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astridandlouise's Reviews (665)
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to HarperCollins Publishers Australia via NetGalley.
Centered around five friends in Australia during 1992, this book tells the story of the three Van Apfel girls that disappear and Laura and Tikka, their two friends that are left behind once they're gone. Narrated by Tikka you get a small glimpse into the lives the girls led in the weeks before the disappearance, in particular the lives of the Van Apfel girls and the lasting impact it has on Tikka and Laura as they grow into women, never finding answers to the questions they seek. Touching on everything from their home life, (extreme Christian fundamentalist father) school life, (with the new slightly creepy and odd male teacher) and their friendships.
This book had great promise and strong bones however I felt it fell just short of the mark for me. Whilst the mystery of the disappearance remained at the end, there were other untied ends left (the extent to which their father harmed them, the involvement of Mr. Avery, the pregnancy etc.) that I sought closure on.
Centered around five friends in Australia during 1992, this book tells the story of the three Van Apfel girls that disappear and Laura and Tikka, their two friends that are left behind once they're gone. Narrated by Tikka you get a small glimpse into the lives the girls led in the weeks before the disappearance, in particular the lives of the Van Apfel girls and the lasting impact it has on Tikka and Laura as they grow into women, never finding answers to the questions they seek. Touching on everything from their home life, (extreme Christian fundamentalist father) school life, (with the new slightly creepy and odd male teacher) and their friendships.
This book had great promise and strong bones however I felt it fell just short of the mark for me. Whilst the mystery of the disappearance remained at the end, there were other untied ends left (the extent to which their father harmed them, the involvement of Mr. Avery, the pregnancy etc.) that I sought closure on.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Grove Atlantic via NetGalley
“And there it was, the question that women were never supposed to ask when it comes to relationships. What am I getting out of it? Because who cares, right? Who cares what the woman is getting out of it as long as someone else is getting something out of her.”
I highly enjoyed this follow up from Bushnell and devoured it fairly quickly. A completely different composition style in comparison to the SATC original, this is composed as Bushnell’s memoir post divorce, living in The City that she loves but has outgrown and navigating the dating world as a newly single middle aged woman alongside her close group of also single girlfriends. The short stories and anecdotes she shares are both amusing and relatable (even as a woman in my early thirties) and she gives us a great overview of the hurdles and new obstacles (including technological advances) one meets as she returns to the dating scene which has changed dramatically since her last foray as a single woman many years earlier. Bushnell leaves us with an ending that’s unfortunately all too familiar amongst friendships groups worldwide, irrespective of gender and a gentle reminder to love your friends, hold them close and look out for one another even when everything seems okay.
“And there it was, the question that women were never supposed to ask when it comes to relationships. What am I getting out of it? Because who cares, right? Who cares what the woman is getting out of it as long as someone else is getting something out of her.”
I highly enjoyed this follow up from Bushnell and devoured it fairly quickly. A completely different composition style in comparison to the SATC original, this is composed as Bushnell’s memoir post divorce, living in The City that she loves but has outgrown and navigating the dating world as a newly single middle aged woman alongside her close group of also single girlfriends. The short stories and anecdotes she shares are both amusing and relatable (even as a woman in my early thirties) and she gives us a great overview of the hurdles and new obstacles (including technological advances) one meets as she returns to the dating scene which has changed dramatically since her last foray as a single woman many years earlier. Bushnell leaves us with an ending that’s unfortunately all too familiar amongst friendships groups worldwide, irrespective of gender and a gentle reminder to love your friends, hold them close and look out for one another even when everything seems okay.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Random House UK, Transword Publishers via NetGalley
I'm conflicted with how to review this book. I absorbed it over the course of a few hours and felt invested in Ruth and her story however, I'm not sure I liked it. Interesting and thoughtfully written, yes but it seems that it was missing something. Or perhaps that is the point, that life and the journey it takes us on can be difficult and sometimes bland but also connect us to those around us as at the end of it all, we're all ordinary people.
I'm conflicted with how to review this book. I absorbed it over the course of a few hours and felt invested in Ruth and her story however, I'm not sure I liked it. Interesting and thoughtfully written, yes but it seems that it was missing something. Or perhaps that is the point, that life and the journey it takes us on can be difficult and sometimes bland but also connect us to those around us as at the end of it all, we're all ordinary people.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to BooksGoSocial via NetGalley
A story about two women, how their lives intertwine and how remarkably different their worlds are. The subject matters at the core of this book are both urgent and relevant. I was gripped by the story and read it quicker than I anticipated. However the writing wasn't exceptional. Brooks has created a great narrative with such potential but it is missing the expressive and gritty vocabulary that I crave to read. I wanted to feel a deeper connection to the characters and I wanted more depth in both the writing and the character development. I read another review that suggested this book has a very YA feel to it. And with that I entirely agree. It had potential to be something breathtaking and visceral but just fell short.
A story about two women, how their lives intertwine and how remarkably different their worlds are. The subject matters at the core of this book are both urgent and relevant. I was gripped by the story and read it quicker than I anticipated. However the writing wasn't exceptional. Brooks has created a great narrative with such potential but it is missing the expressive and gritty vocabulary that I crave to read. I wanted to feel a deeper connection to the characters and I wanted more depth in both the writing and the character development. I read another review that suggested this book has a very YA feel to it. And with that I entirely agree. It had potential to be something breathtaking and visceral but just fell short.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Hachette Australia via NetGalley
Set in 1998, we follow Mike as he begins his first year of high school whilst navigating his mum's advanced cancer diagnoses and the likely outcome of having to live with his dad full-time. It is loosely based on Okine's childhood and losing his own mother at age 12.
This is a narrative full of feeling and I can't deny that I was teary at various points throughout the book. It is such an engaging read; packed with every emotional state you remember experiencing at twelve. All of those emotions so vivid and relevant at that prepubescent age when you wholeheartedly believe you're the only one to have ever experienced such extreme swinging feelings. I highly enjoyed the style in which Okine wrote and felt affection for all the characters woven throughout.
This book took me back to my childhood and the first developed fiction that I fell deeply in love with, "Looking for Alibrandi". That book truly shaped me when I first read it at thirteen; it made me feel seen and understood. "Being Black 'n Chicken and Chips" has the same spark that Marchetta first gifted readers back in 1992 and in the same vein, Okine has offered something remarkably special to a new generation of young Australian readers. For the kids growing up who are experiencing loss, who are feeling insecure about themselves, who are navigating the schoolyard and all the complexities that come with it; this is a book that kids can cling to and can come away from feeling seen, understood and hopefully a little more accepting of themselves. It's important to see your environment reflected in society around you as you develop and I'm so glad Okine has offered young Aussie's a story set in their backyard.
This isn't necessarily a story for young readers (it can be enjoyed by all) but it is definitely one that will resonate with and be helpful for young kids beginning to navigate their lives.
Set in 1998, we follow Mike as he begins his first year of high school whilst navigating his mum's advanced cancer diagnoses and the likely outcome of having to live with his dad full-time. It is loosely based on Okine's childhood and losing his own mother at age 12.
This is a narrative full of feeling and I can't deny that I was teary at various points throughout the book. It is such an engaging read; packed with every emotional state you remember experiencing at twelve. All of those emotions so vivid and relevant at that prepubescent age when you wholeheartedly believe you're the only one to have ever experienced such extreme swinging feelings. I highly enjoyed the style in which Okine wrote and felt affection for all the characters woven throughout.
This book took me back to my childhood and the first developed fiction that I fell deeply in love with, "Looking for Alibrandi". That book truly shaped me when I first read it at thirteen; it made me feel seen and understood. "Being Black 'n Chicken and Chips" has the same spark that Marchetta first gifted readers back in 1992 and in the same vein, Okine has offered something remarkably special to a new generation of young Australian readers. For the kids growing up who are experiencing loss, who are feeling insecure about themselves, who are navigating the schoolyard and all the complexities that come with it; this is a book that kids can cling to and can come away from feeling seen, understood and hopefully a little more accepting of themselves. It's important to see your environment reflected in society around you as you develop and I'm so glad Okine has offered young Aussie's a story set in their backyard.
This isn't necessarily a story for young readers (it can be enjoyed by all) but it is definitely one that will resonate with and be helpful for young kids beginning to navigate their lives.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley
I have already seen much hype around this book, and I must say that it's mostly worthy of it. It's The Hunger Games meets Lord of the Flies with characteristics of The Power and The Handmaid's Tale. I was pulled into the story from the first page and the further into the book I read, the further I got pulled in.
Of course I would've liked more backstory as how the County came to be, why the Grace Year was implemented, deeper character development and backstory however, it is a YA book and I don't expect that to be a strong focus in this genre. It will definitely pull girls in and they'll find a hero, a sister and a friend in Tierney. A very entertaining and absorbing read which I would recommend to any who enjoy YA dystopia narratives.
I have already seen much hype around this book, and I must say that it's mostly worthy of it. It's The Hunger Games meets Lord of the Flies with characteristics of The Power and The Handmaid's Tale. I was pulled into the story from the first page and the further into the book I read, the further I got pulled in.
Of course I would've liked more backstory as how the County came to be, why the Grace Year was implemented, deeper character development and backstory however, it is a YA book and I don't expect that to be a strong focus in this genre. It will definitely pull girls in and they'll find a hero, a sister and a friend in Tierney. A very entertaining and absorbing read which I would recommend to any who enjoy YA dystopia narratives.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Little A via NetGalley
Marlo is twenty-five years old and has been raised on a survivalist ranch in Oregon, cut off from the rest of the world as it crumbles under the effects of climate change, referred to as 'The Disaster'. However the ranch is only populated by the successful and wealthy from similar circles of society that can buy their way in with membership, they purchase supplies off site (so it's not an entirely self-contained ranch, therefore what is the point?) and is inhabited mostly by people over the age of forty, highlighting the problematic scope of keeping such a community active as its population ages.
I'm unsure whether my expectations based on the description of the book and the narrative I had envisioned in my head were set too high; my assumptions too lofty to appease. But this just seemed to romanticise circumstance and fortune whilst watching society collapse. There were secrets, but none that were surprising. The characters weren't overly likable; they seemed content to neglect the struggling communities surrounding them to ensure the society they had grown accustomed to had the opportunity to survive within their ranch walls. It was somewhat uncomfortable to read; almost like reading about the effects of climate change through the eyes of the 1% and emerge wanting to pop the bubbles they're living in.
The writing style was enjoyable, the book free-flowing and easy to read. I liked the amount of description in Sloley's words and the structure of the plot. I just didn't find this narrative relatable; it just didn't resonate positively with me.
2.5 stars.
Marlo is twenty-five years old and has been raised on a survivalist ranch in Oregon, cut off from the rest of the world as it crumbles under the effects of climate change, referred to as 'The Disaster'. However the ranch is only populated by the successful and wealthy from similar circles of society that can buy their way in with membership, they purchase supplies off site (so it's not an entirely self-contained ranch, therefore what is the point?) and is inhabited mostly by people over the age of forty, highlighting the problematic scope of keeping such a community active as its population ages.
I'm unsure whether my expectations based on the description of the book and the narrative I had envisioned in my head were set too high; my assumptions too lofty to appease. But this just seemed to romanticise circumstance and fortune whilst watching society collapse. There were secrets, but none that were surprising. The characters weren't overly likable; they seemed content to neglect the struggling communities surrounding them to ensure the society they had grown accustomed to had the opportunity to survive within their ranch walls. It was somewhat uncomfortable to read; almost like reading about the effects of climate change through the eyes of the 1% and emerge wanting to pop the bubbles they're living in.
The writing style was enjoyable, the book free-flowing and easy to read. I liked the amount of description in Sloley's words and the structure of the plot. I just didn't find this narrative relatable; it just didn't resonate positively with me.
2.5 stars.
I received an advance reading copy of this book thanks to Grove Atlantic/Grove Press via NetGalley.
This is a tough one to review. I absolutely loved Acampora's writing style. Her prose was lyrical and her use of language elegant. However I was perplexed by the characters in this book, namely the protagonist Abby. At the beginning of the book she irritated me and by the end she just left me perplexed and baffled. A story that many people have depicted before, but that absolutely none have done in such a fashion. After reading this, it is clear that Acampora is obviously a gifted writer, I'm just left a little uncertain about the construction of the characters contained within these pages.
This is a tough one to review. I absolutely loved Acampora's writing style. Her prose was lyrical and her use of language elegant. However I was perplexed by the characters in this book, namely the protagonist Abby. At the beginning of the book she irritated me and by the end she just left me perplexed and baffled. A story that many people have depicted before, but that absolutely none have done in such a fashion. After reading this, it is clear that Acampora is obviously a gifted writer, I'm just left a little uncertain about the construction of the characters contained within these pages.
I received an advance reading copy of this book thanks to Simon & Schuster (Australia) via NetGalley
I really did not know what to expect of this book and after a little bit of online research scoping the different titles etc., I decided straight off the bat (not really knowing what the book entailed) that I preferred the both the title The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton and also the cover art of this specific edition.
Once I began reading, it was incredibly easy to keep pace and continue to read on. I sat back cautious about where the story was heading; I highly despise the generic boys treats girl badly, girl is a wreck, boy apologies, girl happily returns, narrative. So many books have great promise only to travel the same path as so very many before them and honestly, it's just a little boring and predictable - I like a thrill and pleasant surprise when I read fiction books of this nature every now and then. For them all to have a similar ending isn't overly enjoyable for every reader. I am so happy I put my trust in Harris and where she was directing the narrative. I didn't know whether I felt angry, helpless or sorry for Grace whilst I was reading but I'm glad Harris took her in the direction that she did. By the end of the book I felt a sense of pride and camaraderie at the strength Grace built after tackling some very difficult situations that one hopes never to be in the midst of.
The structure in which this book is written is beautiful. It flows gracefully and I felt a sense of gentleness whilst reading. The amount of detail written about the violin family and how they are crafted is perfect. You get a good overview of the art without receiving too much information that distracts from the flow of the story. Atherton has done a fantastic job at fusing romanticism to the craft of violin-making throughout her narrative.
I highly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to reader of contemporary fiction.
I really did not know what to expect of this book and after a little bit of online research scoping the different titles etc., I decided straight off the bat (not really knowing what the book entailed) that I preferred the both the title The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton and also the cover art of this specific edition.
Once I began reading, it was incredibly easy to keep pace and continue to read on. I sat back cautious about where the story was heading; I highly despise the generic boys treats girl badly, girl is a wreck, boy apologies, girl happily returns, narrative. So many books have great promise only to travel the same path as so very many before them and honestly, it's just a little boring and predictable - I like a thrill and pleasant surprise when I read fiction books of this nature every now and then. For them all to have a similar ending isn't overly enjoyable for every reader. I am so happy I put my trust in Harris and where she was directing the narrative. I didn't know whether I felt angry, helpless or sorry for Grace whilst I was reading but I'm glad Harris took her in the direction that she did. By the end of the book I felt a sense of pride and camaraderie at the strength Grace built after tackling some very difficult situations that one hopes never to be in the midst of.
The structure in which this book is written is beautiful. It flows gracefully and I felt a sense of gentleness whilst reading. The amount of detail written about the violin family and how they are crafted is perfect. You get a good overview of the art without receiving too much information that distracts from the flow of the story. Atherton has done a fantastic job at fusing romanticism to the craft of violin-making throughout her narrative.
I highly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to reader of contemporary fiction.
I received an advance reading copy of this book thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux via NetGalley
This was a quick little read but I must say de Kerangal has a gift with written word. Penned beautifully and with such a lyrical translation from Taylor, I was blown away by the impact the prose had on me whilst reading.
Having grown up in the hospitality industry nothing in Mauro's story surprised me. I know the tough slog it requires to be a chef, the sheer dedication it takes to live your dream and the deep love of food you're required to possess if you don't want the industry to grind you down. I would have loved for this to be five times the length that it was. The use of language and the structure of the narrative would have entertained me for days.
This was a quick little read but I must say de Kerangal has a gift with written word. Penned beautifully and with such a lyrical translation from Taylor, I was blown away by the impact the prose had on me whilst reading.
Having grown up in the hospitality industry nothing in Mauro's story surprised me. I know the tough slog it requires to be a chef, the sheer dedication it takes to live your dream and the deep love of food you're required to possess if you don't want the industry to grind you down. I would have loved for this to be five times the length that it was. The use of language and the structure of the narrative would have entertained me for days.