alicebeastcat's reviews
449 reviews

Ofelia by Gilbert Hernández

fast-paced

4.5

This was one of my favorite Gilbert collections to date.

The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

fast-paced

3.75

A solid page-turner

Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country by Patricia Evangelista

dark informative medium-paced

4.25

This fascinating look at Rodrigo Duterte's rise to power and war on drugs -- which resulted in countless extra-judicial killings -- is well documented and told by the author, who is incredibly brave.  The parallels between the Philippines and the U.S. were uncomfortable and illustrative, as the author explores why the people in her country found this despot attractive -- something many nations around the world, including ours, is grappling with as well. 

Colored Television by Danzy Senna

funny reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

The writer at the center of this novel tries to pivot to screenwriting in LA after struggling to complete and sell her second novel.  It is funny and cringey and sad and frustrating...the author does a pretty amazing job of building some sympathy for the writer main character and her artist husband even as they make bad decision after bad decision and strenuously to try ignore the looming consequences of those decisions.  I want to read more Danzy Senna after this. 

The Tenant Class by Ricardo Tranjan

informative medium-paced

4.75

So clear and accessibly written.  The author argues that private market-provided rental housing should be limited and/or regulated and more than makes their case through research and case studies.  The author lays out what will be discussed in each chapter, then provides supporting evidence, then summarizes the info, all in clear language so the reader can easily grasp and remember the takeaways.  It is a galvanizing book!  

A Burning by Megha Majumdar

dark sad tense fast-paced

4.25

I could not stop reading this propulsively plotted book that examines how the smallest twists of fate make or break the fortunes of three people as a nationalist political power rises to power.  

Esperanza: Locas Book 5 by Jaime Hernández

challenging emotional funny reflective medium-paced

3.75

I especially Hopey's arc here, as enters the teaching profession, navigates relationships and gets glasses.  Viv/Frogmouth's character did not feel very developed -- more of a plot device for other characters to react to.  

Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

I almost dnf'd this book twice earlier on -- it is a slow build.  But about 1/3 of the way through, the pacing kicked in for me and I could not put it down.  I love how Jayatissa's books center Sri Lankan people, culture, language and -- especially this in this book -- history.  Here, she weaves together misogyny, colonialism and demons for a thought-provoking thriller/horror/page-turner.  

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

Shae by Mesha Maren

sad medium-paced

4.25