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baponthecob's reviews
82 reviews
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
adventurous
hopeful
fast-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? Yes
4.0
the pacing was on the fast side for me. this book couldve benefitred from a little more nuance, but I understand that's not the kind of story everyone wants to tell.
the characters and relationships were realistic, although I think the romance was too rushed. so was the resolution. realistically, things get messy and there are ups and downs, and awkwardness, and unsureness before you can really go back to being true friends with someone you've disconnected from. I'm envious of the optimistic ending, but i think that makes me appreciate it more
I think I read this book at the right time in my life. it's given me hope that maybe things will turn out ok
the characters and relationships were realistic, although I think the romance was too rushed. so was the resolution.
I think I read this book at the right time in my life. it's given me hope that maybe things will turn out ok
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Bullying
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Misogyny, Suicide, Abortion, Death of parent, War
Minor: Body shaming, Homophobia, Blood, Vomit
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.5
A truly phenomenal book. Definitely holds up 9 years after the first time I read it in grade school.
My only real criticism is that we dont see enough of the Owenses. It really seems like Silas is the one who raised Bod. (I mean, Bod literally called him dad that one time.)
Of course, I know that his parents love him so much, but it would have been amazing to see them being a family more often.
It feels like for the most part, they dismissed Bod a lot bc they wanted to protect him. Silas was the only one who was straight with him.
Also, I'm glad the massive fucking tree trunk eventually fell out of Miss Lupescu's ass, but why was she such an asshole at first anyway???
Overall, I loved seeing Bod grow up and learn about the world and make friends :( it was really heartwarming to see how much everyone in the graveyard cared about him.
The ending was really bittersweet, and it hits different as someone who is supposed to have hit adulthood and gained independence already. But, yk, the time comes when it comes.
My only real criticism is that we dont see enough of the Owenses. It really seems like Silas is the one who raised Bod. (I mean, Bod literally called him dad that one time.)
Of course, I know that his parents love him so much, but it would have been amazing to see them being a family more often.
It feels like for the most part, they dismissed Bod a lot bc they wanted to protect him. Silas was the only one who was straight with him.
Also, I'm glad the massive fucking tree trunk eventually fell out of Miss Lupescu's ass, but why was she such an asshole at first anyway???
Overall, I loved seeing Bod grow up and learn about the world and make friends :( it was really heartwarming to see how much everyone in the graveyard cared about him.
The ending was really bittersweet, and it hits different as someone who is supposed to have hit adulthood and gained independence already. But, yk, the time comes when it comes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Blood, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Car accident, Alcohol
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Honestly I wasn't initially that compelled by a first contact story, but I became really invested in the plot and characters??? April May felt so real. She's kind of a shit, but that's the point. I relate to the parts of her that are impulsive and want to sabotage her relationships and are overly prideful to hide how she's deeply insecure. She wasn't some kind of hero; she was just. A person.
I love how she had to learn that she couldnt do everything by herself. She had to let go of her pride and allow herself to be vulnerable, and to admit that she needs help.
The writing style threw me off at first bc it was so casual, but I ended up liking it. Hearing it on an audiobook made it feel like something a regular person actually documented. Kind of refreshing compared to what I've read lately
The pacing was fast for me, but it didnt bother me too much. Maybe some of April's traits could have been built up to instead of her kind of info dumping before something happened. But overall, not a big deal
That cliffhanger at the end should be illegal though 😔 jail
I love how she had to learn that she couldnt do everything by herself. She had to let go of her pride and allow herself to be vulnerable, and to admit that she needs help.
The writing style threw me off at first bc it was so casual, but I ended up liking it. Hearing it on an audiobook made it feel like something a regular person actually documented. Kind of refreshing compared to what I've read lately
The pacing was fast for me, but it didnt bother me too much. Maybe some of April's traits could have been built up to instead of her kind of info dumping before something happened. But overall, not a big deal
That cliffhanger at the end should be illegal though 😔 jail
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Sexual content, Medical content
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don't even know how to describe what this book means to me. I haven't seen that much queer Asian representation in media, so it was amazing to see that here. Especially her family's reaction to her coming out.
I think it's more heartbreaking that everyone in Lily's life who disapprove simply don't understand. They love her and just want the best for her. Her parents, her aunt. Even Shirley must have cared about her. But that doesn't change how traumatic an experience this was for Lily. She was never really heard.
I was really pissed off at Lily's mom for getting mad at her for running away. How can you make your home an unsafe space for your child and then be mad that she doesn't want to be there? I love Lily's brother for offering to beat people up for her though.
The epilogue was bittersweet to me because she's still close with her family, but to me, it's clear that they still don't like the fact that she's gay. And yet, she's found a way to keep in touch with Kath and they're together again. She can be in both worlds, but not at the same time. It's sad, but I guess I would rather see it positively: she's able to find a way to be queer, successful, and happy despite the obstacles.
I was really pissed off at Lily's mom for getting mad at her for running away. How can you make your home an unsafe space for your child and then be mad that she doesn't want to be there? I love Lily's brother for offering to beat people up for her though.
The epilogue was bittersweet to me because she's still close with her family, but to me, it's clear that they still don't like the fact that she's gay. And yet, she's found a way to keep in touch with Kath and they're together again. She can be in both worlds, but not at the same time. It's sad, but I guess I would rather see it positively: she's able to find a way to be queer, successful, and happy despite the obstacles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Sexism, Xenophobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Miscarriage, War
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
There is absolutely nothing I would change about this book. The art is gorgeous. I fell in love with all the characters and their friendship and relationships. Elliot is the nonbinary icon I needed to see. Everyone is queer. Enough said.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit, Medical content, Death of parent
Minor: Confinement, Transphobia, Violence, Murder, Alcohol
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
There were actually a lot of things in this book that I dont usually like, but I let it slide here bc I was just enjoying the story as a whole.
There was instalove, so I didnt really understand the romance. It didnt really click for me, but the way their interactions were written were just really soft and sweet :) but yeah it was very much giving high school puppy love. Imo, at the end, Flora/Florian should have had to move on from Evelyn's death instead of joining her as a mermaid. Family was supposed to be kinda important, so I just cant see why she has just obtained a father figure and reunited with her brother only to leave them to be with a girl.
The witch arc also felt really rushed despite it being the longest part of the book. Actually all the parts just felt really fast to me?
I was also confused by the epilogue. But, overall, a fun read.
There was instalove, so I didnt really understand the romance. It didnt really click for me, but the way their interactions were written were just really soft and sweet :) but yeah it was very much giving high school puppy love. Imo, at the end,
The witch arc also felt really rushed despite it being the longest part of the book. Actually all the parts just felt really fast to me?
I was also confused by the epilogue. But, overall, a fun read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Slavery, Vomit, Trafficking, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Medical content
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Honestly did not expect to like this book SO MUCH????? I typically like romance as a side plot, not as the main story, but wow this was amazing??? It did not feel rushed at all, which is usually my problem with romance stories.
Also, the third act conflict was NOT MISCOMMUNICATION. I never felt frustrated with the characters because everything they did was just so thought out and made so much sense given their pasts.
I will admit, Sad Puppy Face was extremely cheesy BUT EVERYTHING ELSE WAS ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE.
Also, the third act conflict was NOT MISCOMMUNICATION. I never felt frustrated with the characters because everything they did was just so thought out and made so much sense given their pasts.
I will admit, Sad Puppy Face was extremely cheesy BUT EVERYTHING ELSE WAS ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I dont hate it????
It was a little slow bc of exposition and setup and all of that, but it wasnt bad.
The way Cinder was 16 and Kai was 18 bugged me a lot so I'm just pretending that's not a thing.
To me, they vibe more as friends. I would like to see them get closer platonically and actually bond over something and get to know each other. Bc rn their entire thing is banter and flirting.
I like Kai and Cinder as individuals. They're both sarcastic little shits lol. Sometimes it was a BIT MUCH, but it added funny bits.
All the scenes with Adri made me feel really conflicted? They tugged on my heartstrings, man. There were a lot of scenes that were just painful. /pos
Also, as a reread, I can see a lot of foreshadowing and setup for future books.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised at how this holds up. I understand why 12-year-old me liked this so much.
It was a little slow bc of exposition and setup and all of that, but it wasnt bad.
The way Cinder was 16 and Kai was 18 bugged me a lot so I'm just pretending that's not a thing.
To me, they vibe more as friends. I would like to see them get closer platonically and actually bond over something and get to know each other. Bc rn their entire thing is banter and flirting.
I like Kai and Cinder as individuals. They're both sarcastic little shits lol. Sometimes it was a BIT MUCH, but it added funny bits.
All the scenes with Adri made me feel really conflicted? They tugged on my heartstrings, man. There were a lot of scenes that were just painful. /pos
Also, as a reread, I can see a lot of foreshadowing and setup for future books.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised at how this holds up. I understand why 12-year-old me liked this so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Self harm, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
The adult/minor relationship is 18 & 16
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My brain is telling me "this book was good, but it didn't really WOW me" but also there's nothing I would change about it?
Idk I guess I was thinking that Freddy was really stupid and I was frustrated bc I couldn't relate to her. But at the same time, I know people who are like her, so the ending made me happy and hopeful for other people in my life. And the advice at the end is applicable to any kind of relationship, I think. Doesnt have to be a romantic relationship.
Idk I guess I was thinking that Freddy was really stupid and I was frustrated bc I couldn't relate to her. But at the same time, I know people who are like her, so the ending made me happy and hopeful for other people in my life. And the advice at the end is applicable to any kind of relationship, I think. Doesnt have to be a romantic relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infidelity, Abortion, Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol