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aprilyang1's reviews
96 reviews
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
5.0
This is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book and the writing is absolutely so beautifully addicting. The characters were dimensional and complex, they were neither good nor bad, but simply human. It felt so put together, so powerful, so well executed… I don’t know. I wish I could make my feelings really show themselves through writing.
I don’t even know where to start. I was addicted right from the first couple chapters. It’s so crazy to know how immersed I was in this fake Hollywood actress and her life. Evelyn Hugo’s life felt so crazy, so raw, so outrageous you think “absolutely not real”, yet here I am eating up every word and wholeheartedly believing she is a real person while doing it. Her life is just so complex. It’s quite sad to think about it though… her circumstances and what she had to do to achieve what she thought she wanted her whole life only to realize she was fighting for the wrong thing while losing absolutely everyone she loved in the process.
Monique… I think I related to her in many ways. Like, in her desire to please everybody even if it doesn’t benefit her and while to an extent that’s a great quality to have, Evelyn brought out a stronger and more authoritative side in her. A side that advocates and fights for herself. I also relate to Monique’s feelings towards Evelyn at the end, which if you’ve read it you’d understand the complexity of it. I don’t think I’ll ever have one set of settled feelings about this book.
I don’t even know where to start. I was addicted right from the first couple chapters. It’s so crazy to know how immersed I was in this fake Hollywood actress and her life. Evelyn Hugo’s life felt so crazy, so raw, so outrageous you think “absolutely not real”, yet here I am eating up every word and wholeheartedly believing she is a real person while doing it. Her life is just so complex. It’s quite sad to think about it though… her circumstances and what she had to do to achieve what she thought she wanted her whole life only to realize she was fighting for the wrong thing while losing absolutely everyone she loved in the process.
Monique… I think I related to her in many ways. Like, in her desire to please everybody even if it doesn’t benefit her and while to an extent that’s a great quality to have, Evelyn brought out a stronger and more authoritative side in her. A side that advocates and fights for herself. I also relate to Monique’s feelings towards Evelyn at the end, which if you’ve read it you’d understand the complexity of it. I don’t think I’ll ever have one set of settled feelings about this book.
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
5.0
Talk about Korean drama level dramatic! I mean that love square, the family drama, main lead second lead WHO WILL SHE CHOOSE? I loved it lol I was apprehensive at first because I saw a lot of low ratings, but this just proves I’ve got to stop relying on Goodreads reviews & make my own choices lol (ironically)
Does this book have its faults? Yes. There are topics that could’ve been addressed better and there were definitely some uncomfortable situations. But, the whole concept was *chefs kiss*. Really this is the epitome of teenage young adults figuring out who they are and where they wanna go in life. I love how Abigail Hing Wen adds in the struggles Asian and Asian-American youth face. Talking with my sister about the characters we both realized these issues are relevant to our lives and to others apart of the Asian and Asian-American community. Some say things like Ever’s parents wanting her to be a doctor because her dad couldn’t achieve that dream is “dramatic”, but that IS the real life for so many immigrant children
Does this book have its faults? Yes. There are topics that could’ve been addressed better and there were definitely some uncomfortable situations. But, the whole concept was *chefs kiss*. Really this is the epitome of teenage young adults figuring out who they are and where they wanna go in life. I love how Abigail Hing Wen adds in the struggles Asian and Asian-American youth face. Talking with my sister about the characters we both realized these issues are relevant to our lives and to others apart of the Asian and Asian-American community. Some say things like Ever’s parents wanting her to be a doctor because her dad couldn’t achieve that dream is “dramatic”, but that IS the real life for so many immigrant children
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5 ⭐️ but rounded up
Such a cute story. My heart was so happy reading this! Meredith and Wit made such an adorable couple. Mer's journey of self-discovery and learning to prioritize her loved ones, not just through Wit but also through her family, really stuck with me. The dynamic of a big family felt like home and made me love the book so much more! The game of assassin was so fun, and the writing made me feel like I was right there in the action. It might not be the most intense, complex, or emotional read, but that simplicity left me wanting to read more and more.
I dropped 0.5 points for some cringey moments in the book – love romance, but there's a line and it was crossed several times lol. Still, it's not all bad! There are plenty of other memorable scenes that kept me hooked!
Such a cute story. My heart was so happy reading this! Meredith and Wit made such an adorable couple. Mer's journey of self-discovery and learning to prioritize her loved ones, not just through Wit but also through her family, really stuck with me. The dynamic of a big family felt like home and made me love the book so much more! The game of assassin was so fun, and the writing made me feel like I was right there in the action. It might not be the most intense, complex, or emotional read, but that simplicity left me wanting to read more and more.
I dropped 0.5 points for some cringey moments in the book – love romance, but there's a line and it was crossed several times lol. Still, it's not all bad! There are plenty of other memorable scenes that kept me hooked!
The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson
3.0
Just like the first book, it's a perfect cozy fall read! I mean it even briefly takes place during Halloween
Loveboat Reunion by Abigail Hing Wen
5.0
There’s just something so captivating with Abigail Hing Wen’s characters. They feel so personable and realistic. They go through problems I could see myself, my friends, or anyone going through. I find myself living through these characters.
Sophie, admittedly and deservedly, was not my favorite character in Loveboat Taipei, BUT, in Loveboat Reunion she becomes someone entirely new while still keeping the characteristics that make her, her. She discovers that you can fall in love and be interested in dating while also girl bossing in order to have the life you envision. I think this topic is relevant for women today especially with the new Barbie movie and the controversy surrounding the new Snow White movie. You can have both or one or neither and you’re still equally as badass.
Xavier was my favorite character in Loveboat Taipei and he continues to be my favorite in Loveboat Reunion. Maybe it’s that bad boy aura coupled with the fact he is just such a sweet heart. He is not a 2D male character/love interest, but someone who has such a complexity it’s hard for me to put it into words.
Loveboat Reunion is such an amazing experience. It’s more than a romance story, but a story about discovering your abilities and accepting yourself when the world seems to be against you.
Sophie, admittedly and deservedly, was not my favorite character in Loveboat Taipei, BUT, in Loveboat Reunion she becomes someone entirely new while still keeping the characteristics that make her, her. She discovers that you can fall in love and be interested in dating while also girl bossing in order to have the life you envision. I think this topic is relevant for women today especially with the new Barbie movie and the controversy surrounding the new Snow White movie. You can have both or one or neither and you’re still equally as badass.
Xavier was my favorite character in Loveboat Taipei and he continues to be my favorite in Loveboat Reunion. Maybe it’s that bad boy aura coupled with the fact he is just such a sweet heart. He is not a 2D male character/love interest, but someone who has such a complexity it’s hard for me to put it into words.
Loveboat Reunion is such an amazing experience. It’s more than a romance story, but a story about discovering your abilities and accepting yourself when the world seems to be against you.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
4.0
A very interesting and intriguing story. I’m not one who reads a lot of mystery books, so I can’t compare to any other experience but this one was able to keep me wondering and wanting more.
The first 40% was a bit slow in my opinion, but Stevie was getting acclimated to her new surroundings so understandable. During this time, I preferred the chapters recapping the past. The romance did felt a bit rushed and forced, but this also got better as time progressed.
I am already reading the second book! This is honestly the perfect fall read, but since I already started it I am going to have to continue it!
The first 40% was a bit slow in my opinion, but Stevie was getting acclimated to her new surroundings so understandable. During this time, I preferred the chapters recapping the past. The romance did felt a bit rushed and forced, but this also got better as time progressed.
I am already reading the second book! This is honestly the perfect fall read, but since I already started it I am going to have to continue it!
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
4.0
Such a great story. It made me feel like a kid again, especially looking back as an adult and being reminded of the all the dreams and fears I had.
The concept of Clock Island was so intriguing and, in a perfect world, seems like something that would be so fun for kids! It reminds me so much of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which I think Shaffer drew inspiration from, and I absolutely ate it up! Adore this idea! Personally, I guess some details and the legality of things were what kinda detached me from the story? I think this is why I decided to rate it a 4 star rather than a 5 star.
I think Meg Shaffer nailed the teacher dynamic. As someone in the education field, the feeling and co-worker/friendship relationship Lucy had with Theresa felt like home. The feelings Lucy felt towards teaching, the references she makes about teaching, the comments and remarks between Lucy and Theresa were relatable, in my opinion, and refreshing to see because I don’t see lots of books surrounding teachers.
The concept of Clock Island was so intriguing and, in a perfect world, seems like something that would be so fun for kids! It reminds me so much of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which I think Shaffer drew inspiration from, and I absolutely ate it up! Adore this idea! Personally, I guess some details and the legality of things were what kinda detached me from the story? I think this is why I decided to rate it a 4 star rather than a 5 star.
I think Meg Shaffer nailed the teacher dynamic. As someone in the education field, the feeling and co-worker/friendship relationship Lucy had with Theresa felt like home. The feelings Lucy felt towards teaching, the references she makes about teaching, the comments and remarks between Lucy and Theresa were relatable, in my opinion, and refreshing to see because I don’t see lots of books surrounding teachers.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
3.0
Honestly, I have no thoughts. Did I enjoy the story? Kinda. Did I dislike all but two characters? Yes. Would I read it again? No. Was the formatting interesting? Yes. Would I read another book in this format? Probably not.
The story with its documentary-style script format was a bit of a challenge at first. After getting used to though it I felt like I was watching a reenactment of events in my mind. It was so interesting how my brain interpreted what I was reading. But, while it was neat to imagine each character's version of the story, the emotional depth was lacking for me. It felt somewhat one-dimensional, especially compared to the depth of emotions I experienced during "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." However, credit to Taylor Jenkins Reid for portraying diverse personalities and complexities using this documentary-style writing.
The story with its documentary-style script format was a bit of a challenge at first. After getting used to though it I felt like I was watching a reenactment of events in my mind. It was so interesting how my brain interpreted what I was reading. But, while it was neat to imagine each character's version of the story, the emotional depth was lacking for me. It felt somewhat one-dimensional, especially compared to the depth of emotions I experienced during "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." However, credit to Taylor Jenkins Reid for portraying diverse personalities and complexities using this documentary-style writing.