insarahsgoodbooks's reviews
13 reviews

The Tinderbox by Hans Christian Andersen

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

I really enjoyed this collection. Andersen mixes humor, sadness and life lessons in a way that keeps you hooked. “Little Claus and Big Claus” was definitely my favorite. The humor and cleverness had me rooting for Little Claus all the way. Big Claus totally deserved what he got and it felt like justice was served!

Another story that got to me was “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” The soldier’s loyalty and love for the ballerina, despite everything, really tugged at my heartstrings. It left me feeling a little heartbroken but in a good way, if you know what I mean.

Andersen’s writing is engaging and just flows - it almost feels like he’s telling you the stories himself. Even though I usually find classics a bit tricky, these stories were so compelling that I ended up finishing the whole book in a day.

I’d totally recommend this collection to anyone, whether you’re new to Andersen or just want a good intro to classic lit. The stories are short and enjoyable - perfect for a quick read on your commute or when you just want to escape into a good story for a bit.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.0

🚨 spoiler alert!

I picked up the book after seeing a lot of buzz about it and while it does offer a lighthearted romance, it didn’t fully click with me. I struggled to connect with the relationship between the main characters, Emma and Justin.

Emma’s constant self-sabotage left me feeling frustrated and Justin seemed almost too perfect — his unwavering devotion felt a bit unrealistic. If you enjoy characters who are head-over-heels in love from the start, this might be for you, but I found the romance a bit too idealized and predictable.

I did appreciate that Emma took steps to address her issues and there was a twist that added some depth to the story. I also enjoyed the character of Emma’s best friend, who was much more level-headed and provided a nice grounding presence. Her loyalty was genuinely commendable.

The pacing was decent, making it a quick read if you’re into romance and I liked getting both main characters’ perspectives. Abby Jimenez’s writing style is easy to follow, which makes for a comfortable reading experience.

Even with my mixed feelings, I’m still curious about her other books. As someone who’s new to the genre, I’m still figuring out what kind of romance suits me best. I’d say don’t dismiss this book until you’ve given it a try.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment

The Cracked Looking-Glass by Katherine Anne Porter

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

2.5

The story is told from the perspective of Rosaleen, a talkative woman feeling stuck in her life with her older husband, Dennis, who just wants peace and quiet. I liked the writing style - easy to follow - but Rosaleen’s rambling made me roll my eyes at first. The beginning felt slow but it got funnier as I got used to her.

There were moments of racism and xenophobia in the story, which were uncomfortable to read. It was written in 1922 and while that doesn’t excuse it, it does reflect the attitudes of the time. Still, those parts definitely took away from my overall enjoyment.

I can empathise with Rosaleen’s frustration with her unresponsive husband and her journey toward contentment. Their dynamic reminded me of my grandparents in a bittersweet way but also made me reflect on how I don’t want my own marriage to feel. By the end, Rosaleen finds some clarity and maybe even a little peace after her solo adventure, which added a nice touch. 

Not the best read from the Penguin Short Classics series but not the worst either. I’m still warming up to the older classics. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

dark mysterious reflective sad 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? It's complicated

3.5

I listened to this book on Spotify and enjoyed it. It’s a short, dark, and surprisingly funny listen. The narrator definitely kept me hooked.

Did I actually like any of the characters? Nope. I found it hard to understand their motivations, and I wish the book had dug deeper into why they are the way they are. Still, it made me think a lot about their possible reasons—like the trauma they went through with their dad. That might explain why the younger sister is a bit… unhinged and why the older one is so protective of her.

The book covers a lot: beauty, jealousy, family abuse, and complicated sibling dynamics. It’s short, but not exactly a light read. It might not be for everyone, but it totally kept me hooked.

The Vigilante by John Steinbeck

adventurous fast-paced

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

2.5

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark funny sad tense medium-paced

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

3.75

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

emotional medium-paced

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

3.75

This is a beautifully written and poignant novel that touches on several essential themes, including love, identity, race, art, and the struggles faced by young Black individuals in a predominantly white society. The main characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to connect with their struggles and aspirations. However, the novel's central theme of love, while beautifully portrayed, leaned towards the romantic genre more than I expected. I felt like the focus on the romantic relationship between the two main characters overshadowed other aspects of their lives and artistic pursuits, making the novel feel too sentimental for me. I also found the pacing a bit too slow so I was struggling trying to carry on with the novel. It is still a great debut novel. The author's ability to convey complex emotions through the written word is commendable and adds depth to the characters' experiences.

The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House by Audre Lorde

challenging informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5