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natreadthat's reviews
389 reviews
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
This novel covers many themes—gentrification, colonialism, familial relationships, politics, cultural and sexual identity, corruption, love. Gonzalez left nothing out of the spotlight.
Olga and Prieto are siblings. Both have quietly struggled with their mother’s abandoment decades ago to support Puerto Rican independence. Although they receive letters from her, they’re typically to ridicule them for partaking in the “American Dream” or to push them towards achieving her anarchist legacy. This novel portrays Olga and Prietos’ struggles to define themselves outside of their parents’ activism, abuse, societal expectations, and their own pasts.
While dense with political information, this novel will pull you in a few different ways. At times, I felt simultaneously sympathetic and totally aggravated with the characters. It’s a smorgasbord of sub-plots, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Puerto Rican politics (or PR in general) isn’t a common theme I see in books, which means I need to diversify my bookshelves. I’m reminded of how little I know about Puerto Rico. Yet seeing a congressman of Puerto Rican descent be the only one expected to talk about PR issues was uncomfortably realistic making it a good read.
Olga and Prieto are siblings. Both have quietly struggled with their mother’s abandoment decades ago to support Puerto Rican independence. Although they receive letters from her, they’re typically to ridicule them for partaking in the “American Dream” or to push them towards achieving her anarchist legacy. This novel portrays Olga and Prietos’ struggles to define themselves outside of their parents’ activism, abuse, societal expectations, and their own pasts.
While dense with political information, this novel will pull you in a few different ways. At times, I felt simultaneously sympathetic and totally aggravated with the characters. It’s a smorgasbord of sub-plots, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Puerto Rican politics (or PR in general) isn’t a common theme I see in books, which means I need to diversify my bookshelves. I’m reminded of how little I know about Puerto Rico. Yet seeing a congressman of Puerto Rican descent be the only one expected to talk about PR issues was uncomfortably realistic making it a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Not sure how I felt about this one—it’s a great mother-daughter story steeped in mystery and drama. But the constant back and forth of the timeline was hard to follow as an audiobook. Of course that didn’t stop me from wanting to figure out what happened, though!
Kim frantically searches for her nineteen-year-old daughter, Tallulah, and her boyfriend, Zach, when they don’t return home after a night out. It’s highly unusual for Tallulah to not even reach out, especially as a new, young mom. Yet Kim is left in the dark and the case goes cold.
As time goes on, more characters and their stories are pulled into this “who done it” mystery. And as the story progresses, we start to see that not all is as it seems. The ending was a bit drawn out and a little too unbelievable for my taste. But this mysterious drama just might be your perfect cup of tea!
Kim frantically searches for her nineteen-year-old daughter, Tallulah, and her boyfriend, Zach, when they don’t return home after a night out. It’s highly unusual for Tallulah to not even reach out, especially as a new, young mom. Yet Kim is left in the dark and the case goes cold.
As time goes on, more characters and their stories are pulled into this “who done it” mystery. And as the story progresses, we start to see that not all is as it seems. The ending was a bit drawn out and a little too unbelievable for my taste. But this mysterious drama just might be your perfect cup of tea!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Murder
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.0
A mix of grotesque horror and satire, this book was a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I was expecting campy housewives but instead got a sharp-mouthed bookclub and a vampire hiding in plain sight.
Not only was it fun to read, it also brushed the surface of the stereotypes stay-at-home-moms are expected to uphold and the racial divide of Small Town, America. Outside of that, it was fun and entertaining!
Not only was it fun to read, it also brushed the surface of the stereotypes stay-at-home-moms are expected to uphold and the racial divide of Small Town, America. Outside of that, it was fun and entertaining!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual assault, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Advika is grieving the loss of her twin sister and her parents’ abrupt move. After giving up on becoming a successful screenwriter, she works industry jobs to get by. One fateful A-list event drops a silver-fox Hollywood producer at her barstool. When Advika marries said Hollywood producer after a whirlwind romance, their 41-year age difference doesn’t bother her. But when news breaks that divorcing him will grant her one million dollars and a never-before-seen film reel from his first wife, she start questioning everything.
This isn’t typically something I would pick up on my own. I was stuck between rolling my eyes and needing to know what happens. If reality tv or Hollywood drama are your go-tos, this might be your juicy fix.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the arc! 🎥💌
This isn’t typically something I would pick up on my own. I was stuck between rolling my eyes and needing to know what happens. If reality tv or Hollywood drama are your go-tos, this might be your juicy fix.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the arc! 🎥💌
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton, James Patterson
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I love Dolly Parton. Sadly, I did not love her book.
The parts about Rose finding her way in the music industry, songwriting, and the grit to make it to the top were entertaining. The thriller part? Not so much. If this was just a country music drama or just a thriller, I think it would’ve been better. But trying to mix the two didn’t hit top charts for me.
I did enjoy listening to Dolly (the queen herself), Kelsea Ballerini, and other folks narrate.
The parts about Rose finding her way in the music industry, songwriting, and the grit to make it to the top were entertaining. The thriller part? Not so much. If this was just a country music drama or just a thriller, I think it would’ve been better. But trying to mix the two didn’t hit top charts for me.
I did enjoy listening to Dolly (the queen herself), Kelsea Ballerini, and other folks narrate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Stalking
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The friends who warned me this book was slower than the first were not wrong. But when you’re stuck on an airplane with only one book, you read on. There wasn’t a ton of action for the second book of a trilogy, but I could feel the build-up to a (hopefully) action-packed third installment.
Alina and Mal race across land and sea in an attempt to outrun the Darkling and discover how Alina’s powers can save their world as they know it. Their romance was all over the place and no where at all, but not in a fun way. I needed more from them but luckily, some new characters held this book on their backs, so here’s to seeing where those storylines end up!
Alina and Mal race across land and sea in an attempt to outrun the Darkling and discover how Alina’s powers can save their world as they know it. Their romance was all over the place and no where at all, but not in a fun way. I needed more from them but luckily, some new characters held this book on their backs, so here’s to seeing where those storylines end up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Minor: Stalking
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Who doesn’t love a heroine based on a true story? Lyudmila Pavlichenko, or “Lady Death”, was a Russian sniper credited with an official count of 309 kills during WWII.
I love how Quinn writes historical women, especially since you can tell how much research goes into each story. And this novel was no different. Mila is a single mother, marksman, and history student when war comes to Russia. Soon, life as she knew it is gone and she’s fighting against Nazis on the front lines.
Saskia Maarleveld brought Mila’s strength and resilience to life in the audiobook. What a treat.
I love how Quinn writes historical women, especially since you can tell how much research goes into each story. And this novel was no different. Mila is a single mother, marksman, and history student when war comes to Russia. Soon, life as she knew it is gone and she’s fighting against Nazis on the front lines.
Saskia Maarleveld brought Mila’s strength and resilience to life in the audiobook. What a treat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Grief, and War
Alone with You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I devoured this book in just over a day.
At the beginning, I wasn’t so sure that I would enjoy this book, but a few more chapters in I couldn’t put it down. This truly is a brilliant portrayal of the realities of falling in love, mental illness, and two broken people coming together. It’s a love story, but not really. It’s hope, time, space. Bees, hexagons, math, art. The complexity of connection and the grief of loss.
It will most definitely make you feel the feels.
This book does not shy away from the fact that neither Regan nor Aldo are well. It showcases their mental health, codependency, and perhaps their unfavorable personality traits without judgement, which was wildly refreshing.
Alone With You in the Ether is not for everyone, but damn, it really left its mark on me. 🐝
At the beginning, I wasn’t so sure that I would enjoy this book, but a few more chapters in I couldn’t put it down. This truly is a brilliant portrayal of the realities of falling in love, mental illness, and two broken people coming together. It’s a love story, but not really. It’s hope, time, space. Bees, hexagons, math, art. The complexity of connection and the grief of loss.
It will most definitely make you feel the feels.
This book does not shy away from the fact that neither Regan nor Aldo are well. It showcases their mental health, codependency, and perhaps their unfavorable personality traits without judgement, which was wildly refreshing.
Alone With You in the Ether is not for everyone, but damn, it really left its mark on me. 🐝
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The conclusion to the Grisha trilogy went out with a bang, aka the much-needed action we were waiting for.
I’m not sure how I feel about the ending, but the lead up was gorily action-packed. Overall the series was good. I enjoyed the storyline, plot, and most of the characters. That being said, Mal and Alina never really gave me the ‘wow factor’ like characters in other fantasy series. But like I said, the action (and a few mildly-predictable twists) really brought this book to life.
Eventually I’ll pick up the Six of Crows series too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, and War
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Normally being trapped on the tarmac of an airport is a big no for me, dawg. But when it leads to an extra hour of uninterrupted reading, it’s not the worst thing in the world.
This is my first dive into Bardugo’s GrishaVerse. It was what I expected it to be: a fantasy book complete with the bad boy, the good guy, and the ordinary girl who’s really the heroine. Luckily there were some plot twists that I didn’t see coming, thus holding my attention despite the typical fantasy tropes. And despite the somewhat predictable plot twists, love triangle, and character growth, it seems like the promising start of a good series.
This is my first dive into Bardugo’s GrishaVerse. It was what I expected it to be: a fantasy book complete with the bad boy, the good guy, and the ordinary girl who’s really the heroine. Luckily there were some plot twists that I didn’t see coming, thus holding my attention despite the typical fantasy tropes. And despite the somewhat predictable plot twists, love triangle, and character growth, it seems like the promising start of a good series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Toxic relationship