caitlyn_baldwin's reviews
617 reviews

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

adventurous funny 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? Yes

5.0

Sailor Moon Eternal Edition 6 by Naoko Takeuchi

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

dark emotional 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

5.0

“We are the same species. We're all human. It's not that people cannot understand me; it's simply that most of them don't want to”

Another stellar work by AJW! As a reader with an interest in medical history, I thought he did a really good job drawing inspiration from real historical events to create the world this novel occurs in. Also the texts he recommends in the “Note on Historical Accuracy” are both really interesting reads for anyone who is interested in learning more. Weak-stomached readers beware: much like Hell Followed with Us, there are some definitely grotesque bits you may want to skip through. 

Shipping Daphne and Silas 5eva (also loved the Ovid reference!!)

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

Such a delightful and heartwarming tale. I love to see Anne’s growth throughout the novel and how she touches the lives of the other Avonlea residents. I think it’s so beautiful to see how she opens the hearts of the Cuthberts. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

The Six: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts by Loren Grush

informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

As a little girl who dreamed of space, I knew who Sally Ride was. I thought this book was a great look into the first women to join the space travel program! I think Grush did a good job highlighting the challenges these women faced in their careers as well as their triumphs. I think this is a fantastic read in the era of NASA’s Artemis campaign.

“There was no indication that the cold was a problem” POOR JUDY 😭 also Sally + Tam 5everrr 

Sailor Moon Eternal Edition 5 by Naoko Takeuchi

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

dark funny 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

4.75

In Greta’s defense, working in a pharmacy can cause irreparable damage to the psyche lol. I think this novel focuses really heavily on trauma and how the ways we handle it can bleed into nearly every facet in your life. I feel like Beagin was super exacting in her specificity when it comes to describing these characters and scenarios to the point where it sometimes borders on grotesque. Lots of dark humor and a total freak show but I had a good time

How to Blow Up a Pipeline by Andreas Malm

informative reflective tense medium-paced

4.0

A very thoughtful perspective on the ongoing climate crisis and general global inaction to mitigate warming. Sufferers of existential dread be warned. Also just generally laughing at myself for how much I needed to refer to a dictionary. Very compelling and generally accessible arguments to contemplate. 

The Giver by Lois Lowry

emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

I appreciated the focus of the novel on the identity of “self”. The future that Jonas was living in was one created to attain this level of “sameness”, to create a cohesive environment where people have their needs met and are assigned careers, spouses, and children in a utilitarian community where everyone is to be content. What Jonas learns upon his appointment of being the Receiver is that while the community’s “sameness” seems to reach its set goals, perhaps there are greater things being missed out on with this curated contentment. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Child death

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

THE ENDING??? Be serious!!! I thought that this book painted a lovely and magical world in 19th century Egypt. The pacing lagged for me in a couple of spots, but overall I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of the story and am definitely looking forward for the conclusion later this year. Beware, spoilers below!

“Is this it, Whit?” I whispered. He squeezed me and pressed his lips against mine lightly. “If it is, this where I want to be.”

COME ON!!!! the marriage proposal, I stg Isabel I will not survive if Whit is truly a villain