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bookstorian's reviews
589 reviews
The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings
3.0
Felt like something a little spooky but got something sad and then a little hopeful.
I don't really read Graphic Novels but I discovered this one at my local library during the week and picked it up as a Halloween read, it has a ghost on the cover ok...
The themes of loneliness, anxiety and belonging radiate through the novel as SG struggles with day to day tasks and the overwhelming pressure to do well and make decisions. They meet Socks, a kindred spirit and learn the importance of talking to others about your troubles and how you are never completely alone in your struggles. The story is also accompanied with heartwarming illustrations that capture the beauty of the night sky.
Keen to read the other books in the series and see what happens to The Sad Ghost Club.
Key quote "The universe is most pleased we met"
I don't really read Graphic Novels but I discovered this one at my local library during the week and picked it up as a Halloween read, it has a ghost on the cover ok...
The themes of loneliness, anxiety and belonging radiate through the novel as SG struggles with day to day tasks and the overwhelming pressure to do well and make decisions. They meet Socks, a kindred spirit and learn the importance of talking to others about your troubles and how you are never completely alone in your struggles. The story is also accompanied with heartwarming illustrations that capture the beauty of the night sky.
Keen to read the other books in the series and see what happens to The Sad Ghost Club.
Key quote "The universe is most pleased we met"
Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
4.0
I was swept away by the story telling in 'Before the coffee gets cold' earlier in the year while in Japan and so have continued my read of the series into the year.
Here's what I liked about the book:
-The structure of the story is really familiar now and easier to sink in to, I do find you need to have larger chunks of undivided time to pick up the novel though for this reason. Just when you think nothing is happening and it's waning a little a twist happens that shakes and moves you a little.
-Reoccurrence of some story lines, eg Nagare and why he wasn't at the cafe when Kei visited. This did become a little repetitive throughout the novel this time though.
-New setting (Donna Donna cafe in Hakodate) but with some familiar and unfamiliar characters.
-The focus on how holding on to the past can impact our future happiness.
Here's what I didn't like:
-I got really muddled again between the characters especially those with similar names (eg Saki, Sachi and Yukika, Yukari) and some of the ages of the characters were unclear so it was difficult to imagine them while reading.
- You really have to read the novel within a short period of time.
-There was love but also a lot of loss and grief that underpinned the stories, not much light with the darkness this time.
Overall, I have similar sentiments to this book as the second in the series, it was lovely to be back with the characters but also and a little heartbreaking. With two more books to go in the series I think I'll try and finish them by the end of the year.
Key quote: "Things you put off saying until tomorrow are sometimes never said"
Here's what I liked about the book:
-The structure of the story is really familiar now and easier to sink in to, I do find you need to have larger chunks of undivided time to pick up the novel though for this reason. Just when you think nothing is happening and it's waning a little a twist happens that shakes and moves you a little.
-Reoccurrence of some story lines, eg Nagare and why he wasn't at the cafe when Kei visited. This did become a little repetitive throughout the novel this time though.
-New setting (Donna Donna cafe in Hakodate) but with some familiar and unfamiliar characters.
-The focus on how holding on to the past can impact our future happiness.
Here's what I didn't like:
-I got really muddled again between the characters especially those with similar names (eg Saki, Sachi and Yukika, Yukari) and some of the ages of the characters were unclear so it was difficult to imagine them while reading.
- You really have to read the novel within a short period of time.
-There was love but also a lot of loss and grief that underpinned the stories, not much light with the darkness this time.
Overall, I have similar sentiments to this book as the second in the series, it was lovely to be back with the characters but also and a little heartbreaking. With two more books to go in the series I think I'll try and finish them by the end of the year.
Key quote: "Things you put off saying until tomorrow are sometimes never said"
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
5.0
Not sure why I initially didn't want to read this book, perhaps the blurb was a little lacking in detail? Regardless I loved this read, it was so compelling and I really didn't want to put it down!
Here's what I liked about the book:
-The setting of a summer camp. It's something that feels familiar (movies, television shows) yet so strange at the same time. It also explores what transient places are like when no-one is there (eg schools, airports etc). Great setting for a mystery for sure.
-The blend of historical fiction, crime fiction and women's fiction genres was seamlessly done.
-Family tangles and politics that were embedded throughout the story. Was incredibly sad yet also realistic.
-The structure of the story, how it shifted time periods and perspectives. Even with so many perspectives each of the characters felt real and tangible.
-The shift in perspectives was part of this but it was also very twisty and unpredictable. I had my suspicions towards the end but I mostly just strapped myself in for the ride and didn't try and play detective.
-The ending. Oh so good and oh so memorable.
Looking forward to discussing this one at book club on the weekend!
Here's what I liked about the book:
-The setting of a summer camp. It's something that feels familiar (movies, television shows) yet so strange at the same time. It also explores what transient places are like when no-one is there (eg schools, airports etc). Great setting for a mystery for sure.
-The blend of historical fiction, crime fiction and women's fiction genres was seamlessly done.
-Family tangles and politics that were embedded throughout the story. Was incredibly sad yet also realistic.
-The structure of the story, how it shifted time periods and perspectives. Even with so many perspectives each of the characters felt real and tangible.
-The shift in perspectives was part of this but it was also very twisty and unpredictable. I had my suspicions towards the end but I mostly just strapped myself in for the ride and didn't try and play detective.
-The ending. Oh so good and oh so memorable.
Looking forward to discussing this one at book club on the weekend!
One Day We're All Going to Die by Elise Esther Hearst
3.5
There is something I find all consuming about these types of reads. I honestly flew through this story, I think I just have to know how everything works out.
Here's what I liked about the book:
-Museum setting, very real and also a tad niche. I liked it!
-Protagonist. Not perfect by any means and frustrating at times. Perhaps a little too similar to other women within the 'sad girl millennial' novel.
-Exploration of what it means to be Jewish both religiously and culturally and how this can impact personal life and family life.
-Generational Trauma and the expectations placed on the current generation of Jewish adults.
Here's what I thought could have been improved:
-The ending. It was hopeful BUT there were a lot of loose ends not tied up for me and it left me disappointed. This really impacted my rating the most.
Similar to: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue, Mame by Jessica George and Green Dot by Madeleine Gray.
I purchased my copy from Riverbend Books, Brisbane.
Here's what I liked about the book:
-Museum setting, very real and also a tad niche. I liked it!
-Protagonist. Not perfect by any means and frustrating at times. Perhaps a little too similar to other women within the 'sad girl millennial' novel.
-Exploration of what it means to be Jewish both religiously and culturally and how this can impact personal life and family life.
-Generational Trauma and the expectations placed on the current generation of Jewish adults.
Here's what I thought could have been improved:
-The ending. It was hopeful BUT there were a lot of loose ends not tied up for me and it left me disappointed. This really impacted my rating the most.
Similar to: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue, Mame by Jessica George and Green Dot by Madeleine Gray.
I purchased my copy from Riverbend Books, Brisbane.
DallerGut Dream Department Store by Mi-Ye Lee 이미예
3.75
Ok so let's be real, the cover art for this is really what grabbed me first, it's colourful, quirky and adorable. Secondly, the fantasy world of dreams also intrigued me, I'm typically not a "fantasy" reader but can stomach more magical realism style writings.
Here's what I liked:
-The structure of the story, they were little novellas if you like, about the types of dreams or how an aspect of the dream world ran. It's important to note that this novel is neither character or plot driven.
-Protagonist Penny, it wasn't so much about her but she was a good tool in which to explore the dream world, being a new employee.
-"Dream makers" and how dreams are made. Kind of like cinema for the consumer. Plenty of food for thought and a cool avenue to explore.
-The main message from this story was how dreams can help us in our real lives, whether it be aspirational or through processing events in our lives. Perhaps even reaching out for those who are no longer with us. It is this sentiment that I think will be the most memorable for me.
Here's what I thought could be better:
- Dialogue seemed very superficial. It was lacking nuance for me.
-Character names seemed a bit disconnected, eg Penny but then Weather and Mogberry ?!?
-Concept of the Noctilucas. I was a bit confused, were these animals yet animals also came to the dream world to purchase dreams but didn't look like the Noctilucas? A few other elements like this existed in the world without too much explanation.
-I think overall I was waiting for a moment for all the moving parts and ideas to slot together and this didn't happen. Perhaps as the story was neither plot nor character driven.
It was certainly a cozy and memorable read nonetheless, not 100% sold on the sequel but may pick it up one day. I would love to have read this one as a book club read and I think there are so many talking points. Would also make good stimulus for a podcast!
I purchased my copy from Harry Hartog Carindale.
Here's what I liked:
-The structure of the story, they were little novellas if you like, about the types of dreams or how an aspect of the dream world ran. It's important to note that this novel is neither character or plot driven.
-Protagonist Penny, it wasn't so much about her but she was a good tool in which to explore the dream world, being a new employee.
-"Dream makers" and how dreams are made. Kind of like cinema for the consumer. Plenty of food for thought and a cool avenue to explore.
-The main message from this story was how dreams can help us in our real lives, whether it be aspirational or through processing events in our lives. Perhaps even reaching out for those who are no longer with us. It is this sentiment that I think will be the most memorable for me.
Here's what I thought could be better:
- Dialogue seemed very superficial. It was lacking nuance for me.
-Character names seemed a bit disconnected, eg Penny but then Weather and Mogberry ?!?
-Concept of the Noctilucas. I was a bit confused, were these animals yet animals also came to the dream world to purchase dreams but didn't look like the Noctilucas? A few other elements like this existed in the world without too much explanation.
-I think overall I was waiting for a moment for all the moving parts and ideas to slot together and this didn't happen. Perhaps as the story was neither plot nor character driven.
It was certainly a cozy and memorable read nonetheless, not 100% sold on the sequel but may pick it up one day. I would love to have read this one as a book club read and I think there are so many talking points. Would also make good stimulus for a podcast!
I purchased my copy from Harry Hartog Carindale.
Taken by Dinuka McKenzie
4.0
After absolutely racing through and loving The Torrent I was elated to find Taken (the sequel) waiting for me on the shelf. I was gifted a copy in early 2022 and with a new baby weeks away I decided to wait before reading it. I'm glad I held off until now.
Here's what I liked about the book:
-Multiple crimes, condensed time line and pressure cooker created through the plot made for a thrilling read. There were also many twists and turns throughout the story.
-Lead character of Kate, she's aspirational yes but also flawed and a little frustrating at times. Great protagonist.
-Exploration of returning to work after having a child. Some of the guilt and the prejudice that is experienced by women.
-Police force content, the corruption, politics with a focus on the incredibly demanding job they do.
I did feel as though Kate's PTSD was swiftly dealt with and it was sad to see the deterioration of her relationship with her husband so that did impact the readability of the novel for me. I did feel as though her relationship with Josh (partner in the force) also lacked a resolution, I got the feeling that a lot of what Kate experienced was paranoia on her part but the plot never circled back to this for us to find out.
If you're interested in reading this book I do recommend checking out the content warnings as there are some heavy topics explored. I look forward to reading the third book in the series 'Tipping Point' soon!
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for my gifted copy.
Here's what I liked about the book:
-Multiple crimes, condensed time line and pressure cooker created through the plot made for a thrilling read. There were also many twists and turns throughout the story.
-Lead character of Kate, she's aspirational yes but also flawed and a little frustrating at times. Great protagonist.
-Exploration of returning to work after having a child. Some of the guilt and the prejudice that is experienced by women.
-Police force content, the corruption, politics with a focus on the incredibly demanding job they do.
I did feel as though Kate's PTSD was swiftly dealt with and it was sad to see the deterioration of her relationship with her husband so that did impact the readability of the novel for me. I did feel as though her relationship with Josh (partner in the force) also lacked a resolution, I got the feeling that a lot of what Kate experienced was paranoia on her part but the plot never circled back to this for us to find out.
If you're interested in reading this book I do recommend checking out the content warnings as there are some heavy topics explored. I look forward to reading the third book in the series 'Tipping Point' soon!
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for my gifted copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Infidelity, Rape, and Sexual assault
The Bookshop Woman by Nanako Hanada
4.0
Intrigued when I saw this book on Hachette Australia's publicity list and blessed to have received a copy.
Here's what I liked:
-Captivating cover, seriously, look at it!
-Great translation and very easy to read and sink in to. So much so, I had to keep reminding myself that this was actually a non-fiction book. Written practically and chronologically. The concept of PerfectStrangers and giving strangers book recommendations was actually quite captivating and interesting.
-What really shone through was Nanako's love and understanding of literature and what it can do for people through not only giving people book recommendations but explain why those books would be right for them
-Found the feelings that Nanako expressed about her job to be very relatable.
-Explored new beginnings, relationships, societal expectations and Japanese culture
Here's what I thought was missing:
-Maybe a little more detail about her marriage break down. I think we only really caught a glimpse inside and for me this was part of the tension of the story and what compelled me to read on.
-I also thought a little longer could have been spent on Nanako's displacement and moving from place to place.
No fault of the author BUT I wish it was translated before my visit to Japan at the beginning of the year so I could have looked for some of the titles of visited the bookstores mentioned.
The Bookshop Woman was released on June 11th. Thank you to Hachette Australia for my gifted copy.
Here's what I liked:
-Captivating cover, seriously, look at it!
-Great translation and very easy to read and sink in to. So much so, I had to keep reminding myself that this was actually a non-fiction book. Written practically and chronologically. The concept of PerfectStrangers and giving strangers book recommendations was actually quite captivating and interesting.
-What really shone through was Nanako's love and understanding of literature and what it can do for people through not only giving people book recommendations but explain why those books would be right for them
-Found the feelings that Nanako expressed about her job to be very relatable.
-Explored new beginnings, relationships, societal expectations and Japanese culture
Here's what I thought was missing:
-Maybe a little more detail about her marriage break down. I think we only really caught a glimpse inside and for me this was part of the tension of the story and what compelled me to read on.
-I also thought a little longer could have been spent on Nanako's displacement and moving from place to place.
No fault of the author BUT I wish it was translated before my visit to Japan at the beginning of the year so I could have looked for some of the titles of visited the bookstores mentioned.
The Bookshop Woman was released on June 11th. Thank you to Hachette Australia for my gifted copy.
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
3.25
Excited to read another book by M.L.Rio after enjoying 'If We Were Villians'. Shocked at the size (it's actually a novella) but
Here's what I enjoyed:
- The dark academia style and setting of the novella. M. L.Rio sure knows how to describe a dark scene.
-The shift in perspective and how each of the characters told part of the night from their POV whilst revealing anecdotes about themselves. This helped to feed the mystery but also solve it.
-Some of the inter-relationships between the characters were well established and others felt undercooked.
-The author's connection to the story and personal battle with insomnia. I felt their author's note at the start of the novella as well as the essay at the end was a heartfelt and raw way to tether the story to them. It was very powerful.
Here's what I didn't like:
-I felt like the character motivations and the stakes for each of the characters were lacking. What was in it for each of them to solve the mystery?
-A lot of the medical and botany knowledge went over my head and felt like it needed to be scaled down to make it more accessible.
-The character's were prolific chain smokers. It felt like it was their only personality trait at times...
This was ultimately a great palate cleanser and nice to try something different (novella) but I think I like more depth and meat to my stories.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for my gifted copy.
Here's what I enjoyed:
- The dark academia style and setting of the novella. M. L.Rio sure knows how to describe a dark scene.
-The shift in perspective and how each of the characters told part of the night from their POV whilst revealing anecdotes about themselves. This helped to feed the mystery but also solve it.
-Some of the inter-relationships between the characters were well established and others felt undercooked.
-The author's connection to the story and personal battle with insomnia. I felt their author's note at the start of the novella as well as the essay at the end was a heartfelt and raw way to tether the story to them. It was very powerful.
Here's what I didn't like:
-I felt like the character motivations and the stakes for each of the characters were lacking. What was in it for each of them to solve the mystery?
-A lot of the medical and botany knowledge went over my head and felt like it needed to be scaled down to make it more accessible.
-The character's were prolific chain smokers. It felt like it was their only personality trait at times...
This was ultimately a great palate cleanser and nice to try something different (novella) but I think I like more depth and meat to my stories.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for my gifted copy.
The Humans by Matt Haig
3.75
Despite the clear Sci-Fi elements expressed in the blurb of this story I was interested in reading more Matt Haig novels, especially as The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time are some of my favourite books.
Here's what I liked:
-Short, sharp and snappy chapters. I am so much more motivated to read the story quickly when it is like this.
-The Mr Bean like character of Professor Martin/alien. It was especially comical and light while allowing me to think about all the ways that humans are the strange race. His character arc was also intriguing to follow, a tad predictable though.
-Classic Matt Haig writing style. I love how philosophical, reflective and true his narration is. Makes you really think. This novel in particular made me reflect on the meaning of life (pgx) and love (pg221) as well as body and mind connection (pg108). I terms of human nature I was also encouraged to consider the inherent good, or bad, (pg128), the many contradictions we have as humans (pg248) and the power of hope (pg170).
-The family dynamic that the alien encounters whilst in the skin of Professor Martin and how this takes shape throughout the story.
Here's what I didn't enjoy:
-I felt like a lot of the sci-fi elements were too extreme for me and flew over my head. A lot of the maths also drove straight on by. It zapped me straight out of the fiction each time.
-There were actually a few gory, uncomfortable moments to read.
Key quote "Maybe that is what beauty was, for humans. Accidents, imperfections, placed inside a pretty pattern. Asymmetry. The defiance of mathematics" (pg100).
Overall this is not my favourite book or a stand out Matt Haig book for me however It was a memorable one.
Here's what I liked:
-Short, sharp and snappy chapters. I am so much more motivated to read the story quickly when it is like this.
-The Mr Bean like character of Professor Martin/alien. It was especially comical and light while allowing me to think about all the ways that humans are the strange race. His character arc was also intriguing to follow, a tad predictable though.
-Classic Matt Haig writing style. I love how philosophical, reflective and true his narration is. Makes you really think. This novel in particular made me reflect on the meaning of life (pgx) and love (pg221) as well as body and mind connection (pg108). I terms of human nature I was also encouraged to consider the inherent good, or bad, (pg128), the many contradictions we have as humans (pg248) and the power of hope (pg170).
-The family dynamic that the alien encounters whilst in the skin of Professor Martin and how this takes shape throughout the story.
Here's what I didn't enjoy:
-I felt like a lot of the sci-fi elements were too extreme for me and flew over my head. A lot of the maths also drove straight on by. It zapped me straight out of the fiction each time.
-There were actually a few gory, uncomfortable moments to read.
Key quote "Maybe that is what beauty was, for humans. Accidents, imperfections, placed inside a pretty pattern. Asymmetry. The defiance of mathematics" (pg100).
Overall this is not my favourite book or a stand out Matt Haig book for me however It was a memorable one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gore
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Scenes of a Graphic Nature by Caroline O'Donoghue
4.0
I wasn't 100% sure what I was in the mood for next, but after reading the first page of 'Scenes of a Graphic Nature' I was intrigued. There is just something so consuming and compelling about Caroline's writing and I'm really glad I have stepped into her back catalogue of work after reading The Rachel Incident last year.
Things I liked about the book:
- The experience of a young person with an unwell parent and how it can impact their living arrangements, ambitions and relationships.
-The setting (It initially felt a bit rom com, the mystical tourist island with a small knit community) and what connection to place looks like. Ireland as a setting made sense and I loved the exploration of how you can belong to a place even if you have never been.
-The moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and why people keep secrets. I think this part of the story will stay with me for a long time.
-The tragedy and the aftermath of what happened to the island felt very real. It was also confronting to read as a teacher myself.
- Seeing the world and the story as it unfolded through Charlie's eyes. It kept me motivated to read as I wanted to find out what happened as she did.
What I didn't:
-Got a bit confused at times with the characters, their connections and motivations. There was a lot of people to keep up with.
-The relationship between Laura and Charlie. It was difficult to connect with this part of the story and I felt exasperated by the characters and their purpose in one another's lives.
Overall, I love Caroline's writing and how she blends genres. Think Sad Girl Novel cross mystery.
Things I liked about the book:
- The experience of a young person with an unwell parent and how it can impact their living arrangements, ambitions and relationships.
-The setting (It initially felt a bit rom com, the mystical tourist island with a small knit community) and what connection to place looks like. Ireland as a setting made sense and I loved the exploration of how you can belong to a place even if you have never been.
-The moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and why people keep secrets. I think this part of the story will stay with me for a long time.
-The tragedy and the aftermath of what happened to the island felt very real. It was also confronting to read as a teacher myself.
- Seeing the world and the story as it unfolded through Charlie's eyes. It kept me motivated to read as I wanted to find out what happened as she did.
What I didn't:
-Got a bit confused at times with the characters, their connections and motivations. There was a lot of people to keep up with.
-The relationship between Laura and Charlie. It was difficult to connect with this part of the story and I felt exasperated by the characters and their purpose in one another's lives.
Overall, I love Caroline's writing and how she blends genres. Think Sad Girl Novel cross mystery.