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jedore's reviews
467 reviews
Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
This is the first book in a delightful historical fiction series set in the early 1900s. The story revolves around Constance Kopp and her sisters, who find themselves in the middle of a serious crime after their buggy is hit by a reckless silk factory owner. As the women (mostly Constance) stand up to him, the situation escalates into a series of threats and intimidation. Based on true events, the book follows Constance as she navigates her way through this ordeal with determination, eventually becoming one of the first female deputy sheriffs in the U.S.
Constance Kopp and her sisters actually existed, and Stewart stumbled upon their story while researching another project. This added authenticity to the book, knowing that the plot was inspired by true events.
The story is both informative historical fiction and tense crime fiction. Even though it's centered around a serious situation, Stewart brings a lighthearted tone to the narrative. It’s not a heavy or dark crime novel—instead, it feels more playful and fun, with plenty of humor and wit. The sisters, especially Constance, are likable, relatable, and have a small-town charm about them.
One sensitive aspect of the story was some subtle anti-Semitism. Stewart doesn’t shy away from addressing these societal issues, but she does so in a way that feels authentic to the setting without overpowering the main narrative. It's a reminder that, despite the humor and lighthearted tone, the Kopp sisters are living in a harsh time.
While there aren’t any jaw-dropping twists or turns, the story is engaging enough to hold your attention until the end. I’m usually not one for series, but I’m genuinely looking forward to reading more about the Kopp sisters.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“If I could give something to Fleurette—if I could give her one silent gift from a mother she didn't know she had—it would be this: the realization that we have to be a part of the world in which we live. We don't scurry away when we're in trouble, or when someone else is. We don't run and hide.”
This is the first book in a delightful historical fiction series set in the early 1900s. The story revolves around Constance Kopp and her sisters, who find themselves in the middle of a serious crime after their buggy is hit by a reckless silk factory owner. As the women (mostly Constance) stand up to him, the situation escalates into a series of threats and intimidation. Based on true events, the book follows Constance as she navigates her way through this ordeal with determination, eventually becoming one of the first female deputy sheriffs in the U.S.
Constance Kopp and her sisters actually existed, and Stewart stumbled upon their story while researching another project. This added authenticity to the book, knowing that the plot was inspired by true events.
The story is both informative historical fiction and tense crime fiction. Even though it's centered around a serious situation, Stewart brings a lighthearted tone to the narrative. It’s not a heavy or dark crime novel—instead, it feels more playful and fun, with plenty of humor and wit. The sisters, especially Constance, are likable, relatable, and have a small-town charm about them.
One sensitive aspect of the story was some subtle anti-Semitism. Stewart doesn’t shy away from addressing these societal issues, but she does so in a way that feels authentic to the setting without overpowering the main narrative. It's a reminder that, despite the humor and lighthearted tone, the Kopp sisters are living in a harsh time.
While there aren’t any jaw-dropping twists or turns, the story is engaging enough to hold your attention until the end. I’m usually not one for series, but I’m genuinely looking forward to reading more about the Kopp sisters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Violence, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal cruelty, Antisemitism, and Car accident
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
I finally got around to reading this book after watching the movie adaptation on Netflix several years ago. I have to say, the book is a classic for a reason.
The story follows four people who come together at Hill House, a mansion with a mysterious and creepy past. Dr. Montague, an investigator of the paranormal, invites three others to join him in his study: Eleanor, a shy woman with a troubled past; Theodora, a bohemian artist; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. As they settle in, the house’s sinister nature starts to reveal itself, particularly to Eleanor, who becomes increasingly affected by the house’s eerie presence.
The Haunting of Hill House is considered one of the best ghost stories ever written and has influenced countless other works in the genre. Shirley Jackson’s ability to build suspense and a sense of dread without relying on cheap scares really sets this book apart. It’s more about what’s happening in your mind than what’s jumping out at you from the shadows.
While I found the book interesting, I couldn’t help but notice it doesn’t dive too deeply into the characters’ inner lives. I mean, there’s definitely some psychological complexity, especially with Eleanor, but the writing feels a bit distant. Maybe that’s because it was written in the 1950s, and that kind of character intimacy just wasn’t as common back then. To me, it felt like a less sophisticated version of “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier—similar gothic vibes but without quite the same depth of character exploration.
That said, I really enjoyed the complex psychology that’s woven into the story. If you’re in tune with what’s going on in the characters’ heads, the plot becomes pretty predictable, but that didn’t bother me too much. The psychology is so much bigger than the ending itself that it almost doesn’t matter where the story ends up.
This is definitely a must-read for anyone who’s into gothic horror. It’s more about atmosphere and psychological tension than anything else, and Jackson does that so well.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
To learn what we fear is to learn who we are.
I finally got around to reading this book after watching the movie adaptation on Netflix several years ago. I have to say, the book is a classic for a reason.
The story follows four people who come together at Hill House, a mansion with a mysterious and creepy past. Dr. Montague, an investigator of the paranormal, invites three others to join him in his study: Eleanor, a shy woman with a troubled past; Theodora, a bohemian artist; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. As they settle in, the house’s sinister nature starts to reveal itself, particularly to Eleanor, who becomes increasingly affected by the house’s eerie presence.
The Haunting of Hill House is considered one of the best ghost stories ever written and has influenced countless other works in the genre. Shirley Jackson’s ability to build suspense and a sense of dread without relying on cheap scares really sets this book apart. It’s more about what’s happening in your mind than what’s jumping out at you from the shadows.
While I found the book interesting, I couldn’t help but notice it doesn’t dive too deeply into the characters’ inner lives. I mean, there’s definitely some psychological complexity, especially with Eleanor, but the writing feels a bit distant. Maybe that’s because it was written in the 1950s, and that kind of character intimacy just wasn’t as common back then. To me, it felt like a less sophisticated version of “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier—similar gothic vibes but without quite the same depth of character exploration.
That said, I really enjoyed the complex psychology that’s woven into the story. If you’re in tune with what’s going on in the characters’ heads, the plot becomes pretty predictable, but that didn’t bother me too much. The psychology is so much bigger than the ending itself that it almost doesn’t matter where the story ends up.
This is definitely a must-read for anyone who’s into gothic horror. It’s more about atmosphere and psychological tension than anything else, and Jackson does that so well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Abandonment
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
This debut novel is an emotional exploration of resilience, trauma, and the power of human connection. The story is told through the eyes of Victoria, a young woman who spent most of her life in foster care. Her journey is a rollercoaster ride through conflicting emotions and challenging relationships. Her complex character, which is both strong and vulnerable, makes her incredibly relatable. While her actions sometimes frustrated me, her journey of self-discovery was very inspiring.
The novel's exploration of trauma and its lasting effects is raw and honest. Diffenbaugh doesn't shy away from the harsh realities faced by a young woman who grew up in the foster system, but she also offers a glimmer of hope through Victoria's resilience and her connection to flowers.
This is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after the final page. It's a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find beauty even in the darkest of times.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“There was only one way to the other side, and that was through the pain.”
This debut novel is an emotional exploration of resilience, trauma, and the power of human connection. The story is told through the eyes of Victoria, a young woman who spent most of her life in foster care. Her journey is a rollercoaster ride through conflicting emotions and challenging relationships. Her complex character, which is both strong and vulnerable, makes her incredibly relatable. While her actions sometimes frustrated me, her journey of self-discovery was very inspiring.
The novel's exploration of trauma and its lasting effects is raw and honest. Diffenbaugh doesn't shy away from the harsh realities faced by a young woman who grew up in the foster system, but she also offers a glimmer of hope through Victoria's resilience and her connection to flowers.
This is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after the final page. It's a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find beauty even in the darkest of times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
This is a gripping tale of survival and resilience. Gemma, a teenage girl, is abducted from the Bangkok international airport and held captive in the unforgiving Australian outback. The novel explores themes of isolation, fear, and the human spirit.
I seriously struggled with the developing romantic dynamic between Gemma and her captor, Ty. The author's choice to romanticize their relationship rather than addressing it as a complex and harmful psychological response to trauma was very unsettling. This portrayal can be misleading, particularly for younger readers leading to the glamorization of "trauma bonding."
That said, I was relieved that Christopher did not have Gemma become entirely submissive. Her unwavering determination to escape kept me engaged and hopeful.
While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy and a bit contentious, it's refreshing to see authors of young adult fiction exploring complex issues with depth.
This is a provocative and thought-provoking read. While the romanticization of the captor-victim relationship is a significant flaw in my opinion, the novel's exploration of survival, resilience, and the human psyche is commendable.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"It's hard to hate someone once you understand them.”
This is a gripping tale of survival and resilience. Gemma, a teenage girl, is abducted from the Bangkok international airport and held captive in the unforgiving Australian outback. The novel explores themes of isolation, fear, and the human spirit.
I seriously struggled with the developing romantic dynamic between Gemma and her captor, Ty. The author's choice to romanticize their relationship rather than addressing it as a complex and harmful psychological response to trauma was very unsettling. This portrayal can be misleading, particularly for younger readers leading to the glamorization of "trauma bonding."
That said, I was relieved that Christopher did not have Gemma become entirely submissive. Her unwavering determination to escape kept me engaged and hopeful.
While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy and a bit contentious, it's refreshing to see authors of young adult fiction exploring complex issues with depth.
This is a provocative and thought-provoking read. While the romanticization of the captor-victim relationship is a significant flaw in my opinion, the novel's exploration of survival, resilience, and the human psyche is commendable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Kidnapping
The Veins of the Ocean by Patricia Engel
This is a quiet story about big emotions. It follows Reina, a young Colombian woman, as she navigates life in Miami, balancing the demands of family and her own aspirations. The novel delves into the immigrant experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.
Engel does a fantastic job of crafting Reina as a complex and relatable character. Her struggles felt authentic and raw, and I found myself invested in her journey. Nesto, her Cuban boyfriend, could have benefited from further exploration. The supporting characters remained in the shadows.
I was initially frustrated by Reina's decision to prioritize her brother's life over her own. But, a surprising plot twist completely flipped my perspective. While the reveal wasn’t exactly jaw-dropping, it added a layer of depth to the story that I appreciated.
As someone who has spent the last three years living in Panama, I connected deeply with the immigrant experience portrayed in the novel. My experiences enabled me to connect to Reina and Nesto’s struggles on a more personal level. I was rooting for their happiness, whether they chose to be together or apart.
This is a slow-paced novel that is a poignant story about family trauma and the immigrant experience. If you're into action, it's not going to be for you. But, if you appreciate a literary exploration of the complexities of human relationships, give it a read.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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 internet is the world's biggest backyard freezer, keeping everything fresh...”
This is a quiet story about big emotions. It follows Reina, a young Colombian woman, as she navigates life in Miami, balancing the demands of family and her own aspirations. The novel delves into the immigrant experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.
Engel does a fantastic job of crafting Reina as a complex and relatable character. Her struggles felt authentic and raw, and I found myself invested in her journey. Nesto, her Cuban boyfriend, could have benefited from further exploration. The supporting characters remained in the shadows.
I was initially frustrated by Reina's decision to prioritize her brother's life over her own. But, a surprising plot twist completely flipped my perspective. While the reveal wasn’t exactly jaw-dropping, it added a layer of depth to the story that I appreciated.
As someone who has spent the last three years living in Panama, I connected deeply with the immigrant experience portrayed in the novel. My experiences enabled me to connect to Reina and Nesto’s struggles on a more personal level. I was rooting for their happiness, whether they chose to be together or apart.
This is a slow-paced novel that is a poignant story about family trauma and the immigrant experience. If you're into action, it's not going to be for you. But, if you appreciate a literary exploration of the complexities of human relationships, give it a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide and Toxic relationship
Minor: Animal cruelty
The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman
This book will takes you on a journey to early 20th century New York City, where you'll get to know Coralie Sardie, a girl with webbed fingers who performs as a mermaid in her father’s Coney Island freak show, and Eddie Cohen, a Jewish immigrant and photographer who has fled his father's strict faith. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, Hoffman's novel weaves an interesting tale of love, mystery, and the quest for identity.
Having read four of Hoffman's books now, I can conclude that while she may not be my favorite author, I do generally enjoy her work. One consistent theme in her novels, including this one, is the presence of at least one Jewish character, which offers readers a glimpse into Jewish history and culture. One of the reasons I like her books is their combination of storytelling and education.
Hoffman's character development is, as always, a highlight. She has a knack for creating well-rounded and believable characters. However, despite her skill, I haven’t yet fallen in love with any of her characters, although I came close with Magic Lessons. This trend continued with this book...the characters were compelling, but none fully captured my heart.
One of Hoffman's strengths is the meticulous research she puts into her historical novels. As someone who loves New York City history, I particularly appreciated the detailed depiction of the Shirtwaist Factory fire and its impact on the city's landscape and labor movement.
While the plot was overall predictable, there were enough surprises to keep me engaged. I always appreciate when a story can still catch me off guard, even if I can see some twists coming.
I'd definitely recommend this book to any historical fiction lovers. Hoffman's blend of history, romance, and mystery makes for an enjoyable read, even if it doesn’t top my list of favorite books. Her attention to historical detail and her ability to create vivid, if not entirely lovable, characters, ensures that her novels are always worth picking up.
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
“Eddie had come to understand that what a man saw and what actually existed in the natural world often were contradictory. The human eye was not capable of true sight, for it was constrained by its own humanness, clouded by regret, and opinion, and faith. Whatever was witnessed in the real world was unknowable in real time. It was the eye of the camera that captured the world as it truly was.”
This book will takes you on a journey to early 20th century New York City, where you'll get to know Coralie Sardie, a girl with webbed fingers who performs as a mermaid in her father’s Coney Island freak show, and Eddie Cohen, a Jewish immigrant and photographer who has fled his father's strict faith. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, Hoffman's novel weaves an interesting tale of love, mystery, and the quest for identity.
Having read four of Hoffman's books now, I can conclude that while she may not be my favorite author, I do generally enjoy her work. One consistent theme in her novels, including this one, is the presence of at least one Jewish character, which offers readers a glimpse into Jewish history and culture. One of the reasons I like her books is their combination of storytelling and education.
Hoffman's character development is, as always, a highlight. She has a knack for creating well-rounded and believable characters. However, despite her skill, I haven’t yet fallen in love with any of her characters, although I came close with Magic Lessons. This trend continued with this book...the characters were compelling, but none fully captured my heart.
One of Hoffman's strengths is the meticulous research she puts into her historical novels. As someone who loves New York City history, I particularly appreciated the detailed depiction of the Shirtwaist Factory fire and its impact on the city's landscape and labor movement.
While the plot was overall predictable, there were enough surprises to keep me engaged. I always appreciate when a story can still catch me off guard, even if I can see some twists coming.
I'd definitely recommend this book to any historical fiction lovers. Hoffman's blend of history, romance, and mystery makes for an enjoyable read, even if it doesn’t top my list of favorite books. Her attention to historical detail and her ability to create vivid, if not entirely lovable, characters, ensures that her novels are always worth picking up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Sexism, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Drug use
Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey
This novel is a compilation of intimate conversations between women spanning 20 years. The unnamed narrator is raw and honest about desire, self-discovery, and female identity as she navigates relationships, motherhood, and societal expectations.
Sounds good, right? That's why I chose it as a BOTM selection and gave it a solid chance all the way to the end...even though I was already rolling my eyes on Page 1.
For me, this book made a generation gap feel like a generation canyon. Whiny, self-indulgent, pretentious, entitled..these are just a few of the words that swirled around my head while I forced myself to plod forward.
I've never disliked a book so much that I grabbed a snack and read the reviews just for fun. My favorites were by orclnght and readcharlotte:
⭐️ "Oh no."
⭐️ "This was so self indulgent and pretentious. I hate-read the entire book. It was just really, really bad. I hope this woman finds some happiness, truly."
"...hate-read..." 🤣
This book is solid proof that I should never, ever, ever rely on book endorsements and awards when choosing a book. Based on the low average ratings of this book here and on Goodreads and Amazon, they are clearly being paid or have completely lost touch with the majority of readers.
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
“Nothing is more desirable than that which is being withheld.”
This novel is a compilation of intimate conversations between women spanning 20 years. The unnamed narrator is raw and honest about desire, self-discovery, and female identity as she navigates relationships, motherhood, and societal expectations.
Sounds good, right? That's why I chose it as a BOTM selection and gave it a solid chance all the way to the end...even though I was already rolling my eyes on Page 1.
For me, this book made a generation gap feel like a generation canyon. Whiny, self-indulgent, pretentious, entitled..these are just a few of the words that swirled around my head while I forced myself to plod forward.
I've never disliked a book so much that I grabbed a snack and read the reviews just for fun. My favorites were by orclnght and readcharlotte:
⭐️ "Oh no."
⭐️ "This was so self indulgent and pretentious. I hate-read the entire book. It was just really, really bad. I hope this woman finds some happiness, truly."
"...hate-read..." 🤣
This book is solid proof that I should never, ever, ever rely on book endorsements and awards when choosing a book. Based on the low average ratings of this book here and on Goodreads and Amazon, they are clearly being paid or have completely lost touch with the majority of readers.
Charming Billy by Alice McDermott
This novel explores the tortured life of Billy Lynch, an Irish-American man whose charm and kindness mask his struggles with alcoholism and unfulfilled dreams. The story is primarily set in the 1990s in New York City when Billy's family and friends gather for his funeral and reminisce about the truths and illusions that shaped his life. The extensive flashbacks take you back to earlier periods of Billy's life, mostly in the mid-20th century.
This was a painfully SLOW burn for me. It felt like one of those dry classics we were forced to read when we were in high school or university...the kind where not much actually happens and it takes forever to get anywhere, but you'll spend a week discussing the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of memory.
The writing itself was good. In fact it reminded me a bit of John Steinbeck. I generally like Steinbeck's books, except for Tortilla Flat. Like Tortilla Flat, I found the characters unrelatable and unlikable.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
“Billy didn't need someone to pour him his drinks, he needed someone to tell him that living isn't poetry. It isn't prayer. To tell him and convince him. And none of us could do it because every one of us thought that as long as Billy believed it was, as long as he kept himself believing it, then maybe it could still be true.”
This novel explores the tortured life of Billy Lynch, an Irish-American man whose charm and kindness mask his struggles with alcoholism and unfulfilled dreams. The story is primarily set in the 1990s in New York City when Billy's family and friends gather for his funeral and reminisce about the truths and illusions that shaped his life. The extensive flashbacks take you back to earlier periods of Billy's life, mostly in the mid-20th century.
This was a painfully SLOW burn for me. It felt like one of those dry classics we were forced to read when we were in high school or university...the kind where not much actually happens and it takes forever to get anywhere, but you'll spend a week discussing the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of memory.
The writing itself was good. In fact it reminded me a bit of John Steinbeck. I generally like Steinbeck's books, except for Tortilla Flat. Like Tortilla Flat, I found the characters unrelatable and unlikable.
Those who are into reading and analyzing literary fiction will likely appreciate this book. For me, it was a bit of a slog.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is a heartwarming story set in an indie bookstore on a small island on the East Coast. It follows A.J. Fikry, a grumpy bookstore owner, who finds his life turned upside down after a series of unexpected events, including the arrival of a mysterious package that changes everything.
Zevin has an amazing ability to tackle heavy themes, like abandonment and death, with a light-hearted and humorous touch. I found myself chuckling one moment and sniffling the next. It’s a balance that makes the story feel very real and deeply touching.
The characters are perfectly imperfect. A.J. Fikry himself, with his gruff exterior and curmudgeonly ways, is totally lovable. I was rooting for him as he navigated through his personal struggles and transformations. The supporting characters, each with their own quirks and flaws, add layers of interest and emotions to the story.
One of the best aspects of this book is the number of twists that Zevin throws at you. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she would throw in a curveball that genuinely surprised me. It’s not often that an author can do this to me!
A.J. Fikry may not be that old, but this book definitely fits into what I call “curmudgeon fiction.” A.J.’s grumpy demeanor and dry humor are endearing, and you find yourself charmed by his journey of self-discovery and redemption.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartwarming story filled with surprises that will make you laugh and cry!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Remember, Maya: the things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we will respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in books and also in life.
This is a heartwarming story set in an indie bookstore on a small island on the East Coast. It follows A.J. Fikry, a grumpy bookstore owner, who finds his life turned upside down after a series of unexpected events, including the arrival of a mysterious package that changes everything.
Zevin has an amazing ability to tackle heavy themes, like abandonment and death, with a light-hearted and humorous touch. I found myself chuckling one moment and sniffling the next. It’s a balance that makes the story feel very real and deeply touching.
The characters are perfectly imperfect. A.J. Fikry himself, with his gruff exterior and curmudgeonly ways, is totally lovable. I was rooting for him as he navigated through his personal struggles and transformations. The supporting characters, each with their own quirks and flaws, add layers of interest and emotions to the story.
One of the best aspects of this book is the number of twists that Zevin throws at you. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she would throw in a curveball that genuinely surprised me. It’s not often that an author can do this to me!
A.J. Fikry may not be that old, but this book definitely fits into what I call “curmudgeon fiction.” A.J.’s grumpy demeanor and dry humor are endearing, and you find yourself charmed by his journey of self-discovery and redemption.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartwarming story filled with surprises that will make you laugh and cry!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Infidelity
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
This is a short story by Gillian Flynn, the mastermind behind Gone Girl (one of my all-time favorite books!). This main character of this 64-page quick read is a young woman who fakes reading auras and fortunes. Things get creepy when a wealthy client, Susan Burke, asks for help with her supposedly haunted house. As the narrator dives deeper, she gets caught in a whirlwind of spooky events and psychological twists that make you question what's real.
I'm not usually into short stories, but because I loved Gone Girl so much, I gave this one a go. Honestly, it just confirmed that short stories aren’t my thing. Flynn’s sharp writing and twisted plots are there, but the story felt too off and brief to be satisfying.
It started off pretty good, drawing me in with its intriguing setup and dark humor. But, it got weird—fast. The mix of supernatural and psychological stuff got confusing, and the story ended so abruptly I was left thinking, "WTH???".
Gone Girl is on my all-time favorites list. Sharp Objects was solid too, getting 3.75 stars from me. This was a big step down for me. I hope the next book I read by her reverses the downward trend so I don't have to reconsider my fandom!
Even if you like short stories, this one has had mixed reviews. Some people appreciate the clever twistiness, while others (like me) found it lacking. If you’re a big Flynn fan, it’s worth a quick read for her signature style, but if you’re iffy on short stories or looking for something meatier, this one might not do it for you.
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
“Money is wasted on the rich.”
This is a short story by Gillian Flynn, the mastermind behind Gone Girl (one of my all-time favorite books!). This main character of this 64-page quick read is a young woman who fakes reading auras and fortunes. Things get creepy when a wealthy client, Susan Burke, asks for help with her supposedly haunted house. As the narrator dives deeper, she gets caught in a whirlwind of spooky events and psychological twists that make you question what's real.
I'm not usually into short stories, but because I loved Gone Girl so much, I gave this one a go. Honestly, it just confirmed that short stories aren’t my thing. Flynn’s sharp writing and twisted plots are there, but the story felt too off and brief to be satisfying.
It started off pretty good, drawing me in with its intriguing setup and dark humor. But, it got weird—fast. The mix of supernatural and psychological stuff got confusing, and the story ended so abruptly I was left thinking, "WTH???".
Gone Girl is on my all-time favorites list. Sharp Objects was solid too, getting 3.75 stars from me. This was a big step down for me. I hope the next book I read by her reverses the downward trend so I don't have to reconsider my fandom!
Even if you like short stories, this one has had mixed reviews. Some people appreciate the clever twistiness, while others (like me) found it lacking. If you’re a big Flynn fan, it’s worth a quick read for her signature style, but if you’re iffy on short stories or looking for something meatier, this one might not do it for you.