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morganjanedavis's Reviews (396)
She's done. She's tired. Dreams, aspirations, sense of self: crushed, muddled up until it's one big pile of nothing. She just wants to and take some time off. Rest. The degree from Columbia means nothing, the job at the art gallery? Useless. What's the point. With her deceased parents' trust fund money she's paid her bills in advance, and she can visit the bodega downstairs when absolutely necessary. Dr. Tuttle already has all her scripts filled and even gave her some free samples to help with new symptoms. The only unavoidable inconvenience now is Reva, which is manageable. A year and she'll be good as new. This is gonna be a good year. A year of rest and relaxation.
Oof. As someone who predominantly stays within the confines of the horror genre, I didn't know what to expect here. If you're a person who struggles with depression/have loved ones who struggle, the concept of holing away in hibernation for a year can seem liberating. The exploration of someone [FICTIONAL] so brazen to do just that is what initially drove me to pick up this title. The main character completely submits to a self-destructive lifestyle of substance abuse to the extreme with a no holds barred mindset.
Throughout the sheer entertainment our unnamed MC delivers (erratic behavior, insane levels of nonchalance) a sense of melancholy lingers due to the isolation that is clearly painted within the narrative. Interestingly enough, majority of this isolation stems from the fact that she is wealthy and modelesque. Because of these security blankets (and a wildly irresponsible healthcare provider), it is assumed she is fine. This assumption isn't something new, or made by people unfamiliar to her. This assumption has been drilled into her her whole life. She is rich. She is hot. Therefore, she is OK, thriving even.
MYORAR doesn't showcase a full cast, which is fine. I loved sifting through the dynamics of Riva and the MC, both so desperately dependent on the other. This isn't a title where a lot ~happens~. This didn’t bother me. Getting to see the MC's progression over the course of her year-long plan was bizarre enough to hold my attention from start to finish.
MYORAR was my first Moshfegh read, and I’m hopeful her other works showcase more self-centered women. I loved the “acceptable awfulness” delivered here. An easy 5 stars with a gut-punch ending. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Oof. As someone who predominantly stays within the confines of the horror genre, I didn't know what to expect here. If you're a person who struggles with depression/have loved ones who struggle, the concept of holing away in hibernation for a year can seem liberating. The exploration of someone [FICTIONAL] so brazen to do just that is what initially drove me to pick up this title. The main character completely submits to a self-destructive lifestyle of substance abuse to the extreme with a no holds barred mindset.
Throughout the sheer entertainment our unnamed MC delivers (erratic behavior, insane levels of nonchalance) a sense of melancholy lingers due to the isolation that is clearly painted within the narrative. Interestingly enough, majority of this isolation stems from the fact that she is wealthy and modelesque. Because of these security blankets (and a wildly irresponsible healthcare provider), it is assumed she is fine. This assumption isn't something new, or made by people unfamiliar to her. This assumption has been drilled into her her whole life. She is rich. She is hot. Therefore, she is OK, thriving even.
MYORAR doesn't showcase a full cast, which is fine. I loved sifting through the dynamics of Riva and the MC, both so desperately dependent on the other. This isn't a title where a lot ~happens~. This didn’t bother me. Getting to see the MC's progression over the course of her year-long plan was bizarre enough to hold my attention from start to finish.
MYORAR was my first Moshfegh read, and I’m hopeful her other works showcase more self-centered women. I loved the “acceptable awfulness” delivered here. An easy 5 stars with a gut-punch ending. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Heather is a free-spirited 20 something who connected with recently widowed Tom (one of the best doctors in Seattle) through her massage therapy business. They hit it off and soon marry. Heather is thrown into the whirlwind of step motherhood which has been rough to say the least: the kids seem to hate her. In an effort to cheer the kids up and bring this newly mended family closer together, the family tags along with Tom on a work conference to Australia. The kids are initially ecstatic but, are left pining for the REAL outback, they hadn't seen a single koala or kangaroo yet. When the opportunity arises to go to Dutch Island and see these animals up close and personal, everyone is on board. Until, things start to go wrong. The island's inhabitants become hostile. The situation has gotten out of control. These people aren't playing nice anymore. Ultimately, it's up to Heather to ensure the kids survive this all out manhunt, on an island, thousands of miles from home.
Stories of survival in isolated settings are almost always going to draw me in. Not only do the characters have to figure out how to survive, they also have to figure out how to escape. This tends to create more tension, bringing a heightened sense of urgency to the plot. While this was evident here, smaller elements took away from this aspect and watered down the effect that could've been delivered.
The consistent (and I mean consistent) stabs at relevancy through the kids' conversations were painstaking to read. The kids communicated through pop culture or video game references about 40% of the time, making it very evident someone NOT that age was creating the dialogue. The O'Neill's were intimidating at first but, over time began to behave like more evil Scooby-Doo-esque villains (Most specifically Ma towards the end of the book ?!). The events that took place didn't correlate fully with the character development that the narrative depicted, making said evolutions highly unbelievable (or, corny :/).
On a positive note, this was a GRIPPING read. Due to the fast-paced nature of the plot I wasn't able to put it down but, it doesn't mean I didn't roll my eyes. Oh and the author also wrote "the kids must be doing better bc they're off their mental health meds" which gives me the ick. I don't know if I'd recommend this per se but, if you're looking for something to get you out of a slump/need a dark summery thriller this fits the bill.
Stories of survival in isolated settings are almost always going to draw me in. Not only do the characters have to figure out how to survive, they also have to figure out how to escape. This tends to create more tension, bringing a heightened sense of urgency to the plot. While this was evident here, smaller elements took away from this aspect and watered down the effect that could've been delivered.
The consistent (and I mean consistent) stabs at relevancy through the kids' conversations were painstaking to read. The kids communicated through pop culture or video game references about 40% of the time, making it very evident someone NOT that age was creating the dialogue. The O'Neill's were intimidating at first but, over time began to behave like more evil Scooby-Doo-esque villains (Most specifically Ma towards the end of the book ?!). The events that took place didn't correlate fully with the character development that the narrative depicted, making said evolutions highly unbelievable (or, corny :/).
On a positive note, this was a GRIPPING read. Due to the fast-paced nature of the plot I wasn't able to put it down but, it doesn't mean I didn't roll my eyes. Oh and the author also wrote "the kids must be doing better bc they're off their mental health meds" which gives me the ick. I don't know if I'd recommend this per se but, if you're looking for something to get you out of a slump/need a dark summery thriller this fits the bill.
Aside from researching trigger warnings, the less you know going into this novel the better.
Gag Reflex goes beyond any expectations I had for the title. Nash slashes herself open and lets her guts spill onto the page. The prose is tender, personal, and raw: it demands an emotive relationship between itself and the reader. Lucy's battle with her eating disorder is outlined hyper-realistically, existing with ebbs and flows, showcasing the nonlinear reality of recovery. A symbiotic relationship forms between intimate diary entries and recorded calorie counts, becoming more intertwined as the narrative progresses.
I had to put the book down a few times because it felt like I was sifting through someone's most personal musings without their consent. I felt like I was snooping, doing something wrong. It inserted me into the story, an uncomfortable interloper, viewing Lucy's life through an extremely personal lens. An author who can create that bond between the reader and the text is special.
The only time I didn't feel like an intruder was when passages were so relatable it seemed Nash burrowed herself into the darkest corners of my brain: taking notes and translating my most personal thoughts with an eloquence I could never muster.
2000's internet core is mastered here, down to the most minute of details. As a 90's bb this was very satisfying to interact with. Gag Reflex is a labor of love. I'm happy to exist in the same time period as Elle Nash, excited to read her works forever.
Gag Reflex goes beyond any expectations I had for the title. Nash slashes herself open and lets her guts spill onto the page. The prose is tender, personal, and raw: it demands an emotive relationship between itself and the reader. Lucy's battle with her eating disorder is outlined hyper-realistically, existing with ebbs and flows, showcasing the nonlinear reality of recovery. A symbiotic relationship forms between intimate diary entries and recorded calorie counts, becoming more intertwined as the narrative progresses.
I had to put the book down a few times because it felt like I was sifting through someone's most personal musings without their consent. I felt like I was snooping, doing something wrong. It inserted me into the story, an uncomfortable interloper, viewing Lucy's life through an extremely personal lens. An author who can create that bond between the reader and the text is special.
The only time I didn't feel like an intruder was when passages were so relatable it seemed Nash burrowed herself into the darkest corners of my brain: taking notes and translating my most personal thoughts with an eloquence I could never muster.
2000's internet core is mastered here, down to the most minute of details. As a 90's bb this was very satisfying to interact with. Gag Reflex is a labor of love. I'm happy to exist in the same time period as Elle Nash, excited to read her works forever.
Horrible people, horrible problems, horrible plot and not in the cool horrible way. Very much a rich white person thriller. See problems like:
•sobbing bc didn’t get into preferred sorority
•biggest dream to come back to a 10 year reunion and show everyone how hot and rich you are
•mindless, pointless romance
•absolutely NO character development. ~remembering~ things from the past isn’t a development, all still such awful ppl
•the MC went on a rant about how much wine means to her…yea
Pick this up if you hate yourself or like dark academia riddled with the most annoying characters and situations EVER.
The final twist paired with winstead’s talent as a writer moved this from 1 star to 2. She showed skill but it was a waste on this story.
•sobbing bc didn’t get into preferred sorority
•biggest dream to come back to a 10 year reunion and show everyone how hot and rich you are
•mindless, pointless romance
•absolutely NO character development. ~remembering~ things from the past isn’t a development, all still such awful ppl
•the MC went on a rant about how much wine means to her…yea
Pick this up if you hate yourself or like dark academia riddled with the most annoying characters and situations EVER.
The final twist paired with winstead’s talent as a writer moved this from 1 star to 2. She showed skill but it was a waste on this story.
A track star bound for a Big 10 school, Mallory is on the path to success. Until the accident. She's left with no scholarship, an injury, and a dependance on opioids. After hitting rock bottom, Mallory is finally on the up-and-up. 18 months sober, leaving the safe-house, and thanks to her "coach" and sponsor, getting a GOOD job. Hand-selected out of multiple applicants, Mallory has been hired on as a nanny to the (wealthy) Maxwells. She's tasked with watching their 5 year old son Teddy. Teddy and Mallory get along easily and quickly become comfortable with one another. Comfortable enough that Mallory knows the pictures he's drawing are off. They're not normal. Ted and Caroline write it off as an active imagination. Mallory knows there's more to it than that. Determined to find out what is causing Teddy to fixate on the disturbing images, Mallory finds herself in the clutches of something far more sinister than she anticipated.
I can't stop thinking about this title. It refuses to leave my brain. In recent years, media elements have become a more common occurrence in novels. I'm a huge fan. These elements elevate the story, immersing the reader in ways text alone cannot always accomplish. Hidden Pictures is the first novel I've read where the media elements are integral to the story's plot. If you don't see the images alongside Mallory, a major portion of the plot is lost, unable to be interpreted and appreciated fully. The necessity of Teddy's drawings is simply so f'n cool, and added a uniqueness to the story that places Hidden Pictures in a league of its own.
Mallory's backstory and consistent character development is intriguing. The reader sees her setbacks, failures, imperfections, and in spite of them all her fervor to hold on to her new, better life. She is so, so easy to root for. As her relationship with Teddy grows stronger, she lays everything on the line to ensure he is safe, even if it means having to give up what she's worked tirelessly for. Mallory has a lot of regrets, and her refusal to let Teddy be another one reinforces a theme that appears consistently within the narrative: strong bonds aren't easily broken.
The pacing of the plot is truly perfection, dealing out information in a way that left me wanting more after each chapter (THE TWIST
I can't stop thinking about this title. It refuses to leave my brain. In recent years, media elements have become a more common occurrence in novels. I'm a huge fan. These elements elevate the story, immersing the reader in ways text alone cannot always accomplish. Hidden Pictures is the first novel I've read where the media elements are integral to the story's plot. If you don't see the images alongside Mallory, a major portion of the plot is lost, unable to be interpreted and appreciated fully. The necessity of Teddy's drawings is simply so f'n cool, and added a uniqueness to the story that places Hidden Pictures in a league of its own.
Mallory's backstory and consistent character development is intriguing. The reader sees her setbacks, failures, imperfections, and in spite of them all her fervor to hold on to her new, better life. She is so, so easy to root for. As her relationship with Teddy grows stronger, she lays everything on the line to ensure he is safe, even if it means having to give up what she's worked tirelessly for. Mallory has a lot of regrets, and her refusal to let Teddy be another one reinforces a theme that appears consistently within the narrative: strong bonds aren't easily broken.
The pacing of the plot is truly perfection, dealing out information in a way that left me wanting more after each chapter (THE TWIST
Famous comedian Jimmy Peralta is dead. He's discovered in the tub, bloodied; stabbed. When police arrive, they discover Paris Peralta in the bathroom as well. Covered in Jimmy's blood, straight razor in hand. When questioned about murdering her husband, she responds with "I don't know". Of course Paris is arrested for her husband's death: she's years his junior, runs a simple yoga studio, and has only been married to him a few years. Classic Hollywood gold-digging murderess. Case closed. Yet, the truth remains illusive. While trying to clear her name, Paris' past begins to creep up on her. Threatening to dishevel her current life, everything she's worked so hard for. She won't stand for it, she'll do anything not to go back there. But it keeps seeping in, it's knocking, calling to her. How far will she go to keep it at bay?
This is my first Hillier work and I understand now why her thrillers are widely recommended. At first, I suspected that the narrative was going to be transparent throughout. The initial twist is easily guessed (and I am.....very bad at that) but, it turns out to be more complex than that. Multiple points of view and time periods weave themselves together, revealing aspects of the storyline that I never would have considered including. The pacing of these revelations are perfection, gripping the reader and refusing to let go. Things We Do in the Dark explores dark themes like sexual assault, hard drug use, domestic violence, gang violence, molestation, rape, murder. The result is raw, mortifying, visualizations that elicit emotional response. Enveloping all of these elements into one plot gave each of the characters depth, even the lesser-mentioned ones are intriguing, all of them polarizing.
Hillier's writing style is sharp and diligent. It works quickly, cutting deep, getting emotional, real. While the ending was a bit too tidy for my liking, the prose and intricacy of Things We Do in the Dark will keep me coming back to Hillier's works for a long time to come.
This is my first Hillier work and I understand now why her thrillers are widely recommended. At first, I suspected that the narrative was going to be transparent throughout. The initial twist is easily guessed (and I am.....very bad at that) but, it turns out to be more complex than that. Multiple points of view and time periods weave themselves together, revealing aspects of the storyline that I never would have considered including. The pacing of these revelations are perfection, gripping the reader and refusing to let go. Things We Do in the Dark explores dark themes like sexual assault, hard drug use, domestic violence, gang violence, molestation, rape, murder. The result is raw, mortifying, visualizations that elicit emotional response. Enveloping all of these elements into one plot gave each of the characters depth, even the lesser-mentioned ones are intriguing, all of them polarizing.
Hillier's writing style is sharp and diligent. It works quickly, cutting deep, getting emotional, real. While the ending was a bit too tidy for my liking, the prose and intricacy of Things We Do in the Dark will keep me coming back to Hillier's works for a long time to come.
Sam is a grad student working on her MFA at Warren University. The program is exclusive and while she’s grateful, she’s found little in the way of company amongst her cohort. Her only classmates are an ultra-clique of preppy, Stepford Wives-esque women who operate as a unit, only referring to one another as Bunny. Slightly annoyed if anything, Sam is determined to keep her head down and get through her last leg of the program. Until she’s invited to the Bunnies’ infamous Smut Salon, where she gives in fully, ultimately diving deep into their sweet, sweet nightmare.
I’ve read 4 books since this one. Each time I try to stop thinking about it, a bunny hops around the edges of my mind, reeling me back in. Before I know it I’m tumbling down the rabbit hole, staring off into space, thinking about the candy land hellscape of Awad’s creation. Trying to understand it. Being in awe of it. Again. Oh bunny, you’ve got me. I’m yours.
Bunny is clever, sharp. Slapping million dollar revelations in the middle of carefully crafted prose, riddled with metaphors that are syrupy and so sweet to devour.
Hazy, dreamlike imagery can be attributed to the polarity of the story elements. Equal amounts sticky sweet, dark and vile: Bunny is dangerous effervescence, constantly threatening to bubble over and violently explode.
While this isn’t a fantasy title, don’t go into it with a rigid mindset. The lines of reality are blurred but if you let go and give in, Bunny will take care of you.
I’ve read 4 books since this one. Each time I try to stop thinking about it, a bunny hops around the edges of my mind, reeling me back in. Before I know it I’m tumbling down the rabbit hole, staring off into space, thinking about the candy land hellscape of Awad’s creation. Trying to understand it. Being in awe of it. Again. Oh bunny, you’ve got me. I’m yours.
Bunny is clever, sharp. Slapping million dollar revelations in the middle of carefully crafted prose, riddled with metaphors that are syrupy and so sweet to devour.
Hazy, dreamlike imagery can be attributed to the polarity of the story elements. Equal amounts sticky sweet, dark and vile: Bunny is dangerous effervescence, constantly threatening to bubble over and violently explode.
While this isn’t a fantasy title, don’t go into it with a rigid mindset. The lines of reality are blurred but if you let go and give in, Bunny will take care of you.
While the plot is UNIQUE AND CREATIVE AF, I don’t enjoy being an omniscient reader. I felt for Maeve, and was screaming “NO NO NO DONT DO THIS DONT TRUST THAT” at the book constantly. I just prefer to be shocked along with the characters. I still recommend if you’re itching for a creepy culty read.