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sarahlovesbooks's reviews
338 reviews
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
As they say on the wonderful podcast Currently Reading, "reader, know thy self." There was so much buzz around this book when it first came out in 2020, and I think it was so different than what people expected (hence the mixed reviews?). It deals with tough subjects (harm to children, sexism, death, predators, victim blaming, gore) and was uncomfortable and intense at times. Still, these themes really worked for me. I know this book won't be for everybody, but I thought horror and "vampire in the suburbs" was a really compelling way to explore these themes. It's a slow start but really builds in the second half. I'd recommend this book to readers who tend to read fiction that's a bit darker with unlikeable characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Gore, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First.: 10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level by Laura Tremaine
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Heartfelt, vulnerable memoir with questions that make you relate and reflect on your experiences ("stuff"). The author reads the audiobook and was just a sweet, encouraging voice in my ear!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Child death
Actress by Anne Enright
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
I just didn't connect with the story the way I thought I would. Not the right book for me right now.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
How We Fight For Our Lives by Saeed Jones
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Death of parent
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Light-hearted, realistic fiction that has some depth and complexity. Some parts pulled me in more than others. If you like books about family and relationships, I'd definitely recommend this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
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
5.0
The audiobook brings the characters to life. I loved this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Infidelity, Abortion, and Death of parent
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death