onmalsshelf's reviews
1251 reviews

The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle

Go to review page

lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Thanks to the publisher for this copy!

The concept behind this is fascinating and I’d love to see a Museum of Ordinary People in person. I wish that the museum was focused on just a little bit more.

The main character is a huge people pleaser to the point where it’s detrimental to herself but of course she doesn’t see it nor is it addressed. Her boyfriend is the worst and honestly he didn’t even had much to the plot. 

I can honestly say this may be the first time I can recall going from wanting to rate something five stars to wanting to DNF around the halfway point. Luckily the plot picked back up and I’m giving it a 3.5 over all

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Alright so I usually love mysteries that are on the cozy side, but the footnotes and the breaking of the fourth wall really made this one difficult for me to read. 

It wasn’t as quick of a read as other cozy mysteries, but it was fun. A big cast of characters to guess who did it with plenty of motives. Plus it had a great setting in Italy. 

I may pick up the next one for a good time. 

Also I did guess part of the ending 🤷‍♀️
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
I’m sorry, but I cannot listen to Inez a second longer 😫

19% in and the only thing that’s happened is she went transatlantic without permission and men are being men of the 1800s

You’re telling me this audiobook is about 17 hours long and the first three hours is just Inez going back and forth on how much or how little Inez knows her parents and her uncle Ricardo?!


Also, major plot hole - HOW DID SHE EVEN GET ON THE SHIP IN THE FIRST PLACE??
My Life: Growing Up Native in America by IllumiNative

Go to review page

informative fast-paced

4.25

Thanks to Atria and MTV Books for the gifted copy!

An array of essays and poems from 20 Native Americans who share their experience or the experience of their family “growing up Native in America”

I ended up listening to this one on audio as a quick listen on a Friday and it was perfect for that. The essays and poems were quick and digestible and like other collections you could easily stop between each one and pick back up when you wanted to. 

Some of the essays are funny and some are emotional, but I think there’s something for everyone here. 
Not Your Crush's Cauldron by April Asher

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation by Raquel Willis

Go to review page

informative medium-paced

4.0

Like others, I first heard of Raquel when her microphone was cut off at the Women’s March. Other than that, I knew absolutely nothing about her. 

I usually stay away from memoirs by people in their thirties as I sometimes think a memoir by someone in their thirties is unnecessary, but I think this is necessary and so well written. 

Raquel takes us through her childhood to teenage agents when she came out as gay and to college when she came out as transgender. Her multiple jobs are inspiring and her work to make others heard is much needed. 

I recommend this on audio.
PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

Go to review page

emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I fear this may have just ruined my top 10 books of the year list?

Oh my god?

I’m obsessed with these two 😭

This is HEAVY on the grief but has plenty of well-written romance.

 Best book I’ve gotten from BOTM in a long time 
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Devoured in a few hours. 

No notes besides Gus and Teddy may be my favorite 🥹😮‍💨