DNF&Y [5]

DNF&Y is used to explain why I gave up on certain books, and what about them just didn't work for me. What I didn't like about something, might be what you love, so it helps to share your thoughts even when they're negative! If you would like additional information, please click on the DNF&Y tab at the top. If you want to join, you can link up at the bottom!

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The Favorite Sister by

Jessica Knoll

Synopsis (via Goodreads): When five hyper-successful women agree to appear on a reality series set in New York City called Goal Diggers, the producers never expect the season will end in murder…

Brett’s the fan favorite. Tattooed and only twenty-seven, the meteoric success of her spin studio—and her recent engagement to her girlfriend—has made her the object of jealousy and vitriol from her cast mates.

Kelly, Brett’s older sister and business partner, is the most recent recruit, dismissed as a hanger-on by veteran cast. The golden child growing up, she defers to Brett now—a role which requires her to protect their shocking secret.

Stephanie, the first black cast member and the oldest, is a successful bestselling author of erotic novels. There have long been whispers about her hot, non-working actor-husband and his wandering eye, but this season the focus is on the rift that has opened between her and Brett, former best friends—and resentment soon breeds contempt.

Lauren, the start-up world’s darling whose drinking has gotten out of control, is Goal Diggers’ recovery narrative—everyone loves a comeback story.

And Jen, made rich and famous through her cultishly popular vegan food line plays a holistic hippie for the cameras, but is perhaps the most ruthless of them all when the cameras are off. 

DNF at 15%

We have choices as women, and there is no right one to make—especially because no matter what you decide, the world will tell you you’re doing it wrong. But when you make the choice to become a mother, it becomes the choice that defines you, fair or not.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quote I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

I really wanted to like this one, but I could not get behind the characters and their story. There was a lot of subtle body-shaming disguised as praise for women with tiny waists and big breasts. These women were supposed to be part of a show about supporting each other and being successful in a world of men; however, they just use each other and look for ways eliminate their competition. I really liked the concept of sisterhood and feminism, but that isn't what we see.

These women are catty, underhanded and cruel people that take advantage of others to benefit themselves. One person even uses her twelve-year-old daughter as a pawn to make herself more desirable. Another woman referred to a mother as "udders," because being a parent isn't good for business. It was appalling what these women would do, and I didn't want to continue reading about them. I felt like this book had the potential to be so much more than it was.

I was also a little confused about who was what, when, where and why. The timelines were a little skewed and I occasionally forgot where I was supposed to be. The wording was weird, too.

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The Lost Path by

Amélie Fléchais

Synopsis (via Goodreads): If you've got the taste for adventure, come join this treasure hunt! Three young boys set off from Camp Happiness, map in hand, determined to be the first to find the treasure before anyone else. But the shortcut they take leads to something far more spectacular and sinister! All manner of magical beasties live in these woods, and the kids find themselves caught between warring Forest Spirits. Will the three boys find their way out of trouble? Get your map and ready, set, go! Amélie Fléchais's incredible artwork combines the best of French illustration with manga influences. A spooky new fairytale, for fans of Over the Garden Wall.

DNF about halfway...

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought this would be a fun book to read with my son, but neither of us were very invested in the characters. The boys picked on each other and didn't get along, but they also seemed oblivious to their surroundings. 

I enjoyed the history behind the forest and the monsters lurking there, but in the end it fell flat. I was bored with the story and their journey. The colorful illustrations were breathtaking, but the black and white didn't appeal to me as much. I'm sure there was an artistic reason for it, but I wish the entire thing had been done in those beautiful, vivid colors.

I only had two DNFs this month! What about you? Was there something you just could not finish?