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dhiyanah's reviews
499 reviews
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I think I might actually enjoy novels with dual narration. At first I had trouble with the two main characters' voices sounding so similar in the book, but as the story progresses and the social contexts of their environments began unfolding, their voices got more distinct and it was easier to follow.
I loved the story, the characters are so easy to root for. The bullying that Hani went through, which sparked the whole fake dating idea, felt very relatable to what I've experienced and seen navigating South Asian diasporic challenges. What struck me was how Aisling and Dee would sugar-coat their behavior so that it wouldn't come off as harmful to others - that, and Ishu and Nik navigating a strict household did feel very close to home for me. It felt helpful to see how the author made space for these realities while keeping the overall story to a light-hearted mood. There are many adorable scenes here, as Hani and Ishu discover their truths for themselves and each other, that makes this an enjoyable and thoughtful cozy read.
I loved the story, the characters are so easy to root for. The bullying that Hani went through, which sparked the whole fake dating idea, felt very relatable to what I've experienced and seen navigating South Asian diasporic challenges. What struck me was how Aisling and Dee would sugar-coat their behavior so that it wouldn't come off as harmful to others - that, and Ishu and Nik navigating a strict household did feel very close to home for me. It felt helpful to see how the author made space for these realities while keeping the overall story to a light-hearted mood. There are many adorable scenes here, as Hani and Ishu discover their truths for themselves and each other, that makes this an enjoyable and thoughtful cozy read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Gaslighting
Moderate: Racism, Islamophobia, Abandonment
I Can't Eat Love by Avaleon
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Found this story on Wattpad and was immediately intrigued by its premise of a second chance after a difficult death. It turned out to be a really entertaining read overall - a very satisfying story that starts off with revenge and concludes with trauma reconciliation, which, one can argue does indeed require a big dose of magic and miracles to happen at all.
I recommend this for readers who've been through mistreatment that impacted their livelihoods, for those who've lived through or been on the brink of poverty due to other people or a society's carelessness, who may need a bit of magical mystery to reorient them back to hopefulness - there were many moments in this to cackle to, which felt very very cathartic!
I recommend this for readers who've been through mistreatment that impacted their livelihoods, for those who've lived through or been on the brink of poverty due to other people or a society's carelessness, who may need a bit of magical mystery to reorient them back to hopefulness - there were many moments in this to cackle to, which felt very very cathartic!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Abandonment
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Violence
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I love the concept of a time traveling cafe - what would you say if you could meet someone from the past (or future!), if your visit only lasted before your coffee got cold? It's a wonderfully intriguing concept that serves as the the main hook of this story.
While we don't find out much else about the cafe, the story is propelled by the characters' personal grapples and the decisions they make influenced by this magical prospect. The writing begins in a voice that feels too rigid for the emotional quality of what we're being invited into - this might be an aftereffect of the translation. And I agree with other readers that the character names get confusing as they sound/look very similar to each other (in their transliterated English forms). However, the narrative flow does get better and we get to know each character for the distinctive voice they have - so that it becomes easier to identify them just from the style of dialogue, which I thought was quite impressive.
Overall a poignant and playfully reflective read that touches on big relational themes without getting too heavy. A great accompaninent for quiet time with tea, coffee, or your choice of warm drink - perhaps in between journaling or to unwind after a long day. This book is the first in a series which I'm very much looking forward to dipping into ☕
While we don't find out much else about the cafe, the story is propelled by the characters' personal grapples and the decisions they make influenced by this magical prospect. The writing begins in a voice that feels too rigid for the emotional quality of what we're being invited into - this might be an aftereffect of the translation. And I agree with other readers that the character names get confusing as they sound/look very similar to each other (in their transliterated English forms). However, the narrative flow does get better and we get to know each character for the distinctive voice they have - so that it becomes easier to identify them just from the style of dialogue, which I thought was quite impressive.
Overall a poignant and playfully reflective read that touches on big relational themes without getting too heavy. A great accompaninent for quiet time with tea, coffee, or your choice of warm drink - perhaps in between journaling or to unwind after a long day. This book is the first in a series which I'm very much looking forward to dipping into ☕
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Dementia, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
An easeful, thoughtfully-paced cozy adventure set in a high fantasy world with great characters, dialogues, and heart-warming growth edges. I read this mostly as a way to unwind during bedtime - ended up going to sleep craving warm drinks and pastries a lot! I was expecting to get bored by the feeling of 'nothing's happening,' but the pacing was set just right for the book to feel like a lullaby at times, and a casual adventure at others.
There is some suspense and conflict that build up in the book, keeping the readers ever so slightly on their toes. After all, how familiar are we with that feeling of looking over our shoulder when things are going well, waiting for the other shoe to drop - because it somehow seemingly always does?
The author does a wonderful job at representing grief in the aftermath of conflict - it was visceral, it was relatable, it had enough space to feel real without weighing on the readers too heavily. I really appreciate how this was done. And how the characters moved together through it. As someone who's invested right now in books and works of art that relax the nervous system, I can highly recommend this if you're looking for a restful book companion to have while you're healing, recovering, or in need of hopeful encouragement around themes of friendship, belonging, and chosen family. Best read during tea time or over a pastry-filled brekkie, enjoy!
There is some suspense and conflict that build up in the book, keeping the readers ever so slightly on their toes. After all, how familiar are we with that feeling of looking over our shoulder when things are going well, waiting for the other shoe to drop - because it somehow seemingly always does?
The author does a wonderful job at representing grief in the aftermath of conflict - it was visceral, it was relatable, it had enough space to feel real without weighing on the readers too heavily. I really appreciate how this was done. And how the characters moved together through it. As someone who's invested right now in books and works of art that relax the nervous system, I can highly recommend this if you're looking for a restful book companion to have while you're healing, recovering, or in need of hopeful encouragement around themes of friendship, belonging, and chosen family. Best read during tea time or over a pastry-filled brekkie, enjoy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
What We Carry by Dorianne Laux
challenging
dark
slow-paced
3.0
Picked this up for a reading challenge. I used to enjoy Laux's and similar styled poetry back when immersing in literature that named damage and harm was one of the things that helped me feel seen in an isolated and pained life. Catharsis via creative engagement is important, but the trajectory of growth means that's just the first step - and having crossed that threshold, I wanted to make sure I was also honoring what got me here. So that was another motivation for choosing this to read this year. I do appreciate poetry that plumbs the depths so the shadows can be seen. But this book was not up to my current taste. Aside from a few old faves that were still moving, I found it hard to feel held or seen by this collection, as my experience of it - with multi-cultural and decolonized contexts - had me grating against outdated references and abrupt tonal shifts.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This book felt like a bright, warm hug for me. Linus is used to a daily grind that kept his life small and dreary until he's sent on an assignment that opens his heart up to choices. A space that's utterly surprising to him, we see how at home he feels in the new environment yet how he resisted it, which created many laughable moments in the book. His cat acts as an emotional barometer throughout the story, which I thought was super cute and clever.
Our experience of this magical world that poignantly parallels our own - where those who are different are systematically isolated and marginalized - is shaken up as Linus himself embraces a new trajectory. I appreciate how serious issues are brought up in a way that doesn't leave the readers stuck in re-living traumatic triggers. There is flow here, and enough resolution towards the end so that we land softly in the realm of possibility, which I thought was very important.
Through this story, we see how the changing tide of Linus' life is responding to structural needs for change and healing. We join him as he navigates the challenge and the courage to be led by love. The pacing, writing, and characters were enjoyable. I had to remind myself it was okay to finish reading this because it meant I can re-read it later (lol). Highly recommended for a cozy, hopeful read that brings in a boost of chosen family love, heartfelt character growth, and funny dialogues 🌈
Our experience of this magical world that poignantly parallels our own - where those who are different are systematically isolated and marginalized - is shaken up as Linus himself embraces a new trajectory. I appreciate how serious issues are brought up in a way that doesn't leave the readers stuck in re-living traumatic triggers. There is flow here, and enough resolution towards the end so that we land softly in the realm of possibility, which I thought was very important.
Through this story, we see how the changing tide of Linus' life is responding to structural needs for change and healing. We join him as he navigates the challenge and the courage to be led by love. The pacing, writing, and characters were enjoyable. I had to remind myself it was okay to finish reading this because it meant I can re-read it later (lol). Highly recommended for a cozy, hopeful read that brings in a boost of chosen family love, heartfelt character growth, and funny dialogues 🌈
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Abandonment
Letters to a Starseed: Messages and Activations for Remembering Who You Are and Why You Came Here by Rebecca Campbell
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
While most of the book covers the basics of navigating life on Earth as a starseed - much of these transmissions have already circulated widely via many voices, especially if starseed and soul trajectories are a big part of your reality, so not much feels new in here - it is a sweet reminder of divergent realities converging, mingling, and being lived out at these times of changes. I was led to this book by intuition, and it helped me remember that even as the world spins, quickens, and contracts within intense rebirth cycles, it is worth it to have a compassionate - and self-compassionate - outlook towards the many ways our relationships with Life are being called to expand right here, right now.
Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I found the second book funny and enjoyable and so was really looking forward to this one - but it didn't live up to the exciting tempo of the first two books. I had trouble with how dull the first half of the book was. Once things began picking up, there were too many weird jumps between detail and narration that it got more frustrating than entertaining. Honestly wouldn't have finished reading this if I hadn't already decided to read the whole series, heh.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Gun violence, Sexism
Minor: Abandonment
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
5.0
This was a valuable educational read steeped with helpful perspectives and reference points for those navigating sensory processing differences or recently-realized autism/adhd realities. I was intuitively guided to this title last year, not knowing anything about it at first - some of the previous reviews had put me off reading it but I kept getting nudged back to it.
I read it at the perfect time for me - and being located at a marginalized intersection with very limited access to help, this book was significant to me as an intellectual resource to support me staying hopeful and curious about this big unmasking process I'm living through.
I find that it's most beneficial to read this knowing that: 1) too much of neurodivergence conversation is white/Western/global north centered so it's important to have the capacity to contextualize based on socio-cultural and personal frameworks, 2) everyone has their blindspots - be prepared to receive what works, with intention to empower your truthful resonance from these shares, and compost the rest, 3) the language neurodivergent folks choose to articulate their own realities shouldn't have to follow some kind of clique/hivemind rules and to be honest, this can result in intense semantic clashes (between generational or cross-cultural understandings) - being open to this can admittedly be triggering to those who haven't felt safety in a very long time. Tread carefully.
I'd recommend this text to anyone willing to learn about ND realities, to use the sharings in here to create or update their own authentic self-expression, and for those living and loving ND folks to find shared language/response systems to navigate the world together. This book is a starting point at best - reading more like a series of shares than a process/workbook type - and it's one you can take your time sifting through. Hopefully what you learn here can open up the discernment and hope for more attuned strategies and resources (as I hope it will for me).
I read it at the perfect time for me - and being located at a marginalized intersection with very limited access to help, this book was significant to me as an intellectual resource to support me staying hopeful and curious about this big unmasking process I'm living through.
I find that it's most beneficial to read this knowing that: 1) too much of neurodivergence conversation is white/Western/global north centered so it's important to have the capacity to contextualize based on socio-cultural and personal frameworks, 2) everyone has their blindspots - be prepared to receive what works, with intention to empower your truthful resonance from these shares, and compost the rest, 3) the language neurodivergent folks choose to articulate their own realities shouldn't have to follow some kind of clique/hivemind rules and to be honest, this can result in intense semantic clashes (between generational or cross-cultural understandings) - being open to this can admittedly be triggering to those who haven't felt safety in a very long time. Tread carefully.
I'd recommend this text to anyone willing to learn about ND realities, to use the sharings in here to create or update their own authentic self-expression, and for those living and loving ND folks to find shared language/response systems to navigate the world together. This book is a starting point at best - reading more like a series of shares than a process/workbook type - and it's one you can take your time sifting through. Hopefully what you learn here can open up the discernment and hope for more attuned strategies and resources (as I hope it will for me).
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
adventurous
funny
relaxing
fast-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? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this a lot, definitely more than the first book, which was pleasantly surprising. I find the odd humor relaxing and it was a relief to enjoy reading something where your biggest investment in it is what ridiculous thing will happen next. The Hitchhiker's world, at this point, is reminding me of the freedom of irrationality that was explored in the Surrealism art movement. I appreciate how light-hearted that felt in this comedic sci-fi. While there were still some loose and careless details which irked me, there were enough poignant passages in the mix of all the silliness to balance the overall mood of the book. So that it was blatantly satirical, but light enough to laugh with.