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oceanwriter's reviews
731 reviews
The Situationship by Abby Jimenez
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A fun little glimpse at Maddy and Doug’s relationship! I can’t say I prefer them more than Emma and Justin in Just for the Summer, but it was a nice addition to the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
The Dark Interval: Letters on Loss, Grief, and Transformation by Rainer Maria Rilke
challenging
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
A thought-provoking collection of letters composed by Rainer Maria Rilke on the subjects of death and grief. I found a lot of these passages inspiring although I didn’t always agree with his overall outlook on life and death. It has given me a new perspective on grief, though, and I’ve been thinking about his words a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death, and Death of parent
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I have been a diehard Alice Feeney fan since Rock Paper Scissors. Every book of hers I’ve read has been an easy five-star read. I’m so devastated that this one missed the mark for me.
A year after the strange disappearance of his wife, Abby, Grady isolates himself on a Scottish island at the suggestion of his agent. He’s hoping to start writing again and get used to a life where Abby isn’t by his side, but the island brings more confusion. He feels almost haunted and is certain that there is a woman there who looks just like his wife.
And that’s pretty much it until the last 15% of the book. From there, the disjointed plot becomes downright bizarre and, frankly, convoluted. Nothing made sense and I didn’t care at all what happened to either of the main characters. Their lives up until that point had been random backstories that kind of sort of came together in the chaotic ending. It, overall, felt like I was reading a different author.
Thankfully, the quality of the audiobook made up for some of the disappointment. The narrators did a wonderful job, and the small touches of sound effects added a lot to the atmosphere.
I'm hoping this book was just a bump in the road. I am glad to see that there are some others who have enjoyed this because I know the feeling of loving Alice Fenney's stories. I still look forward to whatever comes next, albeit, with some trepidation. I was surprised by thesexual content in this book as I don't recall much (if any) in the other books I've read by her. I didn't care for it.
I'm hoping this book was just a bump in the road. I am glad to see that there are some others who have enjoyed this because I know the feeling of loving Alice Fenney's stories. I still look forward to whatever comes next, albeit, with some trepidation. I was surprised by the
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for inviting me to listen to a free audiobook ARC of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Sexual assault, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, and Suicide
Minor: Alcoholism and Pedophilia
Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Part meditation and part journal, Wilderness Within is a thorough guide for the Lenten season written by a Sister and mental health counselor. With several included companion pieces, this guide offers not only spiritual reading but also exercises often drawing from the field of psychology. This element in particular is what drew me to this book.
This is perhaps the most extensive Lenten guide I’ve come across so far in my life. The exercises are extremely introspective while maintaining an ultimate focus on faith, which, nowadays, can be tricky to find. I appreciate how much thought went into this book and that it includes further reading/watching with links scattered throughout. Though I’ve read the book outside of Lent, I believe this book is a great starting point for people looking to do more than give up something. I would also say it can be used as a guide for everyday spiritual journaling.
Thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.
This is perhaps the most extensive Lenten guide I’ve come across so far in my life. The exercises are extremely introspective while maintaining an ultimate focus on faith, which, nowadays, can be tricky to find. I appreciate how much thought went into this book and that it includes further reading/watching with links scattered throughout. Though I’ve read the book outside of Lent, I believe this book is a great starting point for people looking to do more than give up something. I would also say it can be used as a guide for everyday spiritual journaling.
Thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.
A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings by Charles Dickens
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I think this is my third reread of A Christmas Carol but this is my first time reading an edition with other writings. I wasn't super into the others at the moment, but it was still good to branch out from what I'm familiar with. As always, I loved A Christmas Carol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, and Chronic illness
Minor: Death
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my third reread and I love it as much as ever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, and Suicide
Minor: Incest, Infertility, and Terminal illness
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Living on oil-rich land, the Osage Indians had a fortune. Unfortunately, this fortune was largely monitored and limited by the government. When members of the tribe begin dying under mysterious circumstances, it calls for investigation.
I found the book to be informative and I was particularly invested in the first part of the book. Once it switched to part two, I struggled to get used to the new perspective and narration which was particularly distracting while listening to the audiobook and the narrators changed. Still, I learned a lot and my heart breaks for the Osage people, not only for their losses but also for the mistreatment and conservatorship they were subjected to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, and Domestic abuse
Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen
challenging
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I’ve been an avid reader of Annie Jacobsen’s books and this one stands out among them all. Though she lays out a hypothetical armageddon, there is an element of unsettling reality to it. It only takes one nation’s decision and six minutes following for life on Earth to change forever — if not completely eradicate it completely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infertility, Excrement, and Vomit
The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Widowed and left to take care of her young daughter Olivia on her own, Emma struggles to find work. Eventually, she finds a job at a library. But the onset of war makes being a single parent even more difficult. Olivia is eventually sent to the country, but fearing she’s losing her daughter to another woman’s affections, Emma sends for her, feeling London must be safe enough from the battlefield.
At the library, Emma discusses books with the patrons and coworkers as well as trying to solve the mystery of missing and misplaced books. Though she forges friendships and support systems, working in the library reminds her of harsh memories.
I was far more interested in the Emma and Olivia storyline, but the library added a nice backdrop to the story. I loved the emphasis on the mother/daughter relationship and could find myself relating to Olivia’s situation in a lot of ways. This is the second book by Madeline Martin I’ve read this year and I’m really enjoying her writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Bullying, Medical content, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
Carry the Cross with Padre Pio: Daily Reflections for Lent by Susan De Bartoli
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
In this Lenten guide, we get a mini-biography about Padre Pio’s life as well as prayers and reflections inspired by his writings. Padre Pio is a perfect saint to call upon during the season of Lent. Even if you choose not to read in preparation for Easter (as I have), there is a lot to be gained in this reading.
If you’re unfamiliar with Padre Pio’s life, this book is a great introduction. Each day visits a time in this great saint’s life, often through the letters to his spiritual director. As a Lenten guide, it provides thoughtful meditation. I’ve read other similar guides, however, Padre Pio’s life and mystical gifts inspire a unique, and, I feel, deeper experience.
I will certainly be revisiting this during Lent.
Thanks to Ave Marie Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC. I have also preordered two physical copies — one for my household and another as a gift.
If you’re unfamiliar with Padre Pio’s life, this book is a great introduction. Each day visits a time in this great saint’s life, often through the letters to his spiritual director. As a Lenten guide, it provides thoughtful meditation. I’ve read other similar guides, however, Padre Pio’s life and mystical gifts inspire a unique, and, I feel, deeper experience.
I will certainly be revisiting this during Lent.
Thanks to Ave Marie Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC. I have also preordered two physical copies — one for my household and another as a gift.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief