Books that were different from what I anticipated
*Spoiler Alert*
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh - 4/10
This book was sort of depressing which I expected from Ottessa Moshfegh but on top of the darkness, it was pretty unsatisfying. This author really knows how to write a truly miserable woman. I appreciate that the story was something different from a lot of other books with a cut and dry happily ever after feel. I also think that the main character was very unlikable, which I believe was more or less the point but I personally find it harder to enjoy the book that way.
Wanderers by Chuck Wendig - 2/10
The story felt like it had so much potential but there was just entirely too much to keep up with and too many intersecting story lines. The book also had a lot of unlikable characters that I just felt no connection to. I think the books was just too long and had too much going on. I also think there was an excessive amount of attempts at something like shock value which I didn’t like.
I also read the second book because the first one had an unresolved ending, but I did not like the second book any better. The story lines seemed to come together a bit more and were more cohesive but I just didn’t like the direction the story was taken in.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson - 9/10
I loved this book, it definitely made me feel good and it was also very funny. It was so entertaining to read as the main character connects with these two special twins, and I would definitely read it again. This was a much shorter book than the other two, but it was short and sweet. If you like dark humor, I think you might appreciate this book. The reason it was different than I anticipated is because I did not truly expect twins that caught on fire to feel so believable!
In the realm of contemporary literature, readers often seek out unexpected twists and profound character development. This selection of books showcases not only diverse storytelling styles but also the varying emotional responses they invoke. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh delves into an intricately dark world through its complex protagonist, showcasing the author's unique ability to craft unsympathetic characters. For readers intrigued by psychological depth, this book offers an exploration of flawed humanity, leaving an indelible mark despite its melancholic tone. On the other hand, Wanderers by Chuck Wendig challenges the notion of cohesiveness in narratives with its myriad of intersecting plots. This ambitious work highlights the dangers of overpopulation in storytelling—too many elements can dilute the impact of a compelling narrative. Readers who thrive on interconnected storylines may find value in dissecting Wendig’s narrative approach. Lastly, Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson combines humor with an imaginative premise, introducing a world where extraordinary elements feel both absurd and relatable. The book illustrates the power of connection in complex relationships, making it a must-read for fans of dark humor and whimsical storytelling. Exploring these books not only broadens your literary experience but also enhances your understanding of various writing techniques and themes that resonate with different audiences.
