hopeloveslit's reviews
313 reviews

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

2.0

I didn't think it possible, but Eclipse is no better than its predecessors. However, I'm so far gone, I must see this through! Off to Breaking Dawn. 😭

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

2.0

One Hundred Years of Solitude is a bizarre novel. Its themes are dark, and they may be a lot for some readers.

Trigger warnings: death/death of minors, inc*st, p*dophilia/child grooming, sexual content, r*pe, misogyny, sexual assault, racism, and violence.

Márquez’s magical realism is the best part of this novel. In addition to being the sole reason, I gave it two stars. Although I enjoyed parts of this story, it never lasted long. Something extreme or disturbing always took me out of the story. Overall, I think this novel wasn’t for me.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

2.25

After reading Twilight, I thought Meyer's writing would improve with the next book. Somehow her prose got worse. Will I read the next book? Well duh!

Oh yeah, how dare Bella call Jacob a traitor after using him AND associating with his enemy!! Girl bye.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2.75

“I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”

Bella and Edward have such a toxic relationship! The movies showed some of this, but the book heightens it. It’s undeniably unhealthy and intense (like most teenage first loves.) Am I bashing Meyers? Yeah, no. I devoured this book! 🤭 To be fair, my younger self resonates with Bella and her feelings for Edward. So that influenced my reading experience. Also, having been a lifetime fan of the films, I find it hard to hate the source material. 🥰 Although I have attachments to this franchise, the prose is not the best!! I can see why many readers say this book is their “guilty pleasure.” Anyways, onto New Moon! 🤭

Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

2.0

I loved how atmospheric this story was. However, I can't get past the homophobia. In addition to that, the complete villainization of the LGBTQ+ community through Carmilla's character. 

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi

3.0

Boys in the Valley frightened me. I can’t lie to you. I was jumping, looking over my shoulder, and squinting my eyes like I was watching an old Stephen King film. The plot was good, although there wasn’t anything groundbreaking. I wonder if I would’ve appreciated this book more if I read the inspiration. I haven’t read The Exorcist or Lord of the Flies (I'm ashamed.) However, I'm very intrigued, thanks to Boys in the Valley. Therefore, I’ll take that as a win.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches by Matsuo Bashō

3.5

The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches is the second book I’ve read by Bashō. I love traveling back to 17th-century Japan with him. He viewed his surroundings and the world in such a beautiful and inspiring way. His work compels you to slow down and appreciate everything about this extraordinary planet.

“Every turn of the road brought me new thoughts and every sunrise gave me fresh emotions.”

This collection is an insightful look into Bashō’s extensive travels through mountains, villages, and wherever his wandering spirit transported him. There is a masterful mix of classic Bashō poetry and prose. The sketches were adorable and enhanced the reading experience.

“In this mortal frame of mine which is made of a hundred bones and nine orifices, there is something, and this something is called a wind-swept spirit for lack of a better name, for it is much like a thin drapery that is torn and swept away at the slightest stir of the wind.”

Bashō speaks about the ancients on his travels. I loved how rich in history his words were. Although I enjoyed this collection, the meanings of Bashō’s poetry didn’t translate well to English. In Japanese, I’m certain this book would have received four stars! Nonetheless, I’d recommend it, especially if you enjoy reading about travel.

“A thicket of summer grass
Is all that remains
Of the dreams and ambitions
Of ancient warriors.”

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

2.5

Performance: 3 stars
Story: 2 stars

At this point, I expect nothing from Sager except an easy read. I think he's not for me. However, I need to see what the hype is. I have a few more novels by him to read and I'm hoping at least one works.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

4.0

The Outsiders is about two rival gangs, The Greasers and The Socs. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the 1960s, the gangs are divided by socioeconomic status. The Greasers are the working class, and The Socs are the upper class. Although they seem different in every sense of the word, “Things are rough all over.”

“It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset.”

I read The Outsiders for the first time in middle school. I remember loving the novel for two reasons. One, it was so unique compared to our usual assigned reading. Two, the rumble was everything to the younger me! I loved the action and gritty vibes.

“Don’t you know a rumble ain’t a rumble unless I’m in it?”

Reading this novel as an adult is a distinctive experience. I enjoyed it even more. I was able to pick up on things that I didn’t formerly. Hinton's themes flew over my head during school; they didn’t this time. I can’t wait to note how I feel about this novel in another ten years. Overall, I’d recommend this story to every reader! However, readers who love found family have to read this.

“Sixteen years on the streets and you can learn a lot. But all the wrong things, not the things you want to learn. Sixteen years on the streets and you see a lot. But all the wrong sights, not the things you want to see.”

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

3.0