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beccasllibrary's reviews
224 reviews
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
3.5
Found myself both enjoying this and frustrated by it. Very great atmosphere and well rounded characters with unique identities outside of their relationship that remain for the entirety of the plot. The first half set up a great dynamic between the two characters as well as their other struggles. Halfway through I thought this would be 4.5 or higher when they had established a relationship but were still struggling with limerence and setting boundaries. This was incredibly refreshing in a genre where a relationship often fixes all problems and is seen as the most important part of a person's story rather than a part of it requiring balance like any other. I would have loved to see the characters learn hwo to communicate and set boundaries before eventually finding a balance in their relationship that can be sustained long-term. However, the multiple breakups/ghosting before getting back together irked me. I wish these ideas were explored without relying on the third act (and forth act, just for good measure) breakup to keep the story going . The side characters were a little flat but that's most romance books so whatever. The barista part was uncomfy. A fun hallmark type holiday book that had potential to do something really unique with the themes it explored but lost me at the end.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
3.5
Did not have the attention span to read this while in a reading slump. I liked it but couldn't follow it. I will come back to it when I have more energy for reading. Much more complex than I anticipated but still enjoyable and had a great setting and twist. Looking forward to continuing.
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
4.5
A slow but consistently tense story of the struggle to escape generational trauma and move forward. Watching the panic and tension in the character's lives as it becomes evident that they can find an escape from their past is incredibly well done. The gore is intense but by far overshadowed by how well the tension and dread is built up. This tells a story not just featuring indigenous characters but about them, it could not exist effectively without the cultural context in which it takes place. The characters feel incredibly real and force you to understand their interests and perspectives (I never thought I'd read a book that makes basketball and motorcycles interesting) but because the characters' interests, histories, and themes play into the plot every element becomes interesting. The characters are unique and could not be interchanged for one another even in a book with each other. The ending somehow resolved an impossible situation, reflecting the central themes of ending trauma cycles. The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is that I felt not every character was as fleshed out as the rest and the changing POVs was jarring when the first part establishes a single POV
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
4.0
A fantastic memoir following the story of growing up in a strict Rastafarian family facing poverty, neocolonist systems, and biased treatment from political and education systems. Sinclair's background as a poet shows through beautiful prose that creates an incredibly vivid setting and description of her emotional journey. Without preaching at the audience, Safiya says so much about religion, Jamaica's economic reliance on tourism at the expense of its citizens, and family bonds. This is absolutely beautiful and I am so glad I picked it up.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
3.0
Like many litfics, Americanah follows our main character through several years of her life without having a central plot. While this is interesting, it means that the most interesting storylines of the book are often resolved in only a few chapters. This can be effective when the main character's story or prose are gripping enough but the conclusion of the main character's story is given away immediately through a time jump chapter. The prose is fine but not enough to carry the story.
The highlight of the book is the author's insight into the parts of American culture that she is offput and confused by. These statements are everything from heartbreaking to humorous. I enjoyed the book and am glad I read it but felt myself having to remind myself to pick it up rather than being drawn to it.
The highlight of the book is the author's insight into the parts of American culture that she is offput and confused by. These statements are everything from heartbreaking to humorous. I enjoyed the book and am glad I read it but felt myself having to remind myself to pick it up rather than being drawn to it.