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katyaileen's reviews
352 reviews
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This was a disappointing read. The first half was interesting, but the second half had twists that were very predictable. There were a lot of loose ends and very little backstory of the characters. It was a quick listen, I did want to know what was happening, but the reveal was a big let down. Would not recommend this one.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was an interesting one to listen to with all the voice actors. I really enjoyed the interview format, it really immersed me into the emotional highs & lows. You immediately know how each character feels and thinks about every situation. The time period was a whole vibe. I wish there was more about the characters lives after the band broke up though. Going to check out the TV series too, I want to hear the songs! Not my favorite TJR, but very enjoyable.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
Another amazing TJR book has become another all-time favorite. I put this book off for so long because I'm not a tennis fan, you do not need to be for this book, and now I regret it.
Carrie Soto is an intense and blunt person who has trained doggedly her whole life to become the best tennis player. Like any accomplished athlete, she does have an ego, but also a burning passion and drive. I love the relationship between her and her father, the coach. It follows her comeback after retirement to reclaim some of her records, but she gains so much more in the end. Some people really don't like Carrie's personality and to me she's a female Kobe Bryant, you can't achieve greatness without confidence. I respect hard work.
I can't gush enough about Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style. The commentary is beautiful, the characters are amazing, and you feel annoyed, love, hope, and inspiration. There are also some cute TJR Easter eggs throughout. Hope you give this a read!
Carrie Soto is an intense and blunt person who has trained doggedly her whole life to become the best tennis player. Like any accomplished athlete, she does have an ego, but also a burning passion and drive. I love the relationship between her and her father, the coach. It follows her comeback after retirement to reclaim some of her records, but she gains so much more in the end. Some people really don't like Carrie's personality and to me she's a female Kobe Bryant, you can't achieve greatness without confidence. I respect hard work.
I can't gush enough about Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style. The commentary is beautiful, the characters are amazing, and you feel annoyed, love, hope, and inspiration. There are also some cute TJR Easter eggs throughout. Hope you give this a read!
The Party by Robyn Harding
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book follows the aftermath of a Sweet 16 sleepover where a girl has had a terrible accident. All the characters are flawed and even unlikable at times, but I found myself engrossed in the trauma and drama of it all. You follow multiple pov's from the party through the following year. I enjoyed all the narrators and I just love Robyn Harding's writing style. There wasn't a lot of growth in the characters and even seemed inevitable to go down a similar path yet again. Overall not one ill re-read, but one I enjoyed listening to.
This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
This was just ok for me, I really didn't care for Grady. The beginning and middle were slow and then everything was rushed at the end. It doesn't include what happens to Abby afterwards, either. The twist and the reveal were interesting and I enjoyed the dual pov's in past and present also.
The Crash by Freida McFadden
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a quick entertaining read that will have you asking why and saying eww. The main character Tegan was kinda dumb tbh, the majority of her terror was assumptions, miscommunication, and there was very little backstory about her. As for Polly, her past incident wasn't really that bad. There was a situation that was giving break your ankles vibe from Misery, but then it became nothing. There would repeatedly be a build up to what felt big and shocking only to completely backpedal. I liked an aspect of the ending, but mostly it was not thrilling.
Once More from the Top by Emily Layden
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Well, I almost DNF'd it, I was trying to finish another book for January or I would have. The whole book is about the MC feeling sorry for herself that her song-writer friend was gone and battling imposter syndrome since she felt her friend was the true artist. The song-writing was interesting, and her career and start were the same as Taylor Swift. The plot was all over the place, going to different timelines and not always delineating that. It just was not for me.
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book follows a woman as she tries to move forward, with help from her MIL, after her newlywed husband dies. It switches timeline between the present day and flashbacks of her and her husband's relationship. I almost didn't finish, only because this is my worst fear and it really brought it front and center. But it's also a story about found family, healing, and love. There were some aspects of the main character I found unlikable, but overall, a beautiful story.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a mind fuck this book was! I'm left with more questions than answers at the end, but I really enjoyed the ride. I could really relate with Eve and her fear of basements and thoughts going to worst case scenario. It starts with a really awkward request to tour a house this man used to live in, with his whole family in tow. It spirals into spooky happenings and psychological horror.
What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
What a great read. This was sadly similar to a real life case in recent years and in the news. It was fast-paced and had a satisfying conclusion.