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kolee_c's reviews
278 reviews
Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Lightlark by Alex Aster
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
emotional
reflective
fast-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? No
5.0
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
5.0
This book has been all over TikTok for a few years now and so it has always been on my radar, but I had just never gotten around to reading it. Finally, I just gave in and bought a copy because I wanted to read Carrie Soto and I heard you should start with Seven Husbands. Boy, am I glad that I finally started reading this book. I went into it not knowing what to expect because I have heard both good and bad reviews about this book, but I am happy that I stuck it out so I could form my own opinion.
I went into this book not expecting much as I’ve never read anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid before. I also haven’t read many books on the publishing industry so I don’t have much contextual knowledge on the background of this book but I still greatly enjoyed reading it. I actually recently read Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, which has ignited a desire to read more about the publishing industry.
The story starts with Monique Grant, a writer for an online company called Vivant who dreams of making a name for herself. She is called into her boss’ office to discuss a potential interview job. The Hollywood starlet, Evelyn Hugo, who has vehemently refused to sit for an interview for decades, has asked to be interviewed by Monique. Of course, Monique takes the job because she would be a fool not to. When she arrives, Monique finds that it is not just some article that she is being asked to write, no, Evelyn wants Monique to write her biography. A tell-all expose about her rise to fame in Hollywood, life as a ‘60s starlet, and the stories behind her seven marriages. As Monique learns more about Evelyn’s life, she starts to realise that she was chosen to write this book for a reason and she may not be able to walk away once she finds out.
The more I read, the more I wanted to consume this book completely. The book alternates between Monique in the present-day sitting in Evelyn’s office and trying to navigate her own life, and chapters from Evelyn’s perspective as she looks back on the past. It was cleverly done and I was pleasantly surprised when I reached the first of Evelyn’s chapters. I read this book in sections; I read up until the story changed to another husband and then stopped to digest what I’d just read. It made it easier to separate each husband’s character otherwise I know I would have gotten confused trying to differentiate each of them. After finishing this book, I can see why it got so many mixed reviews; despite everything you learn about Evelyn, she says doesn’t regret what she did, which many would consider to make her a bad person/character. Personally, I thought this made her seem more realistic and human. Evelyn shows you what it means to be human; that a person can’t be just good or bad, that we have our flaws and that we can also have our merits. I am glad that this was the first book by Taylor Jenkins Reid that I read. It has made me excited to read more of her works.
I am wavering between four and five stars for my rating for several reasons. Firstly, I haven’t read a book like this before, which is a point in its favour. Usually, if a book makes me feel really emotional or even makes me cry, then it would instantly get an extra star added to its rating. I did not cry while reading this. However, I was unable to put this book down once I got to husband number two. Evelyn Hugo felt like a real person to me while learning her story.
So, after thinking about it, I think this book deserves five stars.
I went into this book not expecting much as I’ve never read anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid before. I also haven’t read many books on the publishing industry so I don’t have much contextual knowledge on the background of this book but I still greatly enjoyed reading it. I actually recently read Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, which has ignited a desire to read more about the publishing industry.
The story starts with Monique Grant, a writer for an online company called Vivant who dreams of making a name for herself. She is called into her boss’ office to discuss a potential interview job. The Hollywood starlet, Evelyn Hugo, who has vehemently refused to sit for an interview for decades, has asked to be interviewed by Monique. Of course, Monique takes the job because she would be a fool not to. When she arrives, Monique finds that it is not just some article that she is being asked to write, no, Evelyn wants Monique to write her biography. A tell-all expose about her rise to fame in Hollywood, life as a ‘60s starlet, and the stories behind her seven marriages. As Monique learns more about Evelyn’s life, she starts to realise that she was chosen to write this book for a reason and she may not be able to walk away once she finds out.
The more I read, the more I wanted to consume this book completely. The book alternates between Monique in the present-day sitting in Evelyn’s office and trying to navigate her own life, and chapters from Evelyn’s perspective as she looks back on the past. It was cleverly done and I was pleasantly surprised when I reached the first of Evelyn’s chapters. I read this book in sections; I read up until the story changed to another husband and then stopped to digest what I’d just read. It made it easier to separate each husband’s character otherwise I know I would have gotten confused trying to differentiate each of them. After finishing this book, I can see why it got so many mixed reviews; despite everything you learn about Evelyn, she says doesn’t regret what she did, which many would consider to make her a bad person/character. Personally, I thought this made her seem more realistic and human. Evelyn shows you what it means to be human; that a person can’t be just good or bad, that we have our flaws and that we can also have our merits. I am glad that this was the first book by Taylor Jenkins Reid that I read. It has made me excited to read more of her works.
I am wavering between four and five stars for my rating for several reasons. Firstly, I haven’t read a book like this before, which is a point in its favour. Usually, if a book makes me feel really emotional or even makes me cry, then it would instantly get an extra star added to its rating. I did not cry while reading this. However, I was unable to put this book down once I got to husband number two. Evelyn Hugo felt like a real person to me while learning her story.
So, after thinking about it, I think this book deserves five stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Violence, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, and Grief
Minor: Abortion, Miscarriage, Suicide, Terminal illness, Alcoholism, and Cancer
DallerGut Dream Department Store: The Dream You Ordered is Sold Out by Mi-Ye Lee
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you, NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
In a mysterious town hidden in our subconscious, there’s a whimsical store where all kinds of dreams are sold…
The story follows Penny, our protagonist who has a job interview at the DallerGut Dream Department Store. As Penny prepares for her new job, we are introduced to a host of characters that are regulars throughout the book. This eclectic cast of characters play a vital role in teaching us about the various dreams that can be bought at the store, and the deeper meanings that can be found in dreams. Each floor of the department store sells different kinds of dreams, such as dreams for animals, the elderly and those seeking adventure.
Each chapter of the book follows Penny as she learns about what it means to work in the dream business and how they influence the lives of their customers. I liked how each chapter taught you something different about the dream world and also about human behaviour.
This is the perfect read for autumn and winter. A cosy fantasy that is similar to slice-of-life anime. A fun, quirky story that depicts the human condition in a palatable way. Alongside Penny, we learn about what it means to dwell on the past and worry for the future, and how these can also be positive things. This book is perfect for those who want to read about the mundane things in life, finding inspiration, overcoming trauma, resilience, and having hope.
This book has similar vibes to Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle.
In a mysterious town hidden in our subconscious, there’s a whimsical store where all kinds of dreams are sold…
The story follows Penny, our protagonist who has a job interview at the DallerGut Dream Department Store. As Penny prepares for her new job, we are introduced to a host of characters that are regulars throughout the book. This eclectic cast of characters play a vital role in teaching us about the various dreams that can be bought at the store, and the deeper meanings that can be found in dreams. Each floor of the department store sells different kinds of dreams, such as dreams for animals, the elderly and those seeking adventure.
Each chapter of the book follows Penny as she learns about what it means to work in the dream business and how they influence the lives of their customers. I liked how each chapter taught you something different about the dream world and also about human behaviour.
This is the perfect read for autumn and winter. A cosy fantasy that is similar to slice-of-life anime. A fun, quirky story that depicts the human condition in a palatable way. Alongside Penny, we learn about what it means to dwell on the past and worry for the future, and how these can also be positive things. This book is perfect for those who want to read about the mundane things in life, finding inspiration, overcoming trauma, resilience, and having hope.
This book has similar vibes to Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Pippa is in her final year of secondary school and must do a project to graduate. She decides to look into her town's own mystery from five years ago. Andie Bell went missing five years ago and the police say her then-boyfriend, Sal Singh did it. Pippa is sure there are still some missing pieces to the case and with the help of Sal's younger brother, Ravi, she will uncover the secrets of her town.
I knew I would enjoy reading this as I have gotten into murder mystery books lately. I've always been a fan of shows like Criminal Minds and whodunnit movies like Knives Out. Putting the clues together and figuring it out alongside the protagonist is always a fun way to read a book.
Since Pippa was twelve when the case happened, she is basically starting from scratch. This allows the reader to be on the same information level as Pippa, which makes it more fun as you both uncover the truth. I enjoyed the layout of the book; nearly every chapter has a production log page where Pippa takes note of any observations for her project. It makes it easier to keep track of all of the information that you receive.
I have heard that they are in the process of making this a TV series, so I'll definitely be reading the other two books in the trilogy and then happily be waiting to watch the show.
Read this if you enjoy Criminal Minds, Knives Out, Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars.
I knew I would enjoy reading this as I have gotten into murder mystery books lately. I've always been a fan of shows like Criminal Minds and whodunnit movies like Knives Out. Putting the clues together and figuring it out alongside the protagonist is always a fun way to read a book.
Since Pippa was twelve when the case happened, she is basically starting from scratch. This allows the reader to be on the same information level as Pippa, which makes it more fun as you both uncover the truth. I enjoyed the layout of the book; nearly every chapter has a production log page where Pippa takes note of any observations for her project. It makes it easier to keep track of all of the information that you receive.
I have heard that they are in the process of making this a TV series, so I'll definitely be reading the other two books in the trilogy and then happily be waiting to watch the show.
Read this if you enjoy Criminal Minds, Knives Out, Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Death, Grief, Suicide, and Bullying