Take a photo of a barcode or cover
cwg's reviews
44 reviews
How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends by Don Gabor
Like others have said, the information is pretty basic. I think I found it useful, however. As someone who possesses effectively zero conversational skills and a strong bout of social anxiety, this book brings forward some tips I haven’t really considered.
The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
3.5
It’s certainly the type of book that takes you on a journey.
Novel overall paints a vivid picture of gays facing the worst—a interesting mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly. If I had to summarize the novel's formula, it would be that. And about that: I have mixed feelings. I liked the breadth of topics surrounding queer community and sports explored here—you get to see a wide expanse of the good and bad that would come out of gay athletes running around conservative America. In terms of queer life, I really did get the sense that it was society living in small pockets, just outside the eye of the general public. That was the interesting part. But in terms of how it made me feel, both the world and the conflicts, I was not so moved. I found these topics weren't explored in a way that personally resounded with me, a fault I am now realizing may be due to the protagonist, as much as I personally liked him. Keeping the ending in mind, that could be a plausible explanation as to why I personally had been left with this impression, however that would go into analysis, and I am not here to finger type a whole analysis in this blurb.
Characters are a mixed bag for me. I very much liked Harlan, the MC. But I felt the author did such a good job at rendering him out that the others felt sort of flat in comparison. For the others, I liked their story arcs and what they signified about gay living at the time, but I felt no real attachment to the characters themselves. Suppose that simply might be the case with First Person PoVs? I don’t have enough experience with these books to know. There were also some things among them that felt a bit “dated.” (That I do not fault with the author, though. Just something I noted on my end.).
I didn’t find the plot (even with the twists) to be very engaging—I mainly hung on for Harlan and Billy’s relationship. They were sweet. I really liked how thoroughly their relationship was discussed—how they discussed living beyond love, which I don’t see with the few books I’ve read. Reading them, I felt I really wanted to root for them.
The ending had some interesting developments. I think I like it, but I’m not entirely sure.
I would tentatively recommend it for its historical portrayal, but I would not fault someone for dropping it if they found it uninteresting.
Novel overall paints a vivid picture of gays facing the worst—a interesting mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly. If I had to summarize the novel's formula, it would be that. And about that: I have mixed feelings. I liked the breadth of topics surrounding queer community and sports explored here—you get to see a wide expanse of the good and bad that would come out of gay athletes running around conservative America. In terms of queer life, I really did get the sense that it was society living in small pockets, just outside the eye of the general public. That was the interesting part. But in terms of how it made me feel, both the world and the conflicts, I was not so moved. I found these topics weren't explored in a way that personally resounded with me, a fault I am now realizing may be due to the protagonist, as much as I personally liked him. Keeping the ending in mind, that could be a plausible explanation as to why I personally had been left with this impression, however that would go into analysis, and I am not here to finger type a whole analysis in this blurb.
Characters are a mixed bag for me. I very much liked Harlan, the MC. But I felt the author did such a good job at rendering him out that the others felt sort of flat in comparison. For the others, I liked their story arcs and what they signified about gay living at the time, but I felt no real attachment to the characters themselves. Suppose that simply might be the case with First Person PoVs? I don’t have enough experience with these books to know. There were also some things among them that felt a bit “dated.” (That I do not fault with the author, though. Just something I noted on my end.).
I didn’t find the plot (even with the twists) to be very engaging—I mainly hung on for Harlan and Billy’s relationship. They were sweet. I really liked how thoroughly their relationship was discussed—how they discussed living beyond love, which I don’t see with the few books I’ve read. Reading them, I felt I really wanted to root for them.
The ending had some interesting developments. I think I like it, but I’m not entirely sure.
I would tentatively recommend it for its historical portrayal, but I would not fault someone for dropping it if they found it uninteresting.
Content Warnings
Honestly, I think this book fares the problem of having so many ideas, yet having not so many actually be explored. And I think part of that is a fault of the narrative perspective and pacing. For example, you have Billy and Vince and their ambiguous past, but it’s only revealed after the former’s death , our MC Harlan, the jealous type, unable to ask for so long. And the way that it’s delivered lacks many details, brushed over as a night where he and Vince talked. Interesting developments happen, even for our MC, but with Harlan being so fixated on protecting Billy throughout the course of the novel, their time together practically flying by, the others who reside within in their proximity unfortunately get left in the wayside. Vince underwent an interesting development after Jacques left him but you don't see much of that because it's unfortunately not his novel. Same for Jacques, and for Billy, even. There is not the liberty of omniscient/multiple perspective which makes exploring these aspects easier. And so I feel that is why I find moments like these a bit lacking, not enough development to stick the landing, to hit with its strongest impact, for me.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I dropped this book because I wasn’t feeling the set-up and narrative style.
Perhaps unrelated, but it reminded me a bit of Harry Potter. Possibly deliberate, given that surnames Radcliffe and Felton are dropped in passing, but maybe not.
Perhaps unrelated, but it reminded me a bit of Harry Potter. Possibly deliberate, given that surnames Radcliffe and Felton are dropped in passing, but maybe not.
For the Fans by Nyla K.
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.75
Initially dropped at 60%; I’ve since finished it. Still leaving the initial review here, though. Just edited and added onto it.
Almost DNF because a combination of factors: the smut, relationship, and plot.
Smut and dirty talk progressively got more…cringy? Felt like I was just reading porn, or smutty BL. Got a bit too much for me, especially later in the book when they’re all over each other. Similarly, Characterization and character dynamics felt weird to read towards the end. I suppose it was a consequence of them settling into their relationship with each other, but the changes nonetheless felt drastic. I see the justification as to why, but..I don’t know. There’s a very present dom/sub vibe in later scenes that wasn’t as potent in the beginning. And the initial dynamics I was initially sold by has ended up as something else that I hadn’t anticipated, which simply wasn’t to my taste.
In addition, I feel the story conflict’s lingered for too long? 60% in, and it Feels like we’re retreading ground, tiptoeing around the remaining qualms that exist between them which I thought had already been resolved. I think some points could’ve been made shorter. At 60%, it’s been a slog to read (edit: but I got through it). Liked the smut, though. The build up leading up to the creation of the OnlyFans as well as scenes immediately following them I quite enjoyed.
Edit: To add on, after I finished.
Other reasons includes a formulaic plot. Parts after this repeat the same formula—they get more in love, but something holds Kyran back. They fight or things happen, and for a moment things seem bad. But then, just as quickly, they get back together, and the formula repeats. Same principle applies with the final conflict point and the ending.Feels like a “feel good” formula—stakes get high, some consequences are delivered, but things don’t actually harm the main pair. Ending is ideal. (Edit: didn’t realize that you need that for something to be classified as romance, my bad. I won’t make any comments regarding that in the future if it’s something baked into the genre, I’m new here 😅). Wasn’t into the predictability/monotonous nature the book took on.
Some other things I could talk about regarding the final third of the book, but I’ll it at: lot of things were suddenly brought up (I suppose to finally tie things up and make the HEA possible), but it was strange to read because it felt like we changed gears all of a sudden. Things were tied up, but I didn’t feel satisfied by it personally.
I suppose about 30% of the way through, I realized this book wasn’t for me. I kept at it until about 60% through, then decided to DNF before curiosity took over me and I skimmed through the rest. Still wasn’t for me.
I like smut, but I’m a bit picky about it, so it might’ve been why I didn’t enjoy this read despite seeking this book out in the first place. I liked the tropes, but the execution wasn’t for me, I guess.
Almost DNF because a combination of factors: the smut, relationship, and plot.
Smut and dirty talk progressively got more…cringy? Felt like I was just reading porn, or smutty BL. Got a bit too much for me, especially later in the book when they’re all over each other. Similarly, Characterization and character dynamics felt weird to read towards the end. I suppose it was a consequence of them settling into their relationship with each other, but the changes nonetheless felt drastic. I see the justification as to why, but..I don’t know. There’s a very present dom/sub vibe in later scenes that wasn’t as potent in the beginning. And the initial dynamics I was initially sold by has ended up as something else that I hadn’t anticipated, which simply wasn’t to my taste.
In addition, I feel the story conflict’s lingered for too long? 60% in, and it Feels like we’re retreading ground, tiptoeing around the remaining qualms that exist between them which I thought had already been resolved. I think some points could’ve been made shorter. At 60%, it’s been a slog to read (edit: but I got through it). Liked the smut, though. The build up leading up to the creation of the OnlyFans as well as scenes immediately following them I quite enjoyed.
Edit: To add on, after I finished.
Other reasons includes a formulaic plot. Parts after this repeat the same formula—they get more in love, but something holds Kyran back. They fight or things happen, and for a moment things seem bad. But then, just as quickly, they get back together, and the formula repeats. Same principle applies with the final conflict point and the ending.
Some other things I could talk about regarding the final third of the book, but I’ll it at: lot of things were suddenly brought up (I suppose to finally tie things up and make the HEA possible), but it was strange to read because it felt like we changed gears all of a sudden. Things were tied up, but I didn’t feel satisfied by it personally.
I suppose about 30% of the way through, I realized this book wasn’t for me. I kept at it until about 60% through, then decided to DNF before curiosity took over me and I skimmed through the rest. Still wasn’t for me.
I like smut, but I’m a bit picky about it, so it might’ve been why I didn’t enjoy this read despite seeking this book out in the first place. I liked the tropes, but the execution wasn’t for me, I guess.
Beautiful Things: The Complete Manga Collection by Narise Konohara
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
An encounter between two coworkers ends up bringing out the worst out of each other, but they can't help but continue to feel strongly about each other, even as they try to move on.
I wouldn't say this one's really lovey-dovey. This manga is dramatic and a bit frustrating at times. But the emotions it explores, namely irrational love, are compelling.
Some have said the novel is better. I haven't read it, but I find that the manga stands well on its own, with exception to the ending, which isopen-ended . I enjoyed this one. Expect moodiness/drama.
Should add that there's an unsavory scene that can dissuade people (visualized, but isn't explicit). Added in content warnings.
I wouldn't say this one's really lovey-dovey. This manga is dramatic and a bit frustrating at times. But the emotions it explores, namely irrational love, are compelling.
Some have said the novel is better. I haven't read it, but I find that the manga stands well on its own, with exception to the ending, which is
Should add that there's an unsavory scene that can dissuade people (visualized, but isn't explicit). Added in content warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault
Mist by Wei Feng Ji Xu, 微风几许
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Liked the missions, the time travel aspect, and the supporting cast, but I wasn't... super into the main pairing. Primary problem was dissatisfaction towards what story could have explored, but didn't. Concepts are thrown around but are frustratingly not fleshed out enough---supporting cast, society, etc. are outlined but not explored in detail. Felt that prioritization was ultimately towards the couple (primarily the MC). I get it, but still. Didn't really feel for them as a couple---seemed like the "why" of their relationship was lacking something.
Truly adored the concepts, however. Loved how Team 7 bounced off each other (grievances about supporting cast being underutilized aside), and I enjoyed seeing the underlying mystery unravel with each mission completed. Time travel shenanigans were especially fun. Fun ideas explored in this novel, really.
As for thoughts on the ending...kind of lukewarm, honestly. It was a long build-up, only for there to be a quick resolution.
---
Some bonus stuff, primarily for self-reference in the future.
Truly adored the concepts, however. Loved how Team 7 bounced off each other (grievances about supporting cast being underutilized aside), and I enjoyed seeing the underlying mystery unravel with each mission completed. Time travel shenanigans were especially fun. Fun ideas explored in this novel, really.
As for thoughts on the ending...kind of lukewarm, honestly. It was a long build-up, only for there to be a quick resolution.
---
Some bonus stuff, primarily for self-reference in the future.
- Favorite arcs: Ouroboros, Chaos, Rubik's Cube
- Least favorite arcs: Our Reality, Resplendent Times, Who Am I
- Favorite Character: Zhou Mingxuan
- Other Notes:
"They were each other's salvation."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Gun violence, Homophobia, Sexual content, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Addiction, Child death, Vomit, Car accident, Abandonment, Alcohol
Additional Points of Discussion (Unfinished):
I do love the "power couple" dynamic that Ji Yushi (MC) and Song Qinglan (ML) have with each other, because, together, they make one heck of a team. I love the trust that they grow towards each other, how they can rely on each other when their life is at stake.
At the same time, I feel it highlights a major problem with the novel: that is, the lack of a role the rest of Team 7 plays in their missions. Because it's those two that do all the heavy lifting, they are the ones to shine. Hardly do we see the other members take on more than a supporting role.
We also do not get to learn much about them outside of their surface-level traits, we hardly know anything about them. They are fun charac
(SQL is a *very* endearing ML, but what we actually know about him amounts to about as much as the other characters... more on that).It's a wonderful novel with great ideas, but I feel like they were almost sidelined in favor of relationship development (which in itself was sweet, but a bit... boring, in all honesty). For example, I loved the other members of Team 7 (fun banter, personalities, etc.), but there's not much to them beyond what's shown in the first few chapters. Any info that *is* shown is minor details/implied content. Same comment applies with the "one-off" characters (e.g. Big Beard, love rival, Captain Qi, etc.).A more detailed example I included is in the spoilers below.
Spoiler
Zhou Mingxuan. I was especially disappointed with how Zhou Mingxuan's conflict in the time bubble was executed. The whole conflict about him and his grandmother is discussed---there's a good point about not wanting to leave because here he's able to spend time with her---but it ends up stilted by their quick departure from the bubble.
MC reaches out a hand to him, talks to him about the unreality of the situation settling in once he gets used to everything, but everything---from the "betrayal" to the turnaround---feels too quick. I don't recall if ZM properly accepts his extended hand because of how tense the situation was then---the moment passes and they just sort of just... shove on the artificial mask and then he's forced to run along with them, so it doesn't even feel like ZM had made his decision then.
In addition, I didn't feel the connection between MC & ZM to be close enough for the moment itself to feel substantial. Once they escape the scenario and are situated back into an "in-between" zone, MC & ZM apparently have a heart-to-heart on the beach, but that's only an alluded scene. We don't actually get to see any of it because then there's a PoV switch to SQ as he's finally processing his feelings.
And we hardly see MC & ZM interact after that.
SQ being a blubbering mess was a cute moment in itself... but I wish it didn't come at the cost of getting to know some of the other characters.
[collapse]
While I feel the world is invigorated by the concept of time/space travel, I don't feel the world itself as actually being alive. There's not enough on actual world-building or other people, alternate societies, etc. Rather, this story's focus is ultimately bound to the MC, his conflict, and/or his relationship with the ML. Unfortunately, I find that "Mist" is weighed down because of that.One thing I will say about the relationship: I do love how they grow to look after each other while in action. Zombie behind one of them? The other will take care of it. An intended killing blow? Nope, the other will get a blow in first. Truly a power couple.But together, I feel that they lack... something. I'll have to think on that for later.---I write this having just finished reading everything, so my thoughts are kind of all over the place. I'll likely edit this review some more with time.
Double, Volume 1 by Ayako Noda
More so general comments on the series so far, general enough for there to be no spoilers:
It’s quite interesting. Very much an emotionally-based story, exploring acting and theater through the lenses of several characters, but namely Yuujin, whose natural affinity for the stage is potent, to the effect of it seeming to consume everything around it. Their lives intermingle in convoluted ways; they feel human in the way they struggle and live.
I find it hard to understand at times, at least as a casual reader. Sometimes, I wonder: “Huh, that’s interesting,” not necessarily understanding what it all means. I may be able to get a better insight with rereading, but I wanted to note that, nonetheless, because this isn’t really an easy read. Still, I got a general gist of what’s going on.
I’m liking it. It’s got complex, psychologically-bound conflicts amidst the characters, and I’m a big fan of that kind of stuff (also Author’s works in general—her BL stuff is great). Certainly a series that sticks in your head.
It’s quite interesting. Very much an emotionally-based story, exploring acting and theater through the lenses of several characters, but namely Yuujin, whose natural affinity for the stage is potent, to the effect of it seeming to consume everything around it. Their lives intermingle in convoluted ways; they feel human in the way they struggle and live.
I find it hard to understand at times, at least as a casual reader. Sometimes, I wonder: “Huh, that’s interesting,” not necessarily understanding what it all means. I may be able to get a better insight with rereading, but I wanted to note that, nonetheless, because this isn’t really an easy read. Still, I got a general gist of what’s going on.
I’m liking it. It’s got complex, psychologically-bound conflicts amidst the characters, and I’m a big fan of that kind of stuff (also Author’s works in general—her BL stuff is great). Certainly a series that sticks in your head.
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
Brilliant book which really made me feel…everything, I guess.
WW1-era Britain, private school facing mid-war. Bunch of British school boys sign up and go through hell.
Pleasant prose. Loved reading it. Rendition of war was poignant, not so much focus on the technicalities but the experiences themselves.
Result is that I appreciated the rendered characters. How they quickly come in and out of the narrative can be overwhelming at times, (hard to keep up with names) but it’s fitting in the nature of a war-era narrative. I think it was done well, overall. Even the ones who only get a bit of spotlight I could feel for. There’s a lot of mini-narratives you get to witness from beginning to end, each tale providing another perspective to the war. I felt a great sense of authenticity from it all.
And of course the main characters were great. I wasn’t quite sold on them at first, but quickly turned around as the novel went on. While I felt they didn't feel like real people, they, themselves, felt real---how they moved in this story's changing world reflecting something so...human.
I ended up feeling a lot for these characters. They were wonderful.
I may come back to this novel someday. It was lovely.
WW1-era Britain, private school facing mid-war. Bunch of British school boys sign up and go through hell.
Pleasant prose. Loved reading it. Rendition of war was poignant, not so much focus on the technicalities but the experiences themselves.
Result is that I appreciated the rendered characters. How they quickly come in and out of the narrative can be overwhelming at times, (hard to keep up with names) but it’s fitting in the nature of a war-era narrative. I think it was done well, overall. Even the ones who only get a bit of spotlight I could feel for. There’s a lot of mini-narratives you get to witness from beginning to end, each tale providing another perspective to the war. I felt a great sense of authenticity from it all.
And of course the main characters were great. I wasn’t quite sold on them at first, but quickly turned around as the novel went on. While I felt they didn't feel like real people, they, themselves, felt real---how they moved in this story's changing world reflecting something so...human.
I ended up feeling a lot for these characters. They were wonderful.
I may come back to this novel someday. It was lovely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Antisemitism, Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Classism
The Art of Death: Writing the Final Story by Edwidge Danticat
Mix of memoir and guide on writing death. Discussion of death in various forms. Added to it are her own experiences, having faced a harrowing loss from her mother.
It’s slow, and there isn’t clear-cut “ideas.” There’s a sort of “soothing” factor (not quite the right word, but I hope you know what I mean) in reading a text which means a lot to its author.
It’s slow, and there isn’t clear-cut “ideas.” There’s a sort of “soothing” factor (not quite the right word, but I hope you know what I mean) in reading a text which means a lot to its author.