Isabell > Recent Status Updates

I’m really enjoying how we get incite from all of the characters as opposed to following the experience of one person. I think it makes the story feel more like a small ensemble which is, personally, more engrossing. I also like how the author has been able to slowly but steadily build suspence!

It got really good for a hot second and then it got boring again

“You can store meat in your own pantry or in the belly of your brother. Both have the result of keeping hunger at bay but with very different consequences for the people and for the land which provided that sustenance.” —LOVED

These fucking characters are insane! This is not how people react to things even if they are in grief.

I’m sorry but if I had a marriage like this immediately no! I would have to leave. There is clearly no joy whatsoever for anyone involved and that’s just not a marriage anymore is it. Cut and run before kids start REALLY complicating things…

Am I supposed to find this ROMANTIC?!?! Because basically the entire time I’m just sitting here wanting to scream at the main characters that they are idiots.

Reading to gain more context into Brightly Shining by Ingvild Rishoi.

WAIT THIS IS A SERIES?!!!?!?!?

It could just be me but I’m wanting more Christmas!

I am SO scared for Henry

SO short and accessible. Love! I am reading as an audiobook and I love that they got John Green to read it himself.

Listening to this as an audiobook and honestly I wish I had gotten it as a physical copy!

I feel like the first 100 pages were hella slow but somehow now it’s working for me? Not that it’s actually gotten faster I think I’ve just settled into the pacing and the main character.

I’m sorry but real people don’t act like this. Touring a man’s house the second you step inside? The first time meeting him? By yourself?

HOLY SHIT IS IT DIFFICULT TO READ THIS FUCKING BOOK. Trigger warnings for just every single thing you could think about.

Not me having to take a break from reading because I’m CRYING

Enjoying this but I’m not enthralled. I can easily put it down and read anything else without feeling super drawn to jumping back into this book.

Really enjoying this!!!

Chapter one HIT for me. The language I personally use around money and the feelings I have are definitely something I have to breakdown. Chapter 2 though…did NOT hit. I honestly could have skipped most of it and still felt the same. Excited for the rest though!

I’m enjoying this less than the last one but I do like the extended cast of characters!

Guess what? She’s a fucking work in progress

Fresh Complaint: 1 star. Absolutely not. Get this book away from me.

Great Experiment: 3 stars. Another terrible man doing terrible things. At least this time I felt something though. I feel like most people, can relate to wanting to get ahead and feeling like there is always something holding you back. I think the eventual actions taken in this story, and the assumed outcome, could be taken by many.

Capricious Gardens: 3 stars. Meh...whatever. The main character sucked but so have all of Eugenides characters. I think in this case, he was doing less shitty things so I guess that's good.

Also important to note that this story was written in 1999. I wonder how the themes and what happens would be looked upon today by modern readers.

The Oracular Vulva: 4 Stars. Honestly, the most interesting short story of this entire collection so far in my opinion. Discussions of sexuality and gender and what is right or wrong when it comes to these topics. Would love to have a book club discussion about this one.