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apalershadeofwhite's reviews
252 reviews
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
5.0
I could not put this book down! I've raved about it to my friends and recommended it as well! I loved the informality of the character, I felt like I was just in the room as a tag-along friend.
The humour, the romance, the back stories, they all worked perfectly with each other and made for a really good read.
The humour, the romance, the back stories, they all worked perfectly with each other and made for a really good read.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
5.0
I LOVE this book so much! It plays into the clue-solving part of my brain when it comes to books, as well as my love for plot twists and romance. So, all in all, a phenomenal book in my eyes!
I specifically love the repetition of the exact same phrase when it comes to Marcello Dragna; "anise and lavender and something akin to rotted plums". This phrase would make my body freeze in fear for the two Dragna sisters, as it is made clear very early on in the book that their father is a man with an affinity for violence; especially when it comes to his daughters.
I also loved the romance between Julian and Scarlet that slowly ensued throughout the novel. Most of all, though, I adored the emphasis on sisterhood and loyalty to your loved ones.
But I think the thing I loved the most was the emphasis on colour throughout the novel. Scarlet says that she can see emotions in colour, and the way this is consistently and beautifully presented in the book turned my eyes into hearts.
I specifically love the repetition of the exact same phrase when it comes to Marcello Dragna; "anise and lavender and something akin to rotted plums". This phrase would make my body freeze in fear for the two Dragna sisters, as it is made clear very early on in the book that their father is a man with an affinity for violence; especially when it comes to his daughters.
I also loved the romance between Julian and Scarlet that slowly ensued throughout the novel. Most of all, though, I adored the emphasis on sisterhood and loyalty to your loved ones.
But I think the thing I loved the most was the emphasis on colour throughout the novel. Scarlet says that she can see emotions in colour, and the way this is consistently and beautifully presented in the book turned my eyes into hearts.
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
4.0
A really interesting take on the vampire; I enjoyed it a lot. It was amazing to see queer representation as well! The plot was enjoyable to read and, if circumstances permit, this is a book you could definitely read in one sitting.
Also, I really enjoyed the fact that every chapter had information or occurnaces that were important to the story and the text wasn't filled with 'filler chapters'.
Also, I really enjoyed the fact that every chapter had information or occurnaces that were important to the story and the text wasn't filled with 'filler chapters'.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
5.0
I really enjoyed this book; a lot more than I thought I would! Excluding a few blips and pieces I didn't like, this is such an amazing read. As expected, there were areas that lulled and didn't pique my interest as much, along with some choice words and language I do not approve of, but otherwise it was a near-perfect novel.
There were so many elements to the narrative: comedy, an exciting power and gender reversal, and some interesting tales from inside a mental institution. I would definitely recommend this book!
There were so many elements to the narrative: comedy, an exciting power and gender reversal, and some interesting tales from inside a mental institution. I would definitely recommend this book!
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
3.0
One thing I really enjoyed about 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' was the narration of the tale. It began and ended so comfortably and, for lack of a better word, casually that I started to actually feel like someone was telling it to me; excluding the tenseness of the climax of the story.
The tale, as expected, was not as deeply gothic as I wanted it to be. However, there were loads of elements of the story that I loved despite this! There are so many instances of specifically great writing and so much to unpack regarding context, connotations, and symbolism - which definitely made for a fun and interesting reading experience!
The tale, as expected, was not as deeply gothic as I wanted it to be. However, there were loads of elements of the story that I loved despite this! There are so many instances of specifically great writing and so much to unpack regarding context, connotations, and symbolism - which definitely made for a fun and interesting reading experience!
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
3.0
I quite enjoyed 'Northanger Abbey'. Austen, for me, is definitely an author that I take my time to read; not one I can finish in one night. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy her writing because I do!
This novel in particular was really interesting as it was her take on a gothic novel. I personally loved how she would step out of Catherine's shoes and refer to her as "my heroine" in some chapters; bringing in her own voice.
As a take on a gothic novel and making fun of the genre, this book was really amusing. I was expecting something big to happen, as you would in a gothic text, but I had to keep reminding myself that Austen isn't the kind of author to shock the reader with big twists and turns, but lay out events.
I would definitely recommend this novel if someone is wanting to venture into gothic or Jane Austen because it is not gory and shocking like some gothic texts and the narrator, Catherine, is arguably Austen's most popular (as she is light and loveable).
This novel in particular was really interesting as it was her take on a gothic novel. I personally loved how she would step out of Catherine's shoes and refer to her as "my heroine" in some chapters; bringing in her own voice.
As a take on a gothic novel and making fun of the genre, this book was really amusing. I was expecting something big to happen, as you would in a gothic text, but I had to keep reminding myself that Austen isn't the kind of author to shock the reader with big twists and turns, but lay out events.
I would definitely recommend this novel if someone is wanting to venture into gothic or Jane Austen because it is not gory and shocking like some gothic texts and the narrator, Catherine, is arguably Austen's most popular (as she is light and loveable).
The Sandman by E.T.A. Hoffmann
4.0
This story was really interesting and I enjoyed it very much! The beginning was a bit slow for me, but once introduced to Olympia I was completely besotted with this tale. The ending was definitely not what I expected, though!
There are some really great instances of reflection and research in this story; specifically regarding the theme of eye and sight as well as the notion of doubles. Looking into these idea further, I understood the layers of this story so much more.
As much as I love instances of the narrator / author coming in and addressing the reader, I do find it quite off-putting in a gothic tale or novel. This brings me out of the entrancement I am in while reading and I then have to work to get back into the story.
There are some really great instances of reflection and research in this story; specifically regarding the theme of eye and sight as well as the notion of doubles. Looking into these idea further, I understood the layers of this story so much more.
As much as I love instances of the narrator / author coming in and addressing the reader, I do find it quite off-putting in a gothic tale or novel. This brings me out of the entrancement I am in while reading and I then have to work to get back into the story.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
5.0
This is the type of writing style that I love. The sentences are so beautiful and eloquent: they really take me to another place. For that reason, I knew I was going to love this book from the very first page. And I did! So much so, that I've already purchased the two sequels 'Mrs de Winter' and 'Rebecca's Tale'.
When starting this novel I, like an avid reader, became entranced by the protagonist and their love interest. However, after finally telling the nameless protagonist / narrator that he loves her "so much, so much", I began seeing Maxim as a manipulator. That one confession of love completely changed my view of Maxim and how I interpreted his actions and words for the rest of the book.
Although, I was never a fan of Rebecca either. Of course I'm not justifying Maxim's actions when I say this, but I never liked her. I aways had a foreboding nagging feeling about her that was shrouded in negativity and darkness even from the first mention of her. I'm excited to see how her story progresses in the two sequel novels.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book! The narrative was presented really well and left room was suspense that made it such as page-turner. I would 100% reccomend this novel to multiple friends.
When starting this novel I, like an avid reader, became entranced by the protagonist and their love interest. However, after finally telling the nameless protagonist / narrator that he loves her "so much, so much", I began seeing Maxim as a manipulator. That one confession of love completely changed my view of Maxim and how I interpreted his actions and words for the rest of the book.
Although, I was never a fan of Rebecca either. Of course I'm not justifying Maxim's actions when I say this, but I never liked her. I aways had a foreboding nagging feeling about her that was shrouded in negativity and darkness even from the first mention of her. I'm excited to see how her story progresses in the two sequel novels.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book! The narrative was presented really well and left room was suspense that made it such as page-turner. I would 100% reccomend this novel to multiple friends.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
5.0
I loved this book! The story is so interesting and it kept my fingers turning the pages, wanting to know what would happen. There's so much to unpack in regards to symbolism and connotation, but overall its a really well written story.
As much as I wish it was longer, I think it's the perfect length! Stevenson has a great sense of pace. This is a book I would recommend anytime, but especially if you're looking for something quick or to get out of a reading slump.
As much as I wish it was longer, I think it's the perfect length! Stevenson has a great sense of pace. This is a book I would recommend anytime, but especially if you're looking for something quick or to get out of a reading slump.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
5.0
This is definitely the kind of book that you could crack out in a day at most. If I hadn't been forced to put it down for a while, I never would have! When I finally picked it back up after clearing most of my workload, I zoomed from chapter 8 to end of the book in an afternoon.
Becky Albertalli had me laughing every couple of pages! Simon is a great narrator and is so funny, relatable, and charasmatic! I'm not sure how I feel about the grammatical aspect of Simon as a narrator though, because there was a slight lack in variation of grammar and variation of grammar is something I love in a text.
The structure and the writing style is very interesting as it is unlike most, if not all, of the books I've read. It heavily resembles and relies on natural speech; almost like a free verse poem. I like it though and it fits into the books really well because it gives the novel a very personal and effortless feel.
The structure of the chapters is also very interesting because the length varies dramatically; one chapter is like 20 pages and another is merely one page. Again, I think it reflects the books and the narrator very well though because it, in my opinion, resembles the human mind: racing and rambling one minute and silent the next. I really like the use of the emails as well. Things like that, that deviate from the 'norm' of structures really draws me in; kind of like 'Everything, Everything' by Nicola Yoon.
Becky Albertalli had me laughing every couple of pages! Simon is a great narrator and is so funny, relatable, and charasmatic! I'm not sure how I feel about the grammatical aspect of Simon as a narrator though, because there was a slight lack in variation of grammar and variation of grammar is something I love in a text.
The structure and the writing style is very interesting as it is unlike most, if not all, of the books I've read. It heavily resembles and relies on natural speech; almost like a free verse poem. I like it though and it fits into the books really well because it gives the novel a very personal and effortless feel.
The structure of the chapters is also very interesting because the length varies dramatically; one chapter is like 20 pages and another is merely one page. Again, I think it reflects the books and the narrator very well though because it, in my opinion, resembles the human mind: racing and rambling one minute and silent the next. I really like the use of the emails as well. Things like that, that deviate from the 'norm' of structures really draws me in; kind of like 'Everything, Everything' by Nicola Yoon.