berrybiaful's reviews
69 reviews

The Soul Feud by Juniper Jackson

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

I received this ARC as part of a giveaway on The StoryGraph.

4 stars!

This was a cute and heartfelt story. I don't usually like enemies-to-lovers and most romances that are labelled as such really aren't, but this one had me hooked!

This book definitely tackled classism, racism and gentrification in a way that didn't overwhelm and take away from the story or romance. The pacing was was a little hit-and-miss at times, however.

I cried near the end omg...

Definitely a read you should pick up when released! 

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The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.0

4 stars!! 

This was a comfy read, and had a nice pace considering the short length. I really enjoyed it and breezed through it because I was so engrossed with the plot and loved the characters 💜

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Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths by Natalie Haynes

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adventurous challenging informative medium-paced

4.25

4.25/5

I really enjoyed this! I do exercise a bit of caution when delving into reads such as this one, in case the feminist takes were of the white feminist brand, but that wasn't the case here. 

Natalie Haynes brilliantly dissects the myths in which these women were apart of and offers new perspectives of their characters. I especially enjoyed the chapters on Helen and Penelope. 

However, I did feel as if she would digress in a few places and leave me forgetting what the main point was or how a certain tale related to the women she was talking about. 

This was a good book to start of my 2023 reading year!

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A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

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

5.0

 5 stars!!!

Cosy and contemplative, A Pslam for the Wild-Built is truly a must-read for those of us who are feeling burned out and questioning their lives and what we're doing in this world.

This story is character driven, and the character (who is non-binary) is someone who I could really relate to. I, too, have always wanted to leave the city and escape to the wilderness. I was definitely questioning my existence while reading this, but in a good way.

I loved the character if Mosscap and the chemistry between Mosscap and Dex was wholesome. We love a good platonic relationship 👏🏼

The world building was fantastic and I truly felt as if I was sucked into the book thanks to the vivid descriptions.

If you can, please listen to the audiobook, as the performance was top-notch. 
Notes on Love by Naaz Spencer

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hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

 4 stars!!

i loved this so much! it was so nice to see a brown FMC and she was written so well

this did somewhat follow the typical romance formula, but the ~miscommunication~ wasn't outlandish and made sense. i liked out the main leads worked things out too

ALL THE CHARACTERS WERE LOVEABLE!! and i enjoyed the pacing of the book - it kept me interested throughout

PLEASE DOWNLOAD AND READ THE EXTENDED EPILOGUE...i cried omg, how sweet!

 
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
i'm a mood reader and just not in the mood for politics tbh
World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

 This book was like receiving a warm hug each chapter. It was heart-warming yet heart-breaking and I resonated with so much of the author's experiences.

I love learning about plants and animals, but I also love learning about people's experiences.

I will definitely be picking this book up again if I need some comfort, some reassurance. 
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-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? No

5.0

 WHAT A FANTASTIC BOOK!!

This was a wonderfully magical journey, with such depth and meaning. The prose was exactly to my tastes, and mirrors my own writing style so much. The metaphors and symbolism were so well thought out.

The way each tale linked to the present story and past was genius! I was in awe with how everything was connected and it made sense! This book could have been confusing, but it wasn't. Everything was strung together so well and effortlessly.

And the characters! I loved the diversity and how each character had unique personalities and qualities. I truly loved them all.

The world building was exquisite and I could picture the entire story in my mind, like a film. Each intricate detail comes to life and really makes you resonate with the story deeply.

I wish I could experience this book for the first time all over again! Will definitely be picking up The Night Circus as soon as I can!! 
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

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3.0

I liked this a lot! The grumpy/sunshine trope is one of my faves but what had me was the character development. It was all very well-done and in character and not too rushed. I loved the side characters too (the ones in Westport, anyway)!

It was nicely paced and the spicy scenes were *chef's kiss*.

But ultimately, it was very white lmao!!!

Still, I am excited to read Hannah and Fox's story, which I have a feeling I'll like more.