Scan barcode
booksandbongs's reviews
156 reviews
The Humans by Matt Haig
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
4.5
The Humans is a sci-fi novel by Matt Haig, where a mathematics professor becomes the victim of body snatching.
My first vacation read! I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this one. I loved the reflections on humanity and enjoying the mundane. The “outside” perspective of what it means to be a human was really charming and well done. Humor is sprinkled throughout the story keeping the tone from being too heavy, but this is definitely still an emotional read.
The highlight of the book for me is towards the end when the alien gives a long list of advice to humans. While some of them are funny, a lot of them are beautiful and raw.
Even if you aren’t a sci-fi fan, this one is worth picking up. If you enjoy Haig’s writing you will probably like this one - I liked it a lot more than Midnight Library!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A paradox: The things you don’t need to live—books, art, cinema, wine, and so on—are the things you need to live.”
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
4.25
“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse”
👑REVIEW👑
The Cruel Prince is the first installment in The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black.
This one has all the themes and tropes I usually go for, and it did not disappoint! I was invested after only a few chapters. I loved the manipulation, scheming and betrayal of the courts.
I really enjoyed how complicated Madoc’s character is as a villain, there is a lot more nuance to him than I expected in the beginning. I went back and forth on Jude’s character but I like her, I really respect her willpower and she is pretty badass!
This would’ve probably been a five star for me except for the pacing of the first half, and I absolutely hated the development of Jude and Taryn’s relationship. I also would’ve loved to see more worldbuilding, I think the world is fascinating and want to know more! (Maybe I just need to read the next book)
The twist at the ending got me GOOD. I knew Jude was plotting something but I didn’t think *that* would’ve happened. I was going to finish the series either way, but now I think I need to pick up The Wicked King immediately 🤯
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Season of Love by Helena Greer
3.75
“I might be worth the risk”
Season of Love by Helena Greer is a sapphic, dual POV, closed-door holiday romance. Romance usually isn’t my go to but this one was a great feel good, cozy read.
The story focuses on Miriam, a bisexual Jewish MC who inherits 1/4 of her family’s Christmas tree farm. She must learn how to work alongside farm manager Noelle, a grumpy butch lesbian.
Romance is the main focus here, but all the characters in the story are working through real emotions and traumas, ranging from grief to addiction. These elements help to create a more detailed and nuanced story — I feel like Greer handed the elements with respect. Definitely read the trigger warnings before starting this one though 💜
At first glance, this book seems like a hallmark movie come to life. While it definitely draws on classic holiday romance themes, it is also about the damage an abusive childhood can cause, and how to find yourself (and love yourself!) after experiencing trauma.