Confessions of a Reading Freak

Thoughts

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn't entirely prepared for, but I’m so glad I stayed for the ride. The way the narrative forces readers to experience grief and loss right alongside the characters creates a profoundly impactful reading experience that feels heavy and honest. It doesn't shy away from the messy reality of pain, making every setback feel personal and every small victory feel like a breath of fresh air.

One of my absolute favorite characters is Minerva because she is undeniably a badass for everything she sacrificed in honor of her chosen family. Her strength isn't just about being tough; it’s rooted in her fierce loyalty and the lengths she’s willing to go to protect the people she loves. Watching her navigate her own trauma while remaining a pillar for those around her was easily the highlight of the book for me, and her growth throughout the chapters is nothing short of inspiring.

Thoughts

I’ve seen a lot of mixed opinions about this book, but honestly? I thought the writing was beautiful. The author’s voice is immersive in a really quiet, emotional way, and it pulled me into the story almost immediately. It’s the kind of writing that makes you slow down and actually sit with the characters and their feelings.

At its core, this book is less about scares and more about self-love and figuring out who you are—especially when motherhood and other people’s expectations have completely taken over your life. It looks closely at generational trauma, sacrifice, and how easy it is for women to lose themselves while trying to be everything for everyone else.

I really liked how the myth of La Llorona was used here. Instead of just being a spooky legend, it works as a reminder for women not to settle for lives that leave them feeling trapped or unfulfilled. It felt more symbolic and emotional than terrifying, which I thought was really effective for the story the author wanted to tell.

That said, while I found the book super intriguing, it didn’t fully deliver what I personally expect from a horror read. The tension is subtle and internal rather than outright scary, so if you’re going in looking for big scares or nonstop dread, this might not be it.

Thoughts

So, I finally finished this classic gothic horror novella, and while I respect its place in the literary canon, I have to be honest: it was a struggle. The biggest obstacle I faced was the literary style. The dense vocabulary and dated prose made actually following the story a significant challenge. I felt like I was constantly stopping to unpack long, winding sentences and look up words. It wasn't the kind of book you could just sink into; it required constant effort, which unfortunately broke the immersion for me. I wanted to be unsettled by ghosts, but I was mostly just exhausted by the formality of the language used.

On a thematic level, the core of the novel is genuinely compelling: the creeping doubt over the governess's sanity. The book presents that classic horror dilemma: was it real or was it all in her head? It definitely reminded me of Shirley Jackson's work in The Haunting of Hill House, where the line between psychological torment and supernatural activity is blurred. I love that kind of intellectual puzzle in a horror story. However, in this particular book, the payoff just wasn't there.

Thoughts

My brain is still trying to process all the twists and turns! Seriously, the plot was a total roller coaster, throwing shocking reveals at me left and right. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on.

Honestly, even though the final big reveal felt a little predictable, the journey to get there was so much fun that it didn't even matter. The author's writing style is just so engaging and easy to get lost in. It made reading a total pleasure, even when things got intense.

Thoughts

My favourite character, hands down, was Irene. She's this incredible head cheerleader who just doesn't have time for fakeness. She's so unapologetically herself and isn't afraid to call people out when they're not being real. It was so refreshing to see a popular character who's also just a good, authentic person. She felt like a breath of fresh air, and I loved every scene she was in.

Then you have Scottie, the basketball player who's basically having the worst week of her life. She's got this big chip on her shoulder and lets her insecurities get the best of her, but her journey is so relatable. You really root for her to figure things out. What I loved most about her arc is that she's not alone; she has this incredible support system of friends and family who are always there to lift her up. It's a great reminder that it's okay to struggle, especially when you have people in your corner.

This book has the perfect mix of witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and genuine emotional depth. The whole fake-dating trope is executed perfectly—you know it's going to happen, but the way it unfolds feels so natural and earned. The chemistry between Irene and Scottie is off the charts, and watching their rivalry turn into something more was just the best.