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morganjanedavis's Reviews (396)
Not enough culty things more of a game of spooky telephone (and predictable)
A fun anthology that I can’t remember anything about! King’s story is the best ((((((obvs))))))
Fun and cozy yet poor planned. I loved the couple, issue of her “career making” article, etc but the choice in ending was CORNEEEEEEEEEY
Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes cringe but, always gut-wrenchingly authentic and honest. Casey outlines pain, loss, grief, and mental health struggles with a sense of peace I’ve yet to attain.
If you want to read about a funny woman navigating her losses and tough life situations, pls read.
If you want to read about a funny woman navigating her losses and tough life situations, pls read.
Jennette’s honesty is brutal and tender. Having the strength to recount the ways in which she suffered for her family (at the hands of her mom) left me in awe. Her VERY REAL depictions of working on one’s self to overcome harmful habits and just how big of a feat that is is so, so validating. Her prose is so strong, including elements of humor that were unexpected due to the subject matter but welcomed nonetheless.
I’m Glad My Mom Died perfectly outlines an adult coming to terms with your parent being an imperfect human (obviously amplified here with abuse + exploitation of your child), and not a superhero. I’m not going to write a proper review for this but this is a BEAUTIFUL book that I feel everyone should read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m Glad My Mom Died perfectly outlines an adult coming to terms with your parent being an imperfect human (obviously amplified here with abuse + exploitation of your child), and not a superhero. I’m not going to write a proper review for this but this is a BEAUTIFUL book that I feel everyone should read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jess has always struggled. She has no money, no job, and needs somewhere to get back on her feet. Her brother has always been the lucky one. Separated and placed into foster care, he was raised by a well-to-do family, sent to the best universities, and is now a writer with a spacious and gorgeous flat. Thankfully, Ben is more than willing to help Jess, allowing her to stay with him for a bit while she gets things sorted. It's weird though, because once Jess arrives Ben isn't there. As time rolls on, Jess realizes Ben is really missing: he could be in danger, or worse. Ben's neighbors are standoffish to say the least but, could they be dangerous? Rich wife, reserved young woman, off-the-rails addict, the concierge, a friend. Neighbors all carry secrets.
Lucy Foley writes the same book over and over. This is not a bash, or a bad thing, it's simply a fact. A horrible event occurs, everyone is a suspect, multiple POV's are given, every. single. time. If you've read more than one Foley you know exactly what I'm talking about. This version of her fiction formula is my favorite to date.
The characterization amongst each and every apartment dweller is so, so rich. The reader sees everyone at their best and worst: dreamy flashbacks reminisce on special moments for some, while simultaneously the closet is getting flung open, skeletons falling to the floor for others. I could only marvel at the intricacy that went into the interrelationships within the building.
As Jess tries to uncover the secrets behind her brother's disappearance, the events shift from singular instances to a symbiotic relationship. Once this realization gains clarity, the layers of the plot peel back beautifully: twisting, turning, pointing its finger at the root of the problem with a multitude of realizations along the way.
Because of the enclosed setting, complexities, and downright shocking plot points, I couldn't unglue myself from The Paris Apartment. If you're in the mood for a whodunnit with about 20 other smaller whodunnint/whydunnit/omgwtfdunnit moments throughout, this book is for YOU!
Lucy Foley writes the same book over and over. This is not a bash, or a bad thing, it's simply a fact. A horrible event occurs, everyone is a suspect, multiple POV's are given, every. single. time. If you've read more than one Foley you know exactly what I'm talking about. This version of her fiction formula is my favorite to date.
The characterization amongst each and every apartment dweller is so, so rich. The reader sees everyone at their best and worst: dreamy flashbacks reminisce on special moments for some, while simultaneously the closet is getting flung open, skeletons falling to the floor for others. I could only marvel at the intricacy that went into the interrelationships within the building.
As Jess tries to uncover the secrets behind her brother's disappearance, the events shift from singular instances to a symbiotic relationship. Once this realization gains clarity, the layers of the plot peel back beautifully: twisting, turning, pointing its finger at the root of the problem with a multitude of realizations along the way.
Because of the enclosed setting, complexities, and downright shocking plot points, I couldn't unglue myself from The Paris Apartment. If you're in the mood for a whodunnit with about 20 other smaller whodunnint/whydunnit/omgwtfdunnit moments throughout, this book is for YOU!
We Had to Remove This Post follows Kayleigh, who's in debt and struggling. When she stumbles upon a job as a content moderator for a popular social media site it seems easy enough: classify flagged content and decide if it should stay up or not. Simple. Sometimes the content is difficult to swallow but it's part of the job, right? View, classify, decide, and move on. These are monotonous tasks: why is Kayleigh beginning to feel different? What started as an easy cash-grab quickly shows itself as a heavier burden than it might be worth.
I chose to read this book based on the content moderation premise, its length (luvs a good lil novella), and the fact that I've seen it floating around social media circles, BookTok specifically. Every review I've seen has stated this book highlights the depraved, seedy underbelly of human nature. BUT REALLY there were maybe...2-3 instances where these dark events were described. The piece of content that had the largest effect on one of characters was very light compared to the description of the novel.
As I read, it was evident WHTRTP doesn't focus on the aspect of content moderation but instead on the affects of viewing this content so frequently. SO THIS MUST MEAN IT LED OUR CHARACTERS TO SOME HORRIFIC ACTS, RIGHT? No. Kayleigh's transformation was so minuscule I found it slightly annoying, and the same for her coworkers. The side effects of the job manifested through believing half-hearted conspiracy theories and fake news articles, bringing critical thinking skills to an all-time low. This ~"horror"~ had no effect on me as a white woman with older family members on Facebook: I see this
I chose to read this book based on the content moderation premise, its length (luvs a good lil novella), and the fact that I've seen it floating around social media circles, BookTok specifically. Every review I've seen has stated this book highlights the depraved, seedy underbelly of human nature. BUT REALLY there were maybe...2-3 instances where these dark events were described. The piece of content that had the largest effect on one of characters was very light compared to the description of the novel.
As I read, it was evident WHTRTP doesn't focus on the aspect of content moderation but instead on the affects of viewing this content so frequently. SO THIS MUST MEAN IT LED OUR CHARACTERS TO SOME HORRIFIC ACTS, RIGHT? No. Kayleigh's transformation was so minuscule I found it slightly annoying, and the same for her coworkers. The side effects of the job manifested through believing half-hearted conspiracy theories and fake news articles, bringing critical thinking skills to an all-time low. This ~"horror"~ had no effect on me as a white woman with older family members on Facebook: I see this
Rob has been running from Sundial her whole life. She just wants to be normal. As the mother of two girls, she's content with the short end of the stick if it means that stick is within the boundaries of civilization. Sundial is secluded desert land, harboring secrets Rob refuses to unearth. Until her youngest daughter, Callie starts showing signs of the family sickness. Rob has seen this before, and she won't let her daughters suffer. Sundial is where it all began, so Sundial is where they must return.
Sundial has a lot going on. Moving between past and present, Rob recalls her time at Sundial as a child while she's visiting with her daughter, Callie. The storylines that are occurring during the different time periods are vastly different, and while they aren't hard to keep up with it's simply A LOT. I won't divulge the details but, there are about 5 different sub-genres Ward explores. This may work for some but, some aspects had so little backstory they left me with questions that were left unanswered.
The prose exuded a foreboding aura which kept me engaged but, the events were repeated instead of giving the reader breathing room to interpret and come to their own conclusions. Ambiguity isn't always necessary but, explicitly explaining easy to understand plot points leads me to boredom.
Rob's detached bond to Callie is a force that drove me to care for these characters but, as a result, I felt nothing for Annie or Irving. They only had glimpses of time throughout, despite being integral parts of the story. Their distance were noticeable, and helped me piece together part of the puzzle. Despite the revelations this allowed, indifference affected the impact the events had on me.
The last 20-25% of the book is impeccable. The twists left me awestruck, the shadow of the sundial finally moving to the perfect position, revealing the truth(s). If you're a psychological horror/thriller reader you'll enjoy this.
Sundial has a lot going on. Moving between past and present, Rob recalls her time at Sundial as a child while she's visiting with her daughter, Callie. The storylines that are occurring during the different time periods are vastly different, and while they aren't hard to keep up with it's simply A LOT. I won't divulge the details but, there are about 5 different sub-genres Ward explores. This may work for some but, some aspects had so little backstory they left me with questions that were left unanswered.
The prose exuded a foreboding aura which kept me engaged but, the events were repeated instead of giving the reader breathing room to interpret and come to their own conclusions. Ambiguity isn't always necessary but, explicitly explaining easy to understand plot points leads me to boredom.
Rob's detached bond to Callie is a force that drove me to care for these characters but, as a result, I felt nothing for Annie or Irving. They only had glimpses of time throughout, despite being integral parts of the story. Their distance were noticeable, and helped me piece together part of the puzzle. Despite the revelations this allowed, indifference affected the impact the events had on me.
The last 20-25% of the book is impeccable. The twists left me awestruck, the shadow of the sundial finally moving to the perfect position, revealing the truth(s). If you're a psychological horror/thriller reader you'll enjoy this.
Jodi is in excruciating pain. She'll do anything to reconnect with her baby, Ella. What better time than when the veil between her world and Ella's is thinnest? Where she saw her Ella last, where she took her last breath. It is the Hungry Ghost Moon but, Sarah is with her. Her best friend would never steer her wrong, she knows this is is going to be good for Jodi. Camping out in the Chinese Garden and Ghost Museum might be a little risky but, it's worth it for the chance at some semblance of closure. Until Jodi hears her. Ella, her baby calling to her..."Mama." but, something is off. Ella sounds nervous, fearful. There's something [someone] else far more sinister shuffling through the garden, who's been waiting for centuries.
Bound Feet is a gut punch of a debut from Kelsea Yu. Everything is crafted with an eye for detail and care that left my jaw on the floor. Careful descriptions of the setting and characters result in stunning imagery throughout the entirety of the story, it is so so clear that Yu chose words intently, pointedly. She wants the reader to see what she saw, and the clarity of that vision hasn't left my mind yet. All senses are tormented: disgusting sounds, sights, and smells are expressed with repulsive detail.
Eeriness rolls in subtly but settles, proving to swallow the narrative up quickly, eating it alive. This progression is perfect, slowly leading the reader down the path to doom. The plot takes twists and turns I never would have anticipated but, make more sense than not. Everything falls perfectly into place, moving at a pace that kept me zoned in from start to finish.
So that I won't divulge too much information I'll stop here to say: READ Bound Feet!
Bound Feet is a gut punch of a debut from Kelsea Yu. Everything is crafted with an eye for detail and care that left my jaw on the floor. Careful descriptions of the setting and characters result in stunning imagery throughout the entirety of the story, it is so so clear that Yu chose words intently, pointedly. She wants the reader to see what she saw, and the clarity of that vision hasn't left my mind yet. All senses are tormented: disgusting sounds, sights, and smells are expressed with repulsive detail.
Eeriness rolls in subtly but settles, proving to swallow the narrative up quickly, eating it alive. This progression is perfect, slowly leading the reader down the path to doom. The plot takes twists and turns I never would have anticipated but, make more sense than not. Everything falls perfectly into place, moving at a pace that kept me zoned in from start to finish.
So that I won't divulge too much information I'll stop here to say: READ Bound Feet!
One of my favorite books of the year, my favorite work of Hendrix's to date. I binged this book in a day and finished it through fits of crying. The female friendship in this book steals the show for me, right up until the very end. The thematic demonic elements only make the story better, and I love the darkness of this story intertwined with the heavy sappy theme of BFF's. I do not like to reread things and I seriously may have to reread this one.