bookbearreads's reviews
220 reviews

Kinky History: A Rollicking Journey through Our Sexual Past, Present, and Future by Esmé Louise James

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book was such an interesting read. It's a little tricky if your not a non-fiction reader normally, but the stories and information was quite eye opening. It does have a lot of data in some parts, but the book does focus more on how society has viewed sex from ancient times until now.   Esmé does a great job of mixing humor with information and insight.

Poison for Breakfast by Lemony Snicket

emotional inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

4.75

This book is very much a philosophy book, so if you're looking for a book like ASOUE, then you might want to look elsewhere. This is a book about a man thinking about his life and all the things that he thinks about as he goes about his day. He touches about various concepts and ideas about the world around him and within ourselves.

Wish I Could Love You: A Collection Of Failed Love Stories by Matthew H. Jones

dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

2.0

This was a very confusing collection of short stories. Some seemed to be connected, then others weren't. It was trying to follow the thoughts of the characters but they became very muddled and confusing. It's a very nihilistic view of love but it didn't translate very well to the page.  There were some good stories but overall,  it didn't work for me. 

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I can see why this is considered Christie's masterpiece. The narrative is very engaging and the twist is quite extraordinary. It's such a good puzzle for anyone who enjoys trying to solve a crime. Lord knows I didn't get it right.

Three Blind Mice and Other Stories by Agatha Christie

mysterious relaxing tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I enjoyed all the stories except for the last one.  I enjoyed reading the story very of the mousetrap to see a little bit more about it. 

This Skin Was Once Mine and Other Disturbances by Eric LaRocca

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This was a great book. The second of LaRocca's and it was very enjoyable! It definitely tells with dark and tense subject material. Check your trigger warnings.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

An amazing sequel to THITCS. I love the world Klune has created and this wonderful cast of characters in this series of novels. This novel is touching, sweet and so relevant in today's political climate. Don't ever allow yourself to be silenced or told you're different and undeserving of something just because you are you.

Jerk by Daryl Banner

emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

This is such a good romance story because it's not just about the romance. It's about finding yourself and loving yourself so you can truly love someone else. Daryl never fails to deliver a feel-good love story.

A Life of Crime by Aron Beauregard

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

For such a short book, this one packed a lot in. It is all about choices we make and the influences that lead us to make those choices and what we choose to let influence. The main character struggles a lot with his life and what he allows to let happen based on a singular experience. He gains control and loses it back and forth, but it always comes back to a pivotal moment in the story. It also has hints of trying to find meaning in one's life which is really quite interesting in a horror novel. Great job Aron!

Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke And Other Misfortunes by Eric LaRocca

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This book has the great stories that all focus on a single theme. Connection.  I loved them as they all keep me intrigued and each reflected on some type of connection. Some graphic and disturbing parts but still really good for everyone.