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nicole_bookmarked's reviews
976 reviews
Cardiff, by the Sea: Four Novellas of Suspense by Joyce Carol Oates
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Künstlers in Paradise by Cathleen Schine
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
So, I read The God of the Woods by Liz Moore because, well, #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt. And wow, what a ride! The story kicks off at Camp Emerson in 1975, with a missing girl and quickly spirals into a tangled web of drama, secrets, and more missing people. Think soap opera but at summer camp—seriously, the drama is intense!
The characters are a mixed bag—Louise, the head counselor, has her hands full with an alcoholic mom and an abusive fiancé; Tracy, the lovestruck teen; Alice, the grieving mom drinking too much and popping pills; and then there’s Barbara, who’s basically the camp rebel sneaking out every night. And that’s just scratching the surface!
The mystery unfolds with a perfect blend of slow burn and page-turner. Every chapter has you suspecting someone new, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, bam! Another twist. Sure, some of the characters could’ve been more likable (or at least more interesting), but the plot keeps you hooked until the very end.
Overall, it’s a solid 4 stars from me. If you love camp stories, multiple perspectives, and a good whodunit with plenty of drama, you’ll enjoy this one.
Entitlement by Rumaan Alam
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This novel explores ambition, privilege, and philanthropy, all set against the backdrop of NYC's 1%. The story centers on Brooke, a 33-year-old Black woman who lands a prestigious job at The Carol and Asher Jaffee Foundation. What starts as an opportunity to do good and make a difference quickly spirals into a tale of arrogance and obsession, as Brooke becomes increasingly entangled in the world of wealth and power.
The author does a brilliant job of raising questions about what it means to do and be good, particularly when enormous sums of money are involved. Brooke’s journey from a promising new hire to someone who feels increasingly entitled is fascinating and uncomfortable to watch. The characters are deeply flawed, which makes them more real and relatable despite their unlikability.
The book’s ending is unexpected and unsettling, leaving the reader with lingering questions. This book will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. A solid four stars from me!
Big thanks to #NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
The author does a brilliant job of raising questions about what it means to do and be good, particularly when enormous sums of money are involved. Brooke’s journey from a promising new hire to someone who feels increasingly entitled is fascinating and uncomfortable to watch. The characters are deeply flawed, which makes them more real and relatable despite their unlikability.
The book’s ending is unexpected and unsettling, leaving the reader with lingering questions. This book will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. A solid four stars from me!
Big thanks to #NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.