Take a photo of a barcode or cover
bookish_bailee's reviews
111 reviews
The Stand-In by Lily Chu
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
3.0
A fun, sweet, slow-burn rom-com, with great audiobook narration! I highly recommend listening versus reading for this one.
The concept of filling in for a movie star is creative and unique, and Gracie’s characterization at its core is compelling — she struggles with her racial and personal identity, familial stresses, past workplace sexual harassment, and her mental health, all of which makes her feel authentic, relatable and easy to root for.
It was very long, with much of that length filled with Gracie’s (often repetitive) internal dialoguing, and this, for me, made the story feel drawn out and the plot/relationship/character development sort of meandering + at times unbelievable.
A little suspension of disbelief, though, and the audiobook on 1.3x speed, made for an overall enjoyable read.
The concept of filling in for a movie star is creative and unique, and Gracie’s characterization at its core is compelling — she struggles with her racial and personal identity, familial stresses, past workplace sexual harassment, and her mental health, all of which makes her feel authentic, relatable and easy to root for.
It was very long, with much of that length filled with Gracie’s (often repetitive) internal dialoguing, and this, for me, made the story feel drawn out and the plot/relationship/character development sort of meandering + at times unbelievable.
A little suspension of disbelief, though, and the audiobook on 1.3x speed, made for an overall enjoyable read.
Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
adventurous
reflective
fast-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? Yes
4.0
A quick read with a fantastically creative + relevant concept.
We drop right into the center of the action, and the quick-paced story continues steadily on from then. The setting is interesting and enveloping, the cast of characters feel authentic and full of depth, and there is strong character development throughout. I’m always impressed when a novella can accomplish all of those things without feeling rushed, shallow or choppily-paced.
We drop right into the center of the action, and the quick-paced story continues steadily on from then. The setting is interesting and enveloping, the cast of characters feel authentic and full of depth, and there is strong character development throughout. I’m always impressed when a novella can accomplish all of those things without feeling rushed, shallow or choppily-paced.
Heart, Haunt, Havoc by Freydís Moon
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Absolutely fantastic and one of my favorite books of the year, I am already sure.
As a lover of Gothics I am always looking for something that feels fresh and new — this is that. Especially for being a novella, this accomplished such a layered, well-paced, emotional story in less than 200 pages that many horror novels fall short of in 400.
The poltergeist is approached with a sort of guarded curiousity and irritation, which is a refreshing change of pace for the genre, and adds great nuance to the characters. Their individual processes of grief, guilt and healing feel convincing and visceral despite the fantastical and paranormal elements surrounding them. The characters are distinctive, authentic, and easy to fall in love with.
The prose is beautifully crafted in a way that feels effortless and elegant rather than flowery.
The pacing is excellent as well, with no weird lulls and plenty of time divided between the building romantic tension, and the horror action.
The culmination of the romance at the end left me in tears; such a satisfying ending that let go none of that tension.
So, so good.
As a lover of Gothics I am always looking for something that feels fresh and new — this is that. Especially for being a novella, this accomplished such a layered, well-paced, emotional story in less than 200 pages that many horror novels fall short of in 400.
The poltergeist is approached with a sort of guarded curiousity and irritation, which is a refreshing change of pace for the genre, and adds great nuance to the characters. Their individual processes of grief, guilt and healing feel convincing and visceral despite the fantastical and paranormal elements surrounding them. The characters are distinctive, authentic, and easy to fall in love with.
The prose is beautifully crafted in a way that feels effortless and elegant rather than flowery.
The pacing is excellent as well, with no weird lulls and plenty of time divided between the building romantic tension, and the horror action.
The culmination of the romance at the end left me in tears; such a satisfying ending that let go none of that tension.
So, so good.
The Tea Dragon Tapestry by K. O'Neill
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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? No
5.0
The Gargoyle's Captive by Katee Robert
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0