Simi > Recent Status Updates

I love all the references/"call backs"/foreshadowings that will connect in the later books. It's like coming back home and appreciating its history & background as an adult.

I remember next to nothing about this series! This is why I binge series and avoid starting ones that aren't complete.

30 overdue books and quidditch matches...what in the world!!! This book is so in your face ridiculous.

In a world full of shitty news, I decided the allegations of possible plagiarism were innocuous enough to give McFadden a go. (Still not okay, obviously, if she's profited off of plagiarism.)

That was a bit rough to get through. Not knowing motivations, background, etc leaves me dissatisfied.
The discussion was good. Framing it as an exploration of human behavior, humanity, and social constructs works better than seeing it from a sci-fi lens.
Will give Time Machine a try before "giving up" on Wells.

Man this is bleak. Heart of Darkness meets Of Mice and Men meets Lord of the Flies.

It really hasn't gotten any better. I definitely would've DNFed this if it weren't a book club read.

Err....not sure this holds up in 2026. Reminding myself it's from a different time, sensibility, education, etc.
Book club reads really have me reading outside my comfort zone and experiences!

We've reached peak cringe with the SA. Women writing women poorly is really disappointing.

I tried...but I still haven't come across a single bit of advise, idea, or thought that makes me pause and take note. So, off to the abandoned pile it goes!

This makes me want to write and get published.

Sarah said, Jeremey said, I said, he said, she said ... lazy writing, even lazier editing!

What a trippy little book. Enjoying it more than I thought I might

Hilliard's description of Albany sounds like someone who has heard about our little city, but never actually visited.

The depths of cruelty that people not only execute, but actually enjoy, is absolutely sickening. I know that it's been happening for centuries across all cultures and religions, but I don't understand it at all. I don't understand how that's an acceptable part of human evolution, psyche, and "civilization".

Haha, I'd say at least 1 of the writers on FBI: Most Wanted read this book, because you can see the inspiration for Sheryll Barnes in Detective LaDonna Standish.

I'll just leave his description of MPDG's hair here for you: "...his hand around the back of her neck once more, surprised that the tangles of her rust shaded hair were so soft. He thought they'd be more fibrous."

FIBROUS!!! I'm screaming!

The <> Shaw finally gets to the sole emotional (& emotionally vulnerable) moment, Deaver has the manic pixie dream girl lunge (I kid you not) at him & kiss him, with ZERO actual emotional buildup. I mean, we always knew broody, troubled, hot MMC & MPDG would get sexually involved (it's never romantic in these stories, is it...just sex, b/c obviously). But the lack of anything ... insert dramatic eye roll

Now reading just to observe the writing.
Description of the coffee beans have been far more eloquent & astute than that of any of the women in this book so far.
Uses the term "Asperger's", which, medically & culturally we phased out starting in 2013 & the WHO dropped in 2019. So ... does Deaver not spend much time with the real world? This is like the Walmart description; incongruous for contemporary fic.

The way he describes what Walmart is (writing in 2019, set roughly around then) is so weird! It's like he's describing something new to American culture or writing for a foreign audience who wouldn't know what a Walmart is. Incongruous-ish, since he was hyper detailed about describing a video game but could only say that when Shaw sees the woman play a game she's sensual/sexy (more of that male writing).

Reads very much like it's written by a man. I might need to DNF this.

Once again surprised at what gets picked up for the screen over what gets left on the shelf.

Man, I understand Haymitch so much more now!

It's just a book, it's just a book, it's just a book ... the men in this book make me want to punch something (preferably their faces).

This whole storyline is ew, but especially this bit where he completely disregards her no (not SA, but still toxic)

Very Jo March - Professor Bhaer coded relationship

So...third person omniscient might not be my favorite perspective. Possibly even bottom 3.

I listened to the audiobook version of the graphic novel version of this book ... and the story still held up, so I'm not mad about it.

The narrative voice is so different from what I've been reading lately. It's interesting to read from a kid's perspective.

I didn't enjoy the story - was missing any real motivation from the MC. Also overpromised, underdelivered based on the hype around it. Some things were dropped in like Kuang revisited her post its & realized she meant to include them, but then they weren't worked in well.

The actual writing was good - she's skilled with world-building, clear writing, good syntax, etc.

Babel was WAY better and more immersive, IMO.

Woah! Hello intrusive thoughts and stuff that should stay in your brain.

I'm not as engaged in this book as Babel, but I do appreciate the writing and storytelling.