emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

It's seriously mindblowing. I didn't realize at first that this book would be a series of interconnected short stories, but I loved the formatting. Throughout we discuss grief, loss, and hope within a speculative science fiction context that leaves you thinking "But what if...?". This book is deep and sad, and definitely triggering in this COVID era, so fair warning. But throughout, I loved seeing how the characters cope and grow. My favorite stories were City of Laughter, Through the Garden of Memory, and Pig Son - all of which are emotionally devastating and of course back to back in the book. Sequoia Nagamatsu's writing is clear and gripping, yet with a fair amount of whimsy as though he's pulling one over on you. (Which of course, he is). I'd recommend this book for fans of speculative science fiction and Black Mirror, but be ready to take it slow.

*Thank you to BiblioLifestyle and William Morrow for the gifted copy*

The best way I can describe this book is academic decathlon meets The Hate U Give with a queer twist. And I absolutely loved it. From the commentary on the micro-aggressions across races to the nerdy Avengers of the STEM team, it really covered all of the bases for me. We oscillate between hard-hitting and tender, touching on homelessness and homophobia, ending with a story that leaves you misty-eyed. My favorite part of it all was the found family aspect of the STEM team - from the icy Lindsay to the sweet Matthew, they all form a support network for Lex that felt real. I can't comment on the authenticity of the portrayal of autism in the text, but the foreword from the author on it seemed well-meaning. Give this one a shot if you're in the mood for some feels!

*Thank you to Flux Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I'm always down for a bucket list book, especially one that takes place in Australia and has ALLLL the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergence rep. We follow Cyra as she transplants her life to Paradise Bay after her mother enters therapy for her OCD. At the beginning, I was leery of the portrayal of OCD but it really improves once we delve into the descriptions of intrusive thoughts. Cyra tries to keep everyone in her life at arms length, and she gets to grow from this cynic into a heroine worthy of a rom-com. This is a great YA romance novel that will leave you dreaming of summer.

*Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Spectrum Books for the gifted ARC*

Oooooooh goodness, such a classic gaslight-y thriller. I figured it out, but a mid-Act 3 change had me questioning myself! Love it when a book can do that. The book itself can be a bit confusing between all of the time and perspective jumps, but it feeds into the whole "whodunnit, is this even real?" vibe. It's messy, gritty, and unapologetically queer and I loved that. Huge trigger warnings for drug use, addiction, and abuse though.

I've been obsessed with Rachel Lynn Solomon's books for a LONG time now, and this one is no different. We get an amazing Parent Trap plot to get their feuding bosses back together, so many weather and meteorology references, and a slow burn romance that feels like an eternity. But once that burn ends and the romance gets going... it's volcanic, it's tantric, and it made me go "Oooooh" in delight. However the real draw of this book is her description of depression. As a fellow depressed and medicated babe, I related to Ari's struggle with feeling like she's living behind a mask. Would everyone still love her if they saw her on her dark days? She exudes such positivity but uses it as a tool to keep people at arm's reach. And eventually when we see her break down, it feels so authentic to what I've experienced. Was RLS in my house last week watching me?

Also RUSSELL!! This sweet plus-sized sportscaster who played Pickleball with my heart is going to be everyone's new book boyfriend. We get to see his sensitivity and how much he truly cares for the people in his life and if that's not enough to make you Team Russell, I don't know what is.

Basically I loved this book and right now I feel dead inside because I'll never be able to read this for the first time again.

Mind blown. I didn't realize how much of life I spend multitasking until I listened to this book. And I was skeptical - who are you to tell me that I can't go on a walk while listening to an audiobook?? But they make a really solid point in that there should only be one PRIMARY task that you're trying to focus on. And THAT is a gamechanger for me. Breaking down all of the tasks into their monotask categories allows you to better see how you're spending your time and if there are any elements where you can improve. Personally, I need to improve time spent on listening and learning. The narrator was phenomenal and it was super fun to hear him talk about how he personally monotasks in the afterword. This is another self-help book that I'll be recommending to everyone!

*Thank you to Hachette Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*

This is what it feels like to take an epic fantasy novel and combine it with your favorite Miyazaki films. I felt vibes of Spirited Away, Ponyo, and Howl's Moving Castle throughout, just to name a few. Throughout, this Japanese-inspired fantasy felt real, not watered down for the average consumer. We had pronunciation guides in the footnotes as well as some fun etymology. Plus I absolutely loved Geiki and the entire cast of spirit characters. There's a lush landscape of worldbuilding that Traci Chee lovingly constructed, fun mythology to explore, and an adventure that will keep you captivated. What else could you want?

*Thank you to Clarion Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This is a good summer thriller - in the suburbs of New York, secrets come to the surface and nothing is as it seems. I loved following the 3 perspectives of Molly, Sabrina, and Jake over the last 10 years. They're real characters that make mistakes and raise questions like "What if you had another chance with the one who got away?". I wish that it had more thrills, since the few twists in the book were so well-foreshadowed that I knew they were coming. But overall it's a nice book for fans of thrillers but not gore or violence. However if miscarriage or infertility are triggers for you, I'd shy away.

*Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This book is hilarious and definitely one that I'll be gifting to my friends. My takeaways? Avoid the vicar and vats at all costs. And maybe just avoid quaint English villages altogether. It's dark and sardonic and I loved the monochrome art with the pops of red. There are so many references to the mysteries of old, and potentially to a few of Maureen's works. If you're in search of a quick read that'll have you laughing, pick this one up.

Generally when I hear a book being compared to Six of Crows, I'm hesitant at best. But I feel as though it's an adequate comparison here! We have a world of magic, a ragtag group of misfits forced to work towards a common goal, and so much glorious sin. That's where the similarity ends though, thankfully. The setting is delightful from the casinos to Sweetie Street, feeling opulent and grimy simultaneously. Some of the plot elements were predictable, but that didn't make me enjoy them any less. I loved watching Enne come into her own and Levi develop a sweeter side, but MAN am I glad that the series is finished already. Very excited for King of Fools!