anitra2319's reviews
101 reviews

challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

3.0

I did not enjoy this book. Because it’s speculative fiction, it’s meaning is very much up for interpretation, however I interpreted Chouette as being a metaphor for raising a disabled child and I did not like the way the author chose to depict that. Kids with disabilities are not the same as violent owl babies and deserve a more accurate representation in literature that does not animalize them. I would love to hear other’s interpretations but this is not a book I would be recommending any time soon. I gave it three star because it was well written but and captivating but I did not like the overall content.

Content Warnings

Bunny by Mona Awad

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challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

1.0

Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka

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dark tense slow-paced

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

2.75

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff

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emotional funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang

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emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

I truly think that anyone who doesn’t know what they want to with their life should read this book. When I read this for the first time, I was fresh out of college in my first “adult” job, while also working at a local bookstore, and had no clue what I wanted to do with myself. I loved my bookstore job but my family was (and still is) pressuring me to do more with my life. Reading this book made me appreciate and accept that I can be happy with a small life if that’s what I want to do.

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I read this book as a buddy read with a long distance friend of mine. I was expecting it to be a lighter read but I was completely wrong. Philyaw weaves marvelous and complex tales of what happens behind the closed doors of church ladies. Some of these stories were lighthearted and funny, but there were also a good amount that made me have to put the book down for awhile.

I can’t wait to see what my friend thinks!

Content Warnings