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theblushbookworm's reviews
636 reviews
Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I enjoyed this fun, accessible thriller set in the small town of Mirror Lake, North Carolina. The Holt family and greater town dynamics were really interesting. I also really appreciated how this book handles addiction with one character. I did not see the plot twist coming. This is perfect for thriller fans, especially if you like small town thrillers!
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m having trouble summing up my thoughts about “The Interestings”, so I’ll just share what I liked about it. I liked the slow paced, reflective nature of the writing style. I liked watching the characters grow and make erroneous decisions. I liked examining what makes someone “special” and what believing you are “special” does to a person’s ego and psyche. I don’t think this book is for everyone, and again I don’t have the words as to why, but it was for me and I’m glad I picked up the physical copy after my audiobook hold ran out.
The Change by Kirsten Miller
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
4.0
“The Change” is a feminist novel about menopausal women coming into their power in a time when society usually tosses them aside with a biting sense of humor and a murder mystery to boot. The three main characters, Nessa, Jo, and Harriet, have a lot to offer with Nessa speaking to bearing witness, Jo speaking to feminine rage, and Harriet speaking to being true to yourself. Harriet as a character challenged me as I often found myself questioning her decisions and morals. I think she challenged me because she didn’t fit what I have been taught by society is acceptable for women, and I’m grateful to have read this character as she opened my mind. Parts of the book were a little bit cliché, but it didn’t bother me too much because I think it was par for the course with the novel being inspiring. I really encourage women of all ages to read this book. I think you’ll see your own power reflected in its pages.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
emotional
inspiring
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
When you read “Under the Whispering Door”, you get to experience an emotional, poignant fantasy novel about life after death. The book explores themes of mortality, grief, and second chances. TJ Klune brings in his signature found family and closed door queer love story that make his books so special. Of the books I’ve read this one is the heaviest in subject matter, so check it out but check trigger warnings.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
2.0
I never would have expected a book with magic in the title to be so mundane. I was bored out of my mind reading this and probably should’ve DNFed. I think because it’s a cult classic I was waiting for it to get good, and it just never did. The magic system, frequent insta-love, and good sister bad sister dichotomy all didn’t work for me. But above all the plot was just painfully slow and dull.
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
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
A raw, heartbreaking love story set amidst the 1953 coup in Iran and 60 years later when our lovers paths cross again. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator’s voice was so soothing that I found this emotional read to be really relaxing. The mitigating factors that broke them apart have so many layers that are peeled back throughout the book. Their opposition are infuriating yet empathy-inducing. This is a story of forbidden love, political unrest, assimilation into a new culture, and it is beautiful.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
emotional
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
3.0
I feel so conflicted about this one. I really enjoyed the first 100 pages, but then the spice started to hit, and the pacing of it just felt off to me. I think I couldn’t get past the trauma bonding of it all and enjoy the romance. I started to lose interest at the end, and Grant also began to get on my nerves. I really liked Helen, and Yulin Kuang’s writing makes me excited for her adaptation of “People We Meet on Vacation”. Where I’m landing is I liked the writing but not the plot, and thus three stars.
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Kevin Kwan’s books read like a cross between a tabloid and a soap opera, and they are delicious! His latest reminds me a lot of “Crazy Rich Asians”, it’s its social climbing British sister. The main couple are lovable and sweet together. Lady Arabella is a perfect villain. And the drama is to die for. I did guess the plot twist and somewhat guessed the ending, but I was enjoying myself too much to care. Read “Crazy Rich Asians” and then pick up “Lies and Weddings”, you won’t be disappointed!
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
informative
reflective
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
“The Briar Club” offers a lovely found family and a fascinating window into McCarthy era America. I learned a lot about the era of the Red Scare with the novel touching on the invention of the pill, the lavender scare, the ramifications of WWII, and more minutiae of the 1950s. This novel read like a short story collection with long chapters from the perspective of each boarder. Interspersed are interstitials from the anthropomorphized perspective of the boardinghouse on the murder that is introduced at the beginning and connects all the characters at the end. Those last one hundred pages are much faster pace than the more reflective earlier chapters. “The Briar Club” is an enjoyable, informative read that drives home the power of female friendship and how to embody true American values.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
challenging
mysterious
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
This book went in a direction I did not expect but thoroughly enjoyed. I did not see the plot twist coming at all. I felt really close to the narrator throughout, though the reader doesn’t know her name. The mix of first person and second person made me feel like “the bridge” was speaking directly to me. The exploration of how we shape our past and present and what expatriation does to your sense of self was fascinating. Of course in this case the expatriation was through time not location. I think this one will stick with me for a long time.