giralka's reviews
458 reviews

Cut & Thirst: A Short Story by Margaret Atwood

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

2.0

The premise was intriguing, but the execution felt odd. The abrupt start and mild ending were a bit disappointing. Maybe my expectations were too high for a 35-page short story. It wasn't even clear what happened to Fern in the past. Overall, it left me feeling let down.

Shy by Max Porter

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.75

Notes on Heartbreak by Annie Lord

lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

Beach Read by Emily Henry
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.

i tried really hard to get into it but just couldn’t 

Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.75

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan

reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

3.25

I appreciate the overall storyline; however, I noticed a disconnect between the first and second halves. While the narrative was straightforward, I felt it lacked the seamless blend I anticipated, especially compared to the narrator's poetic style. I was expecting a more impactful and poignant experience, but instead, I found myself feeling frustrated and relieved to finally finish the book.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death

One Hundred Shadows by Hwang Jungeun

dark reflective slow-paced

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

2.0

i honestly dont know what to make of this story idgi at all and it was so hard for me to follow

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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? Yes

4.0

Despite the polarizing reviews, I wasn't deterred; from the moment I started reading, I knew it would be a book I'd love. The novel revolves around the three friends, Sam, Sadie, and Marx, who establish a successful video game company together. The timeline spans across 20 years.

What particularly struck me was Zevin’s writing style—descriptive and poignant. Though, at times, I found it a bit too detailed, I appreciate how it naturally immerses readers in the characters’ minds. I like the opportunity to peek into each character’s thoughts, a narration style known as "third-person omniscient narration."

Despite numerous shifts between perspectives and timelines, the narrative flowed smoothly for me, making everything cohesive. I can easily envision this story as a limited series. However, I believe Marx’s chapter could have been more robust; it felt somewhat neglected, like a middle child.

In summary, the book was a compelling read for me. I admire how Zevin seamlessly integrates the process and experience of creating and playing video games into the characters' lives. The introduction of different characters was well-executed, though I sense that Marx, as a supporting character, could have been more developed. While the beginning was solid, I agree with many that the middle part was a bit shaky.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide