jenwestpfahl's reviews
299 reviews

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

3.5

This novel is dripping with mood. It envelopes the reader. I almost felt like I was there. 

The plot was intriguing but moved along rather slowly. I was always ready for the next development long before it came along but had to wait through more descriptions of what the characters were eating, how much wine they were drinking, and who they were sleeping with today before it happened. A lot of questions remained unanswered or murky.

The relationships between Ines and the other characters developed in a natural and satisfying way.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content

Every Day by David Levithan

lighthearted 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

4.0

This is essentially a YA romance, but the premise is so clever and the execution is so strong, that I really enjoyed it. Each little vignette of another body’s life was really interesting. 

There are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America by Alex Kotlowitz

challenging emotional slow-paced

5.0

A stark true account of the oppressive and demoralizing affects of poverty and neighborhood violence and neglect. The way people in Chicago’s public housing were treated by the courts and the CHA itself was heartbreaking and infuriating. 

You can’t help but root for things to go right for the family this book follows. In almost every  scene, I was holding my breath, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Imagine living like that every day - feeling like nobody cares about you and your life is never going to get better.

I get the sense that the situation has somewhat improved in the 30 years since this book was written but I’d be very interested in a similar book written now.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence

Moderate: Drug use

Magnolia Wednesdays by Wendy Wax

lighthearted medium-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

3.0

It was mildly entertaining, the way junk food is mildly satisfying. A lot of the characters actions were predictable yet unrealistic at the same time. They acted in a way that people only act in fiction.

I did really enjoy the relationship development between Vivi and Shelby.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

dark medium-paced

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

4.0

I’m not sure how to describe this book but I couldn’t stop reading it. A strange and unsettling look into a strange, little family.

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

challenging sad slow-paced

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

3.5

This was a powerful story and a good glimpse into 1940s South Africa. But it was so, so slow. About 2/3 of the way through, I was just reading to get to the end.

Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno

adventurous 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? No

3.5

Although one very dark thing is a key event in this book, it is overall sweet and heartwarming. Coming of age, sisterly bonds, magical realism. An easy, enjoyable read but probably not memorable long-term. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death and Rape

The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin

dark fast-paced

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

5.0

Wow. This is a book that I’ll spend more time thinking about that I spent reading.

Upon This Mountain: Prayer in the Carmelite Tradition by Mary Elizabeth McCormack

inspiring medium-paced

3.75

A good quick introduction to contemplative prayer with heavy references to major authors/saints from the Carmelite order. 

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

tense slow-paced

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

3.5

This book gets a lot of hate for pacing but I kind of liked the slow burn. I felt unsettled the whole time as it slowly became obvious what was happening. I also didn’t mind that it was a reveal of exactly what you thought it was rather than a twist. 

At first I thought the end was a little abrupt but the epilogue makes you think. So not very character’s future is wrapped up in a bow for you. So what? 

I didn’t much care for Nella and wanted to shake her seal more than once. I often see dislike of the main character as a criticism but why do we always need to like the main character?

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic friendship

Moderate: Racism