V romantical v warm and fuzzy

This was alright. This was a compulsively readable novel that I finished in two days- but I'm not sure I liked it. The Cave Dwellers follows the exploits and betrayals of uber wealthy, powerful families in Washington DC who are reeling after the brutal murder of a family much like theirs. It tells a parallel storyline of power couples and their privileged teenage children, who are all connected in some way. McDowell was inspired by her actual lived experience growing up as a member of the DC elite, which made the story a bit more interesting in hindsight. 

Besides Bunny and Cate, I couldn't tell you about any other characters because they were all interchangeable and completely the same. (Maybe that was the point?) It was also unclear whether this story aimed to be satire, a didactic critique of class and privilege, or fever dream of wild parties and outrageous disregard for others. 

I appreciate what McDowell, a white woman, is trying to do with this book in bringing attention to the engrained racial bias, privilege, and harmful behavior that all white people in the US hold. At this point, though, there are just other authors I'd rather read that tackle this subject. I already know (rich) white people are awful. I don't need to read a book about it where no one actually changes. 

The comp to Bonfire of the Vanities meets The Nest is very apt. There are a few funny moments where characters make commentary on themselves, but don't realize it because no one is self-aware. If you like fast-paced stories about rich people doing awful rich people things, you will enjoy this. It can definitely be fun and escapist to read about people whose biggest concern is whether they will be accepted into an exclusive country club or not. 

CW: suicide, racism, infidelity

*Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!*

Tiffany D Jackson is such a damn good writer. The way she writes characters, their relationships, unspoken but understood tension- it’s so brilliant. Let Me Hear a Rhyme has a bit more adventure woven into the plot compared to Monday’s Not Coming and Grown. The subject matter is still serious and the stakes are high, but it feels a bit more light hearted, if that makes any sense.

Anyways, I really liked this book. The narrator for Jasmine wasn’t my favorite, but Jasmine was my favorite character. Also, wow the 90s is considered historical fiction I am old.

Wow I really loved this book. The subject matter is sad. Michelle depicts her relationship with her mother growing up, the traumatic experience of losing her to cancer, and the process of grief she goes through in the years afterwards. 

Michelle’s exploration of her relationship with her mother is described through food. So much memory and connection is found in food, and you really felt that in this book. It’s definitely a very personal depiction and is more about her side of the relationship, rather than her mother’s. Even though it’s one-sided, her experience of grief is universal and I connected with a lot of it. 

I really loved this romance! The conflicts and problems the couple faces are realistic and serious, and I love when romance books involve the main character’s friends, work, family etc. Basically, this is a sweet romance that is based in reality, and the characters are in their 30s so it’s a bit more relatable for me. 

Naya’s ex, Davis is a piece of trash so trigger warnings whenever his character is involved. Just be aware that there is intimate partner violence and verbal/emotional abuse discussed on the page. Naya’s journey of processing her trauma and healing is rewarding to read, and I appreciated the scenes where she stood up for herself. 

CW: misogyny, intimate partner abuse, verbal abuse, trash ex-boyfriends, overly confident but incompetent white men.

Honey Girl addresses a universal feeling among millenials. You follow the steps, you work your ass off, and once you emerge from your world of structure and schedule into the "real" world, you feel completely unmoored and directionless. You can't find an equitable job, you're in debt; whatever your situation is, you've probably felt a similar feeling to what is captured by Morgan Rogers in this book. 

Rogers talks about this overwhelming feeling, alongside the intersections of race, class, and mental health. I definitely see value in this story, and I'm sure many other people will love it. Many other people DO love it, so me not enjoying the book that much is definitely a ME thing. Nothing really happens in this book- it's very character-driven. The first half was Grace moping around, the second half got a bit more interesting. I felt like I didn't actually learn anything about Yuki. My experience of feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and full of anxiety came to a head a few years ago, so maybe where I am in life just left me not very interested. If you are in the mood for lots of emotions, character driven stories, and a wonderfully diverse group of friends and found family, I would say give Honey Girl a try. 

CW: self harm, depictions of mental illness, racism

Wooow I sped through this audiobook in one day. It starts off slow, but then BAM that major red herring comes through and it’s like whaaat is actually happening?! I can’t say much without giving fun surprises away, but this book is so entertaining! There’s a surprise meta-retelling, a multitude of red herrings, and it’s overall a good time. I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook because the voice actors really add to the surprise twists- that’s all I’m going to say.

This is basically the same exact book as The Guest List. If you read and enjoyed that one, you’ll like this too! It’s fast-paced, you hate everyone, everyone has a secret, it’s a good time. 

This is fun and 100% escapist. For those wondering, yes, it’s pretty much exactly like the Netflix show. It just exclusively follows the Simon-Daphne story and there’s more dialogue/extra scenes. And yes, the problematic consent scene is also there. 

This is going to be one of those series that I will enjoy while acknowledging the problematic stuff. Was having Simon say he “owns” Daphne intended as satire? Idk.