gilliane's reviews
43 reviews

Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami

emotional lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

2.0

Not sure about what I was reading, but I was very confused at times and thoroughly remember not agreeing with the main character on a lot of things...

I really wanted to explore more Japanese literature, but I wouldn't recommend reading this one.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.5

This book hurts. But God bless Ocean Vuong and his beautiful works.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.25

Once Upon a Broken Heart was a super captivating novel. It's my second time reading another incredible work by Ms. Stephanie Garber and I can truly understand why many readers adore her. While I thoroughly enjoyed the journey throughout this book, I fear I may not have enjoyed it as much since I did not read the entirety of the Caraval series, hence the super-high-but-not-high-enough rating. Or that I might have a different view of the plot and its characters since I don't have the background knowledge. But, for the "OUABH world" itself, it was an adventurous read.

Additionally, I was not a big fan of Evangeline's character. I think it's hysterical how her naiveness has brought her this far—quite impressive I may add. The real spotlight, though, is Jacks. He most definitely carried, even though I was not exactly smitten by him.

But for others, I can definitely see why they love this toxic and manipulative prince! (I am being partially unserious).

Overall, I'm excited to be immersed in this magical universe when reading the next books in this series!

I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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

For all the TATBILB lovers out there, this. *THIS IS THE BOOK*. This book got me smiling and giggling at 2am because yes, I binged this book soooo fast. I loveee a good sweet and lighthearted high school romance involving academic rivals and accurate representations of Asian-American families and student lifestyles. Please, I desperately need more of Julius and Sadie.

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

3.75

A simple yet reflective read. I loved the transitions between the two timelines. Again, TJR's writing style was different (coming from someone who has read her most recent novels before discovering her first few novels) which sort of took me aback, but I still enjoyed it.

Not a spoiler but reading this book made me reflect a lot as I read it during a time in my life when I've been healing from a breakup... hehe.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

3.25

Overall an average book. I will definitely say that TJR's older novels are quite different than her most recent ones. I wasn't at all a big fan of the main character at first because why was she randomly so obsessed with her looks and then never brought it up again ?! I don't know. However, it was a cute story and I was definitely rooting for team Sam the whole way through.

 

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

I absolutely adored the vibes this book journeyed me through. Adrienne Young did an excellent job of keeping me hooked. I just sort of wished there were more detailed literary writing, like in the imagery for example to really amplify the magical realism aspects of the story. But other than that, I loved this book so much!

All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami

emotional lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

4.5

Such a comforting book with beautiful writing.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

Unarguably the best and worst book I've ever read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Death, Self harm, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, and Body shaming

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

as a musician and a lover of music AND books, seeing familiar terms in the story whilst knowing THE Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote this masterpiece is the most beautiful thing that ever exists in this world <3 I fell in love with the characters—the voice actors in the audiobook did an outstanding job—and loved every little thought and detail that TJR grooved into them. hands down my new favourite book ever!