arijwl's reviews
212 reviews

1984 by George Orwell

4.5

Uh yeah as expected…this is harrowing. Loved re-reading this with my coworker. 

Also wow, I was blown away by the audiobook! Some incredibly good acting at the end there. And now I am suppressing a shudder thinking about that ending.  

Funny Story by Emily Henry

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is now one of my favorite romance novels! It's SO satisfying. 

I adore Daphne and Miles so much; I laughed, cried, and swooned throughout. The chemistry between Daphne and Miles is nothing short of electric, and there are just so many sweet moments in between the melancholy. Also, the audiobook was outstanding. The blush worthy and tear inducing parts hit so hard. I absolutely recommend this book and can't wait to read it again. (And the cover is cute!)

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

3.0

This book is most definitely cozy, but it lacked depth for me and lost my attention by the end. Loved the pastry descriptions and mystical elements, but most of the characters felt one dimensional. The way conflicts were solved felt half baked (lol). Also needed to be gayer, sorry…

I’m gonna stick with three stars though. The vibes were nice, just not something I’d re-read or necessarily recommend. (Author’s voice acting was great tho!) 

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

i just wish chapter 11 didn’t exist…

A Shot in the Dark by Victoria Lee

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

this book was lovely. it simultaneously made me want to turn my dslr back on, reconnect with religion, spill my guts out to my parents, finally physically transition, and fall in love between sips of seltzer. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia

Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire by Jennifer Bing, Mike Merryman-Lotze, Jehad Abusalim

5.0

This book was very impactful. I took a while to read it, so I could highlight certain passages and place tabs on some pages which is rare for me. Containing both history and creative writing, this is a must for anyone who not only wants to learn more about Palestine in a historical sense but also wants to learn more about Palestinians on a personal level. 

So appreciative of the vulnerability in this book. Free Palestine!

Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei

5.0

Hockey and an honest representation of depression? This book was my cup of tea for sure. It had my attention from start to finish, and I loved all the characters. I know the ending is hit or miss for people, but I actually really liked it!

Triple Sec by TJ Alexander

5.0

Triple Sec book had me smiling and swooning so much! It made me feel things and had a well written genderqueer character, so I’m pleased. Also, it was veryy sexy…

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

4.5

Yeah, so this one made me swoooon! Dani is a Black bisexual academic baddie, so of course I'm enamored by her. Zaf? He's a sexy sweetheart with anxiety. And they're in a fake dating scenario! Basically these two are everything, and this book has a real tight hold on me. 

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

5.0

I LOVE THIS BOOK! This much unadulterated yearning with a backdrop full of travel, food & drinks, sex, and angst is everything to me. This book lives in my mind rent-free. Theo and Kit...I love the lack of decorum, fueled by pure affection and desire. Keep it up. 

The ending had me sobbing because it turns out--if the love ain't like this, I don't want it!? Casey McQuiston did their thing, and I adore them for it.