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annquynh's reviews
117 reviews
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World by Kehinde Andrews
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism by Anne Applebaum
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Abolitionist Intimacies by El Jones
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
A collection of research, stories from incarcerated people collected by Jones via interviews, reflections, and poetry that examines the Canadian prison complex and abolition. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator’s voice was rich, vibrant, and powerful — and I was absolutely floored during the poetry parts!
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting
Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas, Mark Olshaker
dark
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Some of the facts about the cases were interesting but this book was definitely a product of its time (first published in 1995 I think) so it’s just extremely dated. Most of his profiling diagnoses were that the serial killers were “inadequate losers.” There was a bit about Voodoo worshippers and satanists that made me roll my eyes (Satanic panic, anyone?). John Douglas also loves to talk about himself and comes across as extremely egotistical. Overall, it was kind of interesting but not a standout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
4.25
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0