hypofocus's reviews
29 reviews

Why Is This Night Different from All Other Nights? by Lemony Snicket, Seth

dark funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Shouldn't You Be in School? by Lemony Snicket, Seth

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

The world of Lemony Snicket is more enjoyable the more I read. Spending more time with the character is doing much to inform me of how he became the person he is in A Series of Unfortunate Events. 

When Did You See Her Last? by Lemony Snicket

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Sharp witted and entertaining, even as an adult. Great lore expansion from the world of A Series of Unfortunate Events 

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

Beautifully vulnerable and brave. Being read by the author brought an extra layer of authenticity to it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Death of parent

Minor: Blood and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

"Who Could That Be at This Hour?" by Lemony Snicket

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: A Play by August Wilson

emotional funny sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

We the Animals by Justin Torres

challenging dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, and Sexual content

Happy Place by Emily Henry

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

Amazing. I love me a book that helps me understand myself a little more. I cried more than I'd like to admit. Emily Henry really knows how to craft relatable and entertaining stories. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

Moderate: Sexual content

Minor: Death of parent

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Wtf did I just read? And I mean that I the best/worst way possible. I'm gonna need at least 24 hours to recover. This book is one big trigger warning, but worth the read in the right headspace. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

What a lovely followup to Legends and Lattes! This one got some tears outta me. This book feels like what tender reassurance sounds like to an unsure heart. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Death