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flowergrove's reviews
90 reviews
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Jason Reynolds is very interesting, I have watched so many of his interviews and speeches on YouTube. He seems like an amazing guy. I loved this book, I listened to the audiobook (which is narrated by him) and it was thought-provoking and poignant.
I think this should be read in classes everywhere. Though written in verse, the story itself, is relative to millions of people.
I’m very happy that I finally picked this up. Wish I had done it sooner!
I think this should be read in classes everywhere. Though written in verse, the story itself, is relative to millions of people.
I’m very happy that I finally picked this up. Wish I had done it sooner!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Grief
Minor: Child death
This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki, Mariko Tamaki
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a nice story. Had a good perspective of being a teenager and not really understanding what parents are going through. I thought the way the author portrayed the main character picking up others language was interesting.
The graphic novel definitely has a slightly darker tone than I was expecting. I would say the story is more of a realistic portrayal of being a teenager, so the things that the main characters do can be slightly annoying for adult readers. It reads as if you were watching someone’s actual day-to-day life. (Great example of character driven story and not plot driven.) I wouldn’t go in expecting a thrilling story, because it’s just someone’s life, and that doesn’t make it bad. Just slightly different from stories, that I am used to.
The graphic novel definitely has a slightly darker tone than I was expecting. I would say the story is more of a realistic portrayal of being a teenager, so the things that the main characters do can be slightly annoying for adult readers. It reads as if you were watching someone’s actual day-to-day life. (Great example of character driven story and not plot driven.) I wouldn’t go in expecting a thrilling story, because it’s just someone’s life, and that doesn’t make it bad. Just slightly different from stories, that I am used to.
Bloom by Kevin Panetta
I like the comments about Hector, and how everyone ended up being clingy to him. But that was never explored, or further developed. They just left it at that, so I was a little confused. They also commented on how Hector “fixes” everyone, and how that’s a bad thing. But then that’s exactly what he does at the end of the book?? Why? It feels like his narrative was thrown away in order to make Ari feel better. Which is exactly what Hector hated doing. I don’t know if I am digging too deep into that. But it could be the author commenting on how you fall into old loops. Though, I hope not because that would just be very sad.
I think this was a nice easy read. But maybe not the best go-to for anyone looking for an incredibly in-depth plot.
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a cute book. I read it pretty quickly, and the art was beautiful! I mean I could totally re-read it just to look at the images again.
Disclaimer: Just because I did not like the main character, that doesn’t mean this is a bad book.
In case you have not already figured it out my big problem was that I absolutely did not like the main character, Ari. I thought he was SO annoying and the tone that he sets the story in kind of just put me in a bad mood. He seems like an asshole who you wouldn’t want to deal with. At least for me. But I also understand where he’s coming from. Finding non-toxic friends, and figuring out your life ambitions are hard things to do. But I also wish that I could’ve seen Ari develop more, instead of just the inserted time skips. Because By the end of the story I couldn’t see any character development and I still did not like him.
Disclaimer: Just because I did not like the main character, that doesn’t mean this is a bad book.
In case you have not already figured it out my big problem was that I absolutely did not like the main character, Ari. I thought he was SO annoying and the tone that he sets the story in kind of just put me in a bad mood. He seems like an asshole who you wouldn’t want to deal with. At least for me. But I also understand where he’s coming from. Finding non-toxic friends, and figuring out your life ambitions are hard things to do. But I also wish that I could’ve seen Ari develop more, instead of just the inserted time skips. Because By the end of the story I couldn’t see any character development and I still did not like him.
The family dynamic was super interesting, and not generic. The relationship that Ari had with his dad seemed totally relatable and imperfect. (Though, I didn’t like it when Ari occasionally decided that he liked his the dad. Because then the dad would have really ~inspiring~ dialogue, and it felt super forced and seemed unnatural.)
I like the comments about Hector, and how everyone ended up being clingy to him. But that was never explored, or further developed. They just left it at that, so I was a little confused. They also commented on how Hector “fixes” everyone, and how that’s a bad thing. But then that’s exactly what he does at the end of the book?? Why? It feels like his narrative was thrown away in order to make Ari feel better. Which is exactly what Hector hated doing. I don’t know if I am digging too deep into that. But it could be the author commenting on how you fall into old loops. Though, I hope not because that would just be very sad.
I think this was a nice easy read. But maybe not the best go-to for anyone looking for an incredibly in-depth plot.
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
The author used the names Tawny and Kieran to describe some of the only poc in her book. These words literally translate to brown and black. She used their skin color for their names... She also goes on to describe Kieran’s skin tone as tawny which is just objectifying the character named Tawny. A little disappointing.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Would recommend to anyone who wants a quick reflective read about relationships, and a dialogue on queerness.
Oh fun, quick read with lovable characters and an interesting take on relationships. This graphic novel has been amazing illustrations, and an amazing plot. The celebration of queerness is huge and makes me super happy to see. It also covers the topic of unhealthy relationships/ both platonic and romantic. And different types of reactions to them.
Doodle was a sweet character and the MC Fredrica gave the reader an interesting POV of the story. Will definitely read this again soon!
Oh fun, quick read with lovable characters and an interesting take on relationships. This graphic novel has been amazing illustrations, and an amazing plot. The celebration of queerness is huge and makes me super happy to see. It also covers the topic of unhealthy relationships/ both platonic and romantic. And different types of reactions to them.
Doodle was a sweet character and the MC Fredrica gave the reader an interesting POV of the story. Will definitely read this again soon!
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love this book. A new all time favorite. If you ever wanted to experience fan-frenzy for a band. Daisy Jones and the Six is a perfect place to start. This book is amazing.
--I also listened to the audiobook 10/10 recommend. I think its the best audiobook I've ever listened to.-
--I also listened to the audiobook 10/10 recommend. I think its the best audiobook I've ever listened to.-
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Child abuse