What I read
It’s the 30th of April, so it’s time for a monthly book review! I promise I’ll (probably) keep up with this each month.
1) Kingdom of Ash - Sarah J. Maas (5/5✨)
I killed this off in just over 15 hours (almost 1k pages). I will never get over the emotional turmoil and trauma this book put me through. I 10000% understand why my friend said this book made ToG her favorite series. I will never be able to speak of some characters (iykyk) without crying. This has become one of my top 10 favorite books.
2) Hooked - Emily McIntyre (3.5/5✨)
I was on a romantasy kick for a while, and figured I could use a break for a bit. It was higher levels of spice, but not overwhelming to the point where it overshadowed the plot. I enjoyed the suspense towards the end when there’s the confrontation with her father, but it was decent the rest of the time. I felt like I took a long time to start really enjoying it. Contemplating getting Scarred next, but I’m not too sure if I’m a fan of McIntyre’s writing style and want to buy another book. - - - - Please tell me if her others are better, cause then I will probably consider it more.
3) Haunting Adeline - H. D. Carlton (4.5/5✨)
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS FIRST!!! I went into this book knowing there was a lot of heavy aspects, but still got uncomfortable at times. The gun scene (iykyk) bothered me a LOT due to lack of consent between main characters, so PLEASE be warned that one of the trigger warnings is r*pe. The spice levels were hella up there, but never overshadowed the true plot line. It never felt shocking to go from high spice to the regular plot. The ending had me stressed and the plot twist was excellent. I’m 100% planning on reading Hunting Adeline. Carlton’s writing style is right up my alley.
Also, I’ll stick with my fantasy shadow daddies.
4) Neon Gods - Katee Robert (3.5/5✨)
Yet another book where the plot was not overshadowed by the spice. I was underwhelmed when reading, especially after the amount of hype it had when it first came out. I enjoyed it, but it’s not a fav. I do plan on reading more of her books though. Her writing style sold me and I’m anticipating more from her.
5) Love & Gelato - Jenna Evans Welch (5/5✨)
I took a huge break from all things spice with this one. It took me 4.5 hours to read (~100 pages per hour) and I loved it all. As someone who lost their mom young, this book hit my soul hard. It’s an excellent coming of age story and emotional journey. Welch killed it with this book and I’m anticipating reading more books by her. It was a great palette cleanser.
6) Girl, Interrupted - Susanna Kaysen (5/5✨)
The movie has a very special place in my heart being a top 5 favorite for me. The book did NOT disappoint, but I never thought it would. Being a fellow mentally messed up girly, I saw a lot of 18 year-old me in 18 year-old Susanna. This is 100% a worthwhile read and a hysterical, yet contemplative, take on mental illness and mental healthcare. 10/10 completely recommend.
#neongods #haunting adeline #sarahjmaas #sjm #sjmuniverse #sjmbooks #hooked #girlinterrupted #kingdomofash #throneofglass
Okay, so let's talk more about 'Girl, Interrupted' because honestly, it deserves all the spotlight! When I first picked up Susanna Kaysen's memoir, I already had such a deep love for the movie – that iconic woman's face on the cover instantly brings to mind Winona Ryder's portrayal. But let me tell you, the book takes you on an even more intimate journey into her 18-month stay at McLean Hospital in the late 1960s. It’s a book that truly stays with you long after you've turned the last page, provoking thought and introspection. What truly struck me, and I think why it resonates with so many, is the raw, unflinching insight into mental illness and the healthcare system of that era. Kaysen doesn't sensationalize; she simply presents her reality and the realities of the other women she encountered. It’s not just about diagnoses; it’s about friendship, identity, and finding your place when the world tries to label you. The way she describes daily life in the institution, the quirky personalities, and the moments of profound understanding amidst the chaos – it's all so vividly portrayed. It challenges you to look beyond the labels and see the individual stories within, making you question societal norms and expectations. For anyone who's ever felt 'different' or struggled with their own mind, this book is like a comforting, yet challenging, conversation. I found myself nodding along, seeing reflections of past feelings or thoughts in Susanna's experiences. It truly explores the thin line between sanity and what society deems 'insanity,' making you question who truly defines normalcy. The book doesn't offer easy answers, but it offers validation and a sense of shared experience, which can be incredibly powerful. Reading it made me feel less alone in navigating the complexities of my own mind, and it offered a profound sense of understanding. And speaking of loving the movie, while the film captures the aesthetic and some key moments beautifully, the book offers a deeper, more philosophical dive into Kaysen's thoughts and her sharp observations. There are nuances in her prose that simply can't be translated perfectly to screen, giving you an even richer understanding of her perspective. For instance, the book delves more into the societal pressures and the often arbitrary nature of mental health diagnoses from that period, giving you a fuller picture of the context. If you loved the movie, reading the book is like unlocking a whole new layer of appreciation for this powerful story. It's a reminder that mental health journeys are complex, personal, and often misunderstood, but finding connection through shared experiences, even through a book written decades ago, is incredibly healing. 'Girl, Interrupted' isn't just a historical account; it's a timeless read that continues to spark important conversations about mental health awareness and empathy today, solidifying its place as a permanent fixture on many 'must-read' lists for its enduring relevance and impact. It’s definitely one you should add to your TBR pile if you haven’t already!
