caitlyn_baldwin's reviews
619 reviews

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

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus

challenging reflective slow-paced

4.25

Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach

funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

Another hit from Mary Roach! I read “Stiff” previously and really enjoyed her writing so I knew I would like this one as well. She covers such a wide range of topics, and shares the interesting researchers she’s met along the way. Her writing easily avoids being overly clinical or unpalatable. She injects a fair amount of humor to keep things light as well. 

They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.75

Great collection of essays from an Ohio author! Hanif writes with emotion and insight about his experiences and growing up in Columbus. I really enjoyed his musings on music and culture.

The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare

emotional medium-paced

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

3.75

Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis

informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

Wolfsong by TJ Klune

adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

4.75

“We had lived, we had loved, we had lost”

Another great story from TJ. I feel like the writing in this was super languid, and I loved getting to know the Bennet family and the rest of Green Creek. I thought that found family perspective was really touching. I know that Ox describes Joe as a little tornado, but he is a force of nature in his own right. Can’t wait to read the rest!!

Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami

mysterious sad fast-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

4.25

An interesting collection of short stories. They present a bit of contradiction because while the stories are generally sad, I found a fair amount of humor in the absurdity. 

Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

Personal opinions about the family and religious affiliation aside, I thought it was a really revealing memoir. I respect the courage it took for Jill to share her side of the story and how her upbringing affected her relationships with her family and with her faith.