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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
More of a character study than a plot driven novel. Lovely writing and descriptions of people/characters. Perspective of the narrator feel believable/lived in.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Soft Core by Britany Newell is an atmospheric, dreamy coming-of-age novel that unfolds like a hazy lullaby—slow, melancholic, and immersive. The writing is poignant yet restrained, perfectly capturing Ruth’s grief and loneliness. While it lacked a strong hook, its quiet, gritty exploration of desire and sex work felt raw and real. I wanted more plot around Dino!!!! A bedtime story for the introspective.
a solid 2.5 for me - because of the "plot" - lovely character writing!
Thank you NetGalley & Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the ARC!
a solid 2.5 for me - because of the "plot" - lovely character writing!
Thank you NetGalley & Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the ARC!
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a beautifully written book that flows really well. I read it all in less than a day, which is a good indication of how immersive the writing is. I really liked how it’s not a grim or violent stereotypical portrayal of sex worker. Baby's stripping, bdsm work, and the drug deals are all mundane as if this novel could have been about a retail worker. I also liked Baby’s character; she’s very empathetic, even while struggling with grief and other things that have affected her mental state. However, from the blurb I was expecting more of a thriller or at least a search for an ex, as the blurb suggested, and that didn’t happen. I sort of feel cheated and if the synopsis was more honest, I probably would’ve enjoyed it more. Like I said, beautiful writing and a really in-depth character study of a sex worker in San Fransisco but no real plot or character development to mark a solid story. I was definitely left wanting more.
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This novel mixed humor, nihilism, sex, and mystery to create one of the most interesting books I've read. It is engaging and explorative and you fall into the story as the narration goes on. It was easy to get caught up in the narrative since the blunt descriptions allowed you to feel what Baby, the main character, is feeling. I was both shocked and delighted while reading Soft Core since I became entrapped in Baby's world.