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caitlyn_baldwin's reviews
607 reviews
Empty Theatre by Jac Jemc
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A thoroughly tragicomic novel that reads like if Bravo broke into the literary scene. We follow Sisi and Ludwig on their melancholic and fanciful journeys while they live their lives under a 19th century magnifying glass. Aptly named, I thought it was interesting how the narrative skated between both the literal and metaphorical performances taking place within the motley crew of the European aristocracy present.
Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
A powerful nonfiction read covering the dark history of the intersectionality of race, slavery then civil rights, and mental institutionalization on the grounds of the Crownsville Hospital. Hylton uses a blend of stories from both patients, employees, and their respective families to paint the pervasively sinister history of Crownsville and how it touched their lives. The volume is both thoroughly researched and deeply personal, an incredibly meaningful work for any audience.
Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
A really interesting and well researched bit of American history! I thought she presented the information in a way that kept your attention and was easily accessible to the layperson. Henry Ford was one wild dude.
How to Dance by Jason B. Dutton
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Once I got into this one, I had a hard time putting it down! I think that Jason really brings a fresh voice and perspective to romance with How to Dance. The dynamic between Nick and Hayley is so powerful because they build a friendship on this straightforwardness and making a space where they don’t have to “perform” with each other, where they can just meet each other where they’re at. The chemistry between them is great and the banter is fantastic and I thought there was a definite cleverness to the writing. I absolutely ate it up watching Hayley and Nick dance together, both literally and figuratively. I’m so glad to have been able to meet Jason on the Columbus literary scene and be able to appreciate what he’s shared with all of us.
Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“Most of the trouble in life comes from misunderstanding, I think”
Another heartwarming installment on our friend Anne and the rest of the colorful characters of Avonlea. I think that the way that Montgomery writes and the pacing she uses really evokes a sense of ambling on in life with Anne as she grows up. I think that she also does a really good job of taking characters that are a bit rough around the edges upon first introduction and showing what feels like authentic character growth. I was so pleased that Anne finally got to go to college for her BA, and watching how the dynamic between Gilbert and Anne changes and grows over the years is so endearing.
Another heartwarming installment on our friend Anne and the rest of the colorful characters of Avonlea. I think that the way that Montgomery writes and the pacing she uses really evokes a sense of ambling on in life with Anne as she grows up. I think that she also does a really good job of taking characters that are a bit rough around the edges upon first introduction and showing what feels like authentic character growth. I was so pleased that Anne finally got to go to college for her BA, and watching how the dynamic between Gilbert and Anne changes and grows over the years is so endearing.
A Power Unbound by Freya Marske
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.75
“I would take your heart between my ribs and guard it like my own”
A stellar conclusion to the Last Binding series. I think that the third installment does well to try to clean up and tie together some of the disconnect that we saw in the sequel. I love Alan my little Italian short king!! It was really interesting to see how the pieces from the first two novels really fit together in the scheme of the series universe and I absolutely adored the group of somewhat unlikely comrades.
A stellar conclusion to the Last Binding series. I think that the third installment does well to try to clean up and tie together some of the disconnect that we saw in the sequel. I love Alan my little Italian short king!! It was really interesting to see how the pieces from the first two novels really fit together in the scheme of the series universe and I absolutely adored the group of somewhat unlikely comrades.
The Iliad by Homer
adventurous
funny
slow-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
“But human life does not come back again after it passes through the fence of teeth. No trade or raiding can recover it.”
A fierce epic detailing the grueling Trojan War. I am literally standing and applauding Emily Wilson after finishing. I think this translation offers enriching nuance to the story that’s been told throughout the centuries. The way the prose flows evokes a feeling that calls back to its history as an oral tradition. A beautiful work, truly.
A fierce epic detailing the grueling Trojan War. I am literally standing and applauding Emily Wilson after finishing. I think this translation offers enriching nuance to the story that’s been told throughout the centuries. The way the prose flows evokes a feeling that calls back to its history as an oral tradition. A beautiful work, truly.