hennasfern's reviews
273 reviews

Lunar Boy by Cin Wibowo, Jes Wibowo

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-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

This book was adorable and absolute perfection. The illustrations were pastel wonders and the characters were all perfect. I deeply enjoy reading queer books where family members are accepting and open to a wide array of genders and sexualities. Just an overall joy to read..... and like others I was definitely crying by the end. 

Navigating With You by Jeremy Whitley

adventurous emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-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? Yes

4.25

Eat the Rich by Sarah Gailey

dark reflective tense 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? N/A

3.25

The Fifth Wound by Aurora Mattia

challenging emotional reflective 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

3.75

I'm not sure how to feel after finishing this book. I definitely didn't hate it but I was never sure if I enjoyed or was confused by the lyrical worrying style.
I think the narrator for the audiobook was a perfect choice though and most of the time the lyrical style made me feel at peace with what was happening in the story, much like I feel Aurora might feel at the end of it all. 

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

hopeful reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.25

"We will live!"
This book isn't in my normal genres or reading vibes but I picked it up for the Barnes and Noble book a week challenge Award Winner. I won't say this book is a favorite of mine but I also won't say I hated it. There are some great quotes in this book alongside a character whom we can all "sympathize" with.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, Murder, War

What Goes Up by Christine Heppermann

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

Bingo Love by Tee Franklin

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

This was a nice quick graphic novel. Speedy read but so adorable and endearing. Definitely would recommend for an easy queer graphic. 

Carmilla: The First Vampire by Amy Chu

dark fast-paced

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

2.5

Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes

lighthearted reflective 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

3.25

Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

dark emotional 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

5.0

The intensity and violence of love. This book was devastating and heart breaking. The monsters and atmosphere were beautiful as we fell into a world described to us by a lovely unreliable narrator.

I am obsessed with this book so dearly.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Violence, Toxic friendship

Moderate: Eating disorder, Suicide