nicole_bookmarked's reviews
996 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

4.0

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

informative mysterious medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky

dark mysterious sad medium-paced

4.5

A Sunny Place for Shady People: Stories by Mariana Enríquez

dark mysterious medium-paced

3.0

I had high hopes for A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enriquez, especially since I loved her previous book, The Dangers of Smoking in Bed. But this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s a collection of horror stories, some inspired by real events like the Elisa Lam case at the Cecil Hotel, but many of the stories felt underdeveloped or unfinished. I often found myself confused at the end, wondering if I’d missed something. While Enriquez’s talent for eerie, unsettling atmospheres is still there, I was left wanting more from the stories overall. 

All Fours by Miranda July

funny mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No

3.0

Private Rites by Julia Armfield

dark funny medium-paced

5.0

Our Man In Havana by Graham Greene

funny mysterious medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

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.