bottlesofale's reviews
140 reviews

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

challenging dark sad tense 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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cannibalism and Physical abuse

Great telling of todays society through a horror lens.

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

dark funny sad fast-paced

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

4.5

Horrid by Katrina Leno

dark mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

So we follow Jane as she moves back to her mom’s childhood home after a tragedy. Things start moving about in the house and tbh I would have fled in a heartbeat, but she sticks around and starts to unravel some dark family history that holds a mirror to her face.

I definitely loved the suspense also the illustrations?!?! and the art in the novel?!?!! Check out my full review on my blog:bottlesofale

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Eating disorder, Death of parent, and Mental illness

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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

Such a beautiful display of traditions and what can happen if you break them. Check out my full review on my blog: bottlesofale.com

Scale by Keith Buckley

dark emotional funny 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? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Never Look Back starts off as a typical teen summer romance in the Bronx that takes a complete LEFT TURN. Enveloping rich cultural history of the carribean, folklore and religion, and facing traumas this tale takes you for a ride. 

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

Felix Ever After really details how messy teenage love can be. Throwing in identity and self acceptance is a lot on top of navigating love and validation, but so necessary as many teens and adults deal with this everyday. I’m so happy this exists and hope that those who read it see themselves and find self love and people who love them for who they are. 

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

This is a great primer for YA readers to really dive into anti-racism and anti-racism work. It is broken down with historical takes, anecdotes and solid facts. There is learning AND implementation. The text provides activity breaks and really asks the reader how they can implement anti-racism work and how we can make it a reality wherever we stand in society. In addition, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and a lovely way to highlight Black and Brown folx.

The Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman

4.0

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds

hopeful informative sad medium-paced

5.0