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emilyceratops's reviews
197 reviews
Takeaway: Stories From a Childhood Behind the Counter by Angela Hui
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
This book was wonderful. A lot of the chinese diaspora stories I read about tend to be from America, and it was so interesting to read about the welsh chinese diaspora. I didn't grow up in Wales nor did my parents own a takeaway, but I did grow up in Australia where my chinese parents ran a store. There were many parallels and some of the stories of racial abuse and ill will in this book were difficult to read purely because they mirrored exactly my experiences (including the shark fin melon theft!!) and those memories make me feel uncomfortable.
Something I quite liked about the writing was that the sense of time passing was very well done. I really did feel then stretching of time during the quiet periods at the takeaway. I also did get a sense of the years passing without necessarily being explicitly told in a heavy handed way.
Something I quite liked about the writing was that the sense of time passing was very well done. I really did feel then stretching of time during the quiet periods at the takeaway. I also did get a sense of the years passing without necessarily being explicitly told in a heavy handed way.
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very fun, very engaging, very interesting and well crafted plot. I enjoyed the characters, particularly Jude. I loved the world building.
The author is great at describing gross things.
The author is great at describing gross things.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
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? No
4.0
Fast paced is right! This book cracks on with the story immediately, jumping between the points of view of the two main characters. They're very distinct so I was never confused about which chapter was who, which is something I often struggle with.
I don't enjoy a whole lot of young adult fiction, and I am often unimpressed by stories set in high school, but this was really excellent. It covers a huge range of themes and doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of class, race, and homophobia.
What I was most impressed by was how the author creates this visceral feeling of horror as the characters realise what is happening to them.
I don't enjoy a whole lot of young adult fiction, and I am often unimpressed by stories set in high school, but this was really excellent. It covers a huge range of themes and doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of class, race, and homophobia.
What I was most impressed by was how the author creates this visceral feeling of horror as the characters realise what is happening to them.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
fast-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
3.0
I found this a very easy read. I liked the premise, and I thought the relationship between the sisters was interesting and layered.
A few of the side characters seem a little bit random, and the ending seemed a little lacking or incomplete?
Otherwise still a very enjoyable and quick read.
A few of the side characters seem a little bit random, and the ending seemed a little lacking or incomplete?
Otherwise still a very enjoyable and quick read.
Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession by Rachel Monroe
slow-paced
3.0
I liked it and found each of the case studies interesting. I did think it was a little long winded at times and I would have probably enjoyed if there was more of the author's thoughts and musings.
The Woods All Black by Lee Mandelo
adventurous
dark
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? No
5.0
Excellent!! Perfect amount of spookiness. Some of the hottest sex scenes I've read recently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Sexual content, Transphobia, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, and Death
Minor: Abortion, Bullying, and Pregnancy
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
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? No
2.0
The kind of language the book is written in feels like it's trying too hard to be elegant and lyrical. Descriptions of gore and body horror were very visceral.
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Deftly written. The reader is in good hands.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
First act was a bit of a slog to get through. Pay-off in the second half is not bad. The second half of the book moves at a cracking pace. I really liked the main character there.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thought it was too clever for its own good. Some fun moments in here though.