sarahthegaymer's Reviews (305)

"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig is an absolute masterpiece and unquestionably deserves a resounding 5-star rating. I am so mad at myself for sitting on this book as long as I did. 

Haig's novel is a captivating exploration of regret, choice, and the boundless possibilities of life. The concept of the Midnight Library, a place where one can explore alternate lives based on different choices, is brilliantly imaginative and thought-provoking.

The protagonist, Nora Seed, is a deeply relatable character, and readers can't help but empathize with her struggles and sense of disillusionment. Haig's writing is profoundly empathetic, and he skillfully conveys the weight of regret and the yearning for a different path in life.

The book's themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of happiness are universal and resonate with readers on a profound level. Haig's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into Nora's journey of self-exploration and transformation.

"The Midnight Library" is not just a novel; it's a philosophical and emotional journey. It encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and choices, sparking introspection and the appreciation of the infinite possibilities that exist within us.

Furthermore, the novel's conclusion is both satisfying and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impact and a sense of hope. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page.

In summary, "The Midnight Library" is a literary gem that deserves every one of its 5 stars. It's a beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and profoundly insightful exploration of life's what-ifs and the pursuit of happiness. Matt Haig's work in this novel is nothing short of extraordinary.

"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio is an absolute gem that deserves every one of its five stars.

Sometimes the books with the most touching stories are meant for the youngest of readers. This heartwarming and beautifully written novel takes you on an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact. While I think that would have enjoyed this book as a child, I don’t think that I would have gotten the “bigger picture” then, but as an adult I certainly did.

The characters are incredibly well-crafted, each with their own unique voice and perspective, making them feel like real people you genuinely care about. Palacio's storytelling is masterful, effortlessly tugging at your heartstrings while addressing important themes of kindness, acceptance, and empathy. 

Auggie Pullman is overall such a lovable character, I just want to hug him and squeeze him and tell him that people suck but it does get better if you just keep going. I love reading the book from other characters points of views, seeing how everyone deals with difficult situations differently. We all cope and process information differently. 

I also really appreciated seeing the other students at school go from disliking Auggie or viewing him as ‘gross’ or ‘different’ to being his best and greatest friends. Ugh! True friends like that are such a blessing!!!

The book's message is powerful and resonates deeply, making it a must-read for readers of all ages. "Wonder" is a shining example of the magic that literature can create, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone seeking a story that will both move and inspire them.

The second in “The Thursday Murder Club” Mystery series; "The Man Who Died Twice" by Richard Osman is a delightful mystery novel that kept me engaged throughout. 

The author's witty writing style adds a touch of humor to the story, making it a refreshing read in the genre. The characters are charming and well-defined, and their interactions bring a sense of authenticity to the narrative. I’ve been describing it to people as the Golden Girls meets Coopers Chase Retirement Village where there are two guys and two gals instead of four ladies. The interactions between them are hilarious and while they may get into a little bit of trouble or get into little tiffs, at the end of the day there friendship is beautiful and outlasting of all things.

The plot is cleverly constructed, filled with unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the end. I also love that there are little subplots and stories intertwined in the big picture. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I'm withholding one star because there were moments where the pacing seemed a tad uneven and things were dragging or didn’t seem pertinent to the story at all. 

Nonetheless, Osman's ability to balance mystery and humor makes this novel a worthwhile addition to any reader's collection. Highly recom

"It was something adults said all the time. you'll change your mind when you're older. you never know what might happen. you'll feel differently on day. As if we teenagers knew so little about ourselves that we could wake up one day a completely different person. As if the person we are right now doesn't matter at all."

Loveless by Alice Oseman is an absolute gem and deserves ALL the stars!! This powerful and beautifully written novel captures the journey of self-discovery and acceptance with utmost honesty and sensitivity.

The protagonist, Georgia, is an incredibly relatable and authentic character. Oseman's portrayal of her struggles with understanding her own sexuality is heartfelt and touching, resonating with readers on a profound level.

The book delves into themes of friendship, identity, and finding one's place in the world, all with a remarkable balance of humor and emotion depth. Oseman's writing is engaging, witty, and filled with genuine emotion that pulls you into Georgia's world.

What truly stands out is how Loveless presents a realistic and diverse portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and experiences. It breaks stereotypes and challenges societal norms, making it an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.

I couldn't help but root for Georgia throughout her journey, feeling a rollercoaster of emotions with her. By the end of the book, I was left with a sense of hope and empowerment that will stay with me for a long time. 

In conclusion, Loveless is a masterful work of contemporary YA fiction that tackles important themes with grace and authenticity. Alice Oseman's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant, making this book a must-read for anyone who appreciates a thought-provoking and heartwarming tale of self-discovery and love.

Here are a few quotes that I loved, so much: 

"According to Pip, the hallmarks of realizing you're a lesbian were: firstly, getting a little intensely obsessed with a girl, mistaking it for admiration, and sometimes thinking about holding their hand, and secondly, having a subconscious fixation on certain female cartoon villains."

"She's happy with who she is. Maybe it's not the heteronormative dream that she grew up wishing for, but...knowing who you are and loving yourself is so much better than that, I think."

"In the end, that was the problem with romance. It was so easy to romanticize romance because it was everywhere."

When discussing sex - "If you really loved someone, I just think you wouldn't really...care so much about things like that. I dunno. I think everyone's been kind of conditioned to be obsessed with it, when in actual fact...you know, it's just a thing people do for fun. you don't even need it to make babies anymore. It's not like you'll die without it."

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell is an absolute masterpiece! This gripping thriller had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The way the author weaves multiple perspectives and timelines together is pure genius, keeping the suspense alive with every page turn.

The characters are well developed, each with their own secrets and hidden depths, making them feel so real and relatable. I couldn't help but become emotionally invested in their lives and the mystery surrounding the disappearance.

Jewell's writing style is flawless, drawing the reader in with vivid descriptions and expertly crafted plot twists. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, she threw another curveball that left me guessing until the very end. 

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of heart-poudning fear and heartwarming connections. It's a story that will linger in your mind long after you've finished the last page. I highly recommend this to any thriller or mystery lover.

To be honest, the only bad thing I have to say about this book is that I wish that there was more, after the mystery is solved. Like I needed an Epilogue to know who things work out a year, 5-years, 10-years down the road.

So I am probably going to upset a lot of Olivie Blake stans because this book was just, meh. 

It was definitely an intriguing read with a unique concept, and I learned to appreciate the idea that the author had behind this story. The representation of mental disorders in this novel was fantastic, almost so good that it had me loving and hating the characters all at one time.

I do feel like the plot lacked a bit of coherence and struggled to keep me fully engaged. 

I also didn't cry at all even though a lot of people say they sobbed. Maybe I'm just incapable of feeling emotions or maybe I just was not smart enough to read and comprehend this. 

IDK. 

Read it if you'd like - it's a cute story regardless.

This is my first experience with both Grady Hendrix and a "horror" genre book and I must say I was not disappointed. It was an interesting ride into the supernatural realm. When the back of the book said that it was "The Exorcist" meets "Beaches"...I was sold. 

With a gripping storyline and well-developed characters, Hendrix delivers a chilling tale that kept me hooked from start to finish. One of the highlights of this story is the deep bond between the main charters, Gretchen and Abby. The strong bond these two friends have adds some emotional depth to the horror elements that are taking place. 

The writing style is immersive, painting vivid pictures of the eerie occurrences, as if you were watching it on television. The author builds tension throughout the story, which kept me on edge but also had me laughing at time due to the circumstances. 

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a few instances where pacing felt slightly uneven, and certain plot elements I feel could have been explored further. Additionally, the ending left me wanting more closure in certain aspects. 

All in all, if you're seeking best friends, meets horror, meets a little comedy - I highly recommend this one! 

**Before reading this book; I definitely recommend checking out the trigger warnings**

Night Road is the second book that I have read by Kristin Hannah. While I gave "The Four Winds" 5-stars, this particular novel was a 4-star read for me.

The narrative of this novel revolves around the lives of three central characters: Lexi, Mia, and Zach. Lexi, a foster child, longs for stability and a sense of belonging, while Mia and Zach, the privileged twins, navigate the challenges of adolescence. As their lives intertwine, we get to see their individual journeys portrayed creating both a heartwarming and heart-wrenching relationship. 
While those are the three characters that the story mostly focuses on, you'll also closely follow the twin's mother, Jude and even have a brief period of following another character, closer to the end of the story. 

One of the strengths of this novel is the ability to delve into the depths of human emotions - I personally felt joy, stress, sorrow and more. While tackling friendship, love, and sacrifice, it showcases the transformative power of human connections. I love that author excels at crafting multidimensional characters who feel real and relatable. Lexi's resilience, Mia's vulnerability, and Zach's internal struggles are portrayed with authenticity, making it easy for readers to become invested in them. 

As much as I loved this story and identified with certain aspects, I did give this 4-stars instead of 5 due to some of the pacing in the beginning of the book and certain levels of predictability within the storyline. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more of Kristin Hannah's novels. 

"In Pieces" by Sally Field is an extraordinary memoir that gracefully invites readers into the complex and captivating life of the beloved actress. Field's heartfelt storytelling, raw honesty, and impeccable attention to detail make this book an absolute masterpiece.

From her early years as a shy and determined young girl to her rise as one of Hollywood's most accomplished actresses, Field takes us on an intimate journey through her personal and professional experiences. With courage and vulnerability, she peels back the layers of her life, revealing the struggles, triumphs, and deep emotions that shaped her into the woman she is today.

One of the most striking aspects of "In Pieces" is Field's ability to evoke vivid imagery through her writing. Her descriptions are vivid and poetic, transporting readers to the various stages of her life. Whether she is recounting her turbulent relationship with her mother, navigating the complexities of her career, or exploring her own inner demons, every page is imbued with an incredible depth of emotion.

Moreover, Field's introspection is nothing short of inspiring. She fearlessly examines her choices, triumphs, and failures, highlighting the growth and self-discovery that occurred along the way. Her unwavering determination to find her own voice, both in her personal life and as an artist, serves as a powerful reminder to readers that resilience and authenticity are essential ingredients for a fulfilling life.

The relationships Field shares throughout the book are also beautifully depicted. Her heartfelt anecdotes about her friendships and romantic encounters provide an intimate glimpse into the intricacies of human connection. Each interaction feels genuine and leaves a lasting impact, underscoring the importance of love, trust, and compassion in our lives.

"In Pieces" is a rare gem that combines exceptional storytelling with profound introspection. Sally Field's memoir not only captivates readers with her remarkable life story but also leaves them with a renewed sense of empathy and understanding. It is a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of embracing one's true self.

If you're looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet, make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own journey, "In Pieces" is an absolute must-read. Sally Field's ability to bare her soul on the pages of this book is nothing short of breathtaking. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and forever changed by this remarkable memoir.

I initially gave this book a 3-star rating when I finished it yesterday. However, after sitting with it for a day, it keeps coming up so I think that’s worth moving it up to a 4-star rating, confidently.

I’ll start by saying that Fantasy isn’t my typical genre because I’m not into World Building. While I understand that it’s usually important and critical to the setting; I have a hard time imagining the world and get too bored to follow-through and finish - I’ve tried with several other popular Fantasy Series. That was one of the reasons I was so intrigued by Six of Crows; it was a ‘smaller’ Fantasy book with minimal world building with a plot that kept moving. 

The second reason I was so intrigued by this book was because it’s about a magical heist featuring six outcasts who come together to defeat the odds. I like magic. I live for outcasts (being an outcast myself) & I love found families. My top 3 characters were Kaz, Inej, and Wylan though I feel truthfully all of the characters where lovable and all had their moments of weakness and strength.

I also love proving people wrong and that is exactly what this cast set out to do.

There are two reasons that I didn’t give this book a 5-star rating. The first is that there was a certain level of predictability. They came up against a lot, but I never felt my heartbeat increasing thinking that they were going to lose. I always, always had faith in them. The second reason is that while I enjoyed it; I wouldn’t necessarily call it a page turner. I was content and happy while I was reading it, but when I put it down, I did so without having to go “just one more chapter” and without being anxious and excited to pick it back up. While that doesn’t really have anything to do with the story itself, that does come into account for my review because I don’t want to read things that don’t interest me or keep my interest. 

Finally, I think one of the reasons that I DID bump my review up is because of the ending. This ending has stuck with me. And while I had absolutely zero intentions of reading Crooked Kingdom, the next in the Duology; after this ending I am anxious to pick it up and see what happens next for this team of misfits. 

If you’re looking to dip your toe in the Fantasy genre but are intimidated by the size and worlds of other popular series, I definitely recommend this one as a great place to start!