mcgbreads's reviews
1125 reviews

It feels like nothing happened in this story. It feels like the first of at least three parts in a book. I didn't hate it and I enjoyed the elements, characters, and overall writing style, I just don't understand the point of a novella that doesn't stand on its own.

Leaving room for the reader to fill the blanks with their imagination and creativity is one thing, but writing a story where nothing happens, there are more questions than answers, and the ending is so abrupt is quite another. This feels pointless to me and I dislike that very much. Not great as a first experience with this author.

ARC review; thanks to NetGalley for the access to this ebook.

Ugh, I loved this! It made me laugh out loud in every chapter. It's witty, sharp, funny, and heartwarming. A feel-good, direct story with a lovely message.

Whimsical, wholesome, heartwarming, magical, cozy, and so funny. What's not to love? 

ARC review; thanks to SS Atria Marketing for sending me NetGalley access to this ebook. Pub date: Mar 04 2025. 

Poetry is very hit-or-miss for me. I think it's probably the most subjective form of written expression. You either relate to it and understand it or you don't. And sure, you can learn how to understand technique and stuff, but I mean understanding as in being able to feel and connect with what the poems are expressing. 

This collection didn't work for me because I personally didn't connect with the poems, but I appreciate it for still making me think about themes of belonging, beauty, and more. 

This was a difficult read at times, but so good. It combines historical fiction and horror so well. There's already horror in the themes it explores, the added paranormal elements just complement that and add to it. This is set in Florida during Jim Crow, and it offers a glimpse into what Black people have endured in the U.S.; racism, violence, abuse, segregation, dehumanization, and on and on it goes. This story was heartbreaking, but also moving. It's full of love, friendship, strength, and survival. My only issue is that the pacing was super slow at times, at least for my taste, and it felt like one of the POVs could've been reduced without affecting the overall plot and impact of the story, but that's just me. Other than that, this was great. 

Unfortunately, I think I liked the movie a lot more. I mean, I’ve watched it a few times and it made an impression on me that the book didn’t make. It was just a book I listened to while working, it didn’t grip me one way or the other. I remember the movie even though I haven’t watched it in years, but I’m not sure I’ll remember much about the book a week from now. 

I went to sleep last night listening to this audiobook and I spent my morning reading time finishing it along with the ebook. This was just delightful! I loved it very much and I'm happy there are two more books. 

It's a simple story about a robot learning to live with nature and vice versa, and making a home for herself. It's all about connections and community, and I had a lovely time with it. It's a cozy story that puts your mind at ease but also makes you think, so it's perfect for its intended audience. It's very creative and I also loved that it doesn't shy away from sad moments or showing how brutal nature can be.

ARC review; thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the access to this ebook. Pub date: 7 Jan 2025.  Thanks to Harlequin Audio for the ALC, the pub date for that is Apr 25, 2025. 

Wow... Just, wow. This was such a surprising book. 

Set in 2020, the story follows Chinese American Cora Zeng after an event that changes her forever. She becomes a crime scene cleaner after that and her life is dominated by anxiety and fear. She's obsessed with cleanliness not just because of her personal trauma, but also because of COVID. 

In her work, they start noticing a pattern: all the victims are Asian women, and bats are left at the crime scenes. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is targeting Asian women and no one's doing anything about it. On top of all that, Cora starts getting haunted by a "hungry ghost," and things simply start unraveling for her. 

This book combines mystery, horror, and social commentary so well. I couldn't stop reading. 

Yes, this is a COVID book, but it's not just about the pandemic, it's also about grief, loss, Asian racism, white supremacy, violence, dehumanization, desensitization, and how broken the system is. It's gorey, bleak, sad, enraging, and, unfortunately, real. But there's also beauty, strength, and culture. 

It's also beautifully written and hard-hitting. I highlighted so many lines and felt so much for the characters and the Asian community they represent. This story provides a lot of perspective and though it's a tough read, it's a relevant one cause even if the pandemic is over (?) racism and white supremacy prevail, so uplifting stories about marginalized communities will always be important. 

The audiobook was great! The narrator did a good job with this so it's a great way to consume the story.

I wish I had enemies to deal with. 

This was fantastic! The production was great, the voice actors were immaculate, and they delivered the story super well. I really, really loved this. Instant favorite audiobook.