Scan barcode
jenyakohnson's reviews
149 reviews
Something More by Jackie Khalilieh
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
i picked this book up hoping for something fun and lighthearted to read after finishing two incredibly heavy books. this did not disappoint. it's a story about 15 year old jessie kassis as she navigates her first year in H.S. she's scared that she would struggle to make friends or find romance bc of her intersecting identities (her autism and the fact that she's palestinian) but she really wants to try.
at the heart of this is a story about a teenage girl who desperately wants to fit in which i find incredibly relatable to the general high school experience. its a big life transition and everyone is scared of being an outcast or "weird" for things they can't control and i think the book perfectly encapsulates these feelings. from the extremely petty friendship drama, the exciting yet confusing boy problems, arguments with parents for more independence, and trying to find yourself, this book felt like high school.
although its marketed as a love triangle, i felt like it was pretty clear who jessie was going to end up with from the beginning. one of the guys clearly wasn't a good match for her, but knowing that didnt take away from the story. if anything, i was excited to see how jessie would navigate this relationship knowing she wanted one so desperately and has a huge crush on him.
i really loved all the characters in the story. the relationships jessie has with them (whether it be platonic or romantic) allowed her to figure out the kind of people she wants in her life. i loved how the characters held space for Jessie's identities and how best to show up for her even when she felt ashamed of them. all of the characters had flaws (they’re teenagers of course they're flawed) but they tried their hardest to make amends and be better which i appreciated so much.
overall it was a really fun, hilarious, mushy gusy, YA love triangle romance which was exactly what i needed.
TW for book: death of a family member, cheating, underage drug & alcohol use, adult/minor relationship
at the heart of this is a story about a teenage girl who desperately wants to fit in which i find incredibly relatable to the general high school experience. its a big life transition and everyone is scared of being an outcast or "weird" for things they can't control and i think the book perfectly encapsulates these feelings. from the extremely petty friendship drama, the exciting yet confusing boy problems, arguments with parents for more independence, and trying to find yourself, this book felt like high school.
although its marketed as a love triangle, i felt like it was pretty clear who jessie was going to end up with from the beginning. one of the guys clearly wasn't a good match for her, but knowing that didnt take away from the story. if anything, i was excited to see how jessie would navigate this relationship knowing she wanted one so desperately and has a huge crush on him.
i really loved all the characters in the story. the relationships jessie has with them (whether it be platonic or romantic) allowed her to figure out the kind of people she wants in her life. i loved how the characters held space for Jessie's identities and how best to show up for her even when she felt ashamed of them. all of the characters had flaws (they’re teenagers of course they're flawed) but they tried their hardest to make amends and be better which i appreciated so much.
overall it was a really fun, hilarious, mushy gusy, YA love triangle romance which was exactly what i needed.
TW for book: death of a family member, cheating, underage drug & alcohol use, adult/minor relationship
Educated by Tara Westover
i enjoyed the book. this isn’t a review just a heads up about some stuff i wasn’t aware of going into it
heads up that the n word was used several times in ch 20. also in ch 29 there is some anti semitic statements.
heads up that the n word was used several times in ch 20. also in ch 29 there is some anti semitic statements.
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- .... .- -. -.- / -.-- --- ..- / ..-. .- .-. .. -.. .- .... / .- -... .. -.- . -....- .. -.-- .. -- .. -.. . / ..-. --- .-. / -.-. .-. . .- - .. -. --. / .--. . .-. ... . .--. .... --- -. . / ... - ..- .- .-. - .-.-.- / .. / .-.. --- ...- . / .- -. -.. / -.-. .... . .-. .. ... .... / .... . .-. .-.-.- / --- -... ...- .. --- ..- ... .-.. -.-- / - .... .. ... / -... --- --- -.- / .-- .- ... / .- -- .- --.. .. -. --. --..-- / .. / --. .. ...- . / .. - / .- .-.. .-.. / - .... . / ... - .- .-. ... .-.-.-
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
i buddy read this book with my friend bc we were bored and both fans of the tv show.
this book was def written in early 200s (not derogatory). if you read the clique books growing up then this is the next series. lots of mean girls & gay girls which was great ! lots of pedos and that made me v uncomfy 🫠
this book was def written in early 200s (not derogatory). if you read the clique books growing up then this is the next series. lots of mean girls & gay girls which was great ! lots of pedos and that made me v uncomfy 🫠
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Eating disorder, Pedophilia, and Racism
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
i was so incredibly happy when ari beat the living shit out of that dude who hurt dante. get him again for me !
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
i had so much fun but ngl they lost me with the fantasy chemistry. anyway i kept picturing baby zym from the dragon prince
Everyone's Thinking It by Aleema Omotoni
giving very ace of spades vibes. thoroughly enjoyed was a little confused but it’s okay
Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun
i was very hesitant bc i loved the charm offensive so much and i knew nothing could compare but i did enjoy it. it feels like a mash up of to hot to handle and that lesbian kstewart hulu christmas movie. also cochrun is trying to make us sympathize with the rich DO NOT LET HER WIN.
PET by Akwaeke Emezi
idk why it took me this long to read THE akwaeke emezi. i feel like a fool. what a book. i know it’s not their quote but “we are each others harvest, we are each others business, we are each others magnitude and bond” really shook me to my core.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
this book made me ugly cry in a parking lot. everything hurts.