b00ksb4ppl's reviews
10 reviews

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

3.0

I read this bc TikTok told me to. I love a devastating story but this was just unnecessary. 

Everyone (me included) crying and having intense emotional responses to the story- like yeah I’d hope so. That does not make it a good book. Creating a character and having horrific things happen to him to illicit an emotional response is not impressive IMO. 

3 stars still bc I was invested in Willem and Harold, sometimes Andy. 

I would not recommend this book though. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Self harm

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Eating disorder, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden

2.0

I had pre-ordered this after finishing the second and truly wish I wouldn’t have. Frieda even writes in here that the 3rd book in a series usually isn’t great- how self aware. 

Millie and Enzo are so different to the point it felt like I was reading different characters. The 9 and 11 year old characters in the books are more like 13 and 15 year olds. It’s just all so weak. Not a fan of this one at all. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

dark emotional inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

No one does it like Kristin Hannah. What an inspiring take on the role of women in war times. 

I could not put this book down! Very much appreciated the care Hannah took with writing these sisters and the journey they took both individually and together to become heroes. 

Betty by Tiffany McDaniel

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Incest, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

medium-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I picked up this book bc I fell in love w the TV series. The book is not worth your time honestly; you’ll have much more fun watching the show. (Cannot believe I’m saying that…)

The main character is insufferable and an absolute tool. The author is clearly obsessed with breasts and nudity. If you’re not into assholes, misogyny, ableism, and fat phobia- this book might not be for you. 

The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani

mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

1.0

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

Circe by Madeline Miller

dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0