caralibs's reviews
211 reviews

Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

3.0

 trying to read a poetry but this fell flat. But I still want to prove like everyone said that his books are great. I know I will get there 

Okay Days by Jenny Mustard

emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

 this book feels humane. the story feels real and invites reader to feel about something, especially a relationship. sometimes it has ups and downs, as well those happy and sad moments. that those emotional scenes are the things that made this book. 

Sex and Rage by Eve Babitz

reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

there is something annoying about Jacaranda that I quite dislike the persona, but I know how splendid Eve described the character. imagine to be a witchingly beautiful and smart but some parts of your life are quite undesirable; like how she put the blame to someone else for unkind moments or being self-centered. 
it is between either you like or dislike the book, but it was fun, so sensual, and spontaneous. 

When in Rome by Sarah Adams

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

this book is sufficient to fill me up with something cute of two persons engaging in sweet actions and conversation. it subtly delivered the pleasure and delight. not to forget as well with small town setting as well a (handsome) grumpy man of the town. not the kind of book that makes me kicking my feet or be blushing of a certain scene, but absolutely it was lovely and I enjoyed it! 

Normal People by Sally Rooney

emotional sad tense 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? N/A

4.0

  “All these years they’ve been like two little plants sharing the same plot of soil, growing around one another, contorting to make room, taking certain unlikely positions.”

normally, I don't want to be absorbed in a story that is quite sad or sorrowful. this book is not a romance book or an actual adventure one, but personally, it is so mundane. like oftentimes, I feel like my feeling, my current state included in the story because it is related when you are in the phase of growing up. I hate so much slow-burn, miscommunication but it just felt real when I read it. and aren't those moments happened every time?

there were many heavy topics that must be bold, and not everyone able to get through in certain chapters.

 “Life offers up these moments of joy despite everything.” 

This book is gorgeously written and how Ms. Rooney applied the words, those just amazing. At first it made me confused, but I went along just fine.

 

Shattered Sea by Catherine Cowles

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

this book is changing. like, reading this makes me believe if true love is existed. the connection between Laiken & Boden is beyond my expectation. reading this makes me understand that there will be someone right in the right time. this book made me guessing about the actual culprit, and every page is giving another curiosity and suspenseful atmosphere. but I wish there would be more explanation of few things that I have been questioning. however, this book is perfect! I love how Ms. Cowles created the story and attachment. 

Hidden Waters by Catherine Cowles

emotional relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

this was cute book but I don’t think this is my favorite even after I have read the third book. the plot just normally average and I feel it is ok read, not as good as the first book. however, I am enjoying this a lot! few aspects of the book were adorable and I swooned for them!

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

4.0

Verity by Colleen Hoover

5.0

Addicted to You by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

5.0