comegailaway's reviews
29 reviews

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

5.0

"I am but paper. Brittle and thin. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. I get written on, and I can never be used again. These scratches are a history. They're a story.

They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. I am parched parchment. I have lines. I have holes. Get me wet, and I melt. Light me on fire, and I burn. Take me in hardened hands, and I crumple. I tear. I am but paper. Brittle and thin."

I don’t think I’ve ever read a more beautiful and perfect and wonderful book in my entire life. I was not entirely captivated by the story at first, but it did not take long for me to get to the point of wanting to literally glue the book to my hands and never let it go. I lost count of how many times I sobbed while reading this. I am a bit embarrassed to have read it in a public setting because I simply could not control when I laughed out loud or when I was crying so hard that snot was pouring from my nose. These characters and their stories made me feel, so so deeply. I had butterflies in my stomach while I read, I felt insanely warm and fuzzy inside, and I could feel my heart expanding just from the sheer amount of love I have for them. I feel like I could use every word I have and still not be able to express just how much I freaking loved this book. It’s perfect. Literally and truly perfect. 

“If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all.”

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake

emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.25

Once again, I say: I looooove the characters in this universe. They are so near and dear to me and I was so excited to finally get to read Iris’s story. Iris is loveable, even when she does not believe she could be loved. Seeing her thought process every time she put on her mask broke my heart. And then came Stevie! Another character to love. I relate to Stevie’s anxiety so so much and I personally love the portrayal of how it can impact an individual’s life. I too have thrown up from anxiety before LOL. Seeing their story unfold as Astrid helps Stevie realize she’s been the brave one all along just made my heart swell. Blake also never fails to make me laugh out loud when I’m reading this series. Although I think Astrid’s book is still my favorite, I loved this one too and am sad that we’ve reached the end of Claire, Astrid, and Iris’s stories.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense slow-paced

5.0

This is the first non-fiction book I have read in a while, mainly because I usually find them hard to read and difficult to follow. This is not the case with KOTFM. Grann was able to tell this story in a way that was succinct and did not confuse. I was able to follow the story and understand what was going on, although I did have to re-read a few parts just to make sure I had the individuals straight. 

It’s heartbreaking to me that so many of us, myself included, don’t know the story of the Osage killings. I was never told about this in school and a lot of people I have talked with about it are also unfamiliar. It’s a depressing reality that we still do not know more, and that we probably never will. But KOFTM does a great job at telling what we do know and shedding light on what is still unknown. I’d recommend this book to anyone. 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-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

5.0

Oh my word. This. Book. 

I wish I could truly express how special Ari and Dante are to me. I want to put them in a box and hold them at my chest and never ever let go. I don’t think the beauty of this book can be put into words, honestly. Benjamin Alire Sáenz created a universe of characters that you love deeply and can relate to in many different ways. He created something so immensely real. This book makes you feel things. Makes you feel everything. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin

dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

1.75

I have words. First of all, my initial reaction was to rate this 1 star because I was so angry … then I put it up to 2. I really want to rate it higher because I do genuinely think it’s a good book, at least for most of it. I love two characters secretly pining after each other and I love when one has been in love the whole time. I loved the characters, I love the story.. but the ending?? Don’t get me wrong, I am all for a tragic ending but holy cow. I understand that it is set up to be tragic from the get go. Even the title is “If He Had Been With Me” .. but it just felt cheap how quickly everything was wrapped up? I don’t know.. I just feel like if you wanted a tragic story, it could have been handled better. Then again, maybe it means it’s a really good book considering I was almost shaking with anger. I don’t know, maybe it just isn’t for me. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt

Minor: Vomit and Bullying

On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.25

Finally!! A male lead in a Bridgerton book that isn’t creepy!!! I am thankful that this last book was at least good. I feel better about making myself suffer through all of them to get to it. Gregory is easily my favorite male lead in the series. Like I said, he is not creepy. He is not "unable to control himself" for any reason. He is funny and he is kind. And Lucy?? Oh I love her. I love her devotion to Hermione and to her family. I would honestly say that anyone who wants to, could totally just skip the others and read this one. It made me laugh, the plot was good, and I was actually rooting for Gregory. 

It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

medium-paced

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

2.5

Ok, this was fiiiiine, I guess. I do quite like Hyacinth's character, so I think that is what made it more enjoyable to me. Gareth was okay, except for when he was literally planning to seduce Hyacinth in order to make sure she could not drop out of their marriage. Like HUH??? I also just really hate that a lot of the men in the Bridgerton books are driven by their sexual attraction to the heroine's. And then once they have slept with them, they have a sudden revelation of love. I guess it is just not my cup of tea. I really do not want to read the last book, but I simply must see it through. Maybe Gregory won't be gross and weird. 

Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake

funny lighthearted slow-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

4.0

I love the characters in the Delilah Green universe. I was fascinated by Astrid while reading the first book, especially when the depths of her and Delilah’s relationship were fully revealed. So, I was very happy to get a glimpse into her life and see her truly discover herself. I feel like the story of someone not knowing their sexuality because they had never allowed themself to question it is so so valid and not talked about nearly enough. Jordan’s fear of Astrid just wanting to experiment is also valid and something that also happens a lot. Seeing Astrid tell Jordan she wants to kiss her, not just a girl.. UGH!! So good! I loved this book and this story and I can’t wait to read Iris’s story in October!!

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

3.5

Ok, I had previously said Benedict's book had been my favorite so far. I must now redact that statement. This one has now taken its place. I will reiterate, however, that I have not ~loved~ ANY of them, but this one is now the one I dislike the least. I mean, what is it w Julia Quinn writing these men not "being able to control themselves"? Like is she just trying to really hone in on how she thought it was in those times? I don't know, but a man having to tell a woman that she better leave the room at that very instance or else he would not be able to stop himself from "ravishing" her .... it is gross. Like really?? She needs to be out of your sight right now or else you'll do it anyway? It just makes it hard to focus on the story when I think the men are pigs. I think that has been my biggest issues with all of these books so far. I don't absolutely despise them, or else I would not be finishing the series.

Now, Francesca? A lovely character. I liked her a lot. I also liked the way that her and Michael's story was handled. It could have been very icky considering the John of it all, but it was not. Like I said, definitely not one of my favorite books ever, but the best of the Bridgertons so far. 

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

0.75

I would have to say my least favorite Bridgerton series so far. I know I keep comparing them to the show, but it is wild how bland the books are. Eloise in the show has all of the exciting and novel ideas, whereas in the book she is "different" just because she talks a lot? Idk, just not a fan of this one.