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jennifer_'s reviews
72 reviews
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The first ~50 pages and last ~50 pages were muddled, but the meat of the book itself was very good.
Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life by Lulu Miller
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
A refreshingly honest, gentle narration of an interesting story. The true beauty of the book lies in its second half-- the culmination of the author's (and David Starr Jordan's) life experience. Why Fish Don't Exist is an interesting combination of science, philosophy, good, evil, beauty, ugliness, and a search for meaning. The care with which the author writes about the misunderstood members of society feels respectful and earnest, not patronizing or pitying. A well-written, thought-provoking read. Would recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Moderate: Abandonment and Suicide attempt
Minor: Infidelity and Murder
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Confinement, and Death
Moderate: Kidnapping, Mental illness, Racism, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Violence
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I really enjoyed this book. It was lighthearted, well-written, and intelligent without making me feel too dumb. I enjoyed that though many of the characters had a tech background, the main character was an art major. It makes it much more accessible for readers (like me!) who needed to have some tech concepts spelled out plainly. The story takes an interesting look at technology, literature, and the dissemination of information as a whole, and I very much appreciated that it steered clear of the doomsday tone that so many novels take about the future of books. At the same time, it was still very realistic, for the most part anyways. The ending was a bit idealistic for my taste. Seeing Clay and Kat get back together at the end was disappointing, as it felt too easy. I would have loved to see a second book about her grappling with her fear of mortality and her relationship with her work. Still, I enjoyed the happy ending of the book for the most part simply because it fit the novel's lighthearted theme. I would definitely be willing to read a sequel to this book!