asterope is interested in reading...

Flesh
David Szalay
asterope commented on a post
asterope commented on asterope's update
asterope is re-reading...

Ninth House (Alex Stern, #1)
Leigh Bardugo
asterope is re-reading...

Ninth House (Alex Stern, #1)
Leigh Bardugo
asterope wrote a review...
Goodness me, what a treat! I'm ashamed that I almost didn't read this because I didn't think it was my thing. The only reason I did was because of the quest! I love being wrong.
The writing is absolutely gorgeous. There's something unique about Bardugo's style here that I haven't seen in her other adult books. It's very metaphorical, with imagery both poignant and evocative. There are some wonderfully succinct sentences, like She wanted to eat and be full. Or, She knew what it was to be pinned in place like a moth. Ugh, what a feast for my brain.
Luzia, what a refreshing character. She's ambitious from the start, and the book balances that well with the ominous feeling of 'be careful what you wish for'. There's so much substance to her character that isn't just the generic 'strong female' archetype. We desperately want to see her succeed, whilst also exploring her contradictions and questionable decisions. Valentina is another great character that I didn't expect we'd see growth for.
I also didn't expect to enjoy the romance this much! But then again, I've always liked how Bardugo writes relationships. Santangel won me over - the way his character unfolds and compliments Luzia's was lovely to read. It doesn't help that I read this during a major heatwave.
I really hope Bardugo keeps writing more adult works, especially standalones. Personally I'm getting fatigued by long drawn-out series, and the pace of this book was just perfect. Another PB readalong win!
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The Familiar
Leigh Bardugo
asterope commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
Hello everyone! I think we all love complex characters even if their actions are often questionable when not excusable by their experience (both good & bad ways). That got me thinking, what is y'all favorite complex character and why? Would they be considered a bad person/good person from other people perspectives? What would people feel for them?
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Jarman's journals, despite being in an impossible situation, are beautifully life-affirming. One day soon I'll take a trip down to Prospect Cottage myself.
asterope commented on asterope's update
asterope finished a book

The Familiar
Leigh Bardugo
asterope finished a book

The Familiar
Leigh Bardugo
asterope commented on a List
Lads, chavs, and teabags: Growing up in the UK
From bedtime stories to GCSE flashbacks, this is the source of all that is wrong with me and my countrymen.
Side note: is there no teapot emoji?????
Side side note: open to suggestions especially from those older than Gen Z (unlike me) and my non-English UK inhabitants
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asterope commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
I normally never use bookmarks but I am rn so it got me wondering, what are you using as a bookmark right now? scrap paper, library receipt, gum wrapper, actual bookmark?
Currently Iâm using a fortune from a Panda Express fortune cookie: Be gentle with yourself, youâre doing the best you can. đ«¶đŒđ«¶đŒso cute. If I remember correctly I got it in the Denver Airport 2 years ago.
cheers, PB 5ever!
asterope commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
I've come to realise that there are a few books which have a cult-like following where these books are arguably polarizing but the side that loves the book is so enamoured with it that they simply do not engage in any comment made in fair criticism and you end up seeing -20 downvotes on posts that were making a fair assessment.
I was wondering if you have seen such books here too and why, in your opinion, they cause such reaction?
asterope started reading...

The Snakehead: An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream
Patrick Radden Keefe