sarahthegaymer's Reviews (305)

As we've established, Horror is not really my genre yet my Halloween TBR led me here...so we did the things and read the book and now we're here to review it. 

I'm not really even sure HOW to review this because I feel like any and most things that I say will be classified as a spoiler, but I'll try and review what I can. 

You spend most of the book following the perspective our of main character Ted and obviously he lives at "The Last House on Needless Street" and his cat Olivia.  Yes, you read that right, we're getting the perspective of a cat and I am here for it because the cat is a goddamn legend and hates 'teds', or humans. There is also the perspective of Dee, a woman whose sister disappeared years ago after a family outing at the beach and her quest to find her sister. The book starts off incredibly slow, basically just accounting for Ted's day-to-day life & some events that have taken place prior to the current timeline from Dee and Ted's perspective. 

While there wasn't any outright slashing or anything too gory in this book, there are a few elements of paranormal activity-ish and quite frankly that scares the shit out of me more so that is why I read this in one day. I couldn't sleep so I kept powering through. (I'm not ashamed, lol).

I can't say that for me the pacing ever picks up in this book, it's pretty slow the whole way through. 
There is sort of a constant chaotic energy vibe throughout. I don't feel like I ever really knew what was happening and the perpetual state of "WTF" I was living in was a wild ride. The ending was intense and again just the energy it was given as all of these things start rolling out and into place was just what the book needed to round things out and end it. 

I would say that I highly recommend giving this a try if you're looking to dabble in horror that isn't going to scare the daylights out of you - unless you are me in that case it will - and want to be immersed in chaos. I definitely think that I will give Catriona Ward another read and see how the rest of their books leave me feeling. 

*Immediate Thoughts Post Finishing The Book: Have you ever finished a book a not been sure what to rate it....? I think I need to sit and process my thoughts for a bit before coming back to this. *blinks slowly to attempt to process WTF just happened*

**New thoughts: So, I'm back to write a review after having sat with this for a day or two. I'm still not completely sure how I want to rate this, but I'm going to go with 2 for now..maybe a 2.75-ish if we want to get specific. Hear me out..

First and foremost I think it is important to note that the "Romance" Genre is not really my thing. Maybe I'm just too cynical, but I don't find people that just met on the street going on a few dates, then falling in love, then having some third-act conflict, then everything just resolves and they move on exciting in anyway shape or form...I believe in true love and soulmates, but I believe in relationship-building and prefer stories of people discovering who they are and how they can love better, etc. This predisposition that I have to Romance Novels pretty much guarantees that they're never going to be five-stars in my eyes. That being said, however; now and again a story comes a long and I'm like.."Ok, I love this!"..'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne was one of those one-offs for me. Because of that, and my interest in Frankenstein (this makes me want to read Shelley's version even more); I really wanted to give this an honest shot but went into it blind and excited. 

***It's going to be a little spoiler-y here, you've been warned.*** Angelika Frankenstein is the brother of pretentious Victor Frankenstein and she is on the hunt for love. But, in true Frankenstein fashion, after many failed attempts to find eligible or acceptable suitors, she takes to 'making' her own match. On the surface level this seems alright, but like a few paragraphs into the first chapter it's already a little cringe due to the conversation between the siblings as they search through the morgue and make comments on dead guy's 'packages'. But, I powered on. Obviously, the man in which Angelika creates for herself comes to life, and the story progresses from there. 

Will - the name given to the man raised from the dead - comes to life with positively no memory of his past life and therefore he and Angelika set off on a mission to find out who he was. So, this is a side-story/subplot amongst the plot. (To be honest, there are like 67 subplots taking place throughout and it does become slightly chaotic to follow at times.) As they're hunting for him, Angelika comes across another potential suitor and maybe starts to develop feelings for him even though she's sworn that she'll only ever love Will even if he can't return this love to her. So, enter a weird love-triangle-ish situation that is just..not developed well. 

Moving on, we find out eventually who Will really is and then we have the conflict and then they end up happily ever after. So, like I said, all in all not a terrible idea for a story and I want to like it at the surface level. 


**OK, now it's going to get spoiler-y again**. Let's talk about WHY I gave this book such a low rating.  The biggest reason is that this book is like EXTRA CRINGE. Like..I am a person that is crude and swears like a sailor, I grew up in the Fire Dept. and EMS scene and use dark humor as a coping mechanism...it takes a lot to offend me or gross me out. But maybe, just maybe, as I age and become a bit more mature..the cringe factor comes into play more. 

I mean, Angelika Frankenstein literally took pieces of all the most desirable traits of men, to create her perfect man. LIKE EXCUSE ME SHE PICKED HIS WEEN. And, while I'm talking about it..the numbers of times his WEEN is mentioned is ridiculous. Like..there are reasons, I get it..but it's like a 13-year old boy who can't control his emotions wrote this with the number of times a penis joke or sex joke is made. And like..it's sex with a sort of dead guy so it's like..is it necrophilia? Like I said..CRINGE. I get it, people like books because of sex. I'm not a prude by any mean and I'll read spicy books but this is just..UGH. *bleaches eyes*

**ANOTHER SPOILER** Then, let's talk about the fact that in the end, Will becomes Arlo as they discover that he was actually to become the town's new priest..and this is why he says his dick wants Angelika but his head and heart cannot. But then, because why wouldn't he..he gives into the temptation and they basically have a bunch of random sex until he starts dying because DUH he was raised from the dead. So, because he's dying the whole Frankenstein family sits around 'praying' for him (which like religion is another subplot of the story, because they're mostly Atheists) and then like he just fucking lives and you don't know if it's due to science or prayer. In my Atheist heart I'm hear to tell you it's the science. It's always the science. But then, like they have a little Frankenstein baby that doesn't look anything like Will-Arlo because it's not his damn ween that made the baby and I just..UGH THE CRINGE I CANNOT! 

So, with all of that being said. I liked the main idea for the story. I really WANTED to like the book but I am left feeling so uncomfortable I just cannot and I feel terrible saying that.

Read at your own risk. 

*NOTE: After doing some research, I chose to use the terms Black and African American in this review as I felt culturally appropriate and in regards with whom I was speaking of. If this incorrect, or offensive, I apologize as that was never my intention and I welcome correction/discussion.*

Well folx, Marie Benedict and Victoria Murphy have done it again! From the dynamic duo that brought "The Personal Librarian", we now have "The First Ladies" and I am positively swooning. 

In this story we are following the unlikely friendship/partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Civil Rights Activist Mary McLeod Bethune and the power that friendship can have. 

After watching The First Lady on SHOTIME a few months ago; I have pretty much become obsessed with anything and everything Eleanor Roosevelt; this woman is a FORCE. When I was attending Marie Benedict's talk for her book "The Mitford Affair" at Riverstone Books last year, she mentioned that this book was coming; and then she mentioned that she'd partnered with Victoria Murphy again and I was literally dying waiting for June to get here for it to be released. And while I stand in my statement that Eleanor Roosevelt is incredible, this story was so much more about Mary McLeod Bethune and the friendship that the two woman had together on the right side of History.

Mary McLeod Bethune = ONE BADASS WOMAN. Unfortunately, I am ashamed to say that this was a name that I have honestly never heard of prior to reading this book.. (History educators; can we please focus more on powerful Black Women in American History? There are many and there stories deserve to be heard.) While Mrs. Bethune was mostly known due to her time as an activist in the Civil Rights movement and for being a powerful Educator for Black Youth; she was really so much more. Her list of accolades and accomplishments is overflowing and she would back down to positively NO ONE. 

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt = ADDITIONAL BADASS WOMAN. Knowing what I know about the relationship between her and President Roosevelt, I can't help but wonder what sort of trajectory her story may have taken had she NOT decided to remain his 'wife' and friend until he died. Unprecedented in other First Ladies, this woman did not take her husbands shit and she was there to call him out on his bullshit and encourage him to make the right choice even when the decision might not be in the best political interest. 

Together, this partnership allowed barriers to be broken that were unheard of in the America in the first half of the 1900s. What started off as a friendship and companionship about their families and passion for education, turned into a partnership that propelled the Civil Rights Movement as we know it. Mrs. Bethune helped set the stones in place for others to continue moving on and created the groundwork for what our nation is still fighting towards today. By bringing Eleanor Roosevelt on board, together they were able to do some really incredible things such as getting the first Black officials elected to political positions and allow Black's the opportunity to serve their country. 

One of the most unique things about Marie Benedict's books is that while it is Historical Fiction, there is a lot of truth in what she brings to the table for the readers. Yes, the conversations are falsified and sometimes dates/circumstances are altered or embellished to create a more compelling story, but; the baseline is there and that's what is incredible to me. She takes the framework and allows for us to see a powerful woman (or women) in History whose story otherwise wouldn't be told based solely off their gender. 

Together with Victoria Murphy, Marie Benedict really pushes the envelope in this most recent novel. Any time that race is involved, there are bound to be difficult and uncomfortable conversations. This book was full of difficult conversations that both Author's stated they had to have in person to bring to life in the book. This is so powerful. If more people would take the time to have this difficult conversations, think of what we could do. 

As a White woman, I was born privilaged just because of the color of my skin. As a White woman that was born in the 90s and someone who witnessed the election of the first Black President, I think it's sometimes easy to forget that the early 1900s were such a different time. Blacks and White could not sit in a restaurant together, they didn't touch, and they certainly weren't in positions of power. Mrs. Bethune and many other powerful African American's started this progression and gave their lives to it. 

If you are interested in Historical Fiction at all, I once again strongly encourage you to pick up anything by Marie Benedict (maybe I'm jaded because she's from Pittsburgh) and I INSIST that you pick up this story. Aside from the major storyline, I enjoyed getting to learn about each woman's personal life, too. I enjoyed reading a Historical Fiction that was based in the era of WW2 that didn't center itself around the war - because let's be honest, so many of them do. (Off subject, a bit, I also enjoyed seeing how the political parties - the Dems and The Repubs - have changed since this time, but that they're also still just in it for the ratings and $$. Bastards.)

Structurally, I enjoyed going back and forth between the perspectives of the two woman and being able to see the same situation through the eyes of two different people. There were at times I found the story to be a bit slow & sometimes a bit exaggerated, but I think that was all a part of the bigger picture.

In conclusion, I'm just going to say it again. READ THE DAMN BOOK. 

Let me just say that reading 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch was not just reading a book; it was a whole freaking experience! I haven't dabbled too much into the world of Science Fiction but my favorite used bookstore had a copy of this and I was obsessed with the cover so on a whim I decided to snag it! 

I dived into it right away (ignoring the 100's of other books on my TBR - I'm not ashamed). I didn't read the summary and went in 100% blind. The first couple of chapters left me a little confused and I wasn't sure where it was going - but when we got there. *mind blown*

We're following the main character Jason, who is living in Chicago with his family as a college professor. One evening, he leaves his wife Daniela and son Charlie at home to go to a local pub and celebrate the accolades of a friend who recently has won a science award that Jason at one time had hoped to receive himself. Feeling a little down on his luck, realizing what he'd given up in the pursuit of his family, he decides to leave the bar and spend a little time to himself walking around the city before heading home. Then, out of nowhere, he's hijacked but a masked figure and after a series of events wakes up in a place that he doesn't know or recognize - but they know him and even 'welcome him home'. 

Incredibly confused and frightened, he tries to run and we follow him as he starts processing what he thinks is happening. After a series of events that we follow over the course of a day or two Jason  ultimately, ends up back at that Laboratory.  He realizes that he is no longer the Jason he once was - this Jason had given up the idea of a family years ago and pursued his Physicist Career and he may have just cracked the code on the multiverse. That's all I'm going to say! 

This novel is a mind-bending masterpiece that takes the concept of alternate realities to a whole new level. A compelling narrative, this book is thought-provoking and thrilling. I found myself cheering for Jason on multiple occasions as he goes on a quest to unravel the mystery of his existence and experiences the rollercoaster that is the multiverse. 

Can he get home? Will he crack the code? Read to find out! *winks*

A few weeks later and I'm still thinking about this book. I have been recommending it to people, I'm trying to find people who have read it because I want to talk about it with them. It was just that good. I 100% plan to read the rest of anything Blake Crouch has written and promise myself to dabble a little further into the world of Science Fiction! 

My second Lisa Jewell experience, "None of This is True" was a bit of a roller coaster for me.

The book introduces a promising premise - Josie, a seemingly boring woman is out celebrating her birthday at a local pub with her husband where she comes across Alix, a seemingly exciting woman who also happens to be celebrating her birthday. While that night, their interaction is anti-climatic, Josie soon discovers that Alix is a Podcast Creator who just wrapped up a popular series. Josie becomes obsessed with Alix and soon enough, has convinced Alix to start a new Podcast Series, interviewing and focusing on Josie, her 'birthday twin'. 

So, this is where the bulk of the story comes from. The relationship between Josie and Alix, and Josie as she tries to re-invent her life through this podcast. But it's also a weird relationship and you're never really sure of Josie's intentions. Alix, is a little concerned at Josie's behavior, but anxious to have another hit Podcast, puts that suspicion aside to continue the interviews. 

It's mixed media and multiple POV which I really enjoyed. You're getting Podcast interviews, normal conversations between 'friends', and then TV show interviews as the Podcast (and what happens during it) becomes a Netflix series. I quite literally flew through the Chapters and couldn't put the book down. BUT, with this being said; I did find it sort of convoluted at times as there was a lot going on - different stories lines - different perspectives - different characters that weren't crucial to the story but were being interviewed for the Netflix series, etc. For me this could be a little overwhelming at times and perhaps if I would have listened to this via Audiobook versus physically reading it - it may have been a better experience? I'm not sure if the Audio version has a full cast or different effects to make it a more intriguing read. 

**Perhaps a spoiler..but not really** Just as quickly as Josie appears, she then disappears and now the story picks up from a different perspective and it makes you question everything you have already read up to this point. Then, everything wraps up and ends and you're left wondering which side of the story are you on? Who, or what, do you believe? 

This was a solid 4-star book for me up until the ending. Weeks later I am still not satisfied with how this wrapped up so I can't give it more than a 3-star. I do, however; still really like Lisa Jewell and her storylines so I do believe I'll continue to read works by her so that I can formulate opinion on those, too. 

Truthfully, it was a really good book. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to others because I think that it's unique and that it can be a good time and would truthfully be a good discussion piece. BUT, for my personally, I don't like the ending..like actually I'm pissed by it..so I can't give it higher than a three. 

This was a short and quick memoir that was required reading for my College Writing course this semester. While I can say that it is honestly not something that I would have picked up on my own to read, I ended up really enjoying it! 

Jakiela writes in such a way that is captivating and from the very beginning, I was drawn into her world - experiencing everything right alongside with her. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I was even more enthralled with her story because it related to me. I also related when she spoke of working at Bingo with her Grandmother, as I grew up the child of parents that were members of the local Fire Dept. and Ladies' Auxiliary and spent many Friday nights in the same 'cloud of cigarette smoke', making food for old ladies who tipped you 10 cents for a 'job well done'. 

The storytelling is powerful and immersive. Whether recounting moments of joy, hardship, or self-discovery, each chapter had vivid details that as a reader we could relate. She spoke on her time as a Flight Attendant and the wild world of jerks she was exposed to in that capacity. Her first author's signing event a local Sam's Club after the publishing of her first book that went wrong..and so much more! 

Honestly, it's a story that lingers in your thoughts for a bit even after you've finished it. I was very glad that this required reading didn't seem like a chore.

If you're from Pittsburgh and you're looking for a quick read about someone local that you might find some relevance too, I highly recommend! 

'Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone' by Benjamin Stevenson is a novel that captivates you from the first page and continues to catapult you through the intrigue and suspense of a family's deepest, darkest secrets right until the very end. 

I think it's important to note that while Goodreads categorizes this as a Mystery Thriller, I personally would say that the focus is definitely heavy on  Cozy Mystery, with a few Thriller elements sprinkled in. While for me that didn't matter as I love a Cozy Mystery, I think that it could be misleading to some readers. 

This books was written in a unique (at least to me) manner and I think that was one of the things that made me enjoy it so much. Told in the third person from the main character's perspective, Ernest Cunningham, he makes it apparent pretty early on that he is a reliable narrator and he's not going to hold anything back, even if he hasn't told you it just yet. He even goes as far as to tell you "The Murders take place on page...." or "Our lips touch on page..." and he focuses the entire mystery based off of the "Ten Commandments of Mystery Books" that were created by a team of Mystery Authors many years earlier. He makes it really clear that while you may not know exactly what is happening in  that moment, you're going to eventually figure it out or be told. 

You're following Ernest and the rest of his family to a snowy, secluded, mountain resort at the insistence of his Aunt to have a family reunion. And while this might seem like a good idea, for this family, it's definitely not. They all have a different secret or different motive and they also don't really get along due to past events, but someone - that's not a part of their party - ending up dead in the middle of the hill brings their events to a screeching halt and now everyone is a suspect, but also trying to not be next. You'll follow the story line from there, as Ernest and other family members all blame and question one another as they search for the truth. The family history unravels and you're left all flipped around at your opinions of different characters. 

Truthfully, I just had a blast reading this! It's lighthearted at times mixed in with the tension that only a family reunion can create. There's some character development as well as family development and while the family is dysfunctional at best, I really enjoy the dynamics and know that they do love each other for the most part. I read this while I was at the beach on family vacation and it was definitely what I needed to be able to read something light, but packed with excitement. 

If Cozy Mystery is your thing; or you like a story that talks about family and their many secrets with a little murder and a little suspicion on the edges, I definitely encourage you to give this a try! It's a unique reading experience from the first page and I think that anyone can truly enjoy it. 

Last thing I'll add - while this is part of a series and I am looking forward to the next book by this Author; I also think it's important to know that you can totally reads this independently and have closure so that you don't feel like a second or third or fourth is required. 

"The Push" by Ashley Audrain is a gripping and unsettling exploration of motherhood and its complexities, earning it a solid 4-star rating.

Audrain's narrative style is haunting and immersive. The story is told from the perspective of Blythe, a mother grappling with the challenges of raising her daughter, Violet. The novel skillfully delves into themes of maternal instinct, trauma, and the dark secrets that can lurk within families.

The author's ability to build tension and keep readers engaged is commendable. The sense of unease that permeates the book is both its strength and its weakness. While the suspense keeps you turning the pages, it may leave you emotionally drained and disturbed at times.

The character development is a standout feature. Blythe is a complex and flawed protagonist, and her journey from doubt to determination is both fascinating and thought-provoking. The relationships depicted are raw and authentic, adding depth to the story.

However, some readers might find the narrative's bleakness and unrelenting darkness a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the novel's conclusion may leave some unanswered questions, which could be frustrating for those seeking complete resolution.

In conclusion, "The Push" is a haunting and thought-provoking read that delves deep into the complexities of motherhood and family dynamics. It's a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but be prepared for its emotionally challenging themes. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it deserves a solid 4-star rating for its bold storytelling and intricate character exploration.

"The House in the Cerulean Sea" is an enchanting novel by T.J. Klune that takes readers on a heartwarming journey into a world of magic, love, and acceptance.

Klune's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant. He weaves a tale that is both whimsical and profound, creating a universe where mythical creatures and humans coexist in a way that feels utterly believable. The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their quirks and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and endearing.

The heart of the story lies in the tender relationships that develop between the characters, particularly the bond between Linus Baker and the extraordinary children he's sent to evaluate. Klune's exploration of themes like acceptance, found family, and the power of love is deeply moving and resonates with readers on a profound level.

The prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of the idyllic island setting and the enchanting beings that inhabit it. Klune's writing is a sheer delight to read, filled with moments of humor, wisdom, and a touch of magic.

The only negative I have in regards to this book, and not enough to make me lower my rating, is that it is definitely a SLOW read. I struggled a lot in the beginning to get into the story and to keep going. I knew that once I finished it, the read would be worth it but getting there was difficult.

In "The House in the Cerulean Sea," T.J. Klune has crafted a story that is not just a book but an experience. It's a tale of hope and redemption, of embracing our differences, and of discovering the extraordinary within the ordinary. This book is a treasure, a source of comfort and joy, and a reminder of the power of kindness. It deserves every one of its 5 stars and more.

"Pineapple Street" by Jenny Jackson is a charming and heartwarming read, deserving of a solid 4-star rating.

Jackson's storytelling takes readers on a delightful journey into the lives of the residents of Pineapple Street, a neighborhood that oozes with character and charm. The author's ability to create a vivid sense of place and community is a standout feature of the book.

The characters in "Pineapple Street" are endearing and relatable. Each resident has their own quirks and struggles, making them feel like real people you might meet in your own neighborhood. Their interconnected stories provide a rich tapestry of human experience, filled with humor, heartache, and moments of unexpected joy.

Jackson's prose is engaging and often witty, making the book an enjoyable and easy read. The pacing keeps the story moving forward, and you'll find yourself genuinely invested in the lives of the characters.

However, some readers might wish for a bit more depth in character development and a more intricate plot. While the book excels in capturing the everyday moments of its characters' lives, it may not offer the complexity and depth that some readers seek in a novel.

It did offer some well written insight on privilege. It also explored topics of life where just because something ‘appears’ one way on the surface, it doesn’t mean that everything is what it seems.

In summary, "Pineapple Street" is a feel-good novel that celebrates the beauty of community and the quirks of everyday life. It's a book that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. While it may not be the most profound or complex read, it earns its 4-star rating for its charm, relatable characters, and the sense of belonging it evokes.