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apricotjoy's reviews
327 reviews
The Gulf by Adam de Souza
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Circe by Madeline Miller
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I took the day off today to get some work done and only meant to read this for an hour or two... but instead I couldn't put it down, and read until I finished. It's so very full, haunting, and beautiful. I wish I could write like this.
It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
3.0
Mixed feelings about this one!
The art is incredible and she's very talented. I loved the mix of visual styles, loved feeling as if I could hear it in my mind. It was a vivid and animated reading experience. I also find it so interesting seeing how growing up on the internet clearly has an influence on visual storytelling and writing!
As someone who's struggled with these issues that she writes about here I came away feeling the narrative fell flat. Self-deprecation and self-hatred are still, even if they're negative feelings, self-focused; and even if you call yourself on that and label yourself as selfish from the beginning of a book, all of that self-awareness doesn't accomplish anything if that's still what you depict at the end.
It got close in the very last couple pages, with her saying we all need to ask how other people are, and that we all affect each other - because it's true! - but then the book was over, and I wish she had explored/shown that idea a bit more so we could have actually experienced her growth.
The art is incredible and she's very talented. I loved the mix of visual styles, loved feeling as if I could hear it in my mind. It was a vivid and animated reading experience. I also find it so interesting seeing how growing up on the internet clearly has an influence on visual storytelling and writing!
As someone who's struggled with these issues that she writes about here I came away feeling the narrative fell flat. Self-deprecation and self-hatred are still, even if they're negative feelings, self-focused; and even if you call yourself on that and label yourself as selfish from the beginning of a book, all of that self-awareness doesn't accomplish anything if that's still what you depict at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts