cclift1114's reviews
1314 reviews

What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? Yes

4.0

I loved the positive messaging behind this book, especially that of not giving up and continuing to persevere to get what you want or need. I also appreciated that it was the library that inspired each character’s persistence, and how the vignettes all ultimately tied together. 

The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control by Steven Hassan

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

While some of the ideas here are a bit outdated already (including using the Stanford Prison experiment as a reference), overall I found Hassan’s insight into Trump’s background, methods, and even predictions about future actions to be sound. I especially appreciated the sections on how to go about helping people to leave a cult. 

Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-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? No

5.0

I saw people say that his book bridges Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and the original trilogy, and I agree that it does so nicely, with references to characters and plot points from either side being incorporated or eluded to. I knew this return to the Games would be difficult, but this book hit different than my original experience of reading any of the others. I think because when I read the Hunger Games, I was about the age of the characters, I related far differently to their actions and deaths than I do now as an adult. It felt even harder to read about the violent deaths of children now. I also think it was more difficult since Katniss has already been more hardened and distant from people in certain ways in the originals, whereas Haymitch is much more expressive and motivated by his relationships, especially with his fellow tributes, making their deaths and the aftermath of the Games for him such a painful loss. 

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I was surprised that this was a debut novel, because the writing very much felt like that of a more experienced author. I appreciated all of the cultural references, as well as the inclusion of various current issues, such as racism, the patriarchy, and environmentalism. I do wish that the book had either been a bit narrower in its focus, or (more ideally) had flushed out more of the characters and their respective plot lines. 

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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

I’ve only listened to Cara Bastone’s short Audible original audiobooks, so I wasn’t sure how this first for an into a regular audiobook would go. Part of what I liked most from her Audible originals was the full cast and how well she wrote the dialogue. I was happy to see that her ability to write dialogue carried over here, as well as to develop a deeper story beyond that. I loved the characters so much and really enjoyed seeing how Lenny and Miles grew together from being acquaintances to friends to romantic partners. I thought that Bastone’s treatment of grief felt very genuine and it made me tear up at times when Lenny was struggling most with her loss of her best friend. At the same time, there was a nice balance of humor, to the extent that I did find myself laughing out loud. I look forward to reading her other full length novels.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

challenging emotional hopeful reflective 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? No

4.0

It was surprising how much Keegan could fit into such a short book. I felt like I was able to get to know Bill and his family and his troubles fairly well in a few short chapters. I also appreciated the hopeful note with which the book ended, given some of the serious adversities that the characters were facing. 

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Going a bit out of order, I read Revenge of the Tipping Point before this one and enjoyed some of the insights in the book. Reading this one now, it was interesting to see some of the connections and conclusions that Gladwell came upon over two decades ago. I feel that many of these are still worth considering and are intriguing, but it is important to keep in mind that some of the studies and research put forth in this book have since been shown you have been based on bad science (such as the Stanford Prison Experiment). 

A Wolf Steps in Blood by Tamara Jerée

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The writing in this book is often incredibly beautiful, feeling more like poetry at times with how it flows. The story is also one of beauty, as Yasmine works through her doubt towards self-discovery and self-acceptance. I do feel that perhaps the story was a bit rushed, especially when it came to the romance, and would have appreciated a bit more build up and development. 

Nothing Like The Movies by Lynn Painter

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.0

I simultaneously liked this book more than the last one and was incredibly frustrated by it. It was cute, but it was somewhat maddening how long it took for Liv and Wes to find their way back to each other. 

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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

I’m not sure where recommendation to read this book came from, but I think it may have been some type of “Fiction Books to Read that are Very Appropriate for the Times” list, and, if so, this book fits. It did start off a bit slow, but the very direct messaging about the patriarchy, and the perhaps slightly more subtle criticisms of capitalism, consumerism, nationalism, racism and colonialism, all of it was incredibly well done. The whole book ends up being an allegory for the dangers of following the status quo when it comes to all of these things. Also, I don’t want to give spoilers, but dang, that was one of the boldest endings for a novel I’ve seen in awhile.