becca_osborn's reviews
817 reviews

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

informative reflective sad slow-paced

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

5.0

Pachinko is a Korean gambling game. A young Korean girl who is pregnant out of wedlock is selected to be married by a minister who moves them to Japan for work. In the midst of war, they are doing everything they can to scrape by, including living with her husband's brother and wife. This story follows this family through several generations as they see that the lot of life is similar to the gambling process Pachinko - sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't - you just have to know when to quit while you're ahead or you may lose everything. Beautiful characters in a harsh reality, and I especially loved the way Lee absolutely gutted us with the suddenness of so many characters dying or having awful things happen to them. The  writing is absolutely impeccable. I also learned a lot about the Korean/Japanese experience of being the "model" race. Recommended. 

Pairings: One Hundred Years of Solitude, Homegoing

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.25

I really liked this book more than the first one because Stargirl was the main character, and we got to see more how her mind worked. We got to see her intentions (both good and bad) and how even though she is extraordinary, she is also just a regular teen girl who is finding herself. Highly recommended. 

Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene H. Peterson

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

4.75

A great book to read for anyone looking for inspiration from the hard things of life or generally deconstructing. Glennon's diction is incredible and the way she weaves this story throughout the chapters is really a work of art. Recommended. 

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

I watched the movie on Disney Plus and loved it, and I knew I had to read the book. I really liked the book and the details that were added, but I was hoping for a little bit more. While Stargirl is supposed to be mysterious, I felt like there was almost too much mystery around her for the plot to carry her, but I do find a lot of the concerns in the book very true and real for the intended audience. I'm hoping more is answered in the second book. Also, we all need a porcupine tie.

 

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

1.0

When I found out Dickens was paid by "installment", I gave up on this book. I might read the abridged version someday.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

4.0

This is a memoir-type book of Plath's time in college while she was 'put away.' Plath's use of the bell jar itself is fantastic, and she is an excellent writer. I specifically enjoyed her descriptions of Doreen. It's a shame that she took her own life so young, but I'm thankful for what she contributed - she had excellent, innovative, evocative imagery.

You're Only Old Once! by Dr. Seuss, A.S. Geisel

3.0

The Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan

4.0

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

3.0