jasbeingjas's reviews
842 reviews

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I’ve been saying for a while, ‘bring back yearning,’ god did I get it in this book! I have been in a terrible reading slump but I felt fully immersed in this book. I can’t even explain the longing that I felt while reading this. I know I’m late to the game but I fully understand the hype around this book! And this is coming from someone who usually sees time travel or something similar listed in a book and avoids it. 

Call Me Home: Poems by Harman Kaur

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

This is the second collection from poet Harman Kaur, and with many years between the two collections.  You can really see the growth in the writing.  While some poems still remind me of the original insta poets vibe, there are many if not most poems that shift away from it into something, not necessarily deeper, but more flushed out.  Harman Kaur continues to be a promising writer and I look forward to whatever she chooses to share with us next.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Miscarriage

The Prophet by Suheil Bushrui, Kahlil Gibran

inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This was a quick read and I  enjoyed it. There were some parts that really resonated and spoke to me. As a concept it was nice but could also come across as feeling a bit preachy depending on your mood. My main critique is specific to this edition.  I wish this edition had provided some context or information about the author since it’s a Barnes and noble edition. I was expecting something to supplement it other than just a reprint. 

The Gathering by L.L. Muir

emotional hopeful fast-paced

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

3.0

This is a cool premise but half the book felt like set up and then the other half felt like the actual story so the romance wasn’t much of a romance. But overall this was a feel good story. I have a feeling that the whole series will be a build up to Soni and 79’s story. 

When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories and Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown by Kenan Thompson

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

I don't usually care for celebrity books, but Kenan Thompson was definitely a memorable part of my youth pop culture knowledge, having watched All That! growing up.  This was actually a really nice book to listen to.  I loved the way he reflected on the differences between his childhood and now his daughters' and I loved the way he spoke about the impact of Black churches and religious community in his life.  A lot of the things he talked about he talked about with a lot of care and introspection, even when addressing the fall from grace of one of his idols growing up, Cosby.  There were parts of his life/career that I had no idea about, probably because I wasn't paying attention to entertainment news much, but I didn't really think of this book as some name droppy tell all or "look how cool my life is" book.  It was reflective on the things that influenced him and his career, and what he wants out of life.  I feel like I have a new found appreciation for Thompson that I definitely didn't have before listening to the audiobook.

The Hunter by Jenika Snow
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.

I wasn't in love with this book and I kept struggling to get into it.  So a third of the way in I just gave up.

The Beast by Jenika Snow

lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.0

Short, fast, fun monster romance. Beauty and the beast retelling. Will probably read more in the series. 

My Sleep Paralysis Demon by Rune Hunt
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.

I could have just powered through given this is only 63 pages but honestly the writing was kind of clunky and it was off putting. Unfortunate because as someone with insomnia this could have been such a fun read!

Rifqa by Mohammed El-Kurd

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

There are so many powerful poems in this collection.  More than anything, I think it's imperative that when you pick up this book, you do not skip the Afterward.  I will be referring back to this collection often, I can already tell.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Genocide, Violence, Police brutality

Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Díaz

emotional reflective fast-paced

4.25

Incredible collection of poetry.  I am excited to check out the authors first collection of poetry as well now.