cheerfulotter's reviews
131 reviews

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

adventurous dark inspiring 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

4.5

This is a book that I have immediately started recommending to others. I loved this book; the characters were dynamic and complicated and the plot was compelling and interesting and kept me engaged. I couldn't wait to find out what had happened and how they solved the mystery. HIGHLY recommend.

The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

I read this for the TBR Reading challenge and it wasn't a book I would have otherwise picked up and don't really have any interest in reading more in the series (if it is a series). It was totally fine; I didn't DNF it or anything. Just not my cup of tea

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• 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

This is an excellent follow up to the first book in the series; I was excited to read it to see what was next in store for the characters that I fell in love with in the first book. I think I yelled WHAT at the conclusion of the book though; what an ending

The Bomber Mafia: A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War by Malcolm Gladwell

adventurous informative fast-paced

3.5

This was a quick read and definitely in the style of the more conversational nonfiction I tend to enjoy. It was interesting to learn about this facet of WWII history in its own book rather than part of the larger conversation.

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

I have tried to read Pratchett and failed in the past but this book is the perfect blend of Pratchett with Gaiman, who I love. I enjoyed reading this book and understanding the references, even though I know I didn't get all of them. 

Zodiac by Robert Graysmith

3.5

It took me a while to get through this book, but mostly because I didn't want to read it when my spouse was out of town! I really enjoyed this book and liked that it gave several theories and provided not only evidence, but also the contradictions. It's a crime spree that I hope we will see solved in my lifetime, although I don't know if it would be able to at this point.

In Defense of Witches: The Legacy of the Witch Hunts and Why Women Are Still on Trial by Mona Chollet

challenging informative medium-paced

3.5

This was a good non fiction book; It was not quite what I was expecting but the information that was provided, particularly when looking at long term impact, was really interesting and informative

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

adventurous emotional 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

4.5

This book totally knocked my socks off. I always love reading books where the world is out world but is also completely different. This totally skyrocketed my opinion of Neal Schusterman and I can't wait to read more by him.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

3.25

I picked up this book because of how much I enjoyed the Silent Patient. Unfortunately, this book didn't hit the same notes as the other; I think I would have enjoyed it more without trying to make comparisons to his other work. 

A Queer and Pleasant Danger by Kate Bornstein

funny informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

I very much enjoyed this memoir! I was not expecting the amount of information about Scientology that it offered, but I was intrigued by it. I was also really glad that Bornstein was able to document her journey in such a relatable way for an audience that will likely never experience what she did.