bethaniesherwood's reviews
77 reviews

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

adventurous reflective fast-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

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Stalking, and Toxic relationship

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

adventurous emotional tense fast-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

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

adventurous emotional tense 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? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Classism, Child death, Child abuse, Cannibalism, Alcohol, Violence, Death, Confinement, Bullying, and Blood

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

adventurous dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Abortion, Death of parent, Sexual content, Infidelity, Death, Drug use, Cursing, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, and Grief

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Writers & Lovers by Lily King

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Grief

Minor: Misogyny, Mental illness, and Cancer

Take Heart: The Overcomer's Path through Conflict by Gary Wooden

funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

“The Bible describes us as sheep, and although this is an endearing picture in relationship with the Good Shepherd, sheep are not the brightest of animals and can easily be led astray.”

In the beginning of this book, Gary Wooden made a bold declaration. He proposed that he was about to write a book about conflict (a subject that is as touchy as it is relevant in an oversaturated market), but with a twist. He wasn’t going to rely on worldly practices. His book would be rooted in the gospel with practical examples founded on his own experiences. His success is empowering.

Masterfully written and expertly outlined, “Take Heart” approaches conflict in three phases: theology, overcoming, and resolution thereof. This combination makes for a powerful testimony of modern Christianity (without shying from the hard stuff). I read this book in one afternoon, although I wouldn’t recommend anyone else do that. It is BEEFY. By that I mean it’s a type of proclamation that requires meditation, prayer, and introspection. I would recommend reading it in smaller pieces, ruminating, and laying your findings at God’s feet. 

One of the things I mentioned whenever I shared my takes on Gary’s thoughts was that it was evident the author made this work to glorify God and help others grow closer to Him. The whole time I was reading, it felt like I was being recharged. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.

This Class is Bonkers! by J.P. Valentine

adventurous funny hopeful fast-paced

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

5.0