4 Star Friday

 


It’s time for another 4 Star Friday! This week’s reads hit that sweet spot between “loved it” and “almost perfect.” Each book brought something unique to the table. Engaging plots, memorable characters, or just the right emotional pull to keep me turning the pages. They might not have reached full five star status, but they were absolutely worth the read. Let’s dive into the highlights!

A Certain Hunger

Chelsea G. Summers

Dark, disturbing, and unsettlingly witty, A Certain Hunger is not for the faint of heart. Chelsea G. Summers gives us a narrator who is as compelling as she is horrifying, blending culinary precision with violent obsession. The writing is sharp, elegant, and at times grotesquely beautiful, creating a reading experience that is both creepy and strangely addictive. While some moments are almost too stomach turning, the boldness of the narrative voice and the unsettling mix of hunger, power, and desire make this a hauntingly memorable read. Creepy in all the right ways.


I don’t usually reach for poetry collections, but Ariel offered such a raw and intimate look into Plath’s mindset that I couldn’t put it down. The poems are powerful, haunting, and deeply personal, making the collection both unsettling and fascinating. While some of the imagery was difficult to unpack, that intensity is exactly what makes the book so memorable. An intriguing and thought provoking read.


Spells for Forgetting

Adrienne Young

This book captured a cozy yet serious Practical Magic vibe that I absolutely loved. The atmosphere was enchanting and moody, with just the right balance of mystery and magic woven into the story. It drew me in and kept me invested from start to finish.




The Maidens

Alex Michaelides

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides was an atmospheric and suspenseful read with strong psychological elements and an intriguing mystery. I loved the dark academia vibe and how the story kept me guessing, but the ending felt a bit drawn out and didn’t quite land the way I hoped. Still, it was a solid, haunting thriller worth the read.



The Haunting of Hill House

Shirley Jackson

A creepy classic that more than earns its reputation, The Haunting of Hill House is a masterclass in psychological horror. Shirley Jackson’s haunting prose builds an atmosphere of unease that seeps under your skin and lingers long after the final page. While the story unfolds slowly and leaves much to the imagination, that ambiguity is exactly what makes it so effective. Eerie, unsettling, and unforgettable. This is gothic horror done right.


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