It’s rare that I DNF a memoir, even if I hate it. An example of that would be Amanda Kloss’s memoir, which I read in its entirety and give a 1 star review. 

Similar to Amanda, Matthew seems to not be self aware. Sure, he’s self absorbed, but aware of his words and actions? Doesn’t seem like it. In fact, after finding out he played tennis and was ranked as a teen tracks with how he came across.

I understand that he’s still working on his sobriety journey as well as still recovering from a pretty major health issue. However, I think a 53 year old man should be able to hold himself accountable instead of blame everyone else in his life. 

Additionally, the way he speaks of women is atrocious and I wish I could say that I refuse to believe a man whose step father is Keith Morrison treats people like that. 

Lastly, if you know me you know I cuss frequently. However, this man said f*ck so often you’d think he was getting a bonus for each time he used it. The usage added on to the horrible writing and confusing timeline was another reason I couldn’t finish this one. Two words: better editing.

So if you ask if I think you should pick up or pass, I say PASS. 

If you’re going to do generational saga with different POVs, find a way to connect them by chapter 10 or it’s confusing 

I’m beginning to think generational sagas are not for me

If this is an adult fantasy, why are the characters all so  juvenile?

DNF @ 15%

I was once again bamboozeled by a beautiful cover and bookstagram hype.

What was this?? I know historical fiction is supposed to deviate a little bit from actual history, but at least make it time period accurate 😅

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC.

I had to DNF this at 27%.

There was NOTHING happening yet besides a middle aged woman have marriage and job issues. I have determined that the type of domestic thrillers that work for me need to have a bit more substance that marriage and job issues. 

A whining protagonist does nothing to keep me going.

I cannot keep going in this. I made it through two ‘short stories’, which I think should be considered more like vignettes instead. 

I do not understand why the author switched from first person to third person narration between the POVs. Also, both Jane and Fiona offer zero personality in their opening chapters.

I cannot spend another second in the mind of the main character at the moment 

Not only does this just seem like a suburban mom sharing what she does each second of the day, there was nothing remotely funny or any horror elements besides a smell to entice me to continue. 

Additionally, the audiobook narrator doesn’t help either. If you try this one, do the physical copy. 

Finding Grace couldn’t find a way to keep me interested

Signs a book isn’t right for you: you forget you’re listening to it on Libby and then realize you need to try to finish it before your hold on Libby runs out. 

This started out in my wheel house and quickly unraveled. Very much so a character driven book with some plot, but the plot doesn’t add much.

DNF @ 44%

Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook for an eGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Note: Prior to reading this, I had close to zero knowledge of the story of Ramayana (also apologies if I did not reference that correctly).

Before finally DNFing this at 44%, I had gone searching in low rating reviews to see if anyone else felt that the writing was both stiff and clunky here. Which I did find several other reviewers agreeing on that. What I also found, was those who are practicing Hindu or Indian bringing detailed issues to light regarding this retelling of the story of Ramayana. 

While the writing here is what made me want to put this down, I also could not ignore what own voice readers were bringing up. Please take a look at those reviews. 

The writing and tone just did not work for me here as well as the pacing. It moved so slow and somehow moved even slower after Kaikeyi moved to her husband's kingdom. Plus, while I realize that this retelling is from the perspective of Kaikeyi, I would have liked to see development and backstory of the other side characters here for more dimension. 

In the end, this felt like a chore to try continue on with, even with the audiobook which I did end up picking up from the library. Glad to mark off a book of the month pick as well. 

TL;DR: Don't recommend. This felt like a slog to get through and I'm unsure why it's nominated for Book of the Month's book of the year for 2022. I recommend finding reviews of own voice reviewers. 

If anyone could point me towards a better retelling, I would love to take a look at that.