natlbugz's reviews
378 reviews

Love Life: How to Raise Your Standards, Find Your Person, and Live Happily by Matthew Hussey

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hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

5.0

TLDR: If you’ve ever found yourself picking up the pieces after a relationship and wondering how to move on, this is the book for you. It’s practical, empowering, and exactly the kind of advice you want when you’re ready to stop spiraling and start thriving.

This book came into my life at exactly the right moment. Fresh out of a 15-month relationship with someone I truly thought I was going to marry, I was feeling like my heart had been steamrolled. Love Life didn’t just speak to that heartbreak; it gave me a practical, no-bullshit guide to start moving forward.
What I loved most about this book was how relatable and grounded it felt. So many self-help books are overflowing with vague self-care platitudes that make you roll your eyes by chapter two (be your best self, love is within, yada yada). But Hussey skips all that fluff and gets real about what it means to raise your standards, build your confidence, and take actionable steps to heal and grow. It’s raw, vulnerable, and feels like you’re talking to a friend who’s been there and gets it.

This isn’t about blaming or wallowing—it’s about figuring out what you want, recognizing what you deserve, and actually taking steps to get there. Hussey’s approach helped me shift my perspective from “how do I fix this?” to “how do I take care of myself and build something better?” And honestly? That was a game-changer for me.
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

TLDR: Gripping, gut-wrenching, and full of heart. It’s not a light read, but it’s powerful and unforgettable.

Wowowow. The Storyteller is the kind of book that reaches deep and refuses to let go. This is one of those harrowing, unforgettable stories that tackles some of the hardest moral questions and makes you feel every ounce of their weight. Picoult doesn’t hold back—this book dives into themes of justice, forgiveness, and what it means to do the right thing, even when it feels impossible.

The resilience of these characters is just stunning. Every page had me wondering what I would do in their shoes and it’s not an easy answer. Picoult’s writing takes you through the trauma and courage in a way that feels so raw and human, making the story hit even harder. And somehow, despite the heaviness, there’s this sense of hope woven through it all.

This book is a reminder that some stories need to be told, no matter how painful they are. It’s about remembering, about honoring those who came before, and about recognizing that doing what’s right is rarely easy. If you’re ready to sit with a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is emotional, this is absolutely worth the read.
Dirty Diana by Shana Feste, Jen Besser

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lighthearted reflective 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

3.75

TLDR: Dirty Diana is smart, subtle, and unapologetically sexy in a way that feels refreshingly mature. If you’re over the overly explicit, juvenile romances flooding the market, this is one to pick up. It’s everything you want in a romance but with that grown-up edge. 
 
Dirty Diana is the kind of romance that doesn’t need to be flashy to leave an impact. The spice level here is understated, classy—so demure and sexy that it completely pulls you in without being overly explicit. It feels genuinely adult in a way that’s rare to find in contemporary romance these days. So much of what’s out there can feel, well... kind of juvenile and tasteless, but this book balances intimacy with elegance, capturing that slow-burn allure without trying to spell everything out. 
 
Reading this felt a lot like watching Sex/Life on Netflix—just as intriguing and unapologetically sexy but with a refined, mature edge that makes you want to lean in closer. Diana’s world is layered and complex, giving you glimpses of her inner life that feel real and grounded. She’s in this in-between place, struggling to find passion in a routine life, and it’s in the quiet, reflective moments that you really start to feel for her. The book explores her desires without the need for over-the-top drama, making her journey one of personal rediscovery that you can’t help but root for. 
 
My only gripe? It ended too soon! I could’ve easily spent another hundred pages in Diana’s world, watching her story unfold at its own pace. But maybe that’s a good thing— I’m that much more excited for the rest of the trilogy. 
Memorials by Richard Chizmar

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

3.75

TLDR: If you’re fascinated by Appalachia and witchy, Blair Witch-style mysteries, Memorials is a solid pick to round out your sad/spooky girl autumn reads.
I had high hopes for this, and while I mostly enjoyed it, I have a few bones to pick. This was my first intro to Chizmar’s writing, and the spooky, eerie vibes were definitely there, like some Blair Witch vibes set in the early 80s. If you’re into the creepy mysteries of the Appalachian mountains, this will give you that classic fall horror fix.

The story follows three college students road-tripping through Appalachia, documenting roadside memorials for their American Studies class. You can practically feel the unease building as they get deeper into those shadowy woods in their VW Astrovan. The setting really nails that eerie, small-town vibe, and Chizmar’s attention to detail when describing the early 80s backdrop is a strong point—it pulls you right into that decade, no cell phones or modern comforts, just you and the chilling backwoods.

That being said, the pacing could’ve used a boost. Chizmar goes super detailed in certain places, like Billy’s childhood memories of his hometown. Do I really need a play-by-play of the 4th of July celebrations he remembers while standing in the same park years later? Some of those details felt like filler, dragging down the momentum when I wanted the story to keep that high-stakes tension. A bit more editing to trim those sections would’ve kept the suspense tighter IMO.

But overall, this book has a lot of good, creepy elements. If you love the thought of traipsing through Appalachia with three classmates and your high school ex-girlfriend to film a haunted documentary, Memorials will give you that atmospheric eerie vibe. And even though this wasn’t a perfect read, Chizmar’s way with spooky settings has me curious to check out his Boogeyman books, which I hear might show him at his best.
Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner

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emotional reflective sad medium-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

TLDR: Shred Sisters is honest, raw, and hits hard, especially if you've got personal experience with addiction or mental illness in the family. It’s a story about love, resilience, and finding some kind of peace in the chaos. 
 
This one hit close to home. Having an older sister who’s a recovering addict, Shred Sisters felt like a punch to the gut in the best way possible. Betsy Lerner really captures the complicated, messy love that comes with having a sibling struggling with addiction—the constant push and pull, the anger, the helplessness, and ultimately, the hope. 
 
“My sister swims beyond the ocean creast, part-dolphin, part-girl. Gulls circle and fill the air. A cloud asks, what do you know? No one will love you more or hurt you more than a sister.” 
 
The characters are flawed and raw, but that’s what made them feel so real. I loved how Lerner didn’t sugarcoat the recovery process or turn it into some neat, redemptive arc. Instead, it was jagged and painful, with no guarantees, which felt a lot truer to life. 
 
The relationship between the sisters is beautifully written—it's both heartbreaking and grounding. The ups and downs, the moments of connection, the resentment that’s always simmering under the surface... it all felt so real. Lerner’s writing is straightforward but powerful, and she knows how to pack an emotional punch without overdoing it. 
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens

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adventurous lighthearted reflective 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? No

3.0

his book is basically 13 Going on 30 meets Freaky Friday, and I loved it. The inspiration pulled from late 90s/early 2000s romcoms is obvious and charming, with that sprinkle of magical realism that makes it feel whimsical yet surprisingly grounded. The whole “wishing machine” plot line is obviously fantastical, but it brings up some surprisingly big questions about life, happiness, and the choices we make.
The MC’s journey felt relatable, and there were moments that really hit home, even if they were wrapped in a surreal premise. I loved how it managed to capture that feeling of nostalgia while still exploring themes that felt current.

That said, the middle section dragged a bit, and I found myself wishing it would speed things up. It lost a bit of that initial magic for me, but the easy, feel-good nature of the story kept me going. It’s definitely a lighter read—whimsical with a side of life lessons—and sometimes that’s exactly what you need after reading way too much horror.

TLDR: If you’re into romcoms with a dash of magical realism and you don’t mind a slower pace in parts, The Good Part is a fun, nostalgic read. Looking forward to seeing what Cousens comes up with next!
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious 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? No

5.0

Well, that’s it. I’ve officially finished the entire Thursday Murder Club series, and I’m feeling all kinds of ways about it. I only started reading the series a month ago and now that I’m done, I honestly don’t know what to do with myself. These books have been such a cozy, comforting escape, and this last installment, The Last Devil to Die, hit all the right feels. 
 
Richard Osman’s writing is just…perfect. I love how he makes murder mysteries feel like you’re settling in with a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. There’s something so charming about the way he balances the twists and turns of a good mystery with moments of humor and heart. 
 
Let’s talk about the characters. Joyce—my absolute favorite—is at her best here. She’s funny, a little unpredictable, and full of surprises. The whole crew—Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim—feels like old friends at this point, and watching them tackle yet another case with their wit and camaraderie just made me so happy. There’s something magical about how Osman makes you care deeply about these characters while also delivering a tight, engaging mystery. 
 
As for the plot, it was one of the best yet. It had me guessing, laughing, and even tearing up at times. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say, it was the perfect way to close out the series. I’m still reeling from how much I loved it. 
 
TLDR: If you haven’t yet picked up the Thursday Murder Club series, what are you literally doing with your life? Osman’s blend of cozy mystery, brilliant characters, and English charm is unbeatable. And The Last Devil to Die? An easy 5-star cherry on top. 
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

Idk why I even read this. Horrible book lol 
Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

You know, some non-fiction makes you feel like you’re wading through a textbook, squinting at the tiny print and wondering if it’s worth the pain just to appear smarter?? Gladwell says hold my beer. He does this thing where he takes what should be dense, heady topics and makes them feel like you’re having a late-night convo with your smartest friend—engaging, casual, but with just enough substance to leave you thinking, “Okay, that was actually pretty cool.” 
 
This time around, he dives into everything from the Ivy League admissions scandals (hello, Olivia Jade star USC rower??) to the tangled mess of the opioid epidemic in America. And that whole storyline? He doesn’t just give it a quick mention. No, he frames the entire book with it, opening and closing with a deep dive that had me SAT. It’s heavy, yeah, but he makes it so digestible, like sneaking veggies into your kid's dinner. 
 
“Small variations lead to monumental shifts, and nowhere is that more apparent than behind the polished doors of Ivy League admissions.” 
 
Then there’s this idea of “overstories,” which sounds way more complicated than it actually is. It’s all about those invisible forces that shape the stories we cling to, without us even realizing. It’s like learning there’s this hidden blueprint behind how we understand the world, and suddenly you can’t unsee it. It made me question a lot of the narratives we take for granted, and let’s be real, I love a good existential crisis! 
 
“The stories we tell ourselves aren’t always organic—they’re constructed, influenced by the invisible hands of overstories, subtly shaping the way we interpret the world.” 
 
If I had to sum this book up in a sentence, it’s like: Gladwell makes you feel smarter without making you feel like you’re working for it. It’s thought-provoking without being pretentious, and honestly, a great reminder that non-fiction doesn’t have to be boring. If you like books that’ll keep you thinking, this is that. 
 
“I’m not as sunny and full of possibility as I was back then.” 
 
TLDR - A deep dive into the dark side of social shifts, told in classic Gladwell style. Worth the read—especially if you want to feel like you’ve learned something without breaking a sweat.
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

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emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Last One at the Wedding definitely packs a punch, but it didn’t quite hit me like Hidden Pictures. It’s solid, for sure—3.5 stars from me—but it’s missing that extra spark that made Rekulak’s debut such a gripping read.

What I loved: The character dynamics here are complex and incredibly human. Rekulak does this thing where he gets under your skin, not with paranormal twists like in Hidden Pictures, but with emotional tension and understated suspense. His portrayal of relationships—particularly the strain of marriage and the isolation that can creep into the happiest of unions—was raw and real. There’s this constant sense of unease simmering just beneath the surface that kept me on edge. You’re never sure if something actually sinister is going to happen or if it’s all psychological.

Now, the downside: The pacing is a little uneven. The first half of the book had me flipping pages like crazy, but by the middle, it lost a bit of that momentum. It felt like it was trying to juggle too many threads, and I wasn’t always convinced by the direction some of the subplots took. A few twists landed, but others? Kind of predictable. It didn’t have that same "wait, WHAT?!" factor that Hidden Pictures pulled off so well.

And while the book does build a subtle eerie atmosphere, it doesn’t have the physical elements that made Hidden Pictures unforgettable. There’s no creepy art to elevate the tension here—it’s all about Rekulak’s prose, which is good, but I found myself wishing for a little more oomph in the horror department.

TLDR; a solid follow-up to Rejulak’s Hidden Pictures. If you’re into psychological tension and stories about messy, imperfect relationships, this will definitely hook you. Just don’t go into it expecting the same supernatural chills as Hidden Pictures. It’s a much slower burn, but there’s still plenty to chew on, especially when it comes to how we cope with love, loss, and the weight of our decisions.
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