Book Review: The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

Author: Gillian Flynn

Title: The Grownup

Genre: Short story, Thriller, Horror, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 64

Published: June 17, 2014

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the "psychic" visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan’s terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan’s teenage stepson, doesn’t help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination.

Review:

I've read a book or two by this author, so why not? I ran out of time for October, but November counts. 

We follow the story of a young woman who is just trying to survive. She is good at reading people, so she has been able to do decent. She is hired by Susan, whose home has been her source of terror and grief. 

This was a weird story for sure. Dark and just plain weird. BUUUUT I did enjoy the journey. 

The ending? That was.....something. I still can't decide if I like it or not. Mmmmm. Might do a re-read one day. 

But yes, this was a nice sprinkle for the spooky season. Weird and dark. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #32

Book Review: The Prince by Kiera Cass

Author: Kiera Cass

Title: The Prince

Series: The Selection #0.5

Genre: YA, Dystopia, Romance, Short story

Format: ebook

Pages: 64

Published: March 5, 2013

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection...

Before Aspen broke America's heart...

There was another girl in Prince Maxon's life...

Review:

I've meant to read this series for eons now, but I just never did, and I honestly forgot about it until I saw this short. 

This is a snipbit of Aspen's story as the Selection was about to begin. He'll soon be meeting 35 women, and he will have to pick one to be his wife. 

Gah. Now I wanna read book 1 asap. I was contemplating waiting until 2027 just in case it matches a reading challenge or something. Eeeee.

I want to see the drama unfold. I want to learn more about our prince and this America chick who is obviously going to be the one he falls for. So obvious. 

But yes. This was a nice enough of a sip. A lil taste if you will.

4 stars.

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #31

Best of October

Adios October!!! Helllllooooooo November!

Here are our faves for last month.

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison

"Interesting fantasy murder mystery."

Carole -  Dracula by Bram Stoker (2026)

"The story is always good, but the voice acting in this version was just soooo good."

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  Obsession (2025)

"So messed up but you can't look away!"

Blodeuedd - Vaiana (2026)

"I went to see Vaiana with my kid. If you want to know why it's not called Moana in Europe google at your own risk..."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Haunted Hotel (s2), The Rookie (s7), Below (2026), & Ghosts (s5)

"Binged Rookie s7. I watched Below, creepy! And haunted Hotel s2 cos it's the season. And Ghost s5!!!" 

Carole - Rutherford Falls (s1-2)

"Such a fun show! I am soooo bummed it was canceled after season 2."

Best Cover of the Month:

B's pick

C's pick

Movie Review: Obsession (2025)

Title: Obsession

Length: 1h 49min

Released: 2025

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Dang it. I wanted this to post on Halloween. Grrrrrr.

I haven't been watching a lot of movies lately. I've been reading a lot tho. BUUUUT I did watch this. 

Here we have a group of coworkers/friends. Bear has been in love with Nikki for...a while. He just can't get himself to tell her. Out of fun and slight desperation, he makes a wish for her to be obsessed with him. Weellllll it comes true, but not really what he had in mind. There is a sinister price to be paid. 

This movie....wow. Soooooo messed up but soooooooo good. I couldn't look away. 

It is def a movie that will stay with me for a long time. Wow. Just....wow. 

If I were doing a one word summary/reaction this year, "wow" would be what I would use for this movie. 

Not for the faint of heart. 

Honestly, that ending was great. Fitting and scary. Lovely. 

There is one scene that haunts me still. *shudders*

4 stars from me.