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ottercorg's reviews
52 reviews
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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
3.0
As I work alphabetically through my TBR, based on what my local library has available, I can't seem to remember why I added this book to the list. I don't recall where I learned about it or what may have stood out to me, making me want to read it.
On top of that, it took me almost half the book to really get into the story. I almost gave up, until things started to get interesting between Jean and Howard. That's precisely what kept me reading - the true plot of the book itself was not particularly interesting to me.
All in all, I don't have much to say about this novel from Chambers. I give it 3 stars because I think it was well written, I enjoyed Jean as a character (in many ways I feel I can relate to her), and once I got into it I did enjoy it.
But I have to say I hate how everything resolved. I could not be more disappointed, on all accounts.
On top of that, it took me almost half the book to really get into the story. I almost gave up, until things started to get interesting between Jean and Howard. That's precisely what kept me reading - the true plot of the book itself was not particularly interesting to me.
All in all, I don't have much to say about this novel from Chambers. I give it 3 stars because I think it was well written, I enjoyed Jean as a character (in many ways I feel I can relate to her), and once I got into it I did enjoy it.
But I have to say I hate how everything resolved. I could not be more disappointed, on all accounts.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual content, Dementia, Grief, Abortion, and Lesbophobia
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A tale that is all at once heartbreaking, frustrating, and so very steamy.
I spent the whole book clinging to the development of Miriam and Rachel, begging for Rachel to heal, and craving frozen yogurt. I love the insight into Rachel's thoughts, the way Broder writes. The detail that makes it easy to imagine every moment, which is something I usually struggle with.
A story that truly exemplifies the notion that some people are not meant to be in our lives forever, and we are still able to - and should be - grateful for what they provide while they are here. The lessons they teach, the memories they create, and the person they shape us to be.
I spent the whole book clinging to the development of Miriam and Rachel, begging for Rachel to heal, and craving frozen yogurt. I love the insight into Rachel's thoughts, the way Broder writes. The detail that makes it easy to imagine every moment, which is something I usually struggle with.
A story that truly exemplifies the notion that some people are not meant to be in our lives forever, and we are still able to - and should be - grateful for what they provide while they are here. The lessons they teach, the memories they create, and the person they shape us to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Genocide, Homophobia, Antisemitism, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
The Guide by Peter Heller
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ETA: After reading other reviews it has come to my attention this is technically a sequel - who knew! Im sure I would've if I'd had done a little more research. That being said, clearly this book can be read independently of The River and still be followed and enjoyed.
Author Peter Heller writes so descriptively, it's easy to picture the beauty of the lodge, the river, the trees. It's also easy to picture the gear, the fishing, and the rest - despite my being pretty uneducated when it comes to such outdoorsy activities. I appreciate that. And for what it's worth, knowing what the various rods and flys look like is not important to the plot of the book.
Speaking of plot, this story was gripping. I appreciated that it got to the point of mystery quite quickly, so that I got hooked, but didn't fully reveal what was happening until nearly the end. A good way to keep me reading - this is the fastest I've finished a book in a long time.
However, I can't help but feel like the big twist, the secret of the lodge, if you will, is some sort of Q-esque conspiracy. It left a gritty feeling in my mouth. It's very "Save the Children" and "the Democrats feast on the blood of children." And at the same time, it could also be viewed as "eat the rich" or "the government and even local law enforcement can and may be corrupt." Which is why I'm still able to give it a high rating. It's complicated.
Regardless, I look forward to adding the rest of Heller's novels to my reading list.
Author Peter Heller writes so descriptively, it's easy to picture the beauty of the lodge, the river, the trees. It's also easy to picture the gear, the fishing, and the rest - despite my being pretty uneducated when it comes to such outdoorsy activities. I appreciate that. And for what it's worth, knowing what the various rods and flys look like is not important to the plot of the book.
Speaking of plot, this story was gripping. I appreciated that it got to the point of mystery quite quickly, so that I got hooked, but didn't fully reveal what was happening until nearly the end. A good way to keep me reading - this is the fastest I've finished a book in a long time.
Regardless, I look forward to adding the rest of Heller's novels to my reading list.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
What a delightful collection of stories - so beautifully written, and which feel so effortless. I admire Nezhukumatathil's admiration of beauty, excellence, and nature that far surpasses my own in an inspiring way. I found myself both moved and educated. The art really is beautiful, too.
This book had been on my list for a few years and I'm glad I was finally able to pick it up and relish in its pages.
This book had been on my list for a few years and I'm glad I was finally able to pick it up and relish in its pages.
The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything by Mike Rothschild
informative
fast-paced
3.0
I picked this up with the thought it would delve more into the psychological side of the Q phenomenon - so I am disappointed that this was more of a timeline than anything else. But that's my mistake for making assumptions!
I enjoy Rothschild's voice when writing, but I feel like this book loses an entire star because of the absurd point of spelling and grammatical errors. Every other page I was noticing mistakes which just puts a bad taste in my mouth.
An informative read either way.
I enjoy Rothschild's voice when writing, but I feel like this book loses an entire star because of the absurd point of spelling and grammatical errors. Every other page I was noticing mistakes which just puts a bad taste in my mouth.
An informative read either way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Racism, Violence, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Trafficking, Murder, and Pandemic/Epidemic
A Contract With God and Other Tenement Stories by Will Eisner
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a stunning collection of stories and art. I'd never heard of Will Eisner until I saw this on the shelf at the library, and my, what a talent!
I could sit and thumb through the pages of this book for days, taking in the imagery that so perfectly captures a wealth of human emotion and experience. The stories are strong, heavy, and purely human as well. Each character's story spans on a few pages or words, and it's still enough time to develop a connection.
I look forward to hopefully exploring more of Eisner's work in the future.
I could sit and thumb through the pages of this book for days, taking in the imagery that so perfectly captures a wealth of human emotion and experience. The stories are strong, heavy, and purely human as well. Each character's story spans on a few pages or words, and it's still enough time to develop a connection.
I look forward to hopefully exploring more of Eisner's work in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Suicide, Antisemitism, Grief, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Bttm Fdrs by Ezra Claytan Daniels, Ben Passmore
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've been in an insane reading slump the last year, so graphic novels it is.
I'm very bad at comprehending allegory/symbolism. Most of the time, unless it's slapping me in the face, it goes right over my head. It drives me crazy, because I miss so many wonderful things that are often hidden in plain sight.
That being said, it's hard to miss much of the symbolism here. Yes, I still found myself Googling "___ explained" afterward - but mainly to make sure I did actually get the point. Even if you miss some of the layers in your first read through, it is still a great read.
Not to mention the fabulous colors, art, and themes. Gentrification horror is apparently something I could get into.
I'm very bad at comprehending allegory/symbolism. Most of the time, unless it's slapping me in the face, it goes right over my head. It drives me crazy, because I miss so many wonderful things that are often hidden in plain sight.
That being said, it's hard to miss much of the symbolism here. Yes, I still found myself Googling "___ explained" afterward - but mainly to make sure I did actually get the point. Even if you miss some of the layers in your first read through, it is still a great read.
Not to mention the fabulous colors, art, and themes. Gentrification horror is apparently something I could get into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Death, Gore, Racism, Blood, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
The Circle by Dave Eggers
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
Usually it's hard for me to read a book with a main character that makes me so mad, but for this plot to really work, Mae had to play that role.
I love considering at which moment any given reader would finally say The Circle had gone to far. At which new implement does any given reader lose hope?
I read this book thinking about Meta, and now that I've finished I think about it in the context of Ai in this current world.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it. As always, I like books to neatly tie off all plotlines at the end and this one doesn't do that - but apparently this is a series, which means there's still hope...
I love considering at which moment any given reader would finally say The Circle had gone to far. At which new implement does any given reader lose hope?
I read this book thinking about Meta, and now that I've finished I think about it in the context of Ai in this current world.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it. As always, I like books to neatly tie off all plotlines at the end and this one doesn't do that - but apparently this is a series, which means there's still hope...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Happy Place by Emily Henry
4.5
I started and read 83% of this back in May over the course of two plane rides, and was too depressed and distracted to finish it until now - because I'm about to go on another plane and want a new book to read.
All of that to say, I don't remember a lot of the first 83% - but I know the ending made my heart melt. My eyes water. My belly flutter. And that's on Emily Henry.
All of that to say, I don't remember a lot of the first 83% - but I know the ending made my heart melt. My eyes water. My belly flutter. And that's on Emily Henry.
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another book I never really knew the plot to but always heard referenced - and whose movie I'd never seen. What a delight! This is exactly the kind of plot I enjoy. Very mid sci-fi, a bit of spookiness, and overall well written. Levin writes in a way that immersed me into the story, felt like I was there, without being overly descriptive or wordy.
I don't always love an open ending, but I think this one was just right. Poor Joanna.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Racism, Sexual content, Murder, and Alcohol