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ottercorg's reviews
52 reviews
Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was...spectacular.
I initially went to the library to pick up a different book on my list by Barnes, but it was unavailable. This one caught my eye, though, and I wanted some spooky books for October. I am so glad I did, and now I can't wait to read more from her.
From start to finish, I was engrossed, trying to figure out what was going on. I clung to what little romance was available. I devoured all the horrors, forcing myself to slow down so as to not miss anything. I wanted to savor every moment.
For such dark material, Barnes writes in a way that is still so light and consumable. I really appreciate that the story took no time to take off. I didn't mind the initial back and forth between past and present because I was just as interested in the interrogation as I was in what really happened. I loved the sprinkling of Claire's past throughout the story as we piece together what happened to her before this.
It's not a full 5 star read - I wanted a liiiiiittle more from the ending - but it's damn close.
I initially went to the library to pick up a different book on my list by Barnes, but it was unavailable. This one caught my eye, though, and I wanted some spooky books for October. I am so glad I did, and now I can't wait to read more from her.
From start to finish, I was engrossed, trying to figure out what was going on. I clung to what little romance was available. I devoured all the horrors, forcing myself to slow down so as to not miss anything. I wanted to savor every moment.
For such dark material, Barnes writes in a way that is still so light and consumable. I really appreciate that the story took no time to take off. I didn't mind the initial back and forth between past and present because I was just as interested in the interrogation as I was in what really happened. I loved the sprinkling of Claire's past throughout the story as we piece together what happened to her before this.
It's not a full 5 star read - I wanted a liiiiiittle more from the ending - but it's damn close.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Small Game by Blair Braverman
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Another book crossed off my TBR after sitting there for such a long while!
I really enjoyed this story. I found myself liking each of the main characters - Mara, Ashley, Kyle, and Bullfrog - all for different reasons. I felt that Blair did a nice job capturing the different personalities that tend to sign up for reality shows like the one created for this book.
I enjoyed the writing style, perfectly descriptive without being bogged down by specifics. I saw myself there in the woods with the characters, wondering what on earth I would do in their place (the answer is that I would never, ever have signed up for it in the first place...).
By the end, I liked the characters enough that I was rooting for them. Maybe even as desperate for their survival as they were. I do wish there had been a little more explanation by the end, but after sleeping on it, I feel that was the point. It doesnt matter how they got there, it just matters that they are. It's the humanity, the connection, the will to live, that matters.
I hope to see and read more fiction from Blair in the future!
I really enjoyed this story. I found myself liking each of the main characters - Mara, Ashley, Kyle, and Bullfrog - all for different reasons. I felt that Blair did a nice job capturing the different personalities that tend to sign up for reality shows like the one created for this book.
I enjoyed the writing style, perfectly descriptive without being bogged down by specifics. I saw myself there in the woods with the characters, wondering what on earth I would do in their place (the answer is that I would never, ever have signed up for it in the first place...).
By the end, I liked the characters enough that I was rooting for them. Maybe even as desperate for their survival as they were. I do wish there had been a little more explanation by the end, but after sleeping on it, I feel that was the point. It doesnt matter how they got there, it just matters that they are. It's the humanity, the connection, the will to live, that matters.
I hope to see and read more fiction from Blair in the future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Excrement, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Bear by Julia Phillips
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Let me begin with this: When I read that this book took place on San Juan Island, I immediately added it to my list. I didn't care what the subject was. SJI is such a special place to me and I couldn't wait to read a book whose plot unfolded there. So, I was biased from the start.
In many ways, I see myself in Sam. I, too, am 28 years old and desperate to get out of here I'm living. If my mother was sick, I fear that I would also expect my sisters to handle all the heavy stuff. Like Sam, I ruminate and can become frustrated when others just can't see things my way and won't form to my ideas.
And like Elena, I would find the presence of a bear around my house an utter delight.
This book carries a story where, at its core, not much happens. A true slice of life dealing with real things - economic disparity, terminal illness, the reality of living in a tourist destination. Of course it's going to be depressing. Many criticize it for that reason, but what did you expect?
Despite seeing myself in the sisters, I also found myself getting frustrated with them. Normally, this would turn me off of a book. But because I saw myself in them, I found more sympathy. I imagine that, if I had grown up as they did, and if I was going through their struggles, I would react the same way.
This book tears at the heart. The writing is simple yet captivating. And I enjoyed every minute.
In many ways, I see myself in Sam. I, too, am 28 years old and desperate to get out of here I'm living. If my mother was sick, I fear that I would also expect my sisters to handle all the heavy stuff. Like Sam, I ruminate and can become frustrated when others just can't see things my way and won't form to my ideas.
And like Elena, I would find the presence of a bear around my house an utter delight.
This book carries a story where, at its core, not much happens. A true slice of life dealing with real things - economic disparity, terminal illness, the reality of living in a tourist destination. Of course it's going to be depressing. Many criticize it for that reason, but what did you expect?
Despite seeing myself in the sisters, I also found myself getting frustrated with them. Normally, this would turn me off of a book. But because I saw myself in them, I found more sympathy. I imagine that, if I had grown up as they did, and if I was going through their struggles, I would react the same way.
This book tears at the heart. The writing is simple yet captivating. And I enjoyed every minute.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, and Alcohol
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I will begin by saying that were it not for the frequent change in POV keeping my attention, I would not have finished this book. It took me, without exaggeration, 400 pages to finally "get into it." I also kept going because I'd heard such amazing things, and I wondered when they'd arrive.
I feel that the writing style is good, I think the characters are well developed, and the story is moving and real. But...I just didn't like it very much. Maybe if I'd read it without hearing the hype, I wouldn't be rating it so low, but it's hard not to be disappointed.
Getting it off my TBR after it sat there for so long feels good, and trying more historical fiction feels good, I just didn't have a very good time in the process.
I feel that the writing style is good, I think the characters are well developed, and the story is moving and real. But...I just didn't like it very much. Maybe if I'd read it without hearing the hype, I wouldn't be rating it so low, but it's hard not to be disappointed.
Getting it off my TBR after it sat there for so long feels good, and trying more historical fiction feels good, I just didn't have a very good time in the process.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Antisemitism, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, and Classism
You Lucky Dog by Julia London
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I needed something lighter after a few heavy hitters, and this was just right.
Except I really hated Carly Kennedy. From start to finish, I just could not warm up to her personality, her mannerisms, or her dramatics. I understand that much of it was likely a result of growing up in a tumultuous household but, ah well.
However, I liked Max, I love dogs, and I loved the story itself. It gave me butterflies and had me giggling and kicking my feet (just ask my husband).
Saw a lot of typos start to pop up in the last few chapters, I guess the editor/author got tired toward the end. Understandable. But there was also rampant ableism and some not-so-subtle anti-drug rhetoric that I didn't like. Left a bad taste!
Except I really hated Carly Kennedy. From start to finish, I just could not warm up to her personality, her mannerisms, or her dramatics. I understand that much of it was likely a result of growing up in a tumultuous household but, ah well.
However, I liked Max, I love dogs, and I loved the story itself. It gave me butterflies and had me giggling and kicking my feet (just ask my husband).
Saw a lot of typos start to pop up in the last few chapters, I guess the editor/author got tired toward the end. Understandable. But there was also rampant ableism and some not-so-subtle anti-drug rhetoric that I didn't like. Left a bad taste!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I had heard nothing but amazing things about this book...so unfortunately I had very high expectations and ended up feeling a bit let down. I think if I wasn't spending the whole time wondering, "When does it get as good as everyone said it is?" I would've enjoyed it a lot more.
However! About halfway through I did start to really dig my teeth into it. As with a lot of the books I've read recently, once things started to fall into place and I started to see the connections, I got a lot more interested.
The concept is certainly interesting, the characters were fine, I just wanted...more.
I wish it had been two books. One about "the before" and one about "the after," but I understand that you can't predict success and if you aren't sure you'll get a second book deal, you might as well put both stories in one.
However! About halfway through I did start to really dig my teeth into it. As with a lot of the books I've read recently, once things started to fall into place and I started to see the connections, I got a lot more interested.
The concept is certainly interesting, the characters were fine, I just wanted...more.
I wish it had been two books. One about "the before" and one about "the after," but I understand that you can't predict success and if you aren't sure you'll get a second book deal, you might as well put both stories in one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Small World by Jonathan Evison
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.5
It's funny, the book I read before this featured multiple character perspectives and I didn't like it very much at all - and here it really worked, I loved it.
I love that the connection between "past" characters and their "present" counterparts is established almost immediately, and love even more that we are then to find the connections between everyone involved. Some connections are obvious and others are not fully explained until literally the final pages. This kept me gripped, even through moments that felt a bit dull - though this is just a personal thing. I would much rather read stories taking place in the present era than in the 1850s, so naturally I found those portions overall less interesting or captivating.
I loved these characters. I rooted for them. I wanted every single one to succeed, but I appreciate that Evison did not give all of them a happy ending because, as we know, life does not work that way. The American Dream does not work that way.
Loses half a star only because I do feel it dragged at some moments, and 9 times out of 10 I'm going to be disappointed by open endings. I admire that with certain characters, we are left to decide for ourselves how their stories end - do we choose to believe the positive, and assume a happy ending? Do we choose to be more realistic, even negative or nihilistic? I'm not sure if that was Evison's intention, but if so, well done.
I love that the connection between "past" characters and their "present" counterparts is established almost immediately, and love even more that we are then to find the connections between everyone involved. Some connections are obvious and others are not fully explained until literally the final pages. This kept me gripped, even through moments that felt a bit dull - though this is just a personal thing. I would much rather read stories taking place in the present era than in the 1850s, so naturally I found those portions overall less interesting or captivating.
I loved these characters. I rooted for them. I wanted every single one to succeed, but I appreciate that Evison did not give all of them a happy ending because, as we know, life does not work that way. The American Dream does not work that way.
Loses half a star only because I do feel it dragged at some moments, and 9 times out of 10 I'm going to be disappointed by open endings. I admire that with certain characters, we are left to decide for ourselves how their stories end - do we choose to believe the positive, and assume a happy ending? Do we choose to be more realistic, even negative or nihilistic? I'm not sure if that was Evison's intention, but if so, well done.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Antisemitism, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
It took a long time to get into this one, and to be honest, I'm not sure I ever did. I persevered just to see how to ended, and then ended up being wildly disappointed.
It was interesting to peak into a culture I know very little about. It's always comforting to read stories that take place in Southern California - it brings a sense of familiarity.
But the writing is not very strong. There are too many characters to keep track of, too many lives to follow, too...much. I really wanted to enjoy it but I just found myself waiting for it to end.
It was interesting to peak into a culture I know very little about. It's always comforting to read stories that take place in Southern California - it brings a sense of familiarity.
But the writing is not very strong. There are too many characters to keep track of, too many lives to follow, too...much. I really wanted to enjoy it but I just found myself waiting for it to end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
It always feels strange for me to call a book that wrenches my heart "a delight" but that's what this was. From beginning to end, I delighted in getting to know Lily through the pages and see her grow into herself, no matter the cost. Young love, finding one's identity, taking risks, figuring out who your friends are - it's something we all have to go through, but the circumstances make it all the more difficult for our main character.
I truly love Lo's writing style, especially the callbacks to earlier moments via parentheses between text. It's a simple detail that I just ate up. I admire Lo for her commitment to research in writing this book, and then for sharing her findings after her story ended. I think I'll definitely find myself reading more of her books in the future.
I truly love Lo's writing style, especially the callbacks to earlier moments via parentheses between text. It's a simple detail that I just ate up. I admire Lo for her commitment to research in writing this book, and then for sharing her findings after her story ended. I think I'll definitely find myself reading more of her books in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Deportation
Displacement: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
I've followed Lucy Knisley on Instagram for some time, because I love her raccoon illustrations - but admittedly, I'd didn't know she did graphic novels or any sort of published work. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this on the library shelf. I didn't know it's technically a "Travelogue #2" and it doesn't really matter, I don't think.
As always, I love Lucy's art style, her humor. As a graphic novel, this story moves fast and is not very detailed, which I think works just fine. I found myself confronted with the idea of death and aging, right alongside Lucy. These are concepts I typically choose to ignore, but there is no escape as you follow her travels with her grandparents.
I have only one living blood grandparent, and cannot imagine successfully navigating the same excursion with him. But reading this also made me long for a chance to spend more time, as well as making me wish my grandmothers were still alive.
I look forward to checking out more of Lucy's published work!
As always, I love Lucy's art style, her humor. As a graphic novel, this story moves fast and is not very detailed, which I think works just fine. I found myself confronted with the idea of death and aging, right alongside Lucy. These are concepts I typically choose to ignore, but there is no escape as you follow her travels with her grandparents.
I have only one living blood grandparent, and cannot imagine successfully navigating the same excursion with him. But reading this also made me long for a chance to spend more time, as well as making me wish my grandmothers were still alive.
I look forward to checking out more of Lucy's published work!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit, Dementia, Grief, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail