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catzngoenz's reviews
77 reviews
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Conflicting feelings.
On one hand, I did enjoy reading this book. The different convos between the FL to each member of the family are really fun. I like having different POVs on the same situation. The pacing works well for me too, finished the book in just a few days.
On the other hand, there are a lot of things in this book that doesn't sit well with me. Gotta do spoilers for this one.
The reading experience alone I would give it 4.5 but then for all the reasons above, I will deduct the rating to 3.75.
Wouldn't recommend it to everyone. But if you're interested maybe do some research to see if the book would suit you.
On one hand, I did enjoy reading this book. The different convos between the FL to each member of the family are really fun. I like having different POVs on the same situation. The pacing works well for me too, finished the book in just a few days.
On the other hand, there are a lot of things in this book that doesn't sit well with me. Gotta do spoilers for this one.
- The representation of suicide, was taken more lightly than it shouldve i think. Yes the reactions from everyone is 'unconventional', but then it kinda downplay the whole experience.
- Cheating or not? The plot make it that the bride and the groom both happened to like other ppl rather than each other. But then what if that wasn't the case? What if it's only the groom or only the bride that felt that way? Imagine your fiance having feelings for someone they met on your wedding week.
- How is that firework going on for so long?
The reading experience alone I would give it 4.5 but then for all the reasons above, I will deduct the rating to 3.75.
Wouldn't recommend it to everyone. But if you're interested maybe do some research to see if the book would suit you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Animal death and Blood
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Men.
That aside, the visceral anger I got from reading FL's experience is noteworthy. I haven't been this angry for the characters of a book in such a long while.
Only downside I'd say is that the FL sometimes do came off too clueless. Yes she isn't a sociable type but then sometimes it just feels like too much.
Other than that, great book. I'd recommend.
(Ofc check the trigger warning first since it does deal with a lot of heavy topics)
That aside, the visceral anger I got from reading FL's experience is noteworthy. I haven't been this angry for the characters of a book in such a long while.
Only downside I'd say is that the FL sometimes do came off too clueless. Yes she isn't a sociable type but then sometimes it just feels like too much.
Other than that, great book. I'd recommend.
(Ofc check the trigger warning first since it does deal with a lot of heavy topics)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The book was so masterfully written that it would be a crime to not give this 5☆.
When I like a book this much I just don't have enough words to describe my feelings torwards it.
The pacing is amazing. The characters are well thought out and fully fledged. And again the writing is immaculate.
The only downside I'd say is that you kinda need to be in the right 'mood' to read this. It's a short book but it packs a lot, so I did DNF it before just becase my mind couldn't process and appreciate the book truly. So that's something to keep in mind.
Definitely a recommended read.
P.s. why does this book gave me 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' vibes
When I like a book this much I just don't have enough words to describe my feelings torwards it.
The pacing is amazing. The characters are well thought out and fully fledged. And again the writing is immaculate.
The only downside I'd say is that you kinda need to be in the right 'mood' to read this. It's a short book but it packs a lot, so I did DNF it before just becase my mind couldn't process and appreciate the book truly. So that's something to keep in mind.
Definitely a recommended read.
P.s. why does this book gave me 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' vibes
Tôi Là Bêtô by Nguyễn Nhật Ánh
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Cute story from a perspective of a dog. More told then shown so not really my style.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
funny
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Fast read. I did enjoy this book more than Beach Read. Nothing much to say since I am writing this review 2 months after I finished this book and frankly, I do not remember anything.
The White Book by Han Kang
emotional
medium-paced
3.5
I'd say this reads more like a poetry collection (but in a prose format). Personally, not a fan of poetry so this book isn't for me. Nonetheless, the message from this book is still very moving and I would recommend this to anyone that is either interested in reading poems or lyrical writing.
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
I find it to be quite difficult to understand just from one read. I might enjoy it more on the 2nd time. Nonetheless it's just a quick read so ig it still delivers.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Overall a very solid book and I totally understand where the hype was coming from.
Personally I enjoy Book 2 over Book 1.i love reading abt the downfall lol Just wasn't a big fan of the world + characters building (found it to be boring and difficult to understand). However once you understand and are immersed in the story then the pace picked up quite fast.
I'd say the book's strength definitely lies in the character dynamics. Their personality combines with how they think and interact with each other is what make the writing so great.
Would recommend.
Personally I enjoy Book 2 over Book 1.
I'd say the book's strength definitely lies in the character dynamics. Their personality combines with how they think and interact with each other is what make the writing so great.
Would recommend.
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Lives up to its name.
Adult being frustrating as always.
Adult being frustrating as always.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
It was a nice read. The story is realistic enough that I feel like I'm reading a real biography, which is a success in it's story telling imo. I felt so invested in the life of Evelyn Hugo and that in itself is commentary enough of everything this book is about. Idk if Im making enough sense so you would just have to read to find out. So yeah, recommend.