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iwasalilacsky's reviews
208 reviews
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Thoughts:
(Looking at this cover makes me think of the most recent season of Stranger Things with the house and upside down.)
Oh death, what is my sick, sick obsession with you about?
Our story begins with a mute orphan girl, Olivia, who is able to see things that she shouldn’t. While being treated horribly by the other girls at Merilance School, Olivia flips through the journal her mother left behind as her only sense of comfort. (Do not worry too much about her. She bites back!) With so many questions and a longing for a home, she suddenly receives a letter from her uncle that may led to a family and way for to answers. When arriving Olivia is in for surprise with a cousin, Matthew, who does not want her there, an odd house that is sealed at night, and a voice calling to her Olivia, Olivia, Olivia. Stuck between being summoned by life and death, she must discover a way to stay at Gallant, uncover the secrets that lie in this home, and keep those who live there safe.
This story feels like a mix of the interesting books and movies I’ve watched, but done in a way that felt like a fresh new take. It was dark, creepy and mysterious. It felt like a part of my core aesthetic.
However, I will say that I kept getting distracted during this read, and it could be because I am easily distracted or that although it was an interesting read, it wasn’t as gripping as I hoped in the middle. It’s sadly the latter. Towards the end though you cannot look away from the pages as you flip through. Overall V.E. Schwab knows how to keep us entertained. Keep ‘em coming!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes, to those who already love Victoria Elizabeth Schwab and to those who are in the mood for a gothic paranormal read.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
Ebook, Audiobook (for the beginning)
How did I discover this:
Good Reads!
Pace:
Fast/Medium
Cover thoughts:
It fits right in theme with her other covers. Red, black, and white. If anything this one might have the most color with the hints of blue lol.
POV:
Olivia
Quotes:
”Home is a choice.”
“…dreams can never hurt you. That’s what her mother said. Of course, she knows now it isn’t true. Dreams can make you hurt yourself, dreams can make you do so many things, if you’re not careful.”
Triggers: (*POSSIBLE SPOILERS*)
Death, Suicide, Bullying, Animal Death, Abandonment, Ableism, Mental Illness, Violence, Suicidal Thoughts, Confinement, Eating Disorder, Emotional Abuse, etc.
(Looking at this cover makes me think of the most recent season of Stranger Things with the house and upside down.)
Oh death, what is my sick, sick obsession with you about?
Our story begins with a mute orphan girl, Olivia, who is able to see things that she shouldn’t. While being treated horribly by the other girls at Merilance School, Olivia flips through the journal her mother left behind as her only sense of comfort. (Do not worry too much about her. She bites back!) With so many questions and a longing for a home, she suddenly receives a letter from her uncle that may led to a family and way for to answers. When arriving Olivia is in for surprise with a cousin, Matthew, who does not want her there, an odd house that is sealed at night, and a voice calling to her Olivia, Olivia, Olivia. Stuck between being summoned by life and death, she must discover a way to stay at Gallant, uncover the secrets that lie in this home, and keep those who live there safe.
This story feels like a mix of the interesting books and movies I’ve watched, but done in a way that felt like a fresh new take. It was dark, creepy and mysterious. It felt like a part of my core aesthetic.
However, I will say that I kept getting distracted during this read, and it could be because I am easily distracted or that although it was an interesting read, it wasn’t as gripping as I hoped in the middle. It’s sadly the latter. Towards the end though you cannot look away from the pages as you flip through. Overall V.E. Schwab knows how to keep us entertained. Keep ‘em coming!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes, to those who already love Victoria Elizabeth Schwab and to those who are in the mood for a gothic paranormal read.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
Ebook, Audiobook (for the beginning)
How did I discover this:
Good Reads!
Pace:
Fast/Medium
Cover thoughts:
It fits right in theme with her other covers. Red, black, and white. If anything this one might have the most color with the hints of blue lol.
POV:
Olivia
Quotes:
”Home is a choice.”
“…dreams can never hurt you. That’s what her mother said. Of course, she knows now it isn’t true. Dreams can make you hurt yourself, dreams can make you do so many things, if you’re not careful.”
Triggers: (*POSSIBLE SPOILERS*)
Death, Suicide, Bullying, Animal Death, Abandonment, Ableism, Mental Illness, Violence, Suicidal Thoughts, Confinement, Eating Disorder, Emotional Abuse, etc.
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Thoughts:
’What if sometimes poison is medicine in disguise?’
Who needs a little devil or angel on your shoulder when you can have a paper crane named Kiki in your sleeve?!
There is no way I am clever enough to have ever known, but this story feels like one I have been mentally preparing myself for since the dawn of time, and it delivered. Shiori is the protagonist of my dreams. I don’t have to agree with her in everything she does (because that would be boring), but I root for her. She is another book child I have adopted as I cherish her very dearly.
Everyone deserves a Takkan, but (onto my problematic thoughts) also intrigued by Seryu and would love development there too. I would take even just more friendship development! Gimme something!
Only had a couple dilemmas: 1.) I needed more of the other (or side) characters. Give me more of the brothers and Seryu! *starts rioting* 2.) The ending felt a bit rushed. We were set up and awaiting this ending, and it just flew by.
I want to write a synopsis in my own words, but I will not say it as eloquently as it should be. Please just go read this if you haven’t. I was enchanted!
I am desperate to read the sequel as it comes out today I believe! You’ll find me at my local bookstore or B&N quite shortly!
Would I recommend this and to who:
YES! EVERYONE! DO IT!
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book & Audiobook
How did I discover this:
On my tbr, booktok
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED! IN LOVE WITH THIS COVER! BREATHTAKING!
POV: (single or multi)
Single - Shiori
Quotes:
‘Ironic, wasn’t it, that I- a girl who always wanted to make her own choices- now wished for nothing more than to surrender to fate?’
“I would not have you be alone, Lina, not in your joys or your sorrows. I would wish your strand knotted to mine, always.”
‘Pain doesn’t get easier. You just have to get stronger.’
“I would tell you stories from dawn to dusk if it meant filling your eyes with happiness.”
“Food feeds the belly, thoughts feed the mind, but love is what feeds the heart.”
‘Funny how he’d stolen his way into my heart, when I’d been the thief…’
“I’m bound to you first. I always have been.”
“Be the light that makes someone's lantern shine.”
“I’m sorry” … “Don’t be. Kites are meant to fly, some higher than others.” “It’s a lucky one then. The rest of us are bound by our strand.”
Triggers:
Death, Violence, Fire, Emotional Abuse, Confinement, Animal Cruelty/Death, War, Bullying, etc.
’What if sometimes poison is medicine in disguise?’
Who needs a little devil or angel on your shoulder when you can have a paper crane named Kiki in your sleeve?!
There is no way I am clever enough to have ever known, but this story feels like one I have been mentally preparing myself for since the dawn of time, and it delivered. Shiori is the protagonist of my dreams. I don’t have to agree with her in everything she does (because that would be boring), but I root for her. She is another book child I have adopted as I cherish her very dearly.
Everyone deserves a Takkan, but (onto my problematic thoughts) also intrigued by Seryu and would love development there too. I would take even just more friendship development! Gimme something!
Only had a couple dilemmas: 1.) I needed more of the other (or side) characters. Give me more of the brothers and Seryu! *starts rioting* 2.) The ending felt a bit rushed. We were set up and awaiting this ending, and it just flew by.
I want to write a synopsis in my own words, but I will not say it as eloquently as it should be. Please just go read this if you haven’t. I was enchanted!
I am desperate to read the sequel as it comes out today I believe! You’ll find me at my local bookstore or B&N quite shortly!
Would I recommend this and to who:
YES! EVERYONE! DO IT!
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book & Audiobook
How did I discover this:
On my tbr, booktok
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED! IN LOVE WITH THIS COVER! BREATHTAKING!
POV: (single or multi)
Single - Shiori
Quotes:
‘Ironic, wasn’t it, that I- a girl who always wanted to make her own choices- now wished for nothing more than to surrender to fate?’
“I would not have you be alone, Lina, not in your joys or your sorrows. I would wish your strand knotted to mine, always.”
‘Pain doesn’t get easier. You just have to get stronger.’
“I would tell you stories from dawn to dusk if it meant filling your eyes with happiness.”
“Food feeds the belly, thoughts feed the mind, but love is what feeds the heart.”
‘Funny how he’d stolen his way into my heart, when I’d been the thief…’
“I’m bound to you first. I always have been.”
“Be the light that makes someone's lantern shine.”
“I’m sorry” … “Don’t be. Kites are meant to fly, some higher than others.” “It’s a lucky one then. The rest of us are bound by our strand.”
Triggers:
Death, Violence, Fire, Emotional Abuse, Confinement, Animal Cruelty/Death, War, Bullying, etc.
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Thoughts:
Shook! 😲
Did I guess some of the plot? Yes, but was also genuinely surprised with the multiple twists this book gave. It got darker and more wild than I expected it to go. I know we more often than not enjoy finding the characters we love, but with the group of people we get living in this Parisian apartment, I enjoyed to dislike them immensely.
Jess, the half-sister of Ben, is coming to stay in Paris after a work situation that left her afraid of the repercussions of what she did. After reluctantly receiving confirmation from him that she could stay at his apartment, she arrives to find Ben not answering his phone or the door. Without any help from the concierge or other tenants in the building, she breaks into the apartment. With no sign of him being there, she comes to the discovery that he is missing. In her search to find him, she meets the others living in the building who are not very friendly to say the least, and finds that everything is not what it seems.
Finally read a thriller this year that I can get behind. I am looking forward to more reads by Lucy Foley.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes! To those who love a good mystery/thriller. I highly recommend the audiobook as the pace leaves it to be very suspenseful, and the different accents for each character is highly entertaining.
Format:
Audiobook
How did I discover this:
Book released in February. Added it to my TBR once I read the synopsis knowing I’ll read it this year. After a pretty decently long wait, I received it in the Libby app to listen to.
Pace:
Medium/Long-ish
Cover thoughts:
Simple, but a vibe. Fits the book!
POV:
Multi – Jess (mainly), Ben, Sophie, Concierge, Mimi, & Nick
Quotes:
“I simply wanted someone to love. Wholehearted, unreserved, requited.”
“I only hope she knows what she's doing. Climbing so high, so quickly: it only makes for further to fall.”
“You know, I read somewhere that sixty percent of us can’t go more than ten minutes without lying. Little slippages to make ourselves sound better, more attractive, to others. White lies to avoid causing offence. So it’s not like I’ve done anything out of the ordinary. It’s only human.”
“It’s a beautiful building, but there’s something rotten at its heart.”
“It’s not about where you came from. What kind of shit might have happened to you in the past. It’s about who you are. What you do with the opportunities life presents to you.”
Shook! 😲
Did I guess some of the plot? Yes, but was also genuinely surprised with the multiple twists this book gave. It got darker and more wild than I expected it to go. I know we more often than not enjoy finding the characters we love, but with the group of people we get living in this Parisian apartment, I enjoyed to dislike them immensely.
Jess, the half-sister of Ben, is coming to stay in Paris after a work situation that left her afraid of the repercussions of what she did. After reluctantly receiving confirmation from him that she could stay at his apartment, she arrives to find Ben not answering his phone or the door. Without any help from the concierge or other tenants in the building, she breaks into the apartment. With no sign of him being there, she comes to the discovery that he is missing. In her search to find him, she meets the others living in the building who are not very friendly to say the least, and finds that everything is not what it seems.
Finally read a thriller this year that I can get behind. I am looking forward to more reads by Lucy Foley.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes! To those who love a good mystery/thriller. I highly recommend the audiobook as the pace leaves it to be very suspenseful, and the different accents for each character is highly entertaining.
Format:
Audiobook
How did I discover this:
Book released in February. Added it to my TBR once I read the synopsis knowing I’ll read it this year. After a pretty decently long wait, I received it in the Libby app to listen to.
Pace:
Medium/Long-ish
Cover thoughts:
Simple, but a vibe. Fits the book!
POV:
Multi – Jess (mainly), Ben, Sophie, Concierge, Mimi, & Nick
Quotes:
“I simply wanted someone to love. Wholehearted, unreserved, requited.”
“I only hope she knows what she's doing. Climbing so high, so quickly: it only makes for further to fall.”
“You know, I read somewhere that sixty percent of us can’t go more than ten minutes without lying. Little slippages to make ourselves sound better, more attractive, to others. White lies to avoid causing offence. So it’s not like I’ve done anything out of the ordinary. It’s only human.”
“It’s a beautiful building, but there’s something rotten at its heart.”
“It’s not about where you came from. What kind of shit might have happened to you in the past. It’s about who you are. What you do with the opportunities life presents to you.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Death, Death of parent, and Trafficking
Moderate: Infidelity, Kidnapping, Sexism, Classism, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Homophobia
Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1 by Mone Sorai
3.0
Enter hopelessly-in-love sunshine airhead and worried grump taking on Thailand, India, and Georgia one picture, meal and tourist activity at a time. Asahi is in his growth era while learning to come to terms with a public relationship and searching for a new job. Mitsuki is along for adventure while pushing Asahi to try new things and always being reassuring when he needs it. Both are stubborn but will do anything to make each other happy at the end of the day. This 'promise' of theirs will take awhile, but happy to be part of the bumpy, not-so-hassle-free ride as we go around the world meeting new and past people. I love these fools already and their quirky adorable selves.
Visually this manga is very appealing with the sights and food. It will give you 'fomo'. *Tip: do not read when hungry!
The little side notes and nods to certain things have me cracking up. I hope we get more flashbacks for the coming together of these two in future volumes. They gave me *butterflies* at certain moments! Grateful for the bonus chapter!
May we all have a "mai pen rai" attitude in this life!
Quotes (be mindful of *SPOILERS* in these):
"Treasure those feelings. You are you. Be proud of who you are."
"Gandhi said that you should live as if you're going to die tomorrow, and learn as if you will live forever. Death is nothing special. As long as you are alive, it will always be close by your side."
"I promise to be your side always."
"But, no matter what anyone says to me, you're the only one I want to be with. I'd proudly face even God himself to say that. Stop going in circles and realize how much I love you."
Visually this manga is very appealing with the sights and food. It will give you 'fomo'. *Tip: do not read when hungry!
The little side notes and nods to certain things have me cracking up. I hope we get more flashbacks for the coming together of these two in future volumes. They gave me *butterflies* at certain moments! Grateful for the bonus chapter!
May we all have a "mai pen rai" attitude in this life!
Quotes (be mindful of *SPOILERS* in these):
"Treasure those feelings. You are you. Be proud of who you are."
"Gandhi said that you should live as if you're going to die tomorrow, and learn as if you will live forever. Death is nothing special. As long as you are alive, it will always be close by your side."
"I promise to be your side always."
"But, no matter what anyone says to me, you're the only one I want to be with. I'd proudly face even God himself to say that. Stop going in circles and realize how much I love you."
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Thoughts:
There were parts that resonated with me and parts that didn’t. Overall I wasn’t amazed. It was just bland to me personally. I just had high expectations that weren’t met since this book is so hyped and is located towards the front of pretty much every bookstore. I honestly couldn’t even tell you what I was looking for with this other than that it just didn’t work for me. However, it does have a lot of quotable moments.
Sidenote (AND *semi SPOILER*): Why is every author killing off the main character’s pets recently?! I just want a cat that can live a full life! Lol don’t mind my ranting.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Eh, I don’t know if I would, but if I did recommend it to anyone, it would be to those who are looking for something unusual with an uplifting ending I guess.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-Book/Audiobook
How did I discover this:
Booktok. It has been on the tbr for a while.
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
After googling I see there is two cover choices. The one with the sky, the cat and library itself is my personal preference as the best. I believe that is the UK’s cover. I think it’s fun, but nothing about it has a wow factor.
POV: (single or multi)
Single – Nora Seed
Quotes:
"Between life and death there is library, and within that library the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things could be different if you had made other choices. Would you have done anything different if you had the chance to undo your regrets?"
“You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”
“Nora wanted to live in a world where no cruelty existed, but the only worlds she had available to her were worlds with humans in them.”
"I need somewhere to stay. But the ground is never stable."
"The fun is in jumping, mon amie."
"But what if it's in the landing?”
There were parts that resonated with me and parts that didn’t. Overall I wasn’t amazed. It was just bland to me personally. I just had high expectations that weren’t met since this book is so hyped and is located towards the front of pretty much every bookstore. I honestly couldn’t even tell you what I was looking for with this other than that it just didn’t work for me. However, it does have a lot of quotable moments.
Sidenote (AND *semi SPOILER*): Why is every author killing off the main character’s pets recently?! I just want a cat that can live a full life! Lol don’t mind my ranting.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Eh, I don’t know if I would, but if I did recommend it to anyone, it would be to those who are looking for something unusual with an uplifting ending I guess.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-Book/Audiobook
How did I discover this:
Booktok. It has been on the tbr for a while.
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
After googling I see there is two cover choices. The one with the sky, the cat and library itself is my personal preference as the best. I believe that is the UK’s cover. I think it’s fun, but nothing about it has a wow factor.
POV: (single or multi)
Single – Nora Seed
Quotes:
"Between life and death there is library, and within that library the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things could be different if you had made other choices. Would you have done anything different if you had the chance to undo your regrets?"
“You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”
“Nora wanted to live in a world where no cruelty existed, but the only worlds she had available to her were worlds with humans in them.”
"I need somewhere to stay. But the ground is never stable."
"The fun is in jumping, mon amie."
"But what if it's in the landing?”
Fangs by Sarah Andersen
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
The cover! The aesthetic (the pages are black)! I finally picked this up at my nearby B&N and fell in love with it after the first page. It is hilariously corny and sickeningly adorable in the best way. I finished this in no time as the pages fly by.
This story follows day to day moments between Elsie, a vampire, and Jimmy, a werewolf. It is basically a modern day take on monsters in a relationship.
Only issue is wishing this were longer.
This story follows day to day moments between Elsie, a vampire, and Jimmy, a werewolf. It is basically a modern day take on monsters in a relationship.
Only issue is wishing this were longer.
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Thoughts:
If I had the paperback of this book, the entire thing would be covered in highlighter. It was beautifully told as I listened to the author voice the story. I find I benefit more from having listened to the author tell their own story as it feels more personal. (This is a trend I have kept with all memoirs this year.)
As mostly everyone under the sun (and hidden in their safe book space) and I will say, it is extremely difficult to rate someone’s personal life story. With that being said, this was such a gripping, candid telling, and I am very fortunate I had the pleasure to have stumbled across as I treasure it.
Would I recommend this and to who:
YES - Anyone. Everyone. Period. However, especially to anyone wanting to find a voice with a shared experience of being in the LQBTQIA+ and/or Black community.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
Audiobook (from Libby App)
How did I discover this:
I was in search of my next work commute audiobook.
Pace:
Fast (only 5 hours)
Cover thoughts:
Stunning!!! Immaculate!!! 10/10!
POV: (single or multi)
Single
Quotes:
"The majority fear becoming the minority so they will do anything and everything to protect their power.”
“Toni Morrison states in my favorite quote of all time, ‘If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet then you must write it.
“When people ask me how I got into activism, I often say, “The first person you are ever an activist for is yourself.” If I wasn’t gonna fight for me, who else was?”
“Navigating in a space that questions your humanity isn’t really living at all. It’s existing. We all deserve more than just the ability to exist.”
“many of us connect with each other through trauma and pain: broken people finding other broken people in the hopes of fixing one another.”
“American history is truly the greatest fable ever written.”
If I had the paperback of this book, the entire thing would be covered in highlighter. It was beautifully told as I listened to the author voice the story. I find I benefit more from having listened to the author tell their own story as it feels more personal. (This is a trend I have kept with all memoirs this year.)
As mostly everyone under the sun (and hidden in their safe book space) and I will say, it is extremely difficult to rate someone’s personal life story. With that being said, this was such a gripping, candid telling, and I am very fortunate I had the pleasure to have stumbled across as I treasure it.
Would I recommend this and to who:
YES - Anyone. Everyone. Period. However, especially to anyone wanting to find a voice with a shared experience of being in the LQBTQIA+ and/or Black community.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
Audiobook (from Libby App)
How did I discover this:
I was in search of my next work commute audiobook.
Pace:
Fast (only 5 hours)
Cover thoughts:
Stunning!!! Immaculate!!! 10/10!
POV: (single or multi)
Single
Quotes:
"The majority fear becoming the minority so they will do anything and everything to protect their power.”
“Toni Morrison states in my favorite quote of all time, ‘If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet then you must write it.
“When people ask me how I got into activism, I often say, “The first person you are ever an activist for is yourself.” If I wasn’t gonna fight for me, who else was?”
“Navigating in a space that questions your humanity isn’t really living at all. It’s existing. We all deserve more than just the ability to exist.”
“many of us connect with each other through trauma and pain: broken people finding other broken people in the hopes of fixing one another.”
“American history is truly the greatest fable ever written.”
Haikyu!!, Vol. 05 by Haruichi Furudate
medium-paced
3.0
“In the end, the one who’s gonna finally beat you is me! Even if that takes ten years! Or twenty! I’m gonna do it!!” Such a silly way to propose Hinata but okay hahaha.
I love them all so much 🥰 Another read that filled me with serotonin as 55 teams participate and half only get to move to the next round. Karasuno has a taste for winning and gets a chance to prove they are more than what the rumors say about them.
Next it is Karasuno vs the Iron Wall. Hinata and Kageyama get to show off their quick, and Asahi has a chance at redemption!
Read below for my reactions along the way: (grammar does not exist when I write this in my notes tab lol)
“Just one more time!” *Hinata flies while trying to receive again*
Tsukki and Yamaguchi giving me life with the side panel giggles
Tehe protect Asahi at all costs
Noya gives tall short guy energy and I don’t know how to elaborate that
Welcome Date Tech, Shitatorizawa and Aoba Johsai! (Brief intro)
Oikawa (AND IWA 👀)!!
Ukai and Kuroo have the same smirk and no one can tell me otherwise
“Don’t you let any of those other guys ever ever call us “the clipper wing crows” again.” HELL YEAH!
*Everyone intensely staring forward* *Tsukki: oh look anywhere but direct contact is best*
When in doubt bean harvest it out or something lolol. Ukai having to bean harvest at 4 am just to keep up the family business is too pure.
Also protect Yams at all costs!
Tsukki: *brushes lock of hair behind ear* I’m not like the other guys. I have tough and mysterious don’t give a f**k energy. *also has dinosaur figures in his room* too cute!
Shimizu: “Good Luck.” Team: *BAWLS* 😭
And that was the one and only time we will ever see Daichi to nice to Asahi 🤣
NOT THE BARF BAG ☠️☠️
AGAIN PROTECT OUR GLASS HEART ASAHI AT ALL COSTS
Shimizu’s ‘not requested’ guard dogs at work again lolol
Leave Hinata and his IBS alone! #hotgirls(and volleyball players)withstomachproblems
What I read: ‘he built different’ What is actually written: “His build is different” Halp!
BWAHAHAHAHAHA KAWA WITH THE GIRLS AND HIS HANDLER IWA ALWAYS ON THE WAY 💚
Onion head I can’t
Yoohoo!
Lil Hina flies again! Karasuno has risen once again 🥺😭🎉
Awwww Michimiya is a sweetheart. SOMEONE GIVE HER A HUG!
Suga is the best team mom 🥺
Noya staring down Asahi hehehehehe
RRROLLINNNNNNN’ THUNDAAH!!
Noya-san is the coolest anyone who disagrees can fight me
ASAHI 😭👏🏼
I love them all so much 🥰 Another read that filled me with serotonin as 55 teams participate and half only get to move to the next round. Karasuno has a taste for winning and gets a chance to prove they are more than what the rumors say about them.
Next it is Karasuno vs the Iron Wall. Hinata and Kageyama get to show off their quick, and Asahi has a chance at redemption!
Read below for my reactions along the way: (grammar does not exist when I write this in my notes tab lol)
“Just one more time!” *Hinata flies while trying to receive again*
Tsukki and Yamaguchi giving me life with the side panel giggles
Tehe protect Asahi at all costs
Noya gives tall short guy energy and I don’t know how to elaborate that
Welcome Date Tech, Shitatorizawa and Aoba Johsai! (Brief intro)
Oikawa (AND IWA 👀)!!
Ukai and Kuroo have the same smirk and no one can tell me otherwise
“Don’t you let any of those other guys ever ever call us “the clipper wing crows” again.” HELL YEAH!
*Everyone intensely staring forward* *Tsukki: oh look anywhere but direct contact is best*
When in doubt bean harvest it out or something lolol. Ukai having to bean harvest at 4 am just to keep up the family business is too pure.
Also protect Yams at all costs!
Tsukki: *brushes lock of hair behind ear* I’m not like the other guys. I have tough and mysterious don’t give a f**k energy. *also has dinosaur figures in his room* too cute!
Shimizu: “Good Luck.” Team: *BAWLS* 😭
And that was the one and only time we will ever see Daichi to nice to Asahi 🤣
NOT THE BARF BAG ☠️☠️
AGAIN PROTECT OUR GLASS HEART ASAHI AT ALL COSTS
Shimizu’s ‘not requested’ guard dogs at work again lolol
Leave Hinata and his IBS alone! #hotgirls(and volleyball players)withstomachproblems
What I read: ‘he built different’ What is actually written: “His build is different” Halp!
BWAHAHAHAHAHA KAWA WITH THE GIRLS AND HIS HANDLER IWA ALWAYS ON THE WAY 💚
Onion head I can’t
Yoohoo!
Lil Hina flies again! Karasuno has risen once again 🥺😭🎉
Awwww Michimiya is a sweetheart. SOMEONE GIVE HER A HUG!
Suga is the best team mom 🥺
Noya staring down Asahi hehehehehe
RRROLLINNNNNNN’ THUNDAAH!!
Noya-san is the coolest anyone who disagrees can fight me
ASAHI 😭👏🏼
True Story by Kate Reed Petty
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Thoughts:
How does one even start while still processing what was just read? Even now I am coming out of a daze. I was expecting a twist, but let me tell you it was not what I would have expected after what was built up. I mean that in the best way.
This story follows the life of a girl Alice who is writer that is haunted by a story of a situation she was in with two high school lacrosse players after a party as they took her home. The story also follows Nick who was a not so bright lacrosse player that helped his two teammates out in creating doubt to the story that spread amongst the school like wildfire that she was sexually assaulted in the vehicle taking her home while passed out. The life following the two of them is built in mystery, fear, alcoholism, domestic abuse, and story that will forever follow them and those who were a part of it that won’t let go. This book is told using scripts, essays, emails, and more, but not in a way that is too over complicated (although the essays were one too many).
Your words and the actions that follow have the consequences to change your whole life. A story can damage someone forever.
The one thought, while reading and finishing this book, I keep having is that people will convince themselves of anything to cope, to get by, to rationalize, to survive, to make themselves feel better or to make sure they are always the good person in the end.
Ladies, gents, and my lovely enbies never believe you are so damaged that someone can control or take away your life.
A good and well thought out read. The twist makes this book stand out immensely, but overall wasn't completely in love with the story until the ending.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes – To anyone in the mood to increase their hatred for liars and is down for complete confusion up until very end.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-Book (on Libby app)
How did I discover this:
Book Club Read
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
I read this on the libby app, but love that when I looked it up the book in google it has like 7 different covers. Each cover is unique its own way, and I love the idea behind that.
POV: (single or multi)
Multi – changes point of view between Nick and Alice in various tellings
Quotes:
”My mother once told me that if a man is at his best when he's apologizing to you, he'll waste your life creating reasons to apologize … If a man is at his best when he’s taking care of you, he’ll waste your life creating reasons for you to need his care”
“But even when he looked at me, I got the feeling that I was not really there. He was talking for himself. I could have asked anyone from the to come take my place and it would have made no difference to him. I could have been a mannequin sitting in the chair.”
“…creating a story that shaped my life, even as he tossed it behind him like spilled salt.”
“I didn’t want to give him the last word.”
“We both know the danger in presenting a woman’s story as truth.”
Triggers:
Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Domestic Abuse, Bullying, Rape, Toxicity, Suicide Attempt, Swear Words, Car Wreck, etc.
How does one even start while still processing what was just read? Even now I am coming out of a daze. I was expecting a twist, but let me tell you it was not what I would have expected after what was built up. I mean that in the best way.
This story follows the life of a girl Alice who is writer that is haunted by a story of a situation she was in with two high school lacrosse players after a party as they took her home. The story also follows Nick who was a not so bright lacrosse player that helped his two teammates out in creating doubt to the story that spread amongst the school like wildfire that she was sexually assaulted in the vehicle taking her home while passed out. The life following the two of them is built in mystery, fear, alcoholism, domestic abuse, and story that will forever follow them and those who were a part of it that won’t let go. This book is told using scripts, essays, emails, and more, but not in a way that is too over complicated (although the essays were one too many).
Your words and the actions that follow have the consequences to change your whole life. A story can damage someone forever.
The one thought, while reading and finishing this book, I keep having is that people will convince themselves of anything to cope, to get by, to rationalize, to survive, to make themselves feel better or to make sure they are always the good person in the end.
Ladies, gents, and my lovely enbies never believe you are so damaged that someone can control or take away your life.
A good and well thought out read. The twist makes this book stand out immensely, but overall wasn't completely in love with the story until the ending.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes – To anyone in the mood to increase their hatred for liars and is down for complete confusion up until very end.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-Book (on Libby app)
How did I discover this:
Book Club Read
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
I read this on the libby app, but love that when I looked it up the book in google it has like 7 different covers. Each cover is unique its own way, and I love the idea behind that.
POV: (single or multi)
Multi – changes point of view between Nick and Alice in various tellings
Quotes:
”My mother once told me that if a man is at his best when he's apologizing to you, he'll waste your life creating reasons to apologize … If a man is at his best when he’s taking care of you, he’ll waste your life creating reasons for you to need his care”
“But even when he looked at me, I got the feeling that I was not really there. He was talking for himself. I could have asked anyone from the to come take my place and it would have made no difference to him. I could have been a mannequin sitting in the chair.”
“…creating a story that shaped my life, even as he tossed it behind him like spilled salt.”
“I didn’t want to give him the last word.”
“We both know the danger in presenting a woman’s story as truth.”
Triggers:
Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Domestic Abuse, Bullying, Rape, Toxicity, Suicide Attempt, Swear Words, Car Wreck, etc.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
3.75 stars
Thoughts: (There is definitely a spoiler or two in here but nothing major. Read at your own risk!)
Where to begin? After finishing this one, I ran straight to the comments to see if I was the only one who was basically falling asleep for the first half of the book, and found out that I am not in fact alone. This book truly has a slow start. Somewhere in the middle though, you cannot help but be caught up in the grouchy and surly flirtationship these two fools have. Bookish Edwin ‘stick up his butt’ Courcey has only a little teaspoon of magic in comparison to his rude, sexist, partially classist and annoying magical family. They never let him forget about it either. He never knows where he fits in and is content with it (in his grumpy way) at this point until cursed (and well fit) Robin ‘without a thought behind those eyes’ Blyth stumbles into his life. Robin is daring without knowing anything about magic, and is in awe of the simplest things that Edwin does. However, he makes sure to poke and prod him to bring out his temper to his own (as well as my) amusement. It’s honestly down right adorable how much these two really did not want to like each other, and when they finally do like each other it gets hot hot hot (like seriously the spice level gets to explicit). With this all being said, their relationship saves the book. The storyline while it sounds intriguing just didn’t deliver to me as much as I would have liked. A good amount of this story is put into characterizing Edwin and Robin or just being overly descriptive to what is happening or to their surroundings. I would have liked to know more about Reggie and Edwin’s past, Miss Morrissey or even more about Edwin’s family in a way that wouldn’t have me just rolling my eyes. The only other relationship that is brought up often is between Robin and his sister, and I really like her, so content with that.
Overall an enjoyable read. I read a comment that said this reads like a top-tier fanfiction and now that won’t leave my head because it is the perfect way to summarize it.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Fans of fruity historical fiction with a dash of magic and spice
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book & Audiobook
How did I discover this:
Stumbled upon it on Libby and thought why not.
Pace:
Slow beginning and then jumps to a medium pace.
Cover thoughts:
It is very pretty. I like the tapestry vibe and choices of color.
POV: (single or multi)
Multi
Quotes:
'I am nothing like you, and yet I feel more myself with you.'
"Every time you touch me it's exactly what I want."
"I hate this ... I hate that this is what magic is to you ... It's not supposed to be bad. It really is - something marvellous."
“Tell me to stay, stay for you, and I will.”
“You’re hardly nothing … you made me see the future.” “I think we’ve established that wasn’t me … We don’t know if it’s even – them. I think it was latent. Triggered.” “I wasn’t talking about the visions.”
“You make me feel like something – extraordinary.”
Thoughts: (There is definitely a spoiler or two in here but nothing major. Read at your own risk!)
Where to begin? After finishing this one, I ran straight to the comments to see if I was the only one who was basically falling asleep for the first half of the book, and found out that I am not in fact alone. This book truly has a slow start. Somewhere in the middle though, you cannot help but be caught up in the grouchy and surly flirtationship these two fools have. Bookish Edwin ‘stick up his butt’ Courcey has only a little teaspoon of magic in comparison to his rude, sexist, partially classist and annoying magical family. They never let him forget about it either. He never knows where he fits in and is content with it (in his grumpy way) at this point until cursed (and well fit) Robin ‘without a thought behind those eyes’ Blyth stumbles into his life. Robin is daring without knowing anything about magic, and is in awe of the simplest things that Edwin does. However, he makes sure to poke and prod him to bring out his temper to his own (as well as my) amusement. It’s honestly down right adorable how much these two really did not want to like each other, and when they finally do like each other it gets hot hot hot (like seriously the spice level gets to explicit). With this all being said, their relationship saves the book. The storyline while it sounds intriguing just didn’t deliver to me as much as I would have liked. A good amount of this story is put into characterizing Edwin and Robin or just being overly descriptive to what is happening or to their surroundings. I would have liked to know more about Reggie and Edwin’s past, Miss Morrissey or even more about Edwin’s family in a way that wouldn’t have me just rolling my eyes. The only other relationship that is brought up often is between Robin and his sister, and I really like her, so content with that.
Overall an enjoyable read. I read a comment that said this reads like a top-tier fanfiction and now that won’t leave my head because it is the perfect way to summarize it.
Would I recommend this and to who:
Fans of fruity historical fiction with a dash of magic and spice
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book & Audiobook
How did I discover this:
Stumbled upon it on Libby and thought why not.
Pace:
Slow beginning and then jumps to a medium pace.
Cover thoughts:
It is very pretty. I like the tapestry vibe and choices of color.
POV: (single or multi)
Multi
Quotes:
'I am nothing like you, and yet I feel more myself with you.'
"Every time you touch me it's exactly what I want."
"I hate this ... I hate that this is what magic is to you ... It's not supposed to be bad. It really is - something marvellous."
“Tell me to stay, stay for you, and I will.”
“You’re hardly nothing … you made me see the future.” “I think we’ve established that wasn’t me … We don’t know if it’s even – them. I think it was latent. Triggered.” “I wasn’t talking about the visions.”
“You make me feel like something – extraordinary.”