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marywahlmeierbracciano's reviews
829 reviews
Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley
emotional
funny
4.75
If you enjoy following cats on Instagram as much as I do, you’ll love Woe by Lucy Knisley, a collection of comics about her cat, Linney. It’s an especially meaningful read now that Linney has passed on. For those who love iconic kitties with big purrsonalities (such as the Raven’s own, Dashiell), Woe is a hilarious and heartfelt tribute.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
The Only Ones by Carola Dibbell
challenging
dark
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
5.0
Man! I can’t believe I’ve just now discovered Carola Dibbell’s The Only Ones almost a decade after its first publication. Despite this, in 2024, amid ever-restricting abortion laws and the targeting of IVF, still-emerging from COVID-19, this book has never been more timely. In a dystopian, pandemic-riddled future, people will do whatever it takes to keep themselves, and their children, alive. With commentary on (largely Catholic) rhetoric concerning the sanctity of life, this book explores the ways in which a human life can be created, sustained, and destroyed. Told in the unforgettable matter-of-fact, self-reliant, working-class voice of Inez, a rare “hardy” immune to disease, it is an incredibly moving story about parenthood, love, and survival.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Medical content, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Ableism, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Confinement, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
No Bullet Got Me Yet: The Relentless Faith of Father Kapaun by John Stansifer
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A story of humanity in the midst of the hell that is war, No Bullet Got Me Yet is largely comprised of correspondence from Fr. Kapaun and from those with whom he served. It details Kapaun’s childhood in Kansas, his early years as a beloved priest, and his time as an Army Chaplain, most notably in the Korean War, during which he died as a POW. The actions of this playful and Christlike man, as described by his comrades, are stunning, heartbreaking, and most-deserving of sainthood. Though, just as Fr. Kapaun served soldiers of all religions, readers need not be Catholic to enjoy this story. The writing is at times fanciful and lacks a historian’s perspective, but I took what I needed with a grain of salt. Rick Adamson’s audio narration, however, couldn’t have been better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Physical abuse, Racism, and Torture
Hate to Fake It to You by Amanda Sellet
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The incomparably funny Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake It to You is so much fun to read! It’s a door-half-open screwball comedy set in Hawaii and starring Libby, a pragmatic yet dreamy waitress and aspiring profile writer who runs a phony influencer account with her best friend from their roach-infested apartment. When a calculating Gen-Z heiress slides into their DMs and wants to meet (and potentially collab), Libby and friends scramble to keep up the ridiculous charade. But when opportunity comes knocking, so does the handsome wildlife photographer in (reluctant) cahoots with the media mogul, and Libby can’t help but be herself with him. With a super unique plot and structure, this romance is a breath of fresh Oahu air!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is the ultimate comfort read. It’s quirky, funny, emotional, and romantic while also addressing meaningful social topics. Twyla’s a burnt out, cage-free Midwestern mom on a self-worth journey. Frank is a sturdy, salt and pepper, gruff yet sweet-talkin’ (but only with her), daddy *ovulates*. Both single in their 50’s (he’s divorced, she’s widowed), they’re work besties who plan to retire together—falling in love would ruin their friendship, right? Not if a certain pink, sparkly dragon has anything to do with it! Megan Bannen masterfully weaves in tropes and foreshadowing yet still manages to be surprising in the best ways. This seasoned romance is such a lovely counterpoint to the first book in this universe. I’m obsessed with Mom and Dad!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As the main character and narrator of this darkly funny novel, Mrs. Duszejko steals the show. A fierce old woman who lives alone in a house on a remote Polish plateau, she has a big personality as an eccentric astrologer, vegetarian, non-Catholic, and translator of William Blake. She patrols the area surrounding her home daily and has a few, select friends. After her neighbor, “Bigfoot,” is found dead, a series of deaths unfolds, but no one will hear her theories about stags and stars. Ultimately, this is a story of a woman in a significant amount of grief. Beata Poźniak’s narration is exemplary—just perfect.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Misogyny, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Violence, Vomit, Medical content, and Fire/Fire injury
The Robbery by Joaquín Camp
funny
lighthearted
4.5
Don’t worry, The Robbery will not turn readers toward a life of crime. Funny and charming, this story follows three little thieves who, while digging for treasure, end up in all sorts of ridiculous situations and learn an important lesson. Giggles will ensue!
Song of the Golden Hare by Jackie Morris
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
5.0
To read a story by Jackie Morris is to be transported into a dream world, stitched with magic. Her talent is unmatched, and her depictions of the beauty of nature’s ceremonies are spellbinding. Such is true in Song of the Golden Hare, an awe-inspiring treasure for every reader.