makealongstorycourt's reviews
363 reviews

The Removed by Brandon Hobson

dark mysterious sad slow-paced

2.0

This was so lackluster. I lost interest around halfway through and had to skim the last 50 pages so I wouldn’t DNF. Sonja’s character was so unlikable and, for me, a bit irrelevant to the entire story. Edgar’s character was clearly meant to drive the plot but didn’t develop by the end. I only liked Maria’s POV chapters, and I feel like the book would’ve been better if it were a novella that only focused on Maria’s experience as a foster mom of a boy who was led by her dead son’s spirit. 

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

3.75

Woodson’s writing is always quick but poignant. There were moments in the book I loved and others I didn’t care for as much. I loved the perspectives of Sabe and Iris. I wish it had more from Aubrey. 

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

dark informative sad medium-paced

2.75

The writing style was not for me. The topic I was really excited about but the execution wasn’t there. I felt like the topic would’ve been better served with a more lyrical, reflective novel with hints of satire and snark, sort of like a Black Buck writing style. But the complete sentences that weren’t actually complete sentences really bothered me throughout. It was not a fluid read for me and I skimmed the last 30 pages so I wouldn’t DNF. 

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.75

Rum’s writing is brilliant. I devoured this book, and the short chapters that switch between perspectives moved the plot along at a digestible pace. I didn’t have a favorite character, per say. I think Sarah would be the one if I had to choose, but she didn’t have her own chapters dedicated to her perspective. I think the only thing holding me back from 5 stars on this one is my lack of connection to the characters. But count me in for every Etaf Rum novel in the future!

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

Ng’s writing never disappoints. It’s so smooth and cohesive. I devoured this book and Little Fires Everywhere. She’s a fantastic storyteller and can weave messy family stories beautifully with so many dynamic, messy characters. Nath was my favorite character in this book, having related so much to his experience as being overlooked by his parents while still having a close relationship and love for the sibling that holds his parents’ attention. 

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.25

A fantastic indigenous horror/thriller novel. I devoured this over a rainy October weekend. Spoiler: the fact that so many indigenous women were murdered in this story when they were just given side character roles (besides Denorah) seems more intentional than I initially thought. An allusion to the marginalization & slaughtering of indigenous women as if they’re pawns in man’s game? Would highly recommend this novel for a quick, exciting read that’s spooky & gory with just enough depth to keep you interested. My only complaint was the first few chapters - the writing style seemed way different than the rest of the book and I almost DNF’ed it because I had such a hard time reading the choppy sentences that didn’t have any kind of cohesion to them. 

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.5

The plot was unique which I appreciated. It made me reflect on life after (or right before) death, and I am a sucker for reflective books. The writing style knocked it down for me - it was pretty clunky and lacked a lot of depth, and the plot allowed for so much potential with depth. 

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

informative reflective fast-paced

I don’t like to rate audiobooks because my listening comprehension and auditory processing skills are sub-par, so I don’t trust my ability to completely digest all of a book’s content. However, this book had some great moments that infuriated me. Uber-informative in an accessible way, it was a quick listen. 

Ayiti by Roxane Gay

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

3.25

I love Roxane Gay’s writing. I’m not a big fan of short story collections, even though this one did have interwoven characters. Theme of cognitive dissonance between loving one’s country and despising it for the lack of opportunities it offers. 

Caucasia by Danzy Senna

challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

90s writing beauty, never read Danzy Senna before. Best described experience through the crafted lines throughout the novel