miromie's Reviews (148)

Obviously this book is highly reminiscent of Donna Tartt’s 1992 “The Secret History.” One of Rio’s characters even shares a name with one of Tartt’s characters. However, I did enjoy this novel of Rio’s, probably because it was so related to Tartt’s book. There is suspense and intrigue, dark academia, and morally grey characters, all of which add up to a highly atmospheric novel. Yet, I found myself conflicted with the novel as a whole, despite what I liked about it. 

I found this novel to be a little bit too closely modeled after Tartt’s book. I felt that Rio took a lot of ideas/inspiration from Tartt, and didn’t change it up enough for her 2017 story, making “If We Were Villains” basically a cheap knockoff of Tartt’s masterpiece. I also felt that some of the characters were more deeply developed than others, when I would have preferred for them all to have luscious backgrounds and further development as the story continued. In addition, there were parts of the plot/characters that I felt were just randomly thrown in there without any sort of explanation. I kept waiting for the reasoning of these certain details, and never got them, unfortunately. 

Honestly, I finished this book and immediately forgot what it was about/what it did to me as a reader. Overall, from what I do remember, the general feeling was mysterious and dark, and it took place near the ocean. It has some family history as well as some spookiness sprinkled throughout.

I love Robin Wall Kimmerer, and will read anything she writes. She is a master of telling information in a compelling, interesting way. She doesn't lose her readers. Though this doesn't compare to how good "Braiding Sweetgrass" is, it's still pretty interesting.

I loved this book for so many reasons. It’s a Victorian-gothic novel set at an all-girls school, rife with female relationships, death, and multiple perspectives. What’s not to love? This book grew to some epic proportions, both literally and figuratively, and at 617 pages, it’s not difficult to see that. It took so many different directions and had so much lush story-building that I fell deeply into the journey of the unfolding of the story. 

However, as I fell into the story, I felt the 617 pages were simply not enough to capture the entirety of the story, the conclusion of the story, especially the way Danforth was writing it (which don’t get me wrong, I loved the way Danforth wrote this novel). I finished the book feeling unsatisfied, with so many questions and so many wants about the plot and characters. It didn’t feel completely concluded. It felt like Danforth realized she had already used up over 600 pages and quickly wrapped it up, which just didn’t sit right with me. 

This nonfiction book really gives you a kick in the butt if you're a writer. It was inspiring and highly motivating. 

I really liked Havens' first book of poetry. Truly beautiful, Havens is a master of the craft and I can't wait to see what else they do. 

I found this book to be okay. I know it was Bardugo's attempt at an adult fiction novel, but I would still classify it as YA, NA at best. I won't be continuing with the series, as I didn't find the first book all that compelling. Many parts of the book were confusing, though the world building is pretty good.

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s newest novel is the perfect summer story. It’s surprising without being complicated and full of celebrity family gossip and turmoil. She captured my attention with her fun and lively characters that had depth and development, making the story far from a cheap and easy read. Definitely guided by her awesome characters rather than plot, the narrative flowed smoothly and without force.  

Reid’s story-telling is masterful, especially considering that she was able to weave in different perspectives (all four siblings, plus many side characters) and different time periods, which really allowed the story to bloom into its rightful fullness and completion. Without these multiple point-of-views and time periods, the book would have been lacking and quite frankly, boring. Reid knows how to craft an entertaining story. 

The only part of the narrative I didn’t truly understand was the “burning” aspect. I see how it literally connects, both beginning to end, but I don’t know if the metaphor was truly necessary, as I don’t see how it actually added anything to the story itself. 

Alex Michaelides is a master of the psychological thriller. Though this is the only book of his I have read (though now I will most definitely be picking up “The Silent Patient’), I am convinced of this fact. What I loved most about this compelling and dramatic story was when I set the book down and uttered aloud, “Oh my God” (and if you read this book, you’ll know exactly what part I’m referring to). That reaction I had is the reaction I want in every thriller/mystery I read. Michaelides delivered. 

The complex and weaving storyline was beautifully written. It was complex, yes, but it wasn’t complicated. Michaelides formed a story that was easy to follow, but still provided immense shock value. With sparse but profound characters, Michaelides was able to pack a punch when it came to plot. By the end, I wish I could read it for the first time again. 

Eh, this book was okay. I liked Purcell's "The Silent Companions," but I almost didn't finish this one. The ending was satisfying, though, so that bumped it up from a two star rating to a three and a half.