bookishjournal1's reviews
52 reviews

The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang

adventurous dark mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

The overall story, the writing style, and the world that Neon Yang has created in this book is amazing. The relationship between the siblings and how they are affected by their mother's treatment of them is such an tense and emotional thing to watch and I really felt heartbroken for them having to grow up like that. I liked all the fantasy elements that were explored in this book but I think I would have liked a more in depth explanation for how some of the magic system works in this world. 

The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur 허주은

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.0

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional inspiring reflective 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

5.0

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective 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

Burning Roses by S.L. Huang

challenging dark reflective sad tense fast-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

3.0

Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Panic attacks/disorders

Minor: Kidnapping

We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Physical abuse

Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? No

4.5

This is the third book in the series and I just love so much getting to watch Charlie and Nick's relationship develop. I really liked getting a new setting and watching them go with their classmates on a school trip and seeing how they interact outside of the school setting. There were a lot of cute moments but the series doesn't flinch away from portraying real life issues and I appreciate the realism that was presented. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Biphobia and Homophobia

Minor: Eating disorder

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad 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

4.0

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Hudson, Erin K Robinson

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0