A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademA funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered....more
A taut, twisty novel on the vortex of grief that we must navigate, and the devastating consequences of obsession. Darkly compelling, Rabbit Hope showcA taut, twisty novel on the vortex of grief that we must navigate, and the devastating consequences of obsession. Darkly compelling, Rabbit Hope showcases the ways in which true crime sensationalism, social media, and societal pressures place more stress on victims of loss and trauma, and how uncertainty is fueled by the whims and discretions of others. It is a chilling reminder that the subjects of theories, chat threads, video essays, were real people with real friends and families, who often push themselves to extremes in the pursuit of answers, justice. Hauntingly sad with a faint core of hope, this novel is a winding trip into the whirlpool of coping mechanisms, the chase of information, the peeling back of layers, an examination of hard truths, of crossroads. ...more
A chilling, claustrophobic reimagining of the horrifically doomed Donner Party. Mixing history with the supernatural, this atmospheric novel showcasesA chilling, claustrophobic reimagining of the horrifically doomed Donner Party. Mixing history with the supernatural, this atmospheric novel showcases the cruel indifference of Mother Nature, as well as the devastating consequences of discord, isolation, and misunderstandings. Fast-paced and assured, The Hunger blurs the lines between paranoia and reality; it carves out the truth from campfire tales and folklore, the figure separating from the shadows. Dark and bleak as a desolate landscape, this horror read may be a perfect nightmare companion on your next trip outdoors. ...more
A twisty thriller on envy and deception. Using the woods as an all seeing, silent witness to crime and deception, this novel is a suspenseful journey A twisty thriller on envy and deception. Using the woods as an all seeing, silent witness to crime and deception, this novel is a suspenseful journey through the dark. Exposing shocking truths and breaking open relationships overflowing with tension and unspoken resentment, What Waits in the Woods is also a look into what drives people to snap, how people craft new personas, divert suspicion, lurk in the shadows. Combing the fun, readable patterns of a thriller with the hard hitting themes of loss, grief, and rebuilding a life derailed, this a read that satisfies page turners and pensive readers alike. ...more
An explosive novel on the media frenzy and sensationalism surrounding heinous crimes, and the victims who are forgotten along the way. Based on real crimes and the perversion of events that followed, Bright Young Women dares to call out the strange pedestals on which society places its most undeserving individuals, the ways in which misogyny and violence is idolized when it is carried out by small men, made larger than life by rumor, by infamy, by speculation. It is a fiery and long awaited tribute to the beautiful lives extinguished, their legacies left unfinished, their names and hopes overshadowed by the men who stole them. Thought provoking, righteously furious, and sharply written, this novel is a must read for anyone who participates in the true crime phenomenon....more
A mind-bending thriller with a mother-daughter love story at its core. Dynamic and dreamlike, Bridge is an exploration of the Multiverse’s biggest questions: what if you could go to a life where you had what you wanted? What if you could see a lost loved one again? What is the meaning of fate, and what is the cost of trying to rewrite our own lives? Cinematic, moving, and twisty, this novel delivers a punch of emotion to its scientific intrigue....more
A powerful novel of revenge and gender inequality in 17th century England. Bold and well researched, this novel examines the brutal double standard beA powerful novel of revenge and gender inequality in 17th century England. Bold and well researched, this novel examines the brutal double standard between men and women in regard to the pursuit of knowledge, the act leadership, and the air of confidence. Following our compelling protagonist Mary as she fights for not only her right to heal and learn, but also her very right to exist, we see the enduring legacy of misogyny and the hatred for anything outside the borders of acceptable, controllable. Through her eyes, we see the many contradictions of human nature, the many hypocrisies and judgements, as well as the kindness and courage. We see the sides of love and betrayal are often aligned, and the space between friend and foe closer than we would like to admit. A strong historical debut of the ways in which well intentioned women are often painted as villains. ...more
Loading...
