hb_bookworm's reviews
1038 reviews

The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty by Valerie Bauerlein

dark informative medium-paced

4.0

i followed this in real time and there were still details that surprised me here. removed any doubt that he is guilty

Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha

emotional reflective

5.0

This collection really knocked the wind out of me. I especially appreciated learning more about the author's life and the creation of the Edward Said Public Library in Gaza - I would love to read a memoir in verse or more poems from this author. 

Horror for Weenies: Everything You Need to Know About the Films You're Too Scared to Watch by Emily C. Hughes

dark funny informative

5.0

I've been following Emily Hughes' reviews and recommendations online for several years now, and it was a real treat to get a full book in her smart and funny style. this book was perfectly at my alley as a kid who read encyclopedias of weird topics for fun and grew into an adult who loves horror books but is not always a fan of horror movies. this was a really cool way to get to experience all these films and learn more tidbits behind the scenes, and I'd read so much more of this if she ever writes more!

Wild Spaces by S.L. Coney

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

 I feel like this could have been a little shorter and tighter, but I loved the author's style of writing and the lush imagery and landmarks of the SC lowcountry. I think the subject matter just also wasn't as intriguing for me - this will resonate more for dog lovers/people who love a dog and his boy coming-of-age type stories. 

Home by A.R. Ward

3.0

cw - #57 depicts extremely graphic csa

Bog Bodies by Declan Shalvey

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

The Last One by Will Dean
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.

ughhhhhhhhhh. dnf'd at 43%,  and I usually don't get that far just to drop it. i picked this up because I really wanted cruise ship horror but what I got was a poorly written thriller that required much more suspension of disbelief than i was willing to give. looked up spoilers and finishing it would have annoyed me more but i'm more sad than anything. the opening dedication and what i THOUGHT was the premise was so good! where is the good cruise ship horror?!

Alley: Junji Ito Story Collection by Junji Ito

dark

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Sugar & Other Stories by Joy San

dark

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

the dedication mentions printing and stapling these stories at home, and it still feels very much like a zine - not quite as polished as I was expecting, but experiments with unique ideas and different art styles that I really enjoyed. 

The Dragon Double Feature by Taylor Titmouse

funny relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0