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oceanwriter's reviews
718 reviews
Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Emma's on top of the world despite the obstacles of her past. She's thriving in her career as a divorce attorney, she's got a wonderful family and a supportive husband, and she's got all the comforts that life has to offer. But as her fortieth birthday approaches, she's haunted by the past. It's the age she's dreaded her entire life. Not because she fears getting older, but because her mother used to tell her she'd snap just as she did.
None of this is made easier when her sister, Phoebe, comes back to town with news that their mother (who has been confined to a secure unit since an incident when they were children) might be dying. Emma has no interest in seeing her but changes her mind when strange things begin happening to her. Is it the curse of her fortieth birthday, or has someone been sabotaging her? If so, who?
An exciting lead-in no doubt, but the story took a strange turn by the end that felt less like a plot twist and more like the author had been backed into a corner and just wanted to get out of it the quickest way possible. The entire lead-up felt like a waste of my time for a resolution that was way too nuanced to have only been discussed for a few pages.
Repetition was also an issue for me. There was so much back and forth, retelling the same facts of the story over and over and nothing ever got resolved. Arguments between Emma and her husband were always the same and Emma's defensiveness only grew worse. While some of that is justified given Emma's lack of sleep and concern about the situation, she's also her own worst enemy. Her continuing to refuse any sort of communication even while this lack of communication is making her entire life crumble was infuriating and did nothing to add to the suspense of the plot.
Definitely disappointed that this ended up missing the mark for me because I was initially really into it. Even when I realized this wasn't going to live up to my hopes, I did feel compelled to read to the end to know how it ended.
None of this is made easier when her sister, Phoebe, comes back to town with news that their mother (who has been confined to a secure unit since an incident when they were children) might be dying. Emma has no interest in seeing her but changes her mind when strange things begin happening to her. Is it the curse of her fortieth birthday, or has someone been sabotaging her? If so, who?
An exciting lead-in no doubt, but the story took a strange turn by the end that felt less like a plot twist and more like the author had been backed into a corner and just wanted to get out of it the quickest way possible. The entire lead-up felt like a waste of my time for a resolution that was way too nuanced to have only been discussed for a few pages.
Repetition was also an issue for me. There was so much back and forth, retelling the same facts of the story over and over and nothing ever got resolved. Arguments between Emma and her husband were always the same and Emma's defensiveness only grew worse. While some of that is justified given Emma's lack of sleep and concern about the situation, she's also her own worst enemy. Her continuing to refuse any sort of communication even while this lack of communication is making her entire life crumble was infuriating and did nothing to add to the suspense of the plot.
Definitely disappointed that this ended up missing the mark for me because I was initially really into it. Even when I realized this wasn't going to live up to my hopes, I did feel compelled to read to the end to know how it ended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Stalking, and Death of parent
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Miscarriage, Vomit, and Car accident
Free by E.B. Roshan
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
This was my favorite graphic novel by E.B. Roshan so far — and it's part of a series! The story follows Rex, who once lived an exciting life as an interplanetary bodyguard but now lives a much quieter life. He misses his former life, and when an opportunity presents itself to reenter his field, he wonders if things are best left in the past.
Geared toward a younger audience, but adults can enjoy it as well. I'm looking forward to Part 2!
Geared toward a younger audience, but adults can enjoy it as well. I'm looking forward to Part 2!
Maze by E.B. Roshan, E.B. Roshan
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Super fun! The story is a cross between sci-fi and Greek Mythology. Though geared toward kids, as an adult, I enjoyed it as a quick and lighthearted read.
One Piece, Vol. 12: The Legend Begins by Eiichiro Oda
fast-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
3.0
Still trying to get back into the swing of things but I'm excited for the next volume!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
Moderate: Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Grief
Minor: Sexism
Shank: Tool's Law I by Roy Harper
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I heard about this book on History's Greatest Escapes and knew it would be a fascinating read. I've never read a book written by an inmate. The perspective of someone with these kinds of experiences gives the author an advantage most others don't have.
This is a genre I've only dabbled in, so I'm not super familiar with similar books. As a story, it wasn't for me as far as getting invested, but I appreciated where it came from. I thought the writing was strong, too, although I found the bits of dialogue written in all caps to be distracting. Nevertheless, I'm glad I picked it up and plan on continuing the series.
This is a genre I've only dabbled in, so I'm not super familiar with similar books. As a story, it wasn't for me as far as getting invested, but I appreciated where it came from. I thought the writing was strong, too, although I found the bits of dialogue written in all caps to be distracting. Nevertheless, I'm glad I picked it up and plan on continuing the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gun violence, and Violence
One Piece, Volume 11: The Meanest Man in the East by Eiichiro Oda, Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
I took too long of a break between this book and Volume 10 so I spent a lot of time trying to remember what already happened...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, and Fatphobia
Minor: Sexism, Xenophobia, and Death of parent
This Beautiful, Ridiculous City by Kay Sohini
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
In this memoir, Kay Sohini shares her immigration story in what can best be described as a love letter to New York City. Not only does she discuss moving to a new country and her dream city, but also the turbulent years of her early 20s.
Early on, we see the contrast between a rapidly changing India and America, driven by the author's desire to escape to the place she's read countless times in books. The book then shifts to the story of an abusive relationship and overcoming all of the trials that came from it. Interlaced is a love of food and, of course, New York City.
The illustrations in this book are easily the most colorful and unique I have ever seen in a graphic novel. I want some of the skyline photos as posters! The book was also quite informative, giving some background on Indian history in the 90s/00s era as well as traditions and lineage. My only nitpick is that the narrative jumped around topics without much of a transition which I found jarred me out of the more serious moments too abruptly.
Overall, an absolutely stunning presentation and such an inspiring story.
Thanks to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free digital ARC of the book.
Early on, we see the contrast between a rapidly changing India and America, driven by the author's desire to escape to the place she's read countless times in books. The book then shifts to the story of an abusive relationship and overcoming all of the trials that came from it. Interlaced is a love of food and, of course, New York City.
The illustrations in this book are easily the most colorful and unique I have ever seen in a graphic novel. I want some of the skyline photos as posters! The book was also quite informative, giving some background on Indian history in the 90s/00s era as well as traditions and lineage. My only nitpick is that the narrative jumped around topics without much of a transition which I found jarred me out of the more serious moments too abruptly.
Overall, an absolutely stunning presentation and such an inspiring story.
Thanks to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free digital ARC of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I understand why this is a classic, but it wasn't a classic for me. At least not by the end of it. It was undeniably interesting both in narration and concept (war, time travel, etc.), but most of the time I was lost and/or didn't care. It started out strong for me when it was more war-focused. The sci-fi bits were just not something I was interested in this time around. Still, I'm glad I read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Infertility, Racial slurs, and Car accident
The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
Cute story but I struggled to get into it until the last third of the book. There were some great slice of life quotes, though, and sweet characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Dementia, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, and Infertility
Minor: Physical abuse, Violence, and Abandonment
Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day by Peter Zuckerman, Amanda Padoan
adventurous
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
An interesting history on Sherpas, but I felt it went too fast for not having a singular storyline. By the time it got through the history, I struggled to focus on the climb.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Racism, and Grief
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and Vomit