desertdreamsanddarkthemes's reviews
853 reviews

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

3.5

The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

2.0

Content Warnings

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

"Slaughterhouse-Five" is a novel that, on its surface, appears chaotic, disjointed, and almost fragmented in its structure. Yet, beneath that apparent disorder lies a profound reflection on the nature of time, death, and human existence. I found this novel to be incredibly thoughtful and reflective, a work that challenges conventional storytelling to present a comforting philosophy: that no one truly dies, and everyone remains alive somewhere in the past. This idea resonates deeply, suggesting that our lives are not linear paths but rather a series of moments eternally present.

The novel's cyclical structure reinforces this idea, with the beginning and end seamlessly mirroring each other, as if time itself is looping back on itself. This circular narrative style, far from being confusing, serves to highlight the futility of trying to impose order on a fundamentally unordered existence. Instead, it invites us to see life as it is—a collection of moments, each holding its own significance.

Vonnegut's writing style is both humorous and haunting, capturing the absurdities and tragedies of war while maintaining a sense of empathy for his characters. Despite its seemingly erratic shape, "Slaughterhouse-Five" reveals itself to be a carefully constructed meditation on free will, fate, and the human condition.

The Pavilion on the Links by Robert Louis Stevenson

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Pavilion on the Links" is a captivating tale that showcases his mastery of language and character development. Stevenson's writing style is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures with his words. His ability to balance descriptive language with a witty and clever tone is truly impressive.

The characters in this story, particularly Frank and Northmour, are deeply intriguing. Their shared disdain for society and their contrasting personalities create a compelling dynamic. Stevenson's exploration of their motivations and interactions is thought-provoking and engaging.

One of the most admirable aspects of Stevenson's writing is his ability to be both concise and informative. He manages to pack a wealth of detail into a relatively short story without sacrificing clarity or impact. This skill is evident in his descriptions of the setting, the characters, and the plot itself.

Overall, "The Pavilion on the Links" is a beautifully crafted piece of literature that offers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature. Stevenson's writing style, characters, and narrative make this story a truly memorable experience.

The Girl in the Woods by Gregg Olsen

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I picked up this book at a thrift store because one character has the same name as me. Not the best reason to pick up a book. I just couldn't get into it. Serial books that follow homicide detectives have never really been my thing.

The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.

"The Blessing Way" seemed interesting, but after a few chapters, I realized it wasn't quite the right fit for me right now. There was a lot of unfamiliar vocabulary related to Navajo culture, which slowed me down as I tried to understand the context. The focus on rituals and beliefs was fascinating, but I was hoping for a faster pace with a quicker jump into the core mystery. Additionally, with the dual narrative and the use of some Navajo phrases, I felt like I needed to put in more effort to follow along than I was in the mood for at this point.

Find Me by Alafair Burke

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.25

Content Warnings