Sierra Dawn > Recent Status Updates

Word update:

Chapter 11
shrift
plutocrat
mephistophelian
palaver
toilette

Chapter 14
degenerate

It’s taking me a while to get through this because I forgot how infuriating the world of Gilead is and how disgusting a lot of the Bible stories are, especially when weaponized by a brutally patriarchal society.

The smuttier it gets, the more words I know lol

Chapter 4
pariah
clubbable
obeisance
scion
epithet

Chapter 5
ostler
piquant
obduracy
contumely
cornicing
derision
supine

Chapter 6
bigamy

Chapter 8
macabre
gilt
bonhomie
baize

Chapter 9
anthropoid
QED
scarper
guvnor
berk
corpulence
almanac
grassing

Smut but smarter? Here are all the words I’ve had to look up so far:

Chapter 1
Fustian
Assignation
à trois
virility
mustachioed
rapscallion
parure
insouciance
Mephistopheles
sinewy
Rognon de veau
machination
pourbiore

Chapter 2
Travesti
effeminacy
coronet
cuckolded
randy
rubicon

Chapter 3
rapprochement
unctuous
Prevarication
carousing

I didn’t realize this was a covid timeline book when I picked it up. Nothing against that, I just didn’t expect it. It feels surreal, like I don’t fully remember living through that time

Also, the ghost is kind of a boring ghost

This is genuinely hilarious! I don’t remember the last time I’ve laughed so much while reading!

WOW that might be one of the best first chapters I’ve ever read. Incredibly thought provoking, infuriating, intriguing, and sad. It was basically a short story that leaves wanting more. What a great start!!

Im sorry but it’s borrringggg, I’ll still finish it but it’s taking me a while.

Ok now it’s violent and quite vile. I’m still interested in the story but infuriated by this pointless war and the incredible callousness of men.

really really good so far!

THIS CHAPTER 😭 “Men have died, and worms have eaten them, but not for love” - Shakespeare
“Everything’s about money. I want one thing in my life that’s better.” “Do you deserve something better?”
“If I must lie to my husband every day, I will make sure he deserves it.”
“There is very little cruelty a man won’t stoop to if you dent his self esteem.”

Should I go to Cambridge? The dark academia vibes are so good but I just know I’d be anxious and depressed lol

I’m loving the writing!!

I can’t with this hypocritical, judgmental, misogynistic boy…

Review from halfway through: I know a lot of people might relate to this book since marriage, relationships, and men are at the center our society. That might explain its popularity, but it’s not for me (so far). I’ll finish it though in case there’s a reason to love it that I have yet to see. I keep waiting for this one to get interesting and it hasn’t yet.

I’m halfway through and not enjoying it so far.

I’m at the end of chapter 5 and this might be the most tender book I’ve ever read?!?

Planning on catching up on my reviews this week! Posting for accountability haha

So much more violent and boring than I remember

An absolutely stunning fairy tale about sisterhood and grammar. I wept, I smiled, I was awed.

4.75

I’m only a few chapters in and so far this is everything I want from a mystery although I’m very anxious

I stayed up all night listening, I’m LOVING it so far!!

A little over halfway through and feeling very anxious. As a conflict avoidant person and Peacebuilding student, I have a hard time accepting the premise of the book that people can’t change. The “entering the tiger’s cage” exercise makes sense but I couldn’t imagine actually doing it because it would cause so much conflict.

I just finished chapter two and I’ve already cried three times. It’s so good.

I’ve decided that I’m not going to rate poetry because I always resonate with some of the poems and dislike others so it’s hard to rate.

Very John Green coded, which I unabashedly love. Planning on reading rom-coms for the next two weeks until Valentine’s Day because I love a theme

Slower paced than I thought it would be. I wish I was reading a physical copy