allyjshand's reviews
195 reviews

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

adventurous dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I made the mistake of watching the film first which grossly oversimplified the book. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the second half / final third of the book largely differed from the film, and I really enjoyed the ending.

That being said the book could have easier been much shorter if less time was dedicated to relationships between minor side characters and to Tris’ grief. Overall an enjoyable YA read.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, and Murder

Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A heartwarming addition to the series. I felt that these stories were more developed compared to those in the previous book, although I found the writing style a little hard to engage with at times. 

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Had me guessing right until the end. A great Christmas mystery.

The Walking Dead Psychology: Psych of the Living Dead by Janina Scarlet, Travis Langley
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine by Derren Brown
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.

Too fence for me, sorry Derren…

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

3.25

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Having seen the film, I already knew the ending but had to give it a read as it’s the most celebrated Poirot.

Closed Casket by Sophie Hannah

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

An enjoyable light read but lacks the depth of other Poirot stories written by Christie.

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A pioneering and forward-thinking novel which stands the test of time. Having studied the children’s version in school, I was keen to read this in full and it did not disappoint.

“They have become practically mere brains, wearing different bodies according to their needs just as men wear suits of clothes and take a bicycle in a hurry or an umbrella in the wet.”

“I was no longer a master, but an animal among the animals, under the Martian heel”

“This isn't a war," said the artilleryman. "It never was a war, any more than there's war between man and ants.”

“He had swept it out of existence, as it seemed, without any provocation, as a boy might crush an ant hill, in the mere wantonness of power.”

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail

The No-Show by Beth O'Leary

emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I normally avoid rom-com books, but I’d read that this book had a plot twist so I was intrigued. The book is very easy to read and I found myself reading large chunks at a time. I enjoyed the three female protagonists and felt invested in each of their storylines and narrative voices. 

When it seems that the three women are finally meet going to meet, we’re hit with the plot twist - a real ‘ohhh’ moment! I wished this moment came sooner so we could read more about Richard’s escalating obsession with Siobhan, so that her death is more hard-hitting and reflects the violent dangers women face from men. But regardless I found this section very impactful.

Definitely want to pick up one of O’Leary’s other books.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief

Minor: Alcohol, Death, Miscarriage, Stalking, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Dementia, Car accident, and Emotional abuse

I normally avoid rom-com books, but I’d read that this book had a plot twist so I was intrigued. The book is very easy to read and I found myself reading large chunks at a time. I enjoyed the three female protagonists and felt invested in each of their storylines and narrative voices. When it seems that the three women are finally meet going to meet, we’re hit with the plot twist - a real ‘ohhh’ moment! I wished this moment came sooner so we could read more about Richard’s escalating obsession with Siobhan, so that her death is more hard-hitting and reflects the violent dangers women face from men. But regardless I found this section very impactful. Definitely want to pick up one of O’Leary’s other books.