agiecummings's reviews
365 reviews

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book took me so long to read. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it was one of those books that was hard to stop and then pick back up because of the long lengths of the chapters. Accordingly, I recommend reading in one sitting (or in longer sittings overall).

In the end, I thought this was a beautiful and accurate representation of how grief can affect people (in the short and long term), particularly their relationships. I’m so glad these brothers find their way: both in their relationships and back to each other. But overall I wasn’t super invested in them as character as I have been with all other Sally Rooney books I’ve read in the past. But overall, signature Sally: well written and compelling from p. 1 ❤️
Good Material by Dolly Alderton

Go to review page

emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book ended up being so beautiful. Dolly Alderton did a beautiful job switching the narrator at the end to fill in the other perspective beautifully and tie the whole story together. That being said, my only critique of this book was spending 85% of it in the head of a 35-year-old insecure man. That almost did my head in and I wanted to punch him. But we redeemed him in the end. But Jen, you’re my girl. ❤️
Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir by Dolly Alderton

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I don’t think I’ve ever read a memoir by someone my own age, but wow how special to feel so *seen.* Dolly’s raw emotions and truthful storytelling speaks to the Millennial girlies with the kindness of a sister and the strength of a woman beyond her years.

She speaks to the importance of therapy, friendship, and love. And the way she describes female friendship as her model for love in the final chapters is absolutely life-affirming. Not to get too mushy over here.

Absolutely beautiful. Even not having the exact same experiences as her, I still see myself in her. 🩷
Bad Mormon: A Memoir by Heather Gay

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

All I ever really want from a memoir is a compelling and interesting story told with a real voice. And Heather nailed that for me. I’m not even a Housewives fan, but this was absolutely incredible storytelling of a completely bonkers life. Also, Mormonism is fascinating and Heather conveys that very well.
Master of Me: A Memoir by Keke Palmer

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

4.5

I think what I loved most about this is that you could really hear Keke’s voice throughout this memoir. Voice and tone are such important pieces of any form of writing, but particularly memoirs. And I think Keke nailed this aspect of sharing her story.

I didn’t realize all the ways in which Keke has invested in herself and her story was absolutely inspiring. Brava, from one millennial girlie to another, keep shining on for us all. ❤️
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely do not have the words for how much I loved this book. Lyla Sage, you angel. You crush it every time, but I feel like you did the big one with this one. I haven’t cried in any of the other Rebel Blue books (I’ve been close), but damn if I wasn’t sobbing at the end of this one. From the Emmy-Teddy convo through the final 3 chapters, just weeping.

Theodora and August. I don’t have words. The beautiful way that you love each other and find safety in each other was absolutely heartwarming to behold. I just love the way they made space for each other. And a little single dad enemies-to-lovers really got me in the end.

Also, putting in some beautiful girlfriend bestie love stories sent me over the edge. Sobbed because I cannot believe how beautifully Lyla captured all the feelings I’ve ever had.

10/10. ❤️⭐️✨🥹🫶🏼😭💖
Over the Influence by Joanna "JoJo" Levesque

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

4.0

This story is one of a fighter. And you cannot possibly say otherwise. And I think Joanna tells that story in a way that makes you respect her ownership of her mistakes while also being proud of her accomplishments.

One note: I found the writing style to be a bit helter skelter. Chronological order made sense in my mind, but I kinda wish she had organized it into sections and then been chronological within those, just because the clover stopping points didn’t offer enough of a break between the ideas during a chapter. But otherwise, beautiful.
Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This one was much better than the first. The first had too many side quests and paths away from the main story, but in this one you got a highly satisfying conclusion to the Ancient Egypt heist plot in addition to all the good gooey love feels of the story between Whit and Inez.

I loved this. So fun to read. As well as thrilling and National Treasure esque, but for ancient Egypt. Such a captivating end with some fun little romance tidbits for us as well. So glad I read the second, it was so satisfying.
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show by Bethany Joy Lenz

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

4.5

This book is so stressful, for lack of a better word. I love Joy from her One Tree Hill (OTH) days, and have enjoyed getting to know more about her through her podcast Drama Queens. When she mentioned that she was in a cult and should write a book about it on the podcast I was definitely intrigued. 

And her story is wild. Some very interesting themes of submission of women within religion and how people (aka cult leaders) end up manipulating the line between fiction and reality to keep their people loyal to them.

I’m so heartbroken to know that this is what Joy went through and I hope and pray she is healed enough to feel empowered and brave after sharing her story, because it’s an important one. 

OTH fan or not, this is a beautiful story of the resilience of the human spirit, particularly in women, and the power you can have in your own life once you step up and claim it. Congrats Joy on beautifully and chillingly telling your story.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ugh my little angels, Wes and Liz, they’re back and they are so precious. So heartbreaking to see them apart and hurting, but so wonderful to see them back together in the end.

And college Wes and Liz?? SO CUTE. The updates to Liz’s personality. The continued pining from Wes. His college baseball glow up. Ugh they’re just delicious.

And the love declarations were top tier. ABSOLUTELY TOP TIER. I cried. And Lynn, you never miss. And the use of the rom com movie quotes was used to perfection yet again.