giannanm's reviews
26 reviews

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

adventurous funny fast-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

4.5

The first book was amazing, and this book is just as good! Ronan is such an amazing and complex character, and getting to see his pov was such a treat. 

Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

adventurous funny mysterious 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? Yes

4.25

This book was amazing! The first time I picked this book up, I only read the first few chapters, and I almost put it down and never picked it back up. But today, I picked it up, and couldn’t stop reading it. As soon as Blue meets the Raven Boys, it hooks you in. Each character is complex and loveable, even if they are all complete opposites of each other. There is romance in this book, but it does not overpower the plot or feel incohesive with the plot. Instead, the romance adds to the suspense and moves the plot along beautifully. I would recommend this book to anyone. It makes me believe in magic. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because the first 100 pages or so are pretty slow.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse

Moderate: Car accident

Minor: Domestic abuse

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is so real. The characters feel like real people that you’re personally getting to know, and their stories are so raw and personal that you can’t help but love them. Even when you want to hate them, you can’t. You fall in love with each character instantly, and you unravel their stories in such a perfect way. 

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Yesterday, I read Get a Life, Chloe Brown in one day. I didn't think it could get any better, and I was unsure the same thing would happen with Dani Brown, but here I am. The next day, at 2 in the morning, I finished Take a Hint, Dani Brown.  This book is just as much a joy as its predecessor, and I honestly don't know which book I prefer more. They're both so amazing, witty, and absolutely adorable, yet they both tell unique stories with an amazing cast of characters with different struggles and backgrounds. Reading these back-to-back, however, I did notice that the "plot" (the plot being the characters falling in love) seems to be a bit formulaic. However, it didn't bother me enough to knock any points off because even though there is a formula to how these books are written, there is enough diversity within the characters and plotlines, so it never felt like I was reading the same thing twice. If you were a fan of Chloe Brown, or if you are just a fan of contemporary romance in general (this book can be read as a standalone), I definitely recommend this book. It definitely warmed my seemingly cold heart.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book. I loved every single character, every plotline, every relationship, just everything. Finally a romance where I absolutely adore both main characters. There's no toxicity or abusive behavior at all. Their love for each other is so pure I almost cried out of happiness. There truly is a laugh on every page, and I guarantee if you read this book, it will warm even the coldest of hearts. (Also please know this is an 18+ romance. There are definitely some steamy sections, so if those are not your thing, just be prepared going into it. I'd still recommend it even if you do not like those scenes because they are simply so much more than sex).

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This would have been a 3.5, but the ending bumped it up to a 4. Dang that ending. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions: I laughed, I cried (literal tears streaming down my face), and felt the anger and hopelessness of the characters. It is a beautifully written book. It did not receive a perfect score because there were parts for me that dragged a bit (although the ending tied them all together beautifully). I recommend listening to the audiobook while you read, the narrator was amazing and his voices amplified the characters' emotions, and in turn, my own. It also helped me get through some of the slower parts. Overall, I highly recommend.

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Listened to the audiobook. Eddie Redmayne is a very good narrator, and there were a lot of ambient sounds/beast noises that made the experience unique. Probably would have been bored if I had tried to read the physical book, but listening to it while doing other tasks was nice. I think “nice” is the best word to sum up the entire book — a nice light read if you’re into Harry Potter

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

I hated Stephanie's point of view. I understand that her character is supposed to be annoying and naive, but just because Bell achieved her goal of writing an annoying character does not mean I have to enjoy it. There were times where I felt Stephanie's naivety was supposed to be funny, but her stupidity made me sigh with exasperation, not laugh. The things she would do are so out of the realm of possibility for any normal human being that I found much of the plot extremely unrealistic. Much of what I love about thrillers is how what people do, while being crazy, is not completely unrealistic. 

Which brings me to the constant allusions to other thriller novels in this book. I understand that Bell tried to use these allusions to flesh out the characters, but it did not work for me. It only reminded me of what this book could have been, but isn't, and all the better thriller/mystery novels out there. 

Not all of this book is bad, though. There were some parts that peaked my interest and kept me reading. And if you can get past Stephanie's annoying moments, this book is not really boring. The pacing is pretty good and the second point of view (to avoid spoilers I won't say who) is interesting. In fact, I often rooted for this second POV much more than Stephanie. It's not a literary masterpiece, and subtlety does not exist, but it is entertaining enough. For me, personally, the flaws were hard to ignore, even in the most tense moments.

Educated by Tara Westover

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

This book made me smile, cry, and read wide eyed with shock and horror. Not only is it inspiring to read her story, but it is a stunning look into her mind as she battles with her education, family, religion, and self.