Jaja

The humorous tone just didn't work for me.

I was conflicted when trying to rate the book. I enjoyed the writing, but I didn't like the main characters' motivation. In modern times, it's easy to see him as a desperate simp, or a white knight (a-ha! I actually had to check the title a few times lol). But this story, published in 1848 and my first foray into Russian literature, certainly comes with a different point of view. I realised that this is a dreamer's story. He described his daily life as if he's moving in a dream; he wants more out of this life, yet this desire is isolating. I didn't like Nastenka any better, but she's also a product of her circumstances. 

Would I still recommend this? Yes. Just don't expect a romantic story.

This book has all my favourite things but ultimately I wasn't able to connect to it due to the very specific way it was written. It required a lot of effort for me to follow along the plot between the long monologues; I often found myself feeling lost and not understanding what I just read. I understand why the author chose the style, but it's just not clicking for me. The audiobook unfortunately did not help to improve the experience for me, despite the excellent narration. I do appreciate the fresh take on vampires, and I learnt a lot about Blackfeet Nation and the Marias Massacre.

I read this after having watched the movie adaptations by David Lynch and Denis Villeneuve, so it's quite interesting to compare. I enjoyed the world-building, but the writing is a bit of a slog to get through. I also did not get the intended message (and I was looking for it), i.e. a cautionary tale warning against charismatic leaders and religious extremism. No wonder he had to write the second book!

I enjoy Stephen King's writing, but unfortunately it means I have higher expectations from his work. This is a slow burn and goes absolutely terrifying in the last 5%. Yes, the last 5%. That's my only gripe about it. It ended abruptly, and I wanted more of this lovecraftian horror!

This book was absolutely delightful! It beautifully captures the ups and downs of life, making it a truly enjoyable read. I rated it 4.5 because it's quite forgettable after finishing it, but I'd still highly recommend it if you're in the mood for a fun and heartwarming adventure with a cast of lovable characters.

As a corporate slave, I  enjoyed this book. Such an accurate description of the absurdity of corporate life. I find myself comforted as I relate to the main character's experiences and discontent (a-ha!) of being trapped in her mundane job. The ending was a bit abrupt and perhaps unrealistic, but hey, that's why we read books!

I wasn't particularly interested in the history of JFK assassination so I went in expecting to DNF this (based on my experience with The Stand). But wow, King's writing transported me to this foreign land of the 50s and 60s. Every little detail had me immersed in this universe, and I loved the relationships between the characters. I couldn't have asked for a better ending!

P/S: I'm also planning to give The Stand another try.

I didn't find it scary, but it was beautifully written. The feeling of dread, loneliness and intense isolation, from the perspective of a sensible MC. C/W: I was definitely horrified by a few scenes of animal cruelty.

I truly enjoyed this book; from the relationship of the two protagonists and how they help each other in self discovery, to a satisfying lore of witchcraft and the forest spirits. It makes for a cosy dark fantasy read, one that I might revisit again.

P/S: I also listened to the audiobook for a few chapters, and the narrator was fantastic.

Of melancholy, and yearning for the missed opportunities.

It's just not for me. I didn't quite “get” it at first but was able to after reading discussions on it. I disliked the first two chapters due to how the MC was treated and I couldn't shake it until the end of the book.

A good introductory book to the topic. 

I understand the point of the book, yet it was hard for me to relate to such pointless depravity. The protagonist's reaction to the Change is unfathomable. Boohoo I'm given a second chance at life but it's so boring. She was instantly attracted to Fred, a murderer of two children, only because like her, he thought the new world was pointless. And allowed this man she'd just met to torture her? And then later after the Fall, she was like, “oh well, I was only with him for over 500 years because I needed something exciting.” It also feels like the writer “went there” only for the shock factor, and I'm so angry now, having finished the book. Skip.

I didn't expect this to be a beautiful story about friendship. There's definitely a horror element, but its biggest strength is the 3 lovable main characters.

“Was there any point in being alive without helping one another?”

Didn't know this was inspired by true events. It makes you reflect on how we have a choice to help others, even if it's always easier to turn a blind eye.

A fun, quick read. I breezed through it. The plot isn't unexpected, but seeing how the main character spirals deeper and deeper into the hole she dugged herself is somewhat satisfying. 

I wanted a fun, light reading as a palate cleanser and it definitely delivered. Unfortunately it was hard for me to avoid comparing this to the delightful Project Hail Mary which was a 5-star read for me. I actually enjoyed the sciencey stuff in PHM, but I found myself zoning through those parts in TM and it got a bit repetitive.

A disturbing look into how human will change their morality to fulfil their desires. Intriguing but very uncomfortable to read. I probably winced a few times throughout the book.

The writing doesn't leave any room for suspense nor mystery. Even the intrigue of strange house layouts were conveniently explained through outlandish assumptions.

Despite having seen the film adaptation, I found the book even more thrilling, especially the last few chapters. I just couldn't put it down. The film was too campy for me (just a product of its time) so I'm really glad I picked this up!

Felt a bit repetitive especially towards the end. 

Horrifying tale of Parkinson's disease and how it affects not just the sick, but the caretaker that is often overlooked. I picked up this book looking for mystery, but it gave me so much more. Heavy topics but brilliantly written in simple words.

Didn't know this is a collection of short stories. I've heard so much about this horror classic but it was just alright for me. Decided not to continue with the rest of the stories.

Picked this up on r/horrorlit but it misses the mark for me.