en-US Fri, 28 Mar 2025 01:55:13 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg ReadStatus9241448472 Fri, 28 Mar 2025 01:55:13 -0700 /review/show/7441717059 Ica wants to read The Fisherman's Gift by Julia R. Kelly
]]> Review7436032392 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:47:26 -0700 /review/show/7436032392 Ica gave 2 stars to The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year (Hardcover) by Ally Carter
This book, in fact, was not wonderful—it was a crime.

To preface my review, romance is my least favorite and least-read genre. So, when I received this book as a gift, a blind date with a book, I thought it might change my perception of romance novels. But alas, dear readers, it did not.

The story is essentially a knockoff of one of Agatha Christie's books, where a prominent writer goes missing in her own manor after inviting some family members and three authors. The focus couple, Maggie and Ethan, are among the guests.

I found myself more interested in the background characters than in these two. Maggie is supposed to be likable but is anything but, and Ethan is just another generic macho man. The plot is long, boring, and stuffed with every romance trope imaginable.

Beyond that, I found parts of this book quite problematic. One scene that stood out involves baby Ellie instantly calming down in Ethan’s arms. While this moment is likely meant to be lighthearted, Maggie’s comment��"Well, it is a girl,"—raises concerns. It implies that Ellie’s preference for Ethan is due to her gender rather than simple comfort, reinforcing outdated ideas about female behavior.

The most unsettling aspect is that Ellie is an infant, yet Maggie interprets her actions through a gendered, almost romanticized lens. Babies seek warmth and security, not companionship based on gender. Framing Ellie’s reaction this way subtly implies an attraction-based dynamic that feels uncomfortable—especially in light of recent controversies, such as the Australian author’s book that stirred similar discussions. This left a bad taste in my mouth.

Adding to my frustration was the repeated "I hate you so much I could kill you" sentiment. At one point, Maggie lies in bed fantasizing about ways to murder Ethan. What has romance come to? This isn’t romantic—it’s a huge red flag.

Ultimately, this book was definitely not for me. ]]> Review7413066175 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:31:30 -0700 /review/show/7413066175 Ica gave 5 stars to Isola (Hardcover) by Allegra Goodman
𝐌𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫—𝐢�� 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬. 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐈𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐢𝐬𝐧’�� 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞.

This historical fiction novel is based on the real-life story of Marguerite de la Rocque, a noblewoman from the 1500s. Orphaned early—her mother dying in childbirth and her father in war—Marguerite’s only remaining family is her father’s cousin and legal guardian, Roberval. Until she comes of age, he controls her inheritance, as well as her future.

Marguerite’s closest companions are her nurse, Damienne, and her governess, Madame D’Artois, along with the governess’s daughter, Claire. But her life is abruptly uprooted when Roberval sells her family estate and forces her and Damienne to accompany him on his voyage to New France. She has little choice in the matter.

During the journey, Marguerite befriends one of Roberval’s servants, and their relationship soon deepens into something more. But their connection does not go unnoticed. Furious, Roberval maroons them on an isolated island—along with Damienne—as punishment.

Stranded with little to survive on, the three must endure the brutal days and nights ahead. Their resources dwindle as the weeks and months drag on, forcing Marguerite to adapt and fight for her survival.

The author breathes new life into Marguerite’s forgotten tale, and I deeply appreciated the historical accuracy woven throughout. Watching Marguerite transform from a noble young woman into a fierce survivor was both inspiring and emotionally gripping.

This beautifully written novel highlights the historical reality of how little control women had over their own lives, with men making all the decisions that shaped their futures.

That said, many readers have criticized the book’s pacing, and I understand why. Certain sections are slow, and some may struggle with that. However, I didn’t mind these moments because of the gorgeous writing and the fascinating world it depicts.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the strong presence of religion and spirituality. For some, this might be a deterrent. But in the context of 16th-century colonization—when Christianity, particularly Catholicism, was weaponized—it felt essential. Marguerite’s spiritual journey was authentic to the time and to her circumstances.

Overall, Isola is an unforgettable story about a remarkable woman and this will stay with me for a long time. A very easy five-star read for me. ]]> ReadStatus9089182658 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:06:34 -0800 /review/show/7335191444 Ica wants to read The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan
]]> Review7331921610 Mon, 17 Feb 2025 22:50:01 -0800 /review/show/7331921610 Ica has read Bluets (Paperback) by Maggie Nelson
The first DNF of the year.

This book had been sitting on my physical TBR stand for years, so I finally decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I had to put it away after encountering the word f**king more times than I could count in such a short book. It felt excessive, and I just couldn't push through—for my sanity. LOL.

What are some reasons you've DNF'd a book? ]]> Review7328173337 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 19:58:52 -0800 /review/show/7328173337 Ica gave 3 stars to Victorian Psycho (Hardcover) by Virginia Feito
⚠️ Before deciding to read this book, I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings. ⚠️

I stumbled upon this book while scrolling through the Libby app, and the title and genre immediately caught my attention. Naturally, I had to read it right away.

The story follows Winifred Notty, who becomes a governess in the Pounds household. But here’s the thing—Winifred is batshit crazy. She’s a ruthless killer, a wolf in wolf’s clothing, unbeknownst to the Pounds.

This book is grotesque, nauseating, and deeply unsettling. Reading from Winifred’s POV feels like experiencing a psychotic breakdown every few pages, and it’s wild. She’s like a twisted mix of Lizzie Borden and Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.

While the book is short, with brief chapters, it leaves more questions than answers. The plot holes are glaring, and as a reader, I felt a lack of closure.

That said, I still found it an interesting read. It delivers on gothic horror vibes, and I can see why it caught attention. I’ve read that A24 has acquired the rights for a film adaptation, which is exciting—I love their work, and I’m curious to see how they bring this unsettling story to life.

Again, check the trigger warnings before picking this up. This book isn’t for everyone. ]]> Review7310920810 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:16:18 -0800 /review/show/7310920810 Ica gave 4 stars to The White Book (Hardcover) by Han Kang
The White Book by Han Kang is a meditative and poetic novel that blends fiction, memoir, and philosophical reflection. It revolves around the narrator’s contemplation of the color white, using it as a lens to explore themes of loss, grief, and memory.

The book is structured as a series of short, fragmented prose pieces, each centered on white objects—snow, salt, rice, swaddling cloth, fog, and more. The narrator reflects on the death of her older sister, who died shortly after birth, and how that loss has shaped her existence. Set partly in a foreign city, the book also examines personal and collective trauma, weaving in reflections on history and war.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its emotional resonance—Kang’s writing is sparse yet profound, evoking a sense of longing and remembrance. The way she weaves personal grief with broader historical wounds adds layers of depth, making it more than just a personal meditation.

The White Book is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page. Perfect for those who appreciate quiet, meditative literature. ]]> Review7295508003 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:42:50 -0800 /review/show/7295508003 Ica gave 4 stars to The Crash (Hardcover) by Freida McFadden
This was my first full-length novel by Freida McFadden (aside from the satire novella I read last month), and I was lucky enough to buddy read it with a friend—which made the experience even more enjoyable!

The Crash is definitely an interesting read. While I’m not too familiar with McFadden’s work, I’ve heard she’s known for her unpredictable plot twists, and this book delivers on that reputation.

The story follows two women. First, there’s Teegan, a young woman in her early twenties who is heavily pregnant as a result of a non-consensual act. When things take a turn for the worse, she decides to drive through a snowstorm to reach her brother’s place—but she crashes and is rescued by a seemingly kind couple.

Then there’s Polly, who lives in an isolated, freezing area with her husband, Hank. Polly is a devoted wife, but her intense longing for motherhood has clouded her judgment. When she crosses paths with Teegan, things quickly spiral into chaos.

While the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking, it thrives on misunderstandings and assumptions between the two women. At times, I found myself frustrated with their poor decisions and flawed logic, yet I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for both, as life had clearly dealt them a tough hand.

As for the big reveal—I had mixed feelings. If we had gotten a chapter or two from that particular character’s POV, I think it would have landed better. I wasn’t completely blown away by the twist, but it wasn’t terrible either, it was rather more...odd.

Overall, I had a good time reading this one! ]]> Review7285413539 Sun, 02 Feb 2025 22:34:15 -0800 /review/show/7285413539 Ica gave 5 stars to The Favorites (Hardcover) by Layne Fargo
This book was an absolute whirlwind—entertaining, messy, and scandalous in the best way! I devoured it. Initially, I hesitated, assuming it was just another sports romance, but it turned out to be so much more. At its core, The Favorites is about a woman determined to forge her own path, both on and off the ice.

The story unfolds through an unauthorized documentary filmed ten years after Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha’s final skate—the last time the world heard from Katarina. Friends, rivals, and insiders weigh in, but Katarina is set on reclaiming her own narrative. The book alternates between interview transcripts (in a style reminiscent of 'Daisy Jones & The Six') and Katarina’s first-person account, drawing readers into the dramatic rise and fall that made her infamous.

The characters are incredibly well-developed—flawed, complex, and deeply human. You might hate them at times, but their authenticity is undeniable. Katarina, in particular, is unapologetically ambitious, and while some readers might judge her for her selfishness, I found her determination compelling.

Beyond the personal drama, the book also explores the ruthless demands placed on athletes, especially women—how the world expects them to give everything for success and then condemns them for the choices they make to get there. It also delves into relationships, both platonic and romantic, embracing their imperfections and toxicity in a way that feels raw and real.

Like I said—messy, dramatic, and juicy. And I loved every second of it. It might not be the most heartwarming or poetic book out there, but it’s an absolute page-turner. Five stars from me!

If you enjoyed 'Daisy Jones & The Six', 'Wuthering Heights' (there are light nods to the classic), or 'I, Tonya', this one is a must-read. ]]> Review7247357368 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:10:49 -0800 /review/show/7247357368 Ica gave 3 stars to A Language of Dragons (Hardcover) by S.F. Williamson
The author did an excellent job exploring language—how it connects people, reveals truths about the world, and expresses emotion. Reading this book in today’s political climate felt eerily relevant. It examines the control of media, propaganda, education, separation, knowledge, and brainwashing to maintain a compliant population. What sets this story apart is the way it translates these ideas into a world divided between humans, dragons, rebels, and a manipulative government.

Initially, I expected the main character and the dragon to escape to a sanctuary filled with dragons, where she’d learn more about their language. However, that wasn’t the plot—I may have imagined that part on my own. Instead, the story centers on a group of misfits using their unique skills to help the government combat a coalition of human and dragon rebels. While the premise is engaging, the middle section dragged on longer than necessary, which slowed the pacing for me.

I understand why some readers might dislike the main character. She comes across as overly righteous or selfish at times. But I found her inner conflict compelling—torn between saving her family and making the difficult choice to sacrifice them for the greater good of innocent humans and dragons.

I’m unsure if this is meant to be part of a series or a standalone novel. If it’s a standalone, there are significant plot holes and unresolved questions. For instance, I would’ve appreciated a deeper exploration of the world-building and more backstory about how things came to be.

Overall, I think this book would appeal to readers who love stories about language and dragons. Despite its flaws, it offers an intriguing take on the power of communication and the bonds that transcend species and ideologies. ]]>