Random Book Talk

Hey and welcome to 'diaryofanoverthink' today I'm going to be yapping about books once again(because reading and being weird is like my whole personality).Today I will be talking about two books that are really similar but where a relatively new genre for me and I'll be fully expressing all my emotions on them. So sit back, relax and enjoy!(P.S they will be spoilers)

What Books

Ok so the two books I'll be talking about today is 'The Secret History' and 'If We Were Villains'. So I've heard a lot about these two books and I'd been wanting to read them for some time but I'd never read books that were the whole dark academia mixed with psychological thriller so obviously I delayed on reading them but I regret not reading them sooner.

If We Were Villains

I read If We Were Villains first, so I automatically have a strong attachment to it — I genuinely loved the plot and found it incredibly interesting. One of the things I appreciated most was how Oliver was given such a full life outside of his core group of friends. The inclusion of his family made him feel like a more rounded character, rather than someone whose entire identity depended on his friends. Still, the story powerfully conveyed the importance of found family, especially within their tight-knit group. Especially how they were all falling apart after Richard died and then again when Alexander and Pip were simply not dealing.

There were so many moments and quotes throughout the book that were deeply thought, ones that made you pause and reflect. I also really loved Meredith’s character. Despite being portrayed as the beautiful, rich girl of the group, she had so much depth. It was refreshing to see her written with complexity, rather than being reduced to a “dumb blonde” stereotype like some authors might have done.

As for the plot — wow. I knew from the start that one of them had to be responsible for Richard’s death, but I never expected it to be James. That twist completely caught me off guard. Looking back, it all makes sense, especially considering Oliver took the blame. He might’ve done that for Meredith too, maybe, but let’s be honest — the only person he truly loved enough to sacrifice himself for was James.

Also, I don’t believe James is actually dead. That beach held a lot of meaning for Oliver, and the fact that James’s body was never found leaves the door wide open. I would love to see a sequel where Oliver searches for James — the epilogue definitely left me hanging and craving more closure.

Overall, it was an amazing book that had me hooked from start to finish. There was always something happening, always some tension or emotional moment keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The Secret History

This book was so long and complex — but honestly, it was worth every page. It felt wildly different from 'If We Were Villains', especially since we knew who killed Bunny from the start. Still, it was the beginning of the book that really captured my heart.

The very beginning was incredible — the group was in its prime, just vibing and learning Greek, at least from Richard’s point of view. Then came the time at Francis’s house, where Richard felt increasingly left out and confused, unsure what everyone else was hiding from him. That part had such a mysterious, almost cult-like vibe that made it impossible to look away.

Then winter came — Henry finds Richard half-dead in that place he was staying , and they form this deep bond that feels incredibly intense. But when Richard later discovers the plane tickets in Henry’s destroyed apartment, everything changes. That moment had me questioning everything all over again. And when Henry asks Richard what he knows? I was genuinely creeped out. Like, what do you mean Henry knows that Richard knows? That moment had me on edge.I was actually really scared of Henry at times like that.

After Henry watched up Richard, the book starts to shift. The pace slows down a lot, and at times it felt like it would never end. Bunny was seriously testing my patience, but still — Henry’s plan to kill him felt like way too much, especially since they were best friends. That made me feel a bit bad for Bunny, even though he was annoying, because a lot of what he said wasn’t wrong — it just made the group uncomfortable.

Honestly, after Bunny’s murder, things started to feel kind of dull, but I think that was intentional. It’s during this part that Richard became the most relatable to me. A lot of people point to the winter near-death moment as the most raw part of his character, but for me, it was after the murder — when everyone started ignoring him, when he was left to his own thoughts, and when he and Francis grew closer. That isolation and quiet tension hit hard. And I loved his bond with Francis. Francis was hands down my favorite character — the least problematic of the group — and I thought he and Richard made such a great duo.And lets be real Francis was actually such a vibe.

Then the ending hits like a truck. I did not expect Charles to spiral the way he did, and Henry’s death? That came out of nowhere — if he’s even really dead. The entire ending was a whirlwind. After so many slow, reflective chapters, everything suddenly moved at such a fast speed. It was chaotic, shocking, and honestly really satisfying.

The epilogue was beautiful. I was so glad Richard finished school, and the fact that he stayed in touch with Francis and Camilla was so sweet. It felt like a quiet, earned resolution after so much darkness.

What I loved most, though, was that there wasn’t a clear villain or hero. Every character was both good and bad — morally gray in a way that felt real. That complexity is what made the book so powerful for me. Even Julian, who seemed wise and kind, clearly had his own issues and blind spots. No one was innocent, but no one was completely lost either.

Overall

I love If We Were Villains — it's definitely my favorite. But The Secret History is the one that lingers in my mind and has me deep in thought long after finishing it. There’s just so much depth and so many layers to unpack. I truly understand why it took Donna Tartt ten whole years to write it.

If We Were Villains has a simpler plot in comparison, but that doesn’t take away from its impact. It still carries emotional depth, and it’s such an incredible introduction to the dark academia genre. I recommend it to anyone who will listen — it’s gripping, poetic, and unforgettable.

But The Secret History has a complexity that can feel almost unnecessary while you’re reading it, yet in hindsight, you realize how purposeful it all was. Every detail ends up contributing to the atmosphere and psychology of the characters. It’s a book that demands patience, but rewards you with a haunting richness that stays with you.

Well I hope you enjoyed todays blog even though it was incredibly long but I just have so much to say and theres probably still so much more I could say. Thank you so much for reading

until next time

byeee<333