hardkaapi's reviews
67 reviews

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

adventurous emotional informative reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

"Monsters don't look like anything. That's the whole point"
This absolute masterpiece is written by Akwaeke Emezi, a Nigerian trans non-binary author who has succeeded in creating a story that shines a light over society's weaknesses. Our protagonist is Jam, a child in utopian Lucille who has grown up, like all other kids, with the knowledge that Lucille is now monster-free. The term "monster" is a placeholder for the lying politicians, corrupt police, the billionaires, and criminals who were flushed out and rehabilitated by the "angels" to create a perfect Lucille. Jam's life takes a turn when she meets Pet, a creature with the sole purpose of hunting a monster in Jam's best friend's house. I know it all sounds like a fantasy novel but please do not make any assumptions and trust me because this is one of the most inclusive books I have read, for once by an author whose voice is accurate and important to the topics being covered. It speaks volumes on transitioning, polyamory, love, family, child abuse, fear, and friendship in just 200 pages.
Having a child protagonist is interesting because it offers a different perspective and makes you realize how quick we are to create beliefs. Each character, name, and moment adds something to the story and you will find lessons in almost every line ("We're alive because we can be hurt; we're alive because we can heal"). This book should not be so niche, it is not only a power-packed social commentary but is such a well written story that it will keep you excited. This book should be taught in schools because it is an experience that will end in growth, information and a reality check. This is one of those books that does not try to confuse you with difficult language or a hard to follow plot, it lays itself bare as you try to confront it.

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

emotional mysterious reflective relaxing 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? Yes

4.0

My first Murakami, this is a story about Sumire, an aspiring author who falls in love with an older woman, Miu. The narrator is Sumire's best friend, K, who loves her more than anything (it really is not a cliché love triangle, trust me). The book embraces the mundane and covers the themes of loneliness, friendship, desire and love. The philosophical writing reminds me of Kazuo Ishiguro because like him, Murakami does not give a structured story, but an emotional experience.
The magical realism comes in a little too close to the end for me but it is very well done. However, this might disappoint those who want a logically sound story because Sumire's journey is unpredictable and the end will leave you with questions. Though I enjoyed this uncertain yet comforting book, I wouldn't say I get all the hype around Murakami but I will definitely explore his work more!

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

mysterious medium-paced

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

1.5

This was such a disappointment. I picked this up to get myself out of a slump and I ended up having to force myself through just for closure. The plot is captivating but the characters are so weak. The 2 main characters are Theo "damaged boy" therapist and Alicia "misunderstood psycho" murderer. Theo is the most unconvincing therapist I have read about, even with the context. What makes him different from a detective? How do people just believe a stranger like that? Do people know what therapy is? 
The whole book is full of cliches, there's the diary entries, the cheating spouses, unbelievable "us against the world" and extremely convenient plot points. It is a page turner in the sense that you just want to get it done with. The twist did not do it for me, by that time I was too tired to care. I can handle basically anything if it has strong character work but this one missed the mark entirely. Don't read this, read 'Never Tell' by Lisa Gardener instead, it has the same story but a much better end.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

emotional informative reflective sad 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

A book so famous and hyped, this one is definitely unique. The genius of it all starts with making Death (yes, the concept of death) the narrator of this tale. It sounds a little crazy at first but I really liked this choice because it makes the tragic, gut wrenching moments almost bearable. Death, here, is not the evil taker of lives but simply the eternal transporter of souls, a Sisyphus, if you will. He shares the story of 10-year-old Liesel Meminger and her foster parents in Nazi Germany in a tired, yet pained voice because what else can you expect from a being who is forever surrounded by dying humans? The book covers themes of war, loss, friendship, love, time, reading and most importantly, family. The author is able to perfectly capture the essence of living in such horrific times by mentioning the little things. This book is about humans trying to survive a never-ending storm and how the tiniest voice can silence the noises around you. 

I also loved the way the author has handled emotions, through incredibly simple yet profound metaphors ("Like most misery, it started with apparent happiness"). Apart from the narration, the format of sharing little notes with the reader like German word meanings, a simultaneously occurring event or an overview of a side character helps with the pacing of the story. Another brilliant move by Markus Zusak is that he has managed to avoid every single trope and cliche possible. Though held as a Holocaust novel, it is less descriptive about the true horrors of Dachau and lets the characters shine through instead. Liesel is an independent, strong girl who is raised and treated as an adult which makes her a brilliant protagonist and her young age is never used as an excuse to demean her or make her story childish. This book is truly a masterpiece because it shows the impact of war on the ones who have the most to lose but are always forgotten. People will remember the bomb that took 45000 lives but never the people themselves. They are not mere statistics, they are humans who lost their lives and families in a war that was decided for them ("Is there cowardice in the acknowledgement of fear?"). 

As reading a ten-part, 600 page long book seems intimidating, here are some things to comfort you: 

1. This is an easy read. 

2. It picks up almost immediately and never plateaus. 

3. Most of it is told through the point of view of a child so the language is simple as well. 

4. There are no confusing subplots, only a single focused narrative. 

5. It has short chapters to keep you hooked and immediate translations for any German expressions. 

Trust me, this book is worth your time because the characters are so memorable and one of a kind, they will definitely hold a place in your heart. It is a story that deserves to be loved, please read!

Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

It is pretty hilarious but the racism is too much, this one did not age well. I would recommend reading another Jeeves story

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

dark informative mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.0

A highly anticipated read, The Vanishing Half is the story of two twins, Desiree and Stella, raised in the small black community of Mallard. The twins become famous as they leave their town with no explanation. Their individual journeys cover themes of racism, abuse, love, family and separation. The six part book ends up becoming a multi-generational tale similar to Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing, but with more YA aspects. It has strong, diverse and well-planned characters (100 points for the LGBTQ+ representation) where even the "unlikable" ones have rock solid motivations. I really enjoyed the pacing of the different stories and non linear timeline, because it allowed every subplot to be explored fully without deviating from the main storyline. 

Though you expect the return of the twins, I found their mother's mental illness to be a very nice touch. I did feel that the book plateaued after the halfway point but redeemed itself at the end. Early, Jude and especially Reese are wonderful characters, I loved the progressive nature and the ending was definitely satisfying

 

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

emotional sad slow-paced

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

2.5

This book was a surprising disappointment. The plot was captivating but the story lacks substance. I found it to be too repetitive as the same conversation occurs multiple times (the exact words too). I do however appreciate the voice the author tried to showcase and the negligent behaviour regarding domestic violence but this could have been a short story. The book ended up becoming a YA novel(no shame but why is it in shelves like lit fiction?). The characters internal monologues are too similar and the fact that the author tried to make the reader feel bad for EVERYONE put me off. A book with potential but without any anchor holding it together, I didn't enjoy this one:(

The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

My first graphic novel ever, Persepolis has a wonderful format for a dark plot like the Iranian Islamic Revolution. The author uses simple drawings and humour in order to offset the frightening and repressive nature of that time in her life. Her story is filled with important life lessons, making it a must read. It offers a fresh, youthful perspective as Satrapi, raised in a progressive, Marxist family, tries to survive in Iran and secure her future. I loved that the story is told in meaningful short chapters because after the first 15 pages, the book is literally unputdownable. As a reader, this book explains trauma and the toll a war can have on a country and its people in a simple yet effective manner. The book is not short of cute happy moments, her family's constant support, though from a different continent being her anchor as well as friendships that stood the test of time are heartwarming. Written by the great-granddaughter of the Emperor of Iran, a true account of love, loss and war, this one is bound to inspire you. (If you choose to read this please note that the book was published in four parts so try to get the collection in one volume) 5/5 ❤️ 

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

challenging dark sad medium-paced

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

3.5

Possibly the prettiest book I own (so pretty I couldn't bring myself to ruin it with my neon tabs for annotations), the Handmaid's Tale is basically 1984 but directed at women. Set in the Republic of Gilead, a frightening dystopia where misogyny and patriarchy have reached extreme, unfathomable levels, Offred, one of the Handmaids, is nothing but a vessel for reproduction. Her story is a message, a warning from Atwood herself, which can be very traumatic to read. This is definitely a book I would have loved if I were older, its themes are a little too dark for me right now but it is masterfully written by one of the most prolific feminist icons. The writing style is a mix of Morrison's stream of consciousness as well as Atwood's constant metaphors, making the distinction between narrator and author a little confusing. There are a lot of gaps in the reader's understanding of how such a situation was allowed to take place as that aspect is brushed over and the present circumstances are highlighted. However, the last few pages are brilliant and a smart way of ending Offred's story. I would recommend this only to readers who have the capacity to handle such trauma (please look for the trigger warnings)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape

Moderate: Infertility and Sexual content

Minor: Abortion and Suicidal thoughts

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

I have spent the last week reading this adorable and famous classic, the plot of which I will not waste time in explaining. I am yet to find a book or even a movie which showcases both, a healthy relationship and a male character who admits and CHANGES his flaws in a mature way but Austen has done it here (that too in 1813!). These ideas in those days must have been scandalous to most but I have enjoyed every bit of them. The characters have genius motivations and the contrast of their tempers makes for some very entertaining conflicts. I have laughed but mostly cried with this book so please read this!