annalenawrites's reviews
340 reviews

Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess

challenging reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

This was really good and very interesting to read as someone who's neither Black nor American but trying to understand. It seems like a very authentic and honest story and I really loved reading about these characters even though I didn't agree with all of their choices and opinions and maybe not even with their relationship but that's also not the point because this isn't a romcom, it's so much deeper than that. I loved reading about the conflicts and dilemmas, the things that aren't talked about, the differences and the love. My favorite character was Barbara! And I really rooted for Jess throughout the story. The ending was a bit anticlimactic but I think it also made sense for the story to end that way.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

This was interesting and I'm glad I finally read it. I like how it's like a fable/ fairytale and how spiritual it is, it made me think a lot about god/ the universe and destiny and following one's dreams.

Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings

dark emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was really good and a great end to Magnolia and BJ's story. While it was long and some plot points felt too much, I enjoyed spending so much time with the characters and that their relationship was strong and stable throughout the whole book. I liked how this book portrayed grief and mental illness. I like Magnolia's development. I loved her speech at the funeral!! I loved the trip they took at the end of the book!! I love these characters and how obnoxious they are, I love the writing style and the banter although it was sometimes a bit much and often felt unrealistic. This was great. I don't need these boons to be realistic, I need them to be fun, easy to read, and an escape from my own reality, a purpose they fulfill perfectly. I'm so excited for the next book in Daisy's series!!

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

Really well-written and unique and profound 

Daisy Haites: The Great Undoing: Book 4 by Jessa Hastings

dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was amazing. I liked it more than the previous one, I think, even though I didn't get answers to some of the questions I desperately wanted answered. I care so much about all of these characters and their messy love lives. Jessa Hastings is a phenomenal writer. I loved the chapters from Daisy's and Julian's perspective, seeing Magnolia through their eyes, getting to know Christian and Julian better. I love Magnolia's obliviousness and how she makes everyone fall in love with her without realizing and without really trying. I care so much about Daisy and I just want her to be okay! Also Rebecca!! Can't wait for the next Daisy Haites book!!

Magnolia Parks: The Long Way Home by Jessa Hastings

emotional fast-paced

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

4.5

OMG??? What did I just read??
I absolutely couldn't put this down, I am obsessed and need the next books immediately!! That doesn't mean it was good necessarily... These characters are so obnoxious and stubborn and arrogant and they make wrong and problematic choices all the time but it's so addictive and I'm rooting for them despite everything. So many shocking and unexpected things happened in this one!! So many! Especially the ending but so many other things as well, I just can't believe what I just read... Can't wait to continue the series!

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I LOVED this!! Ali Hazelwood is a great writer with such a unique writing style and tone. While this is different from her other books, it definitely still had some resemblance to her usual stories which I enjoyed -- the friendship dynamics, the banter, the science setting. I really felt for the main characters and enjoyed their dynamic. I enjoyed this way more than I expected, especially after having a hard time getting into the first chapter, but it was amazing! I loved the epilogue as well! I love the stories the characters told each other and how well the characters fit into each others' lives! I also love the emotional depth of the stories and the plot and that the focus wasn't just on intimacy.

Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

reflective medium-paced

3.5

I really enjoy Elizabeth Strout's writing style but I liked some of the stories more than others. I particularly liked learning more about Lucy Barton's brother as I picked this book up thinking it would be all about Lucy and was surprised to find a collection of short stories instead.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

This was so fun!! It's a beautifully written story about big themes like legacy, destiny and love with amazing characters. I love the sort of utopian small town setting where everyone knows and supports each other, the family histories, the friendships! It was great!

Do Less: The Unexpected Strategy for Women to Get More of What They Want in Work and Life by Kate Northrup

inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.75

Exactly what I've been needing to hear!
This book is written mostly for (working) mothers but the advice can be applied to lots of women (and trans and nonbinary people), the book tries to be inclusive. While some of it is quite specific to middle class, married working mothers, the advice stays the same if someone's life situation is different. I'm queer and not a mother and I took a lot from this about feminine energy, energetic and creative cycles, and about letting go and being present. I really enjoyed how this was written, starting with stats and a more theoretical chapter and then moving on to practical advice. I've already tried some of the experiments and will try to implement more of them in the future. This is a really great book for anyone who is a perfectionist/ over-achiever, who compares themself and/or who wants it all (whatever that means to you, it could be working while also parenting or studying while also starting a business or being someone's caretaker or taking multiple full-time courses or whatever else). While some of the advice seems a bit simplified (like handing things over to the universe which just can't always be done/ doesn't always make sense), overall, this book really resonated and I'd love to read it again one day as a reminder. I also took lots of notes to actually remind myself of the information and strategies I learned!