e_gracereads's reviews
225 reviews

The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

4.75

Should be required reading in any and all world history courses, military history courses, and quite frankly, history in general. Tough and emotional, but straightforward and informative. Devastating in its details, but a powerful read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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

4.0

This book. Took me for a wild ride. I’m still crying. It’s fine 

Chain of Command: The Road from 9/11 to Abu Ghraib by Seymour M. Hersh

challenging dark informative reflective slow-paced

3.75

A little slow at times, but an incredibly analytical, well-researched, well-reported portrayals of the flaws of the Bush Administration in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I actually loved this book, in a way that surprised me. it’s grotesque in its body horror, unflinching in its portrayal of women and childbirth and werewolves, and somehow so, so immensely endearing, and shockingly feminist. It’s a book that resonated with me in a way I didn’t expect. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror

Black Hearts: One Platoon's Descent Into Madness in Iraq's Triangle of Death by Jim Frederick

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

The most incredibly well-written war story I have ever read, and true insight into the disgusting breakdown of army leadership in this corner of the Iraq War. Essential for the history buff, the military leader, or anybody looking for a read that will break their heart and make them want to punch a wall at the same time. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail

Galatea by Madeline Miller

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.75

A beautiful, short piece that is just as impactful as Madeline Miller’s other work. Absolutely astonishing and gorgeous. 

Holly by Stephen King

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

4.0

This books actually really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it - compared to some other King books, the synopsis didn’t seem as interesting. That being said, I was totally freaking hooked by this book. I’ve loved Holly in The Outsider and his other novels, and this book absolutely delivered. The mentions of Covid occasionally got a little heavy handed, but otherwise, I greatly enjoyed it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Death, Gore, Blood, Cannibalism, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Racism, Violence

Minor: Police brutality

The Last Hill: The Epic Story of a Ranger Battalion and the Battle That Defined WWII by Bob Drury, Tom Clavin

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I am a huge fan of WWII novels, and I think this one covers a very niche and under appreciated group in the European Theater. I highly recommend if you’re interested in WWII at ALL. Full of emotion and the history is handled with care. 

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Seriously, Seanan McGuire DOES NOT MISS. This book was an AMAZING fantasy novel, and I enjoyed every confusing, beautiful second. All of the character POVs are fantastic, to include the antagonists, who are rich and interesting. Absolutely recommend. 

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25