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emily_kathman's reviews
58 reviews
Aviary by Deirdre McNamer
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I did enjoy reading this book. It gave vignettes into each character’s life and past.
However- the prose was a bit dense. It was beautifully written. The text challenged me to look up words I haven’t heard before- what a beautiful thing. And- my preference in books is not to be bogged down in my captivation by dense prose. It was almost giving Hemingway in the rambling-ness of it all (which for some might be a plus but for me just isn’t my preference).
Also- there were a lot of characters that we heard their pov maybe once or twice and then it just dropped- only to have their “loose ends” tied up in another characters pov. Maybe that was the point, that things aren’t always neat- but i would have loved another chapter from both Leo and Claytons pov.
Overall, a nice read especially for November. It captured that sad vibe of the days getting shorter, and was an example of beautiful prose. I think it would have been better if there would have been less povs and more time developing 3-4 characters more in depth.
Check it out if you like more dense, many character pov stories, or if you need a big zoom out in perspective.
However- the prose was a bit dense. It was beautifully written. The text challenged me to look up words I haven’t heard before- what a beautiful thing. And- my preference in books is not to be bogged down in my captivation by dense prose. It was almost giving Hemingway in the rambling-ness of it all (which for some might be a plus but for me just isn’t my preference).
Also- there were a lot of characters that we heard their pov maybe once or twice and then it just dropped- only to have their “loose ends” tied up in another characters pov. Maybe that was the point, that things aren’t always neat- but i would have loved another chapter from both Leo and Claytons pov.
Overall, a nice read especially for November. It captured that sad vibe of the days getting shorter, and was an example of beautiful prose. I think it would have been better if there would have been less povs and more time developing 3-4 characters more in depth.
Check it out if you like more dense, many character pov stories, or if you need a big zoom out in perspective.
She's a Killer by Kirsten McDougall
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Spoilers:
Immediately upon finishing I feel a bit disappointed with the book but also I did enjoy reading it.
The concept of this speculative world seems too close to the current world which made me anxious when reading the first part of the book, the narrator’s cynicism crept into my mind- which is a powerful thing for a book to do!
As the main character helped Erika and became aware of Erikas plans- she found her agency. Why did she meed permission/validation from a literal child to do something about her world I don’t know.
I think the book paints out an extreme version of how world problems that seem totally out of our control like climate change, economic issues, etc. impact individuals, and place pathologies on individuals.
I think both Erika and the protagonist are trying to survive as best they can. While I see their flaws I do find them empathetic. I wonder if the author is trying to warn readers of the something, a parable of some sort?
I still need to sort my thoughts out on this one. Beautiful character development.
Immediately upon finishing I feel a bit disappointed with the book but also I did enjoy reading it.
The concept of this speculative world seems too close to the current world which made me anxious when reading the first part of the book, the narrator’s cynicism crept into my mind- which is a powerful thing for a book to do!
As the main character helped Erika and became aware of Erikas plans- she found her agency. Why did she meed permission/validation from a literal child to do something about her world I don’t know.
I think the book paints out an extreme version of how world problems that seem totally out of our control like climate change, economic issues, etc. impact individuals, and place pathologies on individuals.
I think both Erika and the protagonist are trying to survive as best they can. While I see their flaws I do find them empathetic. I wonder if the author is trying to warn readers of the something, a parable of some sort?
I still need to sort my thoughts out on this one. Beautiful character development.
The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, and Sexual assault
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
3.5
The love story was so cute
Interesting concept and feel good read
Interesting concept and feel good read
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Mass/school shootings, and Death of parent
Pride and Joy by Louisa Onomé
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
4.5
I listened to the audiobook of this and I found it very useful. The authors positioning and commentary on the twenty something years was both relevant and empowering.