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ekcanales's reviews
17 reviews
Beach Read by Emily Henry
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book redefined what makes a romance novel so perfect that it's worthy of 5 stars. I was so touched by the characters, their struggles, and the journeys they went through, in a way that caused me to reflect on my own relationship and how it has helped me grow. Despite this, the novel is still a very light-hearted and enjoyable romance novel, with a blossoming relationship at its heart, while still discussing important and impactful topics.
Both Augustus and January are very lovable characters, but with very different outlooks on life and love. They contrast each other very well and I LOVE how they both grow and develop throughout the novel, both solo and within the relationship. This book also emphasizes the importance and life-long impact of family and their troubles.
I truly enjoy how serious, emotional topics are treated with great respect throughout the novel, while still centering on the romantic relationship between Augustus and January. It was touching and reflective, yet still so lovable and fun to read! I absolutely adore this book!
Both Augustus and January are very lovable characters, but with very different outlooks on life and love. They contrast each other very well and I LOVE how they both grow and develop throughout the novel, both solo and within the relationship. This book also emphasizes the importance and life-long impact of family and their troubles.
I truly enjoy how serious, emotional topics are treated with great respect throughout the novel, while still centering on the romantic relationship between Augustus and January. It was touching and reflective, yet still so lovable and fun to read! I absolutely adore this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcohol
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I received this book as a gift and began reading knowing nothing about what was in store. I was truly touched by the journey Mitch and Morrie go through together, in a way that made me reconsider the way I view death altogether.
I reflected upon my life, my habits, and my values and have made some important realizations about my own life. I realize why I struggle to feel satisfied with my life, why I'm always seeking more, but feeling just as empty once I attain it. This book caused me to reconsider what truly matters in life and has left a lasting impact on me and many wise words that will stay close to my heart for a very long time.
PLEASE give this book a read and allow Morrie to touch your life too.
I reflected upon my life, my habits, and my values and have made some important realizations about my own life. I realize why I struggle to feel satisfied with my life, why I'm always seeking more, but feeling just as empty once I attain it. This book caused me to reconsider what truly matters in life and has left a lasting impact on me and many wise words that will stay close to my heart for a very long time.
PLEASE give this book a read and allow Morrie to touch your life too.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was impossible to put down! I found myself up reading until 3am because I was so entranced in the book! The characters are very lovable, but have some obvious flaws that they work to resolve. The romantic couple was pretty predictable but the grumpy/sunshine trope was done perfectly and there were some twists and turns that still kept the reader on their toes. The use of alternating POVs between Piper and Brendan adds another very interesting dimension and depth to their connection, which elucidates the tensions in their relationship.
Such a sweet, light-hearted romance filled with a lot of character development, reconnecting with lost family members, and finding where one truly belongs.
Such a sweet, light-hearted romance filled with a lot of character development, reconnecting with lost family members, and finding where one truly belongs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
American Royals by Katharine McGee
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was a romantic whirlwind with all of my favorite tropes, from forbidden romance to only one bed! Multiple points-of-view are masterfully used to build suspense and drama between the characters. Although at many points, the plot was predictable, which removes the shock-value from the surprises. Overall, SUCH a fun read that I binge-read in 2 days!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, and Infidelity
Moderate: Alcohol
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book is filled with well-developed characters that the reader instantly connects with. The characters are flawed, but still lovable, and the reader cannot help but root for them. This book causes the reader to step back and reflect upon their own relationships, from romantic to friendly to familial, and their views on life's changes and challenges.
Although emotionally well-done, it lack in plot. The main character's "flash forward" to five years in the future (which is the book's major plot point) is not properly addressed or explained and leaves the reader feeling disoriented. Some jumps between time and place are confusing and not fully explained, so it is difficult for the reader to follow.
Additionally, I was very bothered how how the author approaches the topic of therapy/seeing a psychiatrist, it feels insensitive and seems to present therapy as taboo, instead of the important and helpful experience it is.
Although emotionally well-done, it lack in plot. The main character's "flash forward" to five years in the future (which is the book's major plot point) is not properly addressed or explained and leaves the reader feeling disoriented. Some jumps between time and place are confusing and not fully explained, so it is difficult for the reader to follow.
Additionally, I was very bothered how how the author approaches the topic of therapy/seeing a psychiatrist, it feels insensitive and seems to present therapy as taboo, instead of the important and helpful experience it is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Cancer
Moderate: Car accident and Pregnancy
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Even better than the first book in the series! Muse of Nightmares brings back lovable characters while introducing new ones that you can't help but feel connected to! Like the first, it masterfully intertwines seemingly different storylines and points-of-view for a deep and complete understanding of the plot. The ending provides the perfect closure that satisfies the reader!
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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