carmilla_roseb's reviews
7 reviews

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad 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

4.75

it made me cry....and I didn't even cry at titanic so this book did a pretty good job. 
I found it a relaxing and atmospheric read (I fancied coffee whenever I picked it up) and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 

Three Tigers, One Mountain: A Journey Through the Bitter History and Current Conflicts of China, Korea, and Japan by Michael Booth

adventurous emotional funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.75

A decent read for learning more about the relations and history between China, South Korea and Japan: the writing is engaging and easy to digest (which is hard to find in many serious factual books). 
Would also recommend for any A-Level geography students out there :) 

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.5

I enjoyed the book for the aesthetic of 40s glamour and seeing the similarities and differences between the book and the movie. 
But found it hard to read as a whole due to the dated language and attitudes regarding other characters in the book. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, and Xenophobia

Minor: Body shaming

世界の終りとハードボイルド・ワンダーランド 下巻 by Haruki Murakami

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Overall this is a fun read, with an 80s science fiction meets Lord of the Rings kind of feel to it. 
I had a good time reading it and would suggest it for anyone wanting to get into Murakami or just looking for a bit of escapism. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Fatphobia and Misogyny

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin

adventurous dark funny mysterious relaxing tense 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? It's complicated

4.5

What an epic! it took me a good month to finish but I enjoyed every hour spent reading it. 
Great, diverse characters (self-confessed Cersei fangirl), POVs, settings and plots to keep you interested, all of which are well written with equally funny dialogue, beautiful scenery and engaging action. 
A slow read but a good one, slightly anti-climatic ending but does not disappoint. 

Dior by Dior Deluxe Edition: The Autobiography of Christian Dior by Christian Dior

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

3.5

a relaxing and lighthearted read, good for getting a 'vintage-French vibe' but slightly boring and tough to get through at times. It is easier to read in short bursts but enjoyable nonetheless. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

adventurous funny relaxing medium-paced

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

4.5

Equally funny as it is dark and exciting. An iconic and relatable female lead, with a strangely satisfying ending.