gxcons's reviews
257 reviews

Rouge by Mona Awad

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

Days of Distraction by Alexandra Chang

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Some pros about the writing and format of the book:
-Enjoyable and easy to read prose. I didn't find the sort of, fragmented journal entry way of writing jarring.
-Historical research about Chinese immigration in the US was very interesting! Didn't feel out of place.
-Full set of supporting characters. I was particularly fond of the protag's immediate family.

The real downside for me was the protagonist's voice. It feels weird to criticize, considering how intertwined the protag and author seem to be, but I found the character's constant anxious thoughts *so* tiring. While this is a book of self-discovery, I didn't feel like I knew much about the protag's opinions, interests, dislikes, just general personality at any point.

Maybe someone else would relate to this story, but it just didn't click for me.

The Tiger and the Cage: A Memoir of a Body in Crisis by Emma Bolden

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.75

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

3.75

We Do What We Do in the Dark by Michelle Hart

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emotional reflective medium-paced