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65 reviews
Beyond the Wand: The Magic & Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I originally thought this was only going to be about Tom's adventures within the Harry Potter world but it was so much more than that. He gives insight on his life before HP, during the magical fun of Hogwarts and his struggles trying to find himself after. It was funny, touching, and even emotional. Love hearing the behind of scenes. I'm totally interested in watching some of Tom's work outside of Harry Potter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol
Minor: Death and Cursing
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I also think the reveal of the interviewer being Julia left me with the question of did maybe Billy or Daisy lie about anything as to conceal the truth from Camilla and Billy’s daughter? Such as IF they might’ve taken things farther? Because to me, I understand them lusting for each other but to call it love when they had never even been together more than an ‘almost’ kiss….meh I don’t buy it. It’s honestly quite sad. I feel most sad for Camilla tbh. Like here you are raising this man’s 3 children and you know he’s infatuated with his co-singer. And she just stays with him? Billy didn’t deserve either of those women.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I started seeing the ads for the show everywhere, and the overall aesthetic definitely intrigued me so I picked up the book to read before diving into the show.
From the start, I can agree with lots of other reviewers on here when they said it was hard to get into due the the interview-esque writing style. I felt like I couldn’t immerse myself fully into the story, or completely understand the characters. I wish the author would’ve spliced in scenes from the past, written regularly from maybe Daisy or Billy’s POV (or even the other band mates) to take a break from the interviews and allow us to experience their story while it happened. It was really slow for me up until the halfway point then it picks up.
I loved Daisy and Karen the most.
Overall, a decent read! I’m really excited to start the show now and see what’s the same/what they changed from the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Drug use, and Misogyny
Moderate: Infidelity and Abortion
Minor: Pregnancy
Coffee, Shopping, Murder, Love by Carlos Allende
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
This is possibly unfortunately the worst book I've ever read. Let me explain.
From the title to the summary on the back of the book, I went into this thinking this would be a combination of a dark but funny story as it is described. The summary initially reminded me of the You series by Caroline Kepnes so I was eager to read something along those lines but with LGBT and POC representation.
The "humor" in the story is riddled with racism, fatphobia and misogyny to the point where it doesn't feel funny or enjoyable to read. I was shocked at most of the statements made by these characters and their motives behind their actions.
For lack of a better word, it just felt gross? The overtly nasty comments about Jignesh's weight and sexuality, toppled with the horribly boring, racist, gold-digging and annoying character Charlie, made me mentally check out of this story very quickly. I forced myself to get through it.
The pacing also makes no sense. The beginning was great (and tbh the only reason I'm not giving this book a 0 star rating) it was fast and steady. Up until the point where Manuel dies Then suddenly there is a time jump and after that the whole middle of the story is a snooze fest. Also, the ending was all over the place.
And on top of that, adding in a sleuth of new characters towards the end of the story (Deirdre, Jana, the detective, Anthony and Ricky) was so unnecessary. That one chapter between Ricky and Anthony was so out of place. And the ending made no sense!!! Random gay cruise??? Murat dying??? So what, Jignesh and Charlie just get away with it, yet 3 of Jignesh's coworkers are now missing/dead and no one suspects him?! It was so confusing.
Overall, there's a way of making dark comedy without just literally offending every single subculture you can think of. I was excited to read a novel by a hispanic, gay author but now I feel extremely disappointed and embarrassed for my own communities.
From the title to the summary on the back of the book, I went into this thinking this would be a combination of a dark but funny story as it is described. The summary initially reminded me of the You series by Caroline Kepnes so I was eager to read something along those lines but with LGBT and POC representation.
The "humor" in the story is riddled with racism, fatphobia and misogyny to the point where it doesn't feel funny or enjoyable to read. I was shocked at most of the statements made by these characters and their motives behind their actions.
For lack of a better word, it just felt gross? The overtly nasty comments about Jignesh's weight and sexuality, toppled with the horribly boring, racist, gold-digging and annoying character Charlie, made me mentally check out of this story very quickly. I forced myself to get through it.
The pacing also makes no sense. The beginning was great (and tbh the only reason I'm not giving this book a 0 star rating) it was fast and steady.
Overall, there's a way of making dark comedy without just literally offending every single subculture you can think of. I was excited to read a novel by a hispanic, gay author but now I feel extremely disappointed and embarrassed for my own communities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Murder, Sexual content, Death, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Alcohol, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Drug use, and Injury/Injury detail
I highly do not recommend this book.
Something Missing by Matthew Dicks
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Officially DNFing this. I started it back in December of 2021 and just never got interested in it enough again to continue reading it. Maybe some day I’ll get back to it.
How Y'All Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived by Leslie Jordan
Oh boy, I loved this. I highly recommend the audiobook because it's so immersive hearing Leslie tell these stories of his life. He gives his wise words, funny memories, sad retellings and everything in between. Real shame about his death. Such a light in this dark universe. Fun and quick listen.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
"Happiness is a choice, happiness is a habit and happiness is something you have to work hard at. It does not just happen."
Oh boy, I loved this. I highly recommend the audiobook because it's so immersive hearing Leslie tell these stories of his life. He gives his wise words, funny memories, sad retellings and everything in between. Real shame about his death. Such a light in this dark universe. Fun and quick listen.
"So to all my dear new friends, this is not goodbye forever. It's only goodbye for now. Goodbye til I get revved up and ready to launch into a whole bunch of new stories. See you then."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Addiction, and Homophobia
Moderate: Mass/school shootings
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
As someone who ADORED the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series (Pip is my GIRL), I was very excited to read this book and went in with high expectations. And let me say, it did not disappoint!
I read this so fast. I think it being set in one place for the whole book, along with the suspense, made it so I didn't want to put the book down! I also haven't read a tense mystery like this in awhile, so it was a great way to get back into it.
I do think the ending could've been more fleshed out, it felt slightly rushed compared to everything else. But damn, these characters were complex and mysterious.
I know my girl Holly Jackson, and she is good with twists. So from the jump, I was trying to guess who was the one in on it.
Giving away the ending so spoilers ahead!
Right away, I narrowed it down to Reyna, Red and Arthur. Reyna because she was driving, Red because she was the main character for a reason and Arthur because if you paid attention, when the GPS went out he said something along the lines of having the route up from when he was directing Red. So when the sniper said 'they were meant to be there', I knew it had to be one of them, most likely Arthur, which I was right about!!! When it was confirmed when he broke the walkie talkie I GASPED.
I think the biggest shock was how quickly Olivier turned on everyone. Even his own sister!!! He was all about self preservation and it was scary to see how much he was spiraling. I really thought he was gonna kill someone in the end, but he got what he deserved.
Arthur was extremely complicated...I think after Don and Joyce were killed he should've come clean right then and there. I didn't really care for his little note at the end about killing Catherine, wanting to meet with Red one last time. I feel like if he got killed off it may have been more impactful? Being that he really did have feelings for Red, didn't want to go into this family business, him apologizing and dying would've felt fitting.
I wish we got more time with Catherine Lavoy! Maybe a switched perspective or something because how could she kill her own best friend!?!? I would have loved to see what led her down that path of lies and crime. Poor Maddy.
Red mentions that curtain pattern that reminds her of something the whole book and we never figure out what it looked like!!
I read this so fast. I think it being set in one place for the whole book, along with the suspense, made it so I didn't want to put the book down! I also haven't read a tense mystery like this in awhile, so it was a great way to get back into it.
I do think the ending could've been more fleshed out, it felt slightly rushed compared to everything else. But damn, these characters were complex and mysterious.
I know my girl Holly Jackson, and she is good with twists. So from the jump, I was trying to guess who was the one in on it.
Giving away the ending so spoilers ahead!
I think the biggest shock was how quickly Olivier turned on everyone. Even his own sister!!! He was all about self preservation and it was scary to see how much he was spiraling. I really thought he was gonna kill someone in the end, but he got what he deserved.
Arthur was extremely complicated...I think after Don and Joyce were killed he should've come clean right then and there. I didn't really care for his little note at the end about killing Catherine, wanting to meet with Red one last time. I feel like if he got killed off it may have been more impactful? Being that he really did have feelings for Red, didn't want to go into this family business, him apologizing and dying would've felt fitting.
I wish we got more time with Catherine Lavoy! Maybe a switched perspective or something because how could she kill her own best friend!?!? I would have loved to see what led her down that path of lies and crime. Poor Maddy.
Red mentions that curtain pattern that reminds her of something the whole book and we never figure out what it looked like!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Body horror, Violence, Murder, and Torture
Moderate: Physical abuse, Alcohol, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Lore Olympus: Volume Three by Rachel Smythe
dark
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
Forgot to review, I just love Lore Olympus. I'm actually catching up on WebToon right now.
Spare by Prince Harry
Look. I am not someone who has cared or even known much of the royal family. I am actually named after Princess Diana (my mother adored her, and she actually passed two weeks before I was born) so I have always felt a respect and love towards her.
All I know is, this man who was once a boy, was born into a royal family, with a destiny that was chosen before he was born. He never chose this life. Yes, he is greatly privileged, and I see he does try to acknowledge that privilege while also trying to claim a life of his own.
When Harry mentions why this book is called "Spare", meaning Will was the heir and he was the spare; the second choice, the 'only if', the one forgotten about...it hurt my heart for the little boy who lost his mother way too young. Who didn't have the right support to get through that. Not saying he's perfect or a saint, as he himself points out his massive flaws. But, it's crushing.
Spare is about reclaiming his life and story because he has never once been able to control the narrative of himself in a world he never chose to be in. I hope he, Meghan and his children live peaceful and happy lives. And it also felt like an Ode to Princess Diana.
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
For my first audiobook, I enjoyed his readings. I felt like I really wanted to listen to him account his own life, and I feel like it was an extra insight into his life and feelings when you can hear his emotions yourself which is why I went with the audiobook format.
The beginning was great but I will say, the whole middle section dragged. I had my speed on 1.3x at one point just to get through it. He talks a lot about his time in army, which of course is very important and integral to his life. But, there were too many recounts of singlar stories or interactions that I personally felt did not add anything to this book.
If you watched the Harry & Meghan documentary, you would already know almost the whole ending of this book - even some moments feel word for word of what they discussed in the doc so it was a bit repetitive.
I think one thing most people are a bit surprised about is just how distant his relationship with his brother has been his entire life. William from Harry's perspective is very cold, it's really sad to hear. Especially for the fact that they both endured the lost of their mother.
Speaking of Diana, after her death, Harry was left completely traumatized and shame on everyone who wasn't there for him throughout the years after. You can hear it in his voice how, even to this day, it still feels like it was yesterday. It's so sad.
The beginning was great but I will say, the whole middle section dragged. I had my speed on 1.3x at one point just to get through it. He talks a lot about his time in army, which of course is very important and integral to his life. But, there were too many recounts of singlar stories or interactions that I personally felt did not add anything to this book.
If you watched the Harry & Meghan documentary, you would already know almost the whole ending of this book - even some moments feel word for word of what they discussed in the doc so it was a bit repetitive.
Speaking of Diana, after her death, Harry was left completely traumatized and shame on everyone who wasn't there for him throughout the years after. You can hear it in his voice how, even to this day, it still feels like it was yesterday. It's so sad.
Final thoughts? First of all, the paparazzi is a glorified stalking job. It's disgusting.
I see people online saying these things about Harry and Meghan: "Oh I thought they wanted to live privately? Why the press now? Why the interviews, docs, books etc? Isn't it hypocritical?"
I see people online saying these things about Harry and Meghan: "Oh I thought they wanted to live privately? Why the press now? Why the interviews, docs, books etc? Isn't it hypocritical?"
Look. I am not someone who has cared or even known much of the royal family. I am actually named after Princess Diana (my mother adored her, and she actually passed two weeks before I was born) so I have always felt a respect and love towards her.
All I know is, this man who was once a boy, was born into a royal family, with a destiny that was chosen before he was born. He never chose this life. Yes, he is greatly privileged, and I see he does try to acknowledge that privilege while also trying to claim a life of his own.
When Harry mentions why this book is called "Spare", meaning Will was the heir and he was the spare; the second choice, the 'only if', the one forgotten about...it hurt my heart for the little boy who lost his mother way too young. Who didn't have the right support to get through that. Not saying he's perfect or a saint, as he himself points out his massive flaws. But, it's crushing.
Spare is about reclaiming his life and story because he has never once been able to control the narrative of himself in a world he never chose to be in. I hope he, Meghan and his children live peaceful and happy lives. And it also felt like an Ode to Princess Diana.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Classism, War, Stalking, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Miscarriage, Car accident, Drug use, and Antisemitism
Season of Love by Helena Greer
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I have lots of thoughts...My main qualm with this book was that I wish it didn't repeat itself so much. By the third act, I was skimming at that point because it was so overkill. Also, it's all basically a trauma dump. For a book called Season of Love....I expected a bit more joy but god it's so sad.
I was more interested in the side characters like Hannah, The Matthew's and Cass than the main two! (I'm actually am intrigued to read the second book set to come out Fall 2023 about Hannah and Blue)
Unfortunately, I really disliked Noelle and made it difficult to read her parts. She's way too overly judgmental and I found she had almost no redeeming qualities. Miriam was alright but nothing about her really made me root for her. I also found her artist career completely unrealistic?
Hated the 'fade to black' before the intimate *spice* moments, I feel like I might've understood Noelle and Miriam's relationship more deeply.
I'm going to mark the rest as spoilers because I'm about to go into DETAIL:
Wow, where do I start...Noelle and Miriam have so many issues, I think they both needed some serious therapy or some more time before committing to this relationship.
Noelle from the start is very judgemental of Miri, but never took a MOMENT to think "Hey, this girl left her entire family and hasn't come back for years. That's strange. Something traumatic must've happened to her for her to do that." Especially with Noelle's background with her parents' being alcoholics, herself being a recovering alcoholic, and all of her own trauma she has experienced, you'd think she would not judge people so quickly.
I found her incredibly rude and just an outright hypocrite. When they find out Miri's father is trying to ruin everything, and Miri has that moment where she wants to run again, why didn't Noelle just give the girl time to THINK???? Her father was horrible to her, she knows this and yet blames Miriam for being scared, and her first thought going back to what she knows which is to run. Uh, hello she left for YEARS and didn't speak with her literal family yet you think she'd immediately be cured from her traumatic past and stay for someone she's known for a few months?? Noelle ultimately only thinks for herself and what outcome benefits her.
Miriam was more digestible. Her art selling for thousands of dollars at the end made no sense to me though because wasn't Tara taking care of her financially? I still don't understand the whole fiance thing, what was the point of all that? It added nothing to the story. I feel like her and Tara being partners would've left the same impact. Or if Miriam was just single to begin with. But speaking of Tara, she was actually a very interesting character and I'm sad she was just washed down to a ridged person.
Noelle and Miriam's love story was all over the place, started out bad and felt rushed. Miriam leaves her so called fiance and has already for the most part moved onto Noelle within a day. Which again, Noelle suddenly is head over heels for Miri after totally being a horrible person towards her.
Also, did anyone else think Cole was gay? Was he straight? Did I miss something?
I loved Miri’s cousin Hannah and the little insight we get into her complicated relationship with Levi. God, that ending with them!?!?!? Why couldn't we have gotten more of that!!!!! That's why I wanna give this next book a chance!!!
I also did not for the life of me understand the whole abusive father angle. Why would he hate his daughter so much just because she didn't want to go into his business? And for him after all these years to still actively try and harm her future? The whole drug scheme? Ziva's character felt so surface level and maybe that's the point of her character but if so, why would she still be invited around when she actively didn't do anything to help her own daughter?
Cass seemed great and I blame nothing on her.
Overall the story is about saving the Carrigan's, but it spends waaaaaaaaaay too much time on that for it to be solved so quickly in the end.
I was more interested in the side characters like Hannah, The Matthew's and Cass than the main two! (I'm actually am intrigued to read the second book set to come out Fall 2023 about Hannah and Blue)
Unfortunately, I really disliked Noelle and made it difficult to read her parts. She's way too overly judgmental and I found she had almost no redeeming qualities. Miriam was alright but nothing about her really made me root for her. I also found her artist career completely unrealistic?
Hated the 'fade to black' before the intimate *spice* moments, I feel like I might've understood Noelle and Miriam's relationship more deeply.
I'm going to mark the rest as spoilers because I'm about to go into DETAIL:
Wow, where do I start...Noelle and Miriam have so many issues, I think they both needed some serious therapy or some more time before committing to this relationship.
Noelle from the start is very judgemental of Miri, but never took a MOMENT to think "Hey, this girl left her entire family and hasn't come back for years. That's strange. Something traumatic must've happened to her for her to do that." Especially with Noelle's background with her parents' being alcoholics, herself being a recovering alcoholic, and all of her own trauma she has experienced, you'd think she would not judge people so quickly.
I found her incredibly rude and just an outright hypocrite. When they find out Miri's father is trying to ruin everything, and Miri has that moment where she wants to run again, why didn't Noelle just give the girl time to THINK???? Her father was horrible to her, she knows this and yet blames Miriam for being scared, and her first thought going back to what she knows which is to run. Uh, hello she left for YEARS and didn't speak with her literal family yet you think she'd immediately be cured from her traumatic past and stay for someone she's known for a few months?? Noelle ultimately only thinks for herself and what outcome benefits her.
Miriam was more digestible. Her art selling for thousands of dollars at the end made no sense to me though because wasn't Tara taking care of her financially? I still don't understand the whole fiance thing, what was the point of all that? It added nothing to the story. I feel like her and Tara being partners would've left the same impact. Or if Miriam was just single to begin with. But speaking of Tara, she was actually a very interesting character and I'm sad she was just washed down to a ridged person.
Noelle and Miriam's love story was all over the place, started out bad and felt rushed. Miriam leaves her so called fiance and has already for the most part moved onto Noelle within a day. Which again, Noelle suddenly is head over heels for Miri after totally being a horrible person towards her.
Also, did anyone else think Cole was gay? Was he straight? Did I miss something?
I loved Miri’s cousin Hannah and the little insight we get into her complicated relationship with Levi. God, that ending with them!?!?!? Why couldn't we have gotten more of that!!!!! That's why I wanna give this next book a chance!!!
I also did not for the life of me understand the whole abusive father angle. Why would he hate his daughter so much just because she didn't want to go into his business? And for him after all these years to still actively try and harm her future? The whole drug scheme? Ziva's character felt so surface level and maybe that's the point of her character but if so, why would she still be invited around when she actively didn't do anything to help her own daughter?
Cass seemed great and I blame nothing on her.
Overall the story is about saving the Carrigan's, but it spends waaaaaaaaaay too much time on that for it to be solved so quickly in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Addiction
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A little light holiday romance with lots of spice! I really liked this! It was kinda predictable but fun to read all the same. I wish we actually got more of the book from Bee's perspective, especially at the spicer bits it kept switching back to Nolan's POV. I really loved Bee, everything she stood for and how kind she was. She was a great character.
I also enjoyed the range of different characters and their little quirks. The whole vibe made me want to watch some Hallmark movies to be honest.
Detailed thoughts below:
So quite honestly, I don't think they would've actually ended up together. The relationship felt more like lust at first sight and not love. Nolan constantly referred to Bee as Bianca Von Honey and the porn star as if she wasn't a real person really pissed me off. I think they were caught up in the atmosphere of the movie and the lust for one another that once they left, I don't know if I would have envisioned them to be together..I mean 90% of the interactions were them having s*x.
You can be heavily attracted to someone without thinking of s*x every time you interact with them and I think Nolan only wanted her for what he imagined his fantasy would be. Espeically the part after Bee got knocked over by the horse and was out for a whole day, she goes to see him and they instantly start going at it again was the part where I was like okay we get it enoughhhhhhhh.
At the end when even Bee realizes maybe it is all just a fantasy to him, I was thinking YESSS BEEEEEE DO YOUR OWN THINNNNNG but alas, they end up together which I'm not mad about!
Side note, I knew from the moment they took the picture with the stripper that it was going to be a recipe for disaster later on.
I also enjoyed the range of different characters and their little quirks. The whole vibe made me want to watch some Hallmark movies to be honest.
Detailed thoughts below:
You can be heavily attracted to someone without thinking of s*x every time you interact with them and I think Nolan only wanted her for what he imagined his fantasy would be. Espeically the part after Bee got knocked over by the horse and was out for a whole day, she goes to see him and they instantly start going at it again was the part where I was like okay we get it enoughhhhhhhh.
At the end when even Bee realizes maybe it is all just a fantasy to him, I was thinking YESSS BEEEEEE DO YOUR OWN THINNNNNG but alas, they end up together which I'm not mad about!
Side note, I knew from the moment they took the picture with the stripper that it was going to be a recipe for disaster later on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, and Biphobia