I did not expect to love this book so much! We all know I love my thrillers and horror novels, but GOOD GIRL just sounded soooo good that I had to givI did not expect to love this book so much! We all know I love my thrillers and horror novels, but GOOD GIRL just sounded soooo good that I had to give it a shot! Aria Aber’s debut novel, GOOD GIRL, is a powerful coming-of-age story and the exploration of identity see through the eyes of Nila, a young woman in Germany with parents who emigrated from Afghanistan. Nila is constantly navigating the tension between her family’s expectations and her personal experience growing up in a Western world. Although Nila is afforded more western privileges that her peers may not embrace, Nila struggles with her studies, instead seeking solace and belonging with nightlife, partying, drugs, and sex.
Nila’s search for meaning leads her into Berlin’s nightlife, where she discovers the allure of techno clubs and a tumultuous relationship with Marlowe, a troubled American writer who has a girlfriend. Nila grapples with shame surrounding her identity, cultural heritage, and place in the world. I navigated this book in both physical and audio and the audio is SPECTACULAR! I would highly recommend going the audio route via @prhaudio since it was a 10/10 experience for me. GOOD GIRL is a novel that feels raw and real and highlights bigotry in a very explicit way, while also showing the dynamics of a woman struggling to figure out where she belongs. I loved this book and I am going to keep an eye out for Aria Aber's next story....more
BOYS IN THE VALLEY is a solid coming of age horror novel set in the early 1900s at St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys in Pennsylvania. Philip Fracassi'sBOYS IN THE VALLEY is a solid coming of age horror novel set in the early 1900s at St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys in Pennsylvania. Philip Fracassi's newest horror novel was very highly praised by reviewers and bookstagrammers alike, so I definitely wanted to read this during Halloween szn. BOYS IN THE VALLEY is the perfect blend of "The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, by way of Midnight Mass" as the blurb suggests.
The story is centered around Peter Barlow, a young boy orphaned after a gruesome murder/suicide of his parents, and is taken to St. Vincent's Orphanage. There, Peter takes to the new home and sees the benefits of growing up within the Priesthood, but when strange and devious actions are being done to the boys within the orphanage, Peter must take a stance before it's too late. Especially when bodies begin to pile up.
This book is dark and very intense, but I think it's one you need to go into knowing very little about. The synopsis is vague and so will my review. If you like traditional horror, BOYS IN THE VALLEY follows that script much more than the modern horror stories I've been seeing lately. It's a perfect concoction of drama, horror, and psychological suspense. The story moves slower than I would've liked, but once you hit the halfway mark, there's no turning back. I'll definitely read more stories by this author, especially close to Halloween. ...more
I can write an entire dissertation on the allegorical messaging behind Kiersten White's upcoming horror novel, MISTER MAGIC, but this review will justI can write an entire dissertation on the allegorical messaging behind Kiersten White's upcoming horror novel, MISTER MAGIC, but this review will just have to do for now. When the author's last book, HIDE came out, lots of readers had a variety of opinions on it. As a reader, I enjoyed HIDE but understood the reasons why people were mixed on its reception. That being said, MISTER MAGIC's synopsis and cover immediately drew me in. I won't go into too much detail about this book, because there's so much that ISN'T said, but inferred, that you'll have to find out for yourself.
30 years after the abrupt ending of popular children's show, MISTER MAGIC, five of the six cast members return to film a podcast about their time on the show. While many have fond memories of this television sensation, one cast member, Val, has no memory of her time filming with the cast. With no evidence or footage of the show circulating anywhere to be found, the show has left an enigma on a generation who grew up loving the show, and a cast who struggles to remember why it was cancelled in the first place. As the podcast dives into the cast's memories of the show, they soon realize that there were other forces at play—forces that may not have been so benevolent.
There's a lot of mixed reviews for this book, and if you'd like to debate why I'm giving it 5 stars, MY DMs ARE OPEN AND READY BABY. If you enjoyed John Fram's THE BRIGHT LANDS, you'll enjoy this one. The messaging behind this book is very metaphorical, so take your time with this book and you'll hopefully see what I mean. The book leaves readers with a lot of open-ended imagination to come up with their own reasoning for certain actions, which I thought was very fun. Speculative fiction is something that I will always gravitate towards, but I understand why readers may want something more concrete. The world building that this book could provide for film or a series is incredible and I hope someone is optioning this book. ...more
THE RACHEL INCIDENT was a nice break from my usual mystery/thriller binge lately and I'm happy that I picked it up when I did. The story focuses on RaTHE RACHEL INCIDENT was a nice break from my usual mystery/thriller binge lately and I'm happy that I picked it up when I did. The story focuses on Rachel Murray and the dynamic she has with her roommate and best friend James. The two meet while she's working at a bookstore and she becomes enamored with him, but he is gay and the friendship is platonic. I believe in friendship soulmates 100%. Rachel is in college and soon falls for English professor, Dr. Byrne. Dr. Byrne is married, but that doesn't stop him from being front and center of the drama between Rachel and James. However, the story goes a lot deeper than that once you start turning the pages (and you'll see what I mean especially at the end of the author's acknowledgments).
The friendship in THE RACHEL INCIDENT is compelling and powerful as it authentically portrays the dynamic of two friends who maintain love for each other over obstacles that may be unexpected. I can't say more without spoiling, but this journey that Rachel and James embark on spans their college and adult lives and it was fun seeing how the two turned out in the end. Provocative and personal, THE RACHEL INCIDENT almost feels as if it was a non-fiction as I ventured through the story as it is incredibly personal. If you enjoyed the books Conversations (Sally Rooney) with Friends or Fleishman Is in Trouble (Taffy Brodesser-Akner), you'll enjoy THE RACHEL INCIDENT. ...more
This book is unlike any book I’ve ever read—it’s an in-your-face journey of a Black gay man and his struggle for acceptance, but also involves a lot oThis book is unlike any book I’ve ever read—it’s an in-your-face journey of a Black gay man and his struggle for acceptance, but also involves a lot of bird watching?! The story takes place in the UK and focuses on our main character, Harley and his attempted suicide that was thwarted by his friend’s boyfriend. Harley is unsure what to make of his newfound friendship with Muddy because they’re very different. Muddy is straight, confident, and carefree. Muddy and Harley form a unique bond that I can tell you, every gay man wishes they could have with heterosexual men if they don’t have one already. However, this friendship isn’t without hurdles for the reader to uncover.
This book is not a romance. It’s a deep dive into mental health, self acceptance, and friendship. This book talks about serious topics, but is done so in a very healthy and formative way. At times, this book is lighthearted and will put a smile on your face; but it can also have its moments of serious conflict that will leave you breathless. SMALL JOYS is a book I don’t think I’ll ever forget....more
I hope this is a sign to come because THE SHARDS is my first read of 2023 and I absolutely loved it. I feel embarrassed admitting this, but I’ve neverI hope this is a sign to come because THE SHARDS is my first read of 2023 and I absolutely loved it. I feel embarrassed admitting this, but I’ve never read anything by Bret Easton Ellis before. My husband is always telling me about his works and how much he enjoys his novels, so I figured it best to start with his latest novel and work my way back. After hearing that @gareindeedreads loved it, I decided to go for it!
THE SHARDS is a dark metafiction novel that will continue to psychologically mess me up even after reading. I’m literally trying to figure it out now. The story involves a group of best friends at the Buckley School in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Our protagonist, Bret details his teenage years with this tight-knit group—money, drugs, parties, sex—this group lived a very intense life at a formidable time during their lives. Their lives, however, are forever changed when a serial killer begins claiming victims that are hitting close to home and it just so happens to line up with the arrival of a new student joining their senior class. This book starts off relatively slowly, but the subject matter gripped me from the moment I started. It’s a long book at around 600 pages, but I caught myself reading it whenever I could.
THE SHARDS is a book about obsession and lots of gay sex—but it’s also a coming of age story, sort of, with powerful messaging. I absolutely loved this book and I really need to talk to fellow readers about this book because I have lots to say! This book will stay with me for a long time. ...more
Henry Fry's debut novel, First Time for Everything will be a smash hit for those who have always wanted a gay spin on Bridget Jones' Diary. TakingHenry Fry's debut novel, First Time for Everything will be a smash hit for those who have always wanted a gay spin on Bridget Jones' Diary. Taking place in London, Danny Scudd is a young gay man trying to figure out what he wants in life. His relationship with Toby "Tobbs" is very unfulfilling, his family is distant, and his professional career is at a very corporate standstill. After finding out the hard way that his boyfriend hasn't been faithful nor on the same page as Danny about their relationship, Danny ventures into a new chapter of being single. However, when he is forced to move out of his current living sitution, Danny is placed with nowhere to go. After being taken in by Danny's nonbinary, flamboyant best friend Jacob, Danny starts realizing that there's a whole other world to explore.
First Time for Everything is a refreshingly honest book about the struggles of accepting who you are in a world that makes queer people have to break out of their heteronormative shells. There were many parts of the book that I related to, but also many other sections that I didn't, which made for an interesting perspective on how I see myself within the queer community. At times, this book is very funny, but I think it's mainly due to the raw, honest depictions that Danny is conveying to the reader. This coming-of-age story is best suited for those in similar situations as Danny, so I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their own sense of self. It's a fun debut by an author that I will definitely be watching out for in the future. ...more
I am almost embarrassed to admit that Violeta is my first read by Isabel Allende, but I guess we all start somewhere. However, this will not be myI am almost embarrassed to admit that Violeta is my first read by Isabel Allende, but I guess we all start somewhere. However, this will not be my last time picking up Allende's books.
This book is focused on a main protagonist, Violeta Del Valle, and her life spanning a hundred years. The story is told through the storytelling from Violeta to her grandson Camilo. The book starts with her family growing up in Chile with the effects of the Spanish Flu pandemic. The family experiences turmoil from wealth to poverty, war, drugs, self discovery, and love and relationships. The depictions of these moments throughout history are brutally realistic and beautifully portrayed, with the words just immersing you into the story. I was fascinated about the accuracy of these moments in time, told through the eyes of an aging, yet powerful, protagonist. I felt that the author did an amazing job balancing the accurate historical timelines, while also relating it to Violeta's journey through life.
Violeta is a journey that takes the reader through so many different types of experiences, with one of the strongest characterized lead characters I've ever read about. I highly recommend to anyone who would like to feel the emotions of significant moments in modern day history. It was truly a beautiful read....more
GOLDEN Thank you @bloomsburyya for this gifted copy of Golden Boys, releasing February 2022! This coming of age story features four overachieving gayGOLDEN Thank you @bloomsburyya for this gifted copy of Golden Boys, releasing February 2022! This coming of age story features four overachieving gay sixteen year olds—all taking a summer to explore opportunities for their future—while also coming to terms with who they are. I don’t normally read YA books, but when I do, they are usually this genre. I definitely think Golden Boys should be a book in high school libraries and on their summer reading lists—it’s safe and not explicit so educators and parents can relax, while it also doesn’t pretend that sex doesn’t exist. Books like Golden Boys would’ve been so important for me to read as a kid—I wish we had them in my library growing up. This book would be perfect for any teenager, especially one who doesn’t identify as straight. ...more
Fantasy. Horror. Action. Coming of age. Mystery. How can a book literally be such a genre-bending whirlwind of a story?! First and foremost, this bookFantasy. Horror. Action. Coming of age. Mystery. How can a book literally be such a genre-bending whirlwind of a story?! First and foremost, this book is not for everybody and I don't think the author was meaning to write a story for everybody.
The story focuses on two friends—Andrew and Eddie. Best friends for years with an inexplicable bond, until Eddie moved away to start his graduate program. Andrew eventually decides to uproot his life and go join him, but before that could happen, Eddie commits suicide. In his apparent death, Eddie leaves Andrew his inheritance, a house, and a mystery surrounding what happened. As Andrew tries to uncover the truth, he begins to form suspicions around Eddie's circle of friends and their unique behaviors. Andrew dives into a world of betrayal, fast cars, sex, and hard drugs—a world Andrew wasn't prepared for. Has Andrew really accepted what it means for Eddie to be dead?
This story is full of unlikable characters and dark slow burn suspense. Again, this haunting book may not be for everybody. The story dives deep into the emotions of grief and loss, the feelings of denial, and the pain of losing someone you weren't ready to let go of just yet. The story is queer at its core, but it is mainly a secondary plot point to the themes I mentioned previously. If you're unsure about the horror elements of this novel, don't be deterred as it's not gruesomely scary, but more of a gothic suspense. I can't wait to see what comes out of Lee Mandelo's future stories. ...more
If someone told me that I'd be giving a book about a teenage girl riding horses 5 stars, I'd tell you that you were crazy. Susan Mihalic's Dark HorIf someone told me that I'd be giving a book about a teenage girl riding horses 5 stars, I'd tell you that you were crazy. Susan Mihalic's Dark Horses is so, so much more than that. I cannot believe this debut has me up until 1 AM, rushing to finish! A powerful coming of age story, Roan Montgomery battles her difficult upbringing, while trying to have it all.
Disclaimer: This book includes serious and sensitive topics involving sexual assault and rape between family.
The Montgomery family is wealthy, famous, and powerful. Roan's father is a former Olympian and her mother is a former model. With Roan's ascent into fame through her horseback riding skills, the family can do no wrong in their town. As Roan's horseback riding skills continue to grow, so does her family's dark secrets. Her mother's drinking becomes too much to handle while her father's inappropriate behavior towards Roan becomes unsettling. Roan believes that her toxic family life is a trade off for the experience she's had with fame and notoriety. She believes that she deserves it. That is, until Will Howard comes along—a fellow student in her school—comes around and changes everything.
Wow, wow, wow. Where do I begin?! With a powerful story and beautifully bingeworthy writing, Susan Mihalic just hooked me in from the first chapter. I was hesitant to pick up this story honestly because it didn't seem that it would be a story that I'd actually resonate with, but I was totally wrong. Susan Mihalic's use of trauma in her storytelling is quite profound. I gravitated towards Roan's development in the story, while also personally feeling affected by the actions done by the characters in this book. I rarely have a visceral reaction to fiction novels, but Dark Horses completely immersed me into the story. I know I mentioned this before, but I cannot simply believe that this is Susan Mihalic's first published novel. I anxiously wait for her next story!...more
Can a book be a coming of age story if the main character is already grown up? Steven Rowley's upcoming dramedy novel, The Guncle is infectiously Can a book be a coming of age story if the main character is already grown up? Steven Rowley's upcoming dramedy novel, The Guncle is infectiously adorable. The story is centered around Patrick, a famous actor from a long running television show. He is able to live his private life in Palm Springs, living off the show's residuals and success. Living freely and doing whatever he wants, Patrick suddenly gets thrown into temporary guardianship when his brother's wife (and his best friend) dies of cancer. Patrick's life immediately changes when he brings his niece Maisie and his nephew Grant home with him for the summer.
Patrick's self indulgent, Peter Pan like mentality must immediately pivot for the sake of the kids, and what we get is a roller coaster of hilarity. At times cringeworthy cute, this book will warm even the coldest of hearts. I can literally picture a friend or two of mine having the same internal dilemma that Patrick faces in this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed the laughs. This book is not all comedy, we are navigated a new frontier for someone who is ill-equipped to handle children. This book does dive into serious subjects, and isn't afraid to talk about grief, sexuality, romance, marriage, and family. I had a fun time with this one and really can picture it being a television series or movie....more
An utterly unputdownable coming of age story, White Ivy is a story about love and deceit; it's a story about being an immigrant in the United StatAn utterly unputdownable coming of age story, White Ivy is a story about love and deceit; it's a story about being an immigrant in the United States; it's a story about a woman accepting herself, while also continually trying to grow. Ivy and her family have immigrated to the United States from China and are all trying to balance their new lives in a world completely new to them. Ivy is taught at an early age to steal by her grandmother and it becomes sort of a way of life for her. When she hits those dreaded teenage years, she finds herself deeply obsessing over classmate Gideon Speyer. As she gets closer to Gideon and his family, Ivy starts having deeply rooted internal battles on love and friendship. While I don't agree with this book being labeled a thriller in any sense of the word, this book is a very powerful read. Ivy's struggle between her varying thoughts throughout her young adult life is very relatable. Ivy's battle between her Chinese heritage and American dream is very intriguing as well. While at times this book can feel a bit slower paced, White Ivy delivers an amazing and gripping ending that will leave you speechless. ...more
I finally found a Liz Nugent novel that I've enjoyed! I was about to put this author on my "do not read" list after many attempts at trying to enjoy hI finally found a Liz Nugent novel that I've enjoyed! I was about to put this author on my "do not read" list after many attempts at trying to enjoy her previous works, but Little Cruelties just spoke to me. While I initially thought this would be a psychological thriller, this book is truly a dark, coming of age, family drama.
What makes this story so interesting is that we start with a funeral and then continually flashback between three brothers—William, Brian, and Luke Drumm—three Irish Catholic boys who grew up with a narcissistic, fame hungry B-List celebrity mother and a loving father who left them too soon. Each of the brothers have developed differently due to their upbringing and it's affected them throughout the years. One is a good looking, wealthy film producer—a womanizing, sexist, terrible narcissist. One is an awkward, jealous, money hungry, selfish person. And lastly, one is an alcoholic who suffers from mental instability and hallucinations. I'll leave it up to you to find out who is who.
Little Cruelties was such an amazing character study. The development of all the characters was so effortlessly done and very smartly portrayed. The story shifts between different timelines and isn't portrayed in a linear fashion, but if you pay attention to each point of view, you'll be able to add the pieces into the rest of the story. Each character has an important role to play in showing how the story ends and I truly couldn't put it down. Coming from a big family, family, especially sibling, dynamics is truly interesting to me. I can see the rivalries similar to my family, but in a "wow this book is truly dark and messed up and I can't relate to any of these brothers at all" kind of way. I would love to see more stories follow Liz Nugent's expertly written narrative in the future.
Little Cruelties is definitely a contender for one of my favorite books of the year....more
A dark, coming of age story focuses on a small town's mysterious death of a local math teacher, Mr Merkel. The body was found by a student, Sal, who bA dark, coming of age story focuses on a small town's mysterious death of a local math teacher, Mr Merkel. The body was found by a student, Sal, who becomes one of the main protagonists of this story. While the overall storyline focuses on the mystery behind Mr. Merkel's death, the book is mainly a character study of rural Nevada and the working class in America. While this book is very compelling, it is also a very dense and slower paced novel. This book is definitely for a specific reader, and if you are looking for a book to binge, maybe seek something a bit faster in pace....more
I think the synopsis for this book is all that you should know, and in fact I didn't even read it when I chose this as my May Book of the Month selectI think the synopsis for this book is all that you should know, and in fact I didn't even read it when I chose this as my May Book of the Month selection. I saw a few people that rated this book so highly, and trusted their judgement on picking up a book that I normally wouldn't. Once I saw a quote from Rupaul in the introduction of the book, I knew I picked the right choice. This book felt like an over dramatized version of my childhood and nearly broke me at times.
Rufi Thorpe's The Knockout Queen is quirky, sarcastic, honest, and very dark. I finished this book in a day because I just couldn't put it down! Rufi Thorpe's writing in this book is just so refreshingly brutal and has a clear message that she wants to convey. I really saw parallels to Michael's upbringing in this book and it triggered a lot of emotions for me. Prepare to laugh, prepare to hold back tears, this book is the real deal. I'm sorry I'm vague, but I really feel like it's better to go in with no understanding of the plot to really enjoy. I wish I read the book in a slower pace because I'm bummed that it's over—The Knockout Queen is the phenomenal of a story. ...more
A heartbreaking, gut wrenching, beautiful story. A bit on the slow burn side (which is why it's not 4 stars). It's a coming-of-age story surrounding gA heartbreaking, gut wrenching, beautiful story. A bit on the slow burn side (which is why it's not 4 stars). It's a coming-of-age story surrounding grief, family, and love. This book will stay with me for a long time. ...more
When We Were Vikings is a cute, light, coming-of-age story about a woman named Zelda and her day-to-day life with her older brother Gert. Zelda suWhen We Were Vikings is a cute, light, coming-of-age story about a woman named Zelda and her day-to-day life with her older brother Gert. Zelda suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, but she doesn't let the haters get her down. Zelda is a good-natured, funny, protagonist and while this book may sound like it could venture a darker route, and at times did, it's definitely a fun ride. Zelda is one of the most loveable protagonists I've ever encountered....more