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alexenjoysthings's Reviews (383)
medium-paced
Jessie Ren Marshall is a very talented writer. Like most anthologies, there was mixed quality, but the stories that didn't work for me were still very well written. She has unique plots for a lot of the stories, but I really appreciate the ones that are subtle sad girl vignettes. My favorites were Annie 2, Dog, Late Girl, and The Birds in Trafalgar Square. My least favorite were My Immaculate Girlfriend, Mrs. Fisher, and Sister Fat. Some of the stories felt a bit like "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" where the characters are supposed to be reprehensible, but I don't think it worked in these stories. I'm interested to see what she'll write in the future.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A cute gothic slice-of-life that all cat owners can somehow relate to even if our cats can't make multiple copies of themselves.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Doppelganger is a book about doppelgangers, obviously, and about COVID, misinformation, AI, Israel, autism, MAGA, but it's also so very much about community and reflection. This wasn't an easy book to read, but it was so amazing. It brought back some of the optimism I lost from COVID and made me see what I would think of as my political opponents as holistic, confused, and afraid human beings. Naomi Klein has so many great things to say. The way she ties her doppelganger story into so many topics is quite fantastic. I highly recommend this book.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
It's a cute and funny parody of popular BL tropes.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm very impressed that this was written by a 12 year old! I think a lot of middle-grade and young adult readers will love this thrilling adventure.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. It is very well organized and so easy to read in chunks. I read a little bit before bed each night and it was a great way to relax and reflect. The lessons in it are for all people, not just Christians, not just people interested in Quakers (although I did learn a lot about Quakers). It has very actionable tips to lead an overall better life. He does incorporate god and Christianity often, but it wasn't preachy and things like being a good steward to the Earth, speaking kindly, treating others well, are all essential to being a good person. I will absolutely be reading this again in the future!
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I picked up this collection of poetry at a library's used book sale not expecting a lesson in Vietnamese history and a fantastic introduction to Hô Xuân Huong. Hô Xuân Huong was a 18th and 19th century concubine that wrote poetry in a way that fought against social norms, specifically by having each poem be a double entendre. None of the poetry felt crass, it always felt like a way of embracing humanity and femininity. While I am only capable of reading the translation, I was blown away by her talent. It reminded me of the Persian poet Forough Farrokhzad. I highly recommend.
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a beautiful multi-generational novel. The juxtaposition of Talia, born in America but raised in Colombia, and Karina, born in Colombia but raised in America, was so telling of the immigrant experience. The character voices were so strong and they all felt very real. The writing was lyrical and truthful. I highly recommend.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
This was an absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful collection of poetry that I hope everyone gets the chance to read. The way the author immortalized his grandmother and the history of Palestinian colonization was perfect. He made such terrible things into a work of art.