jennametheny's reviews
166 reviews

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

emotional sad medium-paced

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

3.25

This book is fascinating and well written enough that I could finish it in just one sitting. But it was heart wrenching. The story stays strongly rooted in the original myth, but focuses heavily on the theme of women facing punishment for the sins of men. But if you’re looking for a story about a woman taking agency of her own story, keep moving. While the epilogue may hinge on something of a hopeful note, the story itself is quite depressing.

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

adventurous reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Very entertaining sequel! There were definitely a few moments where I gasped out loud, and I appreciated Green avoiding the cookie cutter ending. I probably won’t ever re-read this duology but it was a fun ride!

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

Cassie is a mess but in the lovable sense. It’s refreshing to follow a protagonist who’s kind of falling apart the same way we are. This book is, funnily enough, a great airplane read. It’s not a work of high art, but it is a page turner of a mystery. My only complaint is how quickly things wrapped up. We spent so much time asking questions with Cassie and the second we got an answer- boom it was over. But I enjoyed it.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

dark emotional

3.0

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

3.25

Our very flawed protagonist April May is unrelatable at times, but is fun to read. The themes this explores are intense and fascinating, as is the sociological aspect. The book kicks off with a bang, slows in the middle, and finishes strong. The humor makes sense if you know who the author is but I can imagine it would be distracting to readers who don’t. 

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

emotional mysterious sad slow-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

3.25

This is technically an adaptation of the Psyche & Cupid myth, but do not expect a love story in that sense. This is more about the personal development of Psyche’s sister. I did come to love the heroine’s personal journey, but there were some pacing issues.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

Not many books have made me cry. This did. Forman knows how to make you care about this family. And she uses that to rip your heart about. Please read it!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent

Moderate: Car accident

The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Writings by Edgar Allan Poe

3.5

Paper Towns by John Green

3.0

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

4.0