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heymarykathryn's reviews
26 reviews
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-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
4.0
This started quickly for me and slowed down quite a bit in the middle. The storyline is very cute, but some of the side stories added a bit too much fluff for me. Still a very fun summer read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Abandonment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma
Moderate: Sexual assault and Toxic relationship
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
The beginning of this book pulled me in almost immediately. There's an interesting character facing many of the same challenges women face in 2023. And then I hit the middle of the book slump, and it took a while to get back out. I felt the ending was a bit disappointing, felt rushed, and didn't connect back to the start of the story like I hoped. Despite this, I think this is such a good story!
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Reading this during/at the end of a pandemic that's referenced within the text was a bit jarring. However, I think this is an eerily beautiful story about time and how our actions can impact someone else's life in ways that aren't always obvious at first
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Suicide
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Alice Feeney writes so beautifully. There were moments I read a sentence and audibly said "wow" because it was so GOOD! This story reminded me of my favorite childhood book "The Westing Game," which also centers on a will reading. Daisy's story will take you on many twists and turns, so buckle up!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Death, and Suicide
Bad Mormon by Heather Gay
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
I'm not the most critical reader, so maybe I'm not the best to ask but I flew through this and thoroughly enjoyed it. This isn't a very challenging read, it isn't very deep, but it does give more insight into Heather, the Housewives and the Mormon Church. I wish she had focused more on developing her business and finding herself after divorce
The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a great read. Diverse cast of POVs without it being overwhelming and too much to keep track of. Part 2 was so captivating and there were twists and turns all over the place, even up to the last PAGE! A great mystery set at New Year's to kick off the year!
Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship