charlee92's reviews
395 reviews

Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: An Introvert's Year of Living Dangerously by Jessica Pan

funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

this was pretty good. I read another book by this author I really enjoyed so I thought I'd try this. I would say I'm am ambivert so not looking for my year of yes necessarily. but it did have good tips for scary social situations and making friends as an adult. very enjoyable writing. 

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

adventurous tense slow-paced

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

3.5

 a lot of people talked about how sad this was and I put it off for a long time because of it. while it is sad I wasn't brought to tears like others. the writing is good and the beginning is very easy to read however the second half does drag similar to circe. 

All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

 I enjoyed this. I thought it was honest and an easy read despite heavy concepts. she did a great job describing the complexities. 

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

informative slow-paced

2.0

 meh this was just ok to me. the idea of writing a memoir with meals or recipes for each significant phase of your life is really appealing. I liked learning about Italian culture.

but his taste is a bit too simple for me. there were also a few graphic animal slaughter moments that were unecessary to me and uncomfortable. which I think was the point. but it felt a bit too glorified for me. 

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

emotional medium-paced

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

2.0

I watched the movie and thought it was so cute. I decided to read the book for research since I am writing my own age gap romance.

this book was not good. a very rare instance when the movie is better. there are very few similarities between the movie and book. the movie made so many improvements on the plot.

the writing was not great. the internal thoughts did not seem to align with how a 40 year old woman would really think, but maybe as a woman in her 30s I don't truly know. also hayes did not seem very swoonworthy. I guess if you're just imagining harry styles the whole time, but even then the personality doesn't seem to align so 🤷🏻‍♀️ I only powered through to hear the ending but this was even different from the movie so this was a total loss. giving 2 stars instead of 1 because it's not abysmal. just not for me.

I also did the audiobook. her voice was fine, but the intonation and cadence and british accent were just not for me. I am sure that brought this down a bit as well. 

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

lighthearted 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

3.5

 I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. the dialogue was great and it felt really cute and sweet. the antics in the beginning definitely make you chuckle.

I thought because this was labeled an age gap romance that it would play a bigger role in the plot. but it was more about old money vs no money. which at times I didn't love the vibe.

as it got more serious I really appreciate that she leaned into and discussed the spectrum of abuse rather than it being black and white. 

Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us by David Neiwert

informative medium-paced

4.0

 I like this book, it had a really good ending about taking action and having an impact. it covered a lot of areas and intersectionality. a lot of information I was already familiar with though and I think I preferred those original sources more. I did learn a lot about sustainably whale watching which om grateful for.

Great book if you're looking to dive into the world of orcas. 

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

emotional hopeful 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

I really liked her writing style. a second chance romance with some big/heavy themes discussed. i liked the characters but I'm not sure I loved them. I would definitely read more by her.

this reminded me of seven days in june. if you liked that I think you'd like this.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

this was written really well and an easy read despite the topics. I really enjoyed the story line. not too many years after covid it does feel a bit uncomfortable to read even though it isn't exactly the same world/reality. I'd definitely recommend this.

A Better World by Sarah Langan

dark medium-paced

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

2.5

this was fine. the beginning had good lead up and I thought I knew where it was going. but I felt it didn't lean in enough at times or add details where needed. the ending felt rushed. I'm not sure I loved any characters. I think I liked the daughter and maybe the mom at times.