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anni_banani's reviews
65 reviews
Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I highly recommend this read.
Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran
challenging
informative
tense
slow-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? No
4.5
I was really impressed with this book! Always love to hear stories about Rani Lakshmi. This book is beautifully written and very well crafted. The author has a deep knowledge not only of the history but the combat and war and politics. The majestic and rebellious world propelled me through the book. I also empathized with the MC’s emotions and challenges despite the romance always leaving me wanting more but it was a realistic depiction compared to the historical fantasy that I read more often
I will definitely be reading Michelle Moran again. The book was good all the way through
I will definitely be reading Michelle Moran again. The book was good all the way through
The Wild Ones by Nafiza Azad
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is a fantasy book about feminism!
Yes for real
I have never read another book like this and Nafiza Azad I love you so much foreverrr!
This is so incredibly unique
The story is about a group of young women who find each other because they have all survived sexist abuse of some kind. From this shared pain the literally have magic powers! I’ve only ever heard of something like this in various mythology.
The way the story is told is amazing! It goes back and forth between the MC’s POV, plural first person as the group and memories in the form of poems for each woman.
The most compelling thing about this book and Azads writing in general is the emotional depth, landscapes and transformation. The time she takes to develop the emotions is so rich. Wow
This would be my favorite fantasy if not my favorite book if there was just some plot tweaks. I would flip around a few plot points at the end, somethings need more development as well. I found this in Azad’s other books as well
Made Azad one of my all time favorite authors. I can’t emphasize enough the impact this book has on me
I have never read another book like this and Nafiza Azad I love you so much foreverrr!
This is so incredibly unique
The story is about a group of young women who find each other because they have all survived sexist abuse of some kind. From this shared pain the literally have magic powers! I’ve only ever heard of something like this in various mythology.
The way the story is told is amazing! It goes back and forth between the MC’s POV, plural first person as the group and memories in the form of poems for each woman.
The most compelling thing about this book and Azads writing in general is the emotional depth, landscapes and transformation. The time she takes to develop the emotions is so rich. Wow
This would be my favorite fantasy if not my favorite book if there was just some plot tweaks. I would flip around a few plot points at the end, somethings need more development as well. I found this in Azad’s other books as well
Made Azad one of my all time favorite authors. I can’t emphasize enough the impact this book has on me
We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers
4.75
the only reason this isn't 5 stars is cuz i need a whole second book to go deeper into everything
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
This book healed me! so many tender close to home subjects that I was so shocked to be seen in with this book. It was a very tense read basically until the end. all the friend moments were great relief though. i will be re reading!
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
I was in love with both MCs, loved them together, loved their romance. no lesbian tropes here! The best lesbian romance I've ever read period.
this was a fast read that pulled me in and I gobbled it up so fast. I was happily surprised by the ending!
Why this 5 stars for me - The book healed me in so many ways baby girl
im writing a sequel in my head, its so good!
Fan made read along playlist that is so effing good and incredibly specific https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5WYsthkEiPGBifWlYVijvg?si=0zLn1iSnQeOLfBGbnAkZYQ&pi=u-HaacJAh-SM-u
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
5.0
Sonora Reyes you are one of my favorite authors after reading this book. 5 stars for healing my heart
First let me say that I completely trust Sonora after reading both of their books. This book covers plenty of traumatic issues and character's struggle but I never was triggered. The content warning in the beginning of the book enough for me. I was tense at times but my butt was relaxed rather than tense enough to make a diamond from coal.
I was in love with both MCs, loved them together, loved their romance. no lesbian tropes here! The best lesbian romance I've ever read period.
this was a fast read that pulled me in and I gobbled it up so fast. I was happily surprised by the ending!
Why this 5 stars for me - The book healed me in so many ways baby girl
- seriously the queer relationships were that good. yay no toxic bullshit!
- I loved the characters so much. sometimes i'm not that lucky...
- I related so much to the family dynamics and really felt seen the way they were represented
I loved the mother's turn around. It was healing to see that as well as see how some parents will never pick up the wake up call. I was sus of the mother Maria but she really earned her spot. parents struggling with accepting their children, this is a great place to start - my first Indigenous Mexican MC
- really meaningful discussion of Race and Cultural Identity
- struggling with self acceptance while still having pride and love for yourself
- The evolution of In Lak’ech Ala K’in- i can feel the stiches on my heart from that one
the way Bo absolved Yamilet of her catholic guilt on confession day though thats not how it was for Caser
im writing a sequel in my head, its so good!
Fan made read along playlist that is so effing good and incredibly specific https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5WYsthkEiPGBifWlYVijvg?si=0zLn1iSnQeOLfBGbnAkZYQ&pi=u-HaacJAh-SM-u
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Self harm, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Deportation
Minor: Bullying and Suicidal thoughts
Chap 22
Road of the Lost by Nafiza Azad
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
TDLR: Nafiza I’m surprised to say this book could just not get itself together. I never had pay off of any kind really. Good for younger YA readers
Pros
Nafiza Azad, obsessed with her other books especially wild ones
Fae
Cool magic
Interesting commentary on appearance beauty standards, body acceptance
Also the commentary on negative self talk
Gorgeous poetic prose as always with her
Cool concept okay lets go. Butttt….
Okay now thats out of the way, here’s all the ways this book disappointed me and broke my heart aka. Cons. The biggest con for me was the characters were flat. Normally in an Azad book its a magical Kiki with all your sister-friends but there wasn’t one character I attached to in any meaningful way. I related to the MC but she mostly got annoying and tiresome.
The plot and the dialogue got repetitive, okay here’s the MC having another mild argument about the same thing with any given secondary character. Romance was also flat, i was just waiting for some other meaningful relationship that never came. I started skimming dialogue
Plot Azad books are often deeply emotional amazing relationships with gorgeous poetic descriptions and feelings while the main driving plot fades into the background. This happened without the fulfilling relationships; MC goes over there some things happen, she takes the moral and very obvious high ground then some stuff that could take 50% of the time happens cuz she’s too busy with her mild arguments for the plot to develop. Big lack of development. I loved the poetic language and feelings. It was meaningful and fascinating. I would rather have read a book of poetry from the POV of fae.
The ending the story was pretty obvious which i dont mind in a YA book. Azad books i notice cram in 80% of the plot and loose ends in the last 15%. This book actually had only about 40% of the loose ends tied up before it just stopped and ended. The juicest plot and development is therefore not even on the page. I dunno yall exasperated shrug guess I’ll go to bed now??
Thematic development there’s so much the MC doesn’t know, mysteries questions and that just goes on without meaningful development for maybe the first 50% of the book. When it does happen it’s brushed off. The main theme is how she doesn’t understand what her physical self looks like and it just stays confusing without hints clues or meaningful explanation. Then when that is answered there’s no emotional payoff
I didnt like the choice to make Croi pretty at the end. It felt like all the emotional build up was for nothing
Pros
Nafiza Azad, obsessed with her other books especially wild ones
Fae
Cool magic
Interesting commentary on appearance beauty standards, body acceptance
Also the commentary on negative self talk
Gorgeous poetic prose as always with her
Cool concept okay lets go. Butttt….
Okay now thats out of the way, here’s all the ways this book disappointed me and broke my heart aka. Cons. The biggest con for me was the characters were flat. Normally in an Azad book its a magical Kiki with all your sister-friends but there wasn’t one character I attached to in any meaningful way. I related to the MC but she mostly got annoying and tiresome.
The plot and the dialogue got repetitive, okay here’s the MC having another mild argument about the same thing with any given secondary character. Romance was also flat, i was just waiting for some other meaningful relationship that never came. I started skimming dialogue
Plot Azad books are often deeply emotional amazing relationships with gorgeous poetic descriptions and feelings while the main driving plot fades into the background. This happened without the fulfilling relationships; MC goes over there some things happen, she takes the moral and very obvious high ground then some stuff that could take 50% of the time happens cuz she’s too busy with her mild arguments for the plot to develop. Big lack of development. I loved the poetic language and feelings. It was meaningful and fascinating. I would rather have read a book of poetry from the POV of fae.
The ending the story was pretty obvious which i dont mind in a YA book. Azad books i notice cram in 80% of the plot and loose ends in the last 15%. This book actually had only about 40% of the loose ends tied up before it just stopped and ended. The juicest plot and development is therefore not even on the page. I dunno yall exasperated shrug guess I’ll go to bed now??
Thematic development there’s so much the MC doesn’t know, mysteries questions and that just goes on without meaningful development for maybe the first 50% of the book. When it does happen it’s brushed off. The main theme is how she doesn’t understand what her physical self looks like and it just stays confusing without hints clues or meaningful explanation. Then when that is answered there’s no emotional payoff
Content Warnings
Lots and lots of magical pain like from spells so not graphic or body horror but excruciating and frequent
This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.75
Other YA books- this is a great book to look to.
DAMN that was one of my top 5 YA books easily. It made it into the “How my Life Would Have Been Different if I Had this as a Teen” ™️category.
The most unique thing in this book to me was the tone jumps; one moment it’s meaningful horny and turning me on 🤣, the next it’s meaningfully with nuance discussing what it’s like to have anxiety depression mood swings, then it’s meaningful commentary on queer lit or life as a bisexual person or race, then a random but meaningful bit about how Palestinian history is white washed. It’s a romance then a comedy then a drama and I’m scared for the MC. I related as life has tone jumps.
Never have I related to this book more as a Pansexual and bisexual person or with my own experience of mental health. Aceves spends the most time painting a detailed nuanced picture from how someone can go from bad sleep to bad self esteem to bad harmful thoughts to suicidal ideations. I love not just the Bi rep here but discussing life as a bi person, what’s to be expected of us depending on our perceived gender, biphobia within the queer community, how attraction happens. Often it’s just a footnote or a characteristic in a novel thrown out with the same care as “she loved coffee and is bisexual” . No rainbow / bi washing here.
I was also really impressed with how I loved the book from start to finish- gobbled it up like the Cookie Monster. But there was areas for characters to be grey, imperfect. The MC and his BFF definitely got some shit to work out in their dynamic like all teens, like all humans, but their love is so true.
One of the reasons I wish I had this book besides mental health, besides breaking down biphobic myths, was the sex positive perspective here. Sex (alone and partnered) should not only be respectful, consensual and safer but also joyful! The characters struggle with this in a real honest way, sometimes internalizing messages that sex is wrong or pressure to have sex, they learn.
Aveces I really hope you get an adult book published cuz this book turned me on so much, I can’t wait to see what you would do with actual grown ups!!!
Read this book for
DAMN that was one of my top 5 YA books easily. It made it into the “How my Life Would Have Been Different if I Had this as a Teen” ™️category.
The most unique thing in this book to me was the tone jumps; one moment it’s meaningful horny and turning me on 🤣, the next it’s meaningfully with nuance discussing what it’s like to have anxiety depression mood swings, then it’s meaningful commentary on queer lit or life as a bisexual person or race, then a random but meaningful bit about how Palestinian history is white washed. It’s a romance then a comedy then a drama and I’m scared for the MC. I related as life has tone jumps.
Never have I related to this book more as a Pansexual and bisexual person or with my own experience of mental health. Aceves spends the most time painting a detailed nuanced picture from how someone can go from bad sleep to bad self esteem to bad harmful thoughts to suicidal ideations. I love not just the Bi rep here but discussing life as a bi person, what’s to be expected of us depending on our perceived gender, biphobia within the queer community, how attraction happens. Often it’s just a footnote or a characteristic in a novel thrown out with the same care as “she loved coffee and is bisexual” . No rainbow / bi washing here.
I was also really impressed with how I loved the book from start to finish- gobbled it up like the Cookie Monster. But there was areas for characters to be grey, imperfect. The MC and his BFF definitely got some shit to work out in their dynamic like all teens, like all humans, but their love is so true.
One of the reasons I wish I had this book besides mental health, besides breaking down biphobic myths, was the sex positive perspective here. Sex (alone and partnered) should not only be respectful, consensual and safer but also joyful! The characters struggle with this in a real honest way, sometimes internalizing messages that sex is wrong or pressure to have sex, they learn.
Aveces I really hope you get an adult book published cuz this book turned me on so much, I can’t wait to see what you would do with actual grown ups!!!
Read this book for
- A great discussion of sexuality and sexual exploration for young adults. How to be doing that joyfully and responsibly and how not to
- East LA
- Breaking down various stereotypes including ones about Bi people, Muslims Arabs and Palestinians, Latines, gay adults, people living with mental illness
- Parents figuring it out as they go and really learning
- Good ass therapists
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Islamophobia, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Biphobia, Hate crime, Suicide attempt, Cultural appropriation, and Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Mass/school shootings
Chap 20
Objectification in a consensual sexual encounter. Fuck boi. Passive Sexual degradation and3 lack of respect for sexual partner
Chapt 25
Online adult/minor flirtation does not result in any type of sexual or grooming relationship. I really loved how this ended and I was personally nervous.
Unsolicited pics of genitalia online
Chapter 28: paranoia about mass shooting
Chap 30 attempted assault while drunk from other teen. Gaslighting
Chap 31 alcohol poisoning, vague
Chap 37 suicide attempt vague
Throughout the book- a lot of family drinking as well as negative body image throughout the first half intermittently
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
please read- disordered eating
I think the most important thing to know is that there's a significant plot point with disordered eating - self starvation for quick weight loss and over working. chapter 11 the love interest white knights and swoops in to take care of her and he doesnt brush it off but like getting treatment is never discussed. eating disorders aren't treated with sexy men.
i gave this all the way to chapter 4 cuz i had a stomach ache and was desperate
great if you like a Daddy who will take care of you and then lightly boss you around in the bedroom but only in a service top kind of way. i bounced around a bit after i stopped
I think the most important thing to know is that there's a significant plot point with disordered eating - self starvation for quick weight loss and over working. chapter 11
i gave this all the way to chapter 4 cuz i had a stomach ache and was desperate
great if you like a Daddy who will take care of you and then lightly boss you around in the bedroom but only in a service top kind of way. i bounced around a bit after i stopped
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Racism, and Sexism
please read- disordered eating
I think the most important thing to know is that there's a significant plot point with disordered eating - self starvation for quick weight loss and over working. chapter 11 the love interest white knights and swoops in to take care of her and he doesnt brush it off but like getting treatment is never discussed. eating disorders aren't treated with sexy men.