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ClareR (5674 KP) rated Queenie in Books

Apr 10, 2019  
Queenie
Queenie
Candice Carty-Williams | 2019 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
8
7.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
It’s not often that we’re given the chance to read a book set in the UK from a black protagonists perspective, and here is a great book to do just that. I’d also like to say though, that although this book was lauded as a cross between Bridget Jones and Americanah, I’m relieved that I’ve read a book that was wholly it’s own story. It’s not a comedy, although there are parts that were funny, and it’s not a story of immigration, because Queenie is second generation British-Jamaican. However, it does hold up to us issues surrounding race - how when a white person thinks they’re being accepting of other cultures, many of them aren’t - and mental health.
Queenie has a breakdown after she splits up with her (white) boyfriend, and suffers so badly with anxiety. Her family believe that the ‘cure’ is to pull herself together, and can’t understand the need for counselling. I’m glad she does it though, because her actions after the split had involved risky sexual behaviour, and her life (personal and work) was unravelling. This is just what happens to some people with anxiety. And Queenie’s childhood has been far from ideal.
Queenie is a great character though: she’s funny, intelligent, outspoken, sensitive and independent. She has some great friends, and her family, even though they have their faults (and whose family doesn’t?!), are there for her - and they’re all fascinating characters.
I really, really enjoyed this. It’s not some cute and fluffy read, and it can be quite raw at times.
For those who appreciate trigger warnings, there may well be some in this book, but it’s a book that reflects Queenie’s life.
Candice Carty-Williams will definitely be a name that I watch out for in future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
  
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ClareR (5674 KP) rated Anthem in Books

Apr 26, 2022  
Anthem
Anthem
Noah Hawley | 2022 | Contemporary, Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Where to begin with this book? Well, first off, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was lost in the story whilst I read - it’s very ‘all-consuming’. The main reason for that is that it’s completely out there! It’s unpredictable. I tried to think of another couple of words to go with that, but I can’t get any better than ‘unpredictable’ to be honest.

The pandemic of teenage suicides is disturbing, and reflects their despair at the state of the world left for them by previous generations. Parents with money think that they can prevent their childs’ suicide and cure their anxiety throwing money and anti-depressants at the ‘problem’, and sending them to an Anxiety Abatement Centre - and that’s how Simon meets the Prophet and Louise. And that’s where the quest begins.

It turns out that adults are responsible for more than Climate Change. You can add child abuse and big Pharma into the mix as well. And then there’s the political state of the country, where no party is any better than the other, and what’s more, they’re interchangeable. There was a lot of head nodding going on as I read.

And Noah Hawley breaks the 4th wall as he talks directly to the reader, talking about his thought process in writing the novel.

This book is a huge exaggeration of the state of the world, at the same time as it’s not. I hope it doesn’t come to the things that happen in Anthem, but we’ve seen snapshots of it on the news already.

It’s just the right level of crazy, believable, unbelievable, mind-blowing fiction that keeps me well-entertained. I know Noah Hawley is a screen writer, and I can see this as a film - hey, I’d watch it.
  
So it took me a long time to pick this up, mainly due to the artwork, more like the faces, more specifically the girls' faces are weird and squishy-square. But then I saw the horror show that was Squirrel Girl's debut....


Are you read for this?



There aren't any small children or animals around, right?



You don't have any heart problems? Epilepsy? Minor anxiety?



Okay, but I warned you:
<spoiler><IMG src="http://i66.tinypic.com/9u15cw.jpg"/IMG></spoiler>;

I know, right? Total nightmare fuel. I'm fine(-ish) with the faces now.

In addition, the story and Twitter feeds are totally effing funny. And cute. And perfect in almost every way. Except the squirrel suit. Because that's just weird and creepy.

And oh yeah, where can I get her roommate Nancy's posters because they're awesome:
<img src="http://i64.tinypic.com/29ykt5i.jpg">;
  
TH
The Hole in the Middle
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and somehow never received it. I contacted the author and she was sooo very gracious to send me out another copy, thank you so much!! You are Awesome!!! :)

From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into the story. The chaotic life of a working Mom and her crazy work life! The anxiety of trying to balance kids, husband, a horrid boss, meeting after meeting, added job duties and then an old flame from the past that she still has unanswered questions about. Sophie was a likable and easily understandable character. I have felt the same way sometimes in regards to certain things.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and cannot wait for a new book, Kate Hilton is a very talented and wonderful author!! Please keep them coming!!
  
Definitely not my favourite cozy mystery series - there was a lot of internal dialogue that I did not enjoy. I did like her lists, I thought those were cute and funny - I thought some parts were funny and entertaining but a lot of it was just .. blah, like why is this necessary, why are we repeating this again, why is this happening - but the end was good and fun

I called a lot of the book but it was still fun toward the end to read and the very end - I also called but it was still absolutely joyful to read.

Reading the struggle of a new mother was fun too - it was an interesting take on a mystery trying to be a PI or solving a mystery while literally taking care of a brand spankin new baby and separation anxiety ..