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ilona_cupfulofpoetry's reviews
35 reviews
Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson
Anne Carson could write about mutant rats digging through garage and it would still be poetry by virtue of her voice. She doesn’t romanticize yet every description is nonetheless filled with beauty. As beautiful as a knife blade, and the blood that comes after.
Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
3.5
Nothing all that spectacular but I enjoyed the descriptions of food and nature which stuck with me more than anything else. It’s a very relaxing book with a gentle atmosphere.
The Homeric Hymns by Homer
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Absolutely exquisite. One of the best things I’ve read. All the hymns are much beloved by me and I can’t wait to reread them for years to come.
We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals by Gillian Gill
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
A revolting biography. The sensationalist quality of the writing disgusted me.
Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
I think a one’s experience of a book is greatly determined by their expectations. I know people who gave good, sad, books a low rating because they were expecting a cute rom-com. Thankfully I knew what this book had in store and saw the trigger warnings. Therefore I got to experience this book for what it was, and it was gorgeous. Sure, it was incredibly hard to read at times and very sad, but the writing is sublime and the characters are very real. Everything about this story is gritty and grim; but that renders the sweet moments, the kind moments all the more lovely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Rape, Drug abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Racism, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, and Cursing
Minor: Child death
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
Exceptional romance. Romantic as fuck, good characters, good character development, sexy, and just overall exactly what you want from a romance novel. And any book is better with trans characters in my opinion so this was a real gem for me. Alexis is a hilarious writer and I adored the dynamic between the two love interests. A little too long but that’s a small complaint.
Update: I read many more romances since this one and I can now comfortably say this is one of the best romance books I’ve read.
Update: I read many more romances since this one and I can now comfortably say this is one of the best romance books I’ve read.
If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Good but not amazing. I honestly have no complaints; it was a good pallet cleanser for me personally.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? N/A
1.0
Not worth the hype. The romance was genuinely cute and well written, but the focus on “oh woe sad millionaires” was just too annoying. Alex drooling over, I want to say Henry’s but I genuinely can’t remember if that’s his name, thousand dollars suits was definitely not a vibe.
If I didn’t keep track of everything I read on this site I’d probably forget about it.
Update: I initially gave this 2.5 and the review seen above but the more time that passes the more I dislike the book.
If I didn’t keep track of everything I read on this site I’d probably forget about it.
Update: I initially gave this 2.5 and the review seen above but the more time that passes the more I dislike the book.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Wow. I held off reading this one for ages because I was intimidated by its size, but holy shit. I grieve the years I spent not being acquainted with this absolute gem. One of the best things I ever read in my life. Highlights of my thoughts:
- Tolkien's world is extremely lush and realized. Should the reader stray from the path our heroes walk they wouldn't find a void, nay, the world is developed beyond the plot. Every location, person, and road has a history and story. A single chapter can inspire multiple quests. being a huge history nerd, the ancient feel of Middle Earth was a delight.
- I adore the main characters, they're all the loveliest. Many years ago I fell in love with Bilbo, and now years later I fell in love with all the fellowship and many more ( Tom Bombadil, Elrond, Galadriel, just to name a few ).
- There is so much hope in this book. I usually hate books centering on a war but this book has so much hope, kindness, and goodness in it that it makes me want to weep from happiness.
- "It's a pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play in it, for good or evil, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many." *eating drywall*
I could go on forever but I'd rather be reading The Two Towers.
- Tolkien's world is extremely lush and realized. Should the reader stray from the path our heroes walk they wouldn't find a void, nay, the world is developed beyond the plot. Every location, person, and road has a history and story. A single chapter can inspire multiple quests. being a huge history nerd, the ancient feel of Middle Earth was a delight.
- I adore the main characters, they're all the loveliest. Many years ago I fell in love with Bilbo, and now years later I fell in love with all the fellowship and many more ( Tom Bombadil, Elrond, Galadriel, just to name a few ).
- There is so much hope in this book. I usually hate books centering on a war but this book has so much hope, kindness, and goodness in it that it makes me want to weep from happiness.
- "It's a pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play in it, for good or evil, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many." *eating drywall*
I could go on forever but I'd rather be reading The Two Towers.