amazing in this, and I loved the interactions between him and darrow
all in all, this was a fun, gripping read, with amazing character development and improved narration and Im super excited to start the next one ...more
girl math is deciding I could survive this world because I do pure barre
this book definitely had some issues but I've forgiven them, because DESPITE tgirl math is deciding I could survive this world because I do pure barre
this book definitely had some issues but I've forgiven them, because DESPITE the issues I had with the narration, misogyny, and confusing world-building, I simply couldn't stop reading...more
this was an incredible, impossible to put down story that deserves a MUCH higher average rating. like always, michaelides delivered a story that was cthis was an incredible, impossible to put down story that deserves a MUCH higher average rating. like always, michaelides delivered a story that was compelling, all encompassing, and simply incredible! I HIGHLY recommend this!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVED the inner child reflection sections, our cast of characters, and uhhh pretty much everything about this? READ IT (and if I know you personally, you can borrow it!)...more
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