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oceanwriter's reviews
719 reviews
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This was a bit outside of my usual comfort zone but I picked it up for a buddy read (and I was very intrigued by the synopsis). I loved the atmosphere building and the psychological overtone, however, by the time the plot was set in motion, it was over. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if it had been longer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Alcohol
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer, Drug abuse, and Cannibalism
How High the Moon by Karyn Parsons
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
This could have potentially been a five-star read for me if there had been a more cohesive plot. Ella was a strong protagonist, but the multiple POVs felt extremely unnecessary as they were inconsistent. Likewise, certain plot points would arise and then drop off with little or no conclusion. The ending also followed this pattern with not much being resolved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying and Violence
CW: lynching
The Dream by H.G. Wells
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
Me thinks thou doth protest too much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
After years of feeling intimidated by this book, I finally felt I was in a place where I wanted to pick up this book and give it a try. My grandmother loved this book and toward the end of her life, we connected a bit through books. I regret not picking up Don Quixote in her lifetime, but I’m glad I didn’t just say ‘oh well’ and move on.
His mind having been taken over by the many worlds of literature, Don Quixote deems himself knight-errant and sets off in search of quests of his own. Sancho Panza, his loyal squire, accompanies him. The two of them embark on many adventures.
I realized very quickly that Don Quixote is not the dueling epic I assumed it to be. What I found, I enjoyed far more. It’s a story of madness, shall we say, and disillusion, but there is something very relatable in that in the modern day. Haven’t most of us picked up a book as a form of escapism? Don’t readers at some point wish they could get lost in a literary world? In that regard, I found Cervantes to be ahead of his time. That said, it’s also very much a classic, and a wordy one at that.
Though I took my time with this book, I often felt that the scenes were dragging on much longer than they needed to, but I suppose that’s the curse of being used to modern books. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and soaked in so many of the passages. I also cherished getting to experience a piece of my grandmother in a way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault, Slavery, and Deportation
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Even though this book is a mere 160 pages, I took months to get through it — in a good way! I read Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory last year and the experience hadn’t been what I’d hoped it would be. I lowered my expectations this time and tried not to make any assumptions about the plot based solely on passing comments.
At a glance, this book is about the romance of Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles. The two maintain an affair for a few years before Sarah suddenly ends it. Maurice is riddled with hatred for her to the point of obsession. Through a private investigator, he acquires Sarah’s diary where he discovers the true reason for her breaking off their relationship.
Delving deeper into the plot, this story is very much centered on themes of spirituality and conversion. Most of the characters consider themselves atheists at the beginning of the story, but through the most unexpected ways (namely, through Sarah), they begin to believe in God. Whether they embrace this revelation or not is the question.
I felt that the first half of the book (roughly) was a painfully slow build, yet I remained transfixed on it. I found myself putting off reading time for when I was up for listening (how could I resist the narration by Colin Firth?) and reading along. The last few chapters are where it shone, at least for me, and even though my journey is far different from the characters, I felt oddly connected to them. I loved the rawness of Sarah’s diary as she battled herself over her belief in God, desperately torn between want and need. I feel like most modern-day novels containing themes of Christianity wouldn’t dare tread the line Graham Greene did in this novel. I feel as though the impact is greater when you’re dealing with imperfect characters and aren’t left with a neat and tidy ending. This book will have a lasting impression on me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and War
Minor: Stalking, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The Brothers: John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles, and Their Secret World War by Stephen Kinzer
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Nowadays, we don’t hear much about the Dulles brothers despite the impact they had on the United States and its intelligence (the good and the bad). This book seemed to lean more on the gratuitous side, painting an unnuanced picture of John Foster Dulles and Alan Dulles. It felt like the author’s opinion on the men flip-flopped depending on what was being discussed without much discussion around it. As a general biography, it was sturdy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs by Luis Elizondo
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
I was obsessed with Unidentified on the History Channel when it came out and was beyond excited to see that Luis Elizondo wrote a book. It was fascinating to get a deeper look at his life and career. Of course, the important takeaway is the speculation of UAP’s and the U.S.’ (and the rest of the world’s) response to them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and War
After the Worst Thing Happens by Audrey Vernick
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.0
After losing her beloved dog, Maybe, Army isn’t sure how to go on in this ‘new normal’. What makes everything worse is that she knows the accident could have been avoided and that she only has herself to blame. When new neighbors move in, Army keeps finding herself in the right place at the right time when the neighbor’s oldest child, Madison (who is non-verbal and Autistic) keeps wandering off. Seeing how frazzled Madison’s mother is raising infant twins, raising Madison, and settling into a new place, Army makes it her mission to help the family.
I thought this was a touching story and I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed it given I usually avoid any loss of pets in books whenever I can help it. The overall growth was worth the sadness in the beginning. I especially liked watching Army’s friendship with Elsie grow.
As someone with two non-verbal Autistic family members, I thought Madison was portrayed well. What I didn’t like so much was the relationship between Irene and Army. There was a lot of emotional intensity there. Given the age group this book is written for, it blurs the lines of what a healthy adult/child acquaintanceship should look like, especially where Irene is more or less a stranger. Regardless, this book tells a touching story about loss, grief, friendship, and helping others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
Silk by 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? It's complicated
4.0
This is the first graphic novel I’ve read by E.B. Roshan. I’m familiar with some of her other books so I was curious to read Silk (and eventually Maze). This was a bit away from my usual genre so I was a little lost, but I enjoyed branching out.
Beautiful Hope: Finding Hope Every Day in a Broken World by Michael Schmitz, Matthew Kelly, Fr. Jacques Philippe, Allen R. Hunt, Miriam James Heidland, José H. Gomez, Pope Francis
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
I think the ‘Beautiful’ series is among my favorites to read from Dynamic Catholic. I always take away something significant and I love hearing from many different people in different roles in life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness and Grief