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nolawords's reviews
13 reviews
The Thick and the Lean by Chana Porter
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
This is one of the most unique storylines I have read for some time. Chana Porter creates a dystopian world (one that is almost frighteningly clear to imagine) that entwines the extremes of capitalism, climate crisis, socioeconomic inequity, and religious fervor based around physical form (i.e. thinness).
I enjoyed the parallel stories that followed Beatrice and Reiko - two women born in the "lower" tiers of this world, who each ascend (literally) in attempt to find themselves and their own lives of success. The way their stories progressed and closed in paradoxical ways - and the satisfying way they actually cross paths - was a lovely way to lay out this narrative. This book is layered and complex; I will be thinking about it for a long while to come.
I enjoyed the parallel stories that followed Beatrice and Reiko - two women born in the "lower" tiers of this world, who each ascend (literally) in attempt to find themselves and their own lives of success. The way their stories progressed and closed in paradoxical ways - and the satisfying way they actually cross paths - was a lovely way to lay out this narrative. This book is layered and complex; I will be thinking about it for a long while to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Okay, this book has me gushing. McConaghy has a knack for creating a gorgeous world of dichotomy - gentle but violent, beautiful but dark, quiet but complex. I love her themes of naturalism and conservation. I felt plunged into the same world of Migrations, yet I enjoyed this one more due to the suspense building of the story. This checked so many boxes for what I love in a book. I would recommend noting the trigger warnings for this one, as there are lie some intense themes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Blood
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
Does anyone else feel that this genre has so many titles being released, that the storylines tend to blur together and the twists get harder and harder to make pop? Admittedly, I do...
Nevertheless, I thought this book re-ignited my excitement and delivered exactly what one looks for in a read like this! I was guessing and second-guessing the next steps throughout the entire book, and I love good twists that keep you on your toes until (literally) the last sentence.
Well done, Ashley Elston! I look forward to the screen adaptation of this!
Nevertheless, I thought this book re-ignited my excitement and delivered exactly what one looks for in a read like this! I was guessing and second-guessing the next steps throughout the entire book, and I love good twists that keep you on your toes until (literally) the last sentence.
Well done, Ashley Elston! I look forward to the screen adaptation of this!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Terminal illness, Violence, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury