@kolika_simmons
Kolika SimmonsI'm a big sucker for magical realism, and the thing I like about magical realism is that it somehow manages to make unpalatable things palatable. Postpartum depression is something that was beautifully portrayed in a very funny way. This was a great look at the realities of motherhood without that trope-y "women need to have quiet dignity of suffering and silence" nonsense. I hear that the book was better, so now I'll have to read it. Every actor in this film played their role excellently.
Kolika SimmonsIt's so cozy. It's just so damn cozy. It's the perfect cozy book to curl up with a cup of coffee.
Kolika SimmonsThis book is howling funny. Legitimate hilarious. I never thought I could love a book about space that didn't have a drop of romance. Also, I would literally die for Rocky.
Kolika SimmonsThis book could have been three separate books. I was more than fine with Faustian deals and a transgender homeless person being a prodigy - that, alone, is an EXCELLENT premise. But the alien refugees. And then the cursed luthiers. And that donuts. It was messy. But I still liked it! The book itself is beautifully written, but damnit if it wasn't messy with a, frankly, lazy ending.
Kolika SimmonsThings I like: when the FMC is an absolute psychopath. There's a trigger warning list a mile long for all the war atrocities, esp against women and children. Themes of medical assault, etc... The book is incredibly well written and the world is impressively immersive with realistic villains. If you're an academic, you'll appreciate the earlier chapters. Oh, and there's absolutely no romance in this first one. Plenty of verbal edging, but no kissing or spice. Only trauma. We love it.
Kolika SimmonsWhat a ride. This fabulous retelling of the Dickensian character of David Copperfield takes you on a journey in Kentucky through a lens that a lot of people don't often see. It's infuriating in some ways, but painfully honest in most. I actually had to put the book down a few times just to mentally and emotionally recover from all the horrors that were befalling our hero. I wouldn't call this a beach read. This is something that makes you really look at the mirror and look at the world around you. I give it 10 Stars if I could.
Kolika SimmonsIt's campy with a Capital "C" and a bloody good time. Awkwafina is hilarious and the chemistry with Nicholas Cage can't be beat. This is definitely not a movie for the kids, but maybe you and your teens can watch it. I wouldn't go so far to say it's witty and quotable, but it's a really good story.
Kolika SimmonsIf you loved "The Great Alone" and have a special love-hate relationship with the trope of: "rich and mentally unstable housewife that has nothing better to do than to accuse her husband of cheating/murdering people" then this is the book for you! I liked the way the author paints the picture of isolation and makes interesting, truly fleshed-out characters. There is a twist in the end that I adored! Pretty good spooky read. TW for infant kidnapping and PPD. Also, if the "surprise pregnancy" trope annoys you... Just skip it.