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_venus_'s reviews
8 reviews
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I think I understand that this is a deep dive to somebody's grief and depression. The main character was helpless and wanted to move forward but does not want to exert effort in doing so. She wanted to be reborn as a new person but was not prepare to embrace the difficult path of changing, accepting and letting go. At times, I wonder if the whole book was being sarcastic. It would often be repetitive and pointless. I almost did not want to finish the book because I kept waiting for something to actually happen. The most interesting part was when Reva's mom died The main character was sympathetic. I still think she was a bad friend (both of them were).
Anyway, I do not suggest reading this if you're going through something. It can be damaging and the end felt like an easy escape.
Anyway, I do not suggest reading this if you're going through something. It can be damaging and the end felt like an easy escape.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Sexual content
Pageboy by Elliot Page
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
I've learned of Elliot from Juno and I'm a great fan of The Umbrella Academy but, I didn't know a lot about the actor's life and journey. When this book was released I felt it would be a nice read during the Pride Month so, I picked it up.
I honestly think Elliot has potential to be a great writer. He has a way of painting emotions into words. It was also prominent how much he likes reading (I'll probably check some of the books noted in his memoir.) and his personality and interests was really shown in his writing style.
I sometimes struggled with keeping up with the order and timeline of the chapters, though. I understand now that it was supposed to be non-linear so it's probably just because I'm not used to it.
There are a lot of things that happened to Elliot that molded the person he is now but I could only hope it did not happened to him (to no one). He was just a kid finding his place in the world — wanting to be accepted. I hope he continue to be happy and I'll be interested if he writes again.
Overall, I still think this was a great read. I've learned and realized a lot from his story and experiences.
I honestly think Elliot has potential to be a great writer. He has a way of painting emotions into words. It was also prominent how much he likes reading (I'll probably check some of the books noted in his memoir.) and his personality and interests was really shown in his writing style.
I sometimes struggled with keeping up with the order and timeline of the chapters, though. I understand now that it was supposed to be non-linear so it's probably just because I'm not used to it.
There are a lot of things that happened to Elliot that molded the person he is now but I could only hope it did not happened to him (to no one). He was just a kid finding his place in the world — wanting to be accepted. I hope he continue to be happy and I'll be interested if he writes again.
Overall, I still think this was a great read. I've learned and realized a lot from his story and experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Transphobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I picked up the book because I saw it on one of my social media feed. It was said to be one of the creepiest book out there.
I wasn't spoiled too much about the video I saw before reading the book so, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a roller coaster ride of 'huh' and 'wtf'. It was unsettling and yes, quite creepy but not in the way I expected it would be.
The piece remains to be relevant though it was published back in the 1890's which is somehow heartbreaking . The story has shown how difficult it was to be a woman during that time —to the point where it can drive you into madness.
This might be farfetched but I think one of the reasons why the narrator was unnamed because at that time, the story could have been about anyone. One could read it and think to themselves that this was about them.
I wasn't spoiled too much about the video I saw before reading the book so, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a roller coaster ride of 'huh' and 'wtf'. It was unsettling and yes, quite creepy but not in the way I expected it would be.
The piece remains to be relevant though it was published back in the 1890's which is somehow heartbreaking . The story has shown how difficult it was to be a woman during that time —to the point where it can drive you into madness.
This might be farfetched but I think one of the reasons why the narrator was unnamed because at that time, the story could have been about anyone. One could read it and think to themselves that this was about them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I almost did not finish this one because it was making me less interested the longer i read it.
It wasnt really bad but, it was underwhelming. Given the hype, I did expect too much.
I found the overall concept unique,it was exciting how one can travel to the past by a cup of coffee.
I also love how excruciatingly detailed the rules were.
However, it felt like it was executed poorly (it may be possible that it wasn't translated the way it is written originally). It had its ups and downs but most of the time, it would say a lot about someone's feelings but also, nothing at all.
I love how every character of each story was connected and have impacted each lives. I'm not sure if I want to continue the other series because I'm convinced it's not my cup of tea — or coffee.
It wasnt really bad but, it was underwhelming. Given the hype, I did expect too much.
I found the overall concept unique,it was exciting how one can travel to the past by a cup of coffee.
I also love how excruciatingly detailed the rules were.
However, it felt like it was executed poorly (it may be possible that it wasn't translated the way it is written originally). It had its ups and downs but most of the time, it would say a lot about someone's feelings but also, nothing at all.
I love how every character of each story was connected and have impacted each lives. I'm not sure if I want to continue the other series because I'm convinced it's not my cup of tea — or coffee.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This will be a book I will continue to ponder about. I look forward to reading it again in the future and wonder if I will have the same sentiments I have today when I finished reading it.
I am not used with books with no closure but I do understand the intent or so I think.
Harpman has built a world with infinite mysteries — with so many things to discover but also feels eerily empty.
I am not used with books with no closure but I do understand the intent or so I think.
Harpman has built a world with infinite mysteries — with so many things to discover but also feels eerily empty.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Terminal illness, Death, and Suicide
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This was a pretty challenging read for me. I've already been spoiled and kinda know what's about to happen but to read it first hand is a different type of experience.
My heart aches for Jenette and for everyone who relates to this book and has experienced the same struggles in life.
I am so glad she eventually learns to priotirize herself and continues to do so. I hope the same for everyone else.
The writing made the reading smoother, I guess. Given that the source material is dark — it wasn't pushy.
I hope Jenette writes more, I will be looking forward for that
My heart aches for Jenette and for everyone who relates to this book and has experienced the same struggles in life.
I am so glad she eventually learns to priotirize herself and continues to do so. I hope the same for everyone else.
The writing made the reading smoother, I guess. Given that the source material is dark — it wasn't pushy.
I hope Jenette writes more, I will be looking forward for that
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, and Gaslighting
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
it had its moments but like a lot of selfp proclaimed self help book — it had a lot of contradictions.
The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book got me out of a very long reading slump . A bit shocked when I found out it was written for kids because it was slightly sinister, at least, for me. It kept me on edge and made me want more. The only thing I disliked about the book is that it ended so soon.
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