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ottercorg's reviews
52 reviews
Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I don't do much personal writing these days, but I've always leaned toward a style that is very much like Brown Girls. A sort of artful, poetic, narrative prose. And I think that, first and foremost, is what I liked most about this book. It was so beautifully written.
Snapshots of lives that I will never experience, I feel it's even more poignant given the current state of the country.
Snapshots of lives that I will never experience, I feel it's even more poignant given the current state of the country.
Why did we ever believe home could only be one place? When existing in these bodies means holding many worlds within us.
At last, we see.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Islamophobia, Grief, Car accident, Abortion, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
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
5.0
It took the rapidly approaching release date of Emily Henry's next novel to get me to finally read last year's release and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Funny Story has quickly established itself as my favorite Henry novel by a landslide.
I see pieces of myself in both Daphne and Miles, and for that I love them dearly. I've not come so close to crying while reading in a long time. To be a children's librarian, establishing herself in a picturesque town, with the love of her life...that's what I want.
Henry's way of writing dialogue and intimacy remains top-tier, I don't know how she does it. It feels effortless. There is no such pleasure like reading one of her stories. Bravo.
I see pieces of myself in both Daphne and Miles, and for that I love them dearly. I've not come so close to crying while reading in a long time. To be a children's librarian, establishing herself in a picturesque town, with the love of her life...that's what I want.
Henry's way of writing dialogue and intimacy remains top-tier, I don't know how she does it. It feels effortless. There is no such pleasure like reading one of her stories. Bravo.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.75
It took me about 50 or so pages to get into it, but then I didn't want to put it down.
Middle of the Night had me genuinely scared at moments - heart pounding, gasping aloud, having to step away to catch my breath - and by the end just had my heart aching.
It is gripping, and the twists and turns of the plot had me shocked over and over. Granted, I never see a plot twist coming. However, there were so many twists and moments of "It must be HIM! No...it was HER! But wait! Actually it was..." that it almost got a little old. It's not that I think the book dragged, but I didn't appreciate how much the plot teased and tugged me around. It's the only reason I docked it from 5 stars. Well that, and I didn't like that there were still some loose ends to Johnny's part of the story that I would've liked to see wrapped up.
I will certainly be adding more of Sager's thrillers to my list!
Middle of the Night had me genuinely scared at moments - heart pounding, gasping aloud, having to step away to catch my breath - and by the end just had my heart aching.
It is gripping, and the twists and turns of the plot had me shocked over and over. Granted, I never see a plot twist coming. However, there were so many twists and moments of "It must be HIM! No...it was HER! But wait! Actually it was..." that it almost got a little old. It's not that I think the book dragged, but I didn't appreciate how much the plot teased and tugged me around. It's the only reason I docked it from 5 stars. Well that, and I didn't like that there were still some loose ends to Johnny's part of the story that I would've liked to see wrapped up.
I will certainly be adding more of Sager's thrillers to my list!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Miscarriage, Suicide, Blood, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Wildwood by Colin Meloy
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
I do not typically re-read books, even those I love dearly, because I tend to get bored with them.
But I read the Wildwood Chronicles as a college freshman, and they were a favored form of escapism in those dark days. That was 10 years ago, and now LAIKA is preparing to release a film adaptation. So, I wanted to re-read the first book to refresh my memory.
Wildwood is as magical, mystical, endearing, wonderful, and captivating as it was 10 years ago. It's lengthy, and so naturally it can drag at times, but really it's - at least to me - quite perfect.
Beautiful writing, gorgeous illustrations, a robust plot, lovable characters, and a huge world to explore - what's not to enjoy? Meloy writes for the middle grade audience, and his books always equally nourish my inner child while also appealing to my grown-up interests and brain. He shall remain a favorite author.
But I read the Wildwood Chronicles as a college freshman, and they were a favored form of escapism in those dark days. That was 10 years ago, and now LAIKA is preparing to release a film adaptation. So, I wanted to re-read the first book to refresh my memory.
Wildwood is as magical, mystical, endearing, wonderful, and captivating as it was 10 years ago. It's lengthy, and so naturally it can drag at times, but really it's - at least to me - quite perfect.
Beautiful writing, gorgeous illustrations, a robust plot, lovable characters, and a huge world to explore - what's not to enjoy? Meloy writes for the middle grade audience, and his books always equally nourish my inner child while also appealing to my grown-up interests and brain. He shall remain a favorite author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Hearing the hype for this, I approached with caution and ended up devouring it. What a spectacular novel from start to finish.
Crime procedurals are not always my thing, especially in book form, but class commentaries are and more than anything that is what this is. A tale of wealth and power, the forms it can take, the effect it has on its surroundings, and perhaps most importantly on its children.
Moore beautifully intertwines multiple timelines and characters and kept me guessing all the way to the very end. I hurt for Barbara and Tracy and Louise and wanted to strangle every single Peter. I attached to these characters quickly and fiercely. The story was a bit long, which is my only valid reason for docking half a star. I feel it wasn't wholly necessary but it also didn't feel like Moore was dragging it along so, who knows. Maybe it actually is a 5 star read for me.
I am glad that, to me, the hype for this one feels well deserved.
Crime procedurals are not always my thing, especially in book form, but class commentaries are and more than anything that is what this is. A tale of wealth and power, the forms it can take, the effect it has on its surroundings, and perhaps most importantly on its children.
Moore beautifully intertwines multiple timelines and characters and kept me guessing all the way to the very end. I hurt for Barbara and Tracy and Louise and wanted to strangle every single Peter. I attached to these characters quickly and fiercely. The story was a bit long, which is my only valid reason for docking half a star. I feel it wasn't wholly necessary but it also didn't feel like Moore was dragging it along so, who knows. Maybe it actually is a 5 star read for me.
I am glad that, to me, the hype for this one feels well deserved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show by Tommy Tomlinson
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Starting 2025 off with a bang - this was an utter joy to read and I did not want it to end!
Tomlinson has no skin in the game, other than having been a dog owner, so this relatively unbiased approach to the world of dog shows was refreshing. I simply love that his desire to know more about show dogs led him to spend over three years on the circuit. Talk about embracing a rabbit hole.
As someone who has attended a few dog shows myself, but didn't know much about the ins and outs, I found this fascinating. The interspersed chapters on dog history, science, and pop culture, were equally as fascinating (even though as a dog geek I already knew most of it).
Tomlinson's voice shines through with humor and flows with ease; it feels like talking with a friend. This book is full of love, heart, laughs, and tugging of the heartstrings. This book covers what a dog show is really about, yes, but at its core it is about happiness, the human-canine bond, and what it means to love.
I especially appreciated the chapters on the concept of heart dogs, and on how the popularization of brachycephalic breeds has been a detriment to their well-being. Really I just loved the whole thing. An excellent start to another year of books!
Tomlinson has no skin in the game, other than having been a dog owner, so this relatively unbiased approach to the world of dog shows was refreshing. I simply love that his desire to know more about show dogs led him to spend over three years on the circuit. Talk about embracing a rabbit hole.
As someone who has attended a few dog shows myself, but didn't know much about the ins and outs, I found this fascinating. The interspersed chapters on dog history, science, and pop culture, were equally as fascinating (even though as a dog geek I already knew most of it).
Tomlinson's voice shines through with humor and flows with ease; it feels like talking with a friend. This book is full of love, heart, laughs, and tugging of the heartstrings. This book covers what a dog show is really about, yes, but at its core it is about happiness, the human-canine bond, and what it means to love.
I especially appreciated the chapters on the concept of heart dogs, and on how the popularization of brachycephalic breeds has been a detriment to their well-being. Really I just loved the whole thing. An excellent start to another year of books!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, and Excrement
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
I don't recall putting this on my TBR but I found it there when I went to pick up some non-fiction reads for my winter break.
More than anything, this book feels like an art and literature review, which I didn't love. Odell is an artist, so it makes sense that this would take that approach, rather than a data or social psychology driven take. I would have preferred that, but that's on me.
I just was not super into it! I feel that it just touched on ideas rather than delving too deeply and I wanted more, because I love the concept of the attention economy.
More than anything, this book feels like an art and literature review, which I didn't love. Odell is an artist, so it makes sense that this would take that approach, rather than a data or social psychology driven take. I would have preferred that, but that's on me.
I just was not super into it! I feel that it just touched on ideas rather than delving too deeply and I wanted more, because I love the concept of the attention economy.
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Another book club read! This was...fun. Nothing spectacular or groundbreaking, just a quick holiday thriller to pass the time.
Basic writing, basic story, and I did get surprised by the "twist" butif I had known they were twins, I probably would have guessed it - and maybe it was established prior but I don't remember reading it anywhere!
The first half being told exclusively through dairy entries was fun. Almost wish the second half was told exclusively through newspaper articles.
Basic writing, basic story, and I did get surprised by the "twist" but
The first half being told exclusively through dairy entries was fun. Almost wish the second half was told exclusively through newspaper articles.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Educated by Tara Westover
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
It took me what felt like a long time to finish this one. I don't recall ever adding it to my TBR, but I found it there when I went to add it - I read it for a book club.
It took me a long time because it's a lot to stomach. I had to keep reminding myself that this is truth, this is nonfiction, and that is a painful reality. To know that Dr. Westover is not alone in her experiences.
But my God, what a story. That a human could experience so much, and come out the other side as this. What a story.
It took me a long time because it's a lot to stomach. I had to keep reminding myself that this is truth, this is nonfiction, and that is a painful reality. To know that Dr. Westover is not alone in her experiences.
But my God, what a story. That a human could experience so much, and come out the other side as this. What a story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Car accident, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I really am not sure what to say about this one. Indeed, it is an eerie read - and even more eerie, still, to imagine living in a world where entire concepts and objects and people disappear.
First, I will say that I am not good with metaphors, allegories, and the like. I feel like this novel is making a statement that I cannot grasp, alludes to something I cannot comprehend.
Second, I will say that I wish there had been more explanation. More depth into what made the book interesting - the disappearances.
Finally, I will say that I enjoyed Ogawa's simple, straightforward writing style. It's hard to know what may have been lost in translation from its original language, but I trust the beauty remains.
This was not what I wanted it to be, but I would gladly read more of Ogawa's works.
First, I will say that I am not good with metaphors, allegories, and the like. I feel like this novel is making a statement that I cannot grasp, alludes to something I cannot comprehend.
Second, I will say that I wish there had been more explanation. More depth into what made the book interesting - the disappearances.
Finally, I will say that I enjoyed Ogawa's simple, straightforward writing style. It's hard to know what may have been lost in translation from its original language, but I trust the beauty remains.
This was not what I wanted it to be, but I would gladly read more of Ogawa's works.