juliraa's reviews
25 reviews

Normal People by Sally Rooney

dark sad medium-paced

4.0

Normal People is a beautifully written and emotionally complex novel that follows Marianne and Connell through the chaos of young love, from high school to early adulthood. 

Sally Rooney captures how small choices can shape lives in profound ways, showing how circumstances, insecurities, and personal growth pull them apart and bring them back together.

What stands out is how deeply they impact each other, even when they’re not together. Their bond is undeniable, yet there’s a lingering sense that something is always just out of reach… whether it’s timing, communication, or self-understanding. While their relationship is filled with meaningful moments, I couldn’t help but feel that Marianne and Connell were always missing something or, perhaps, missing each other.

A thoughtful, raw, and sometimes heartbreaking story about love, identity, and the lasting connections we make along the way.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship

Moderate: Bullying

We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

mysterious relaxing medium-paced

4.0

We'll Prescribe You a Cat is a charming and heartwarming novel that explores emotional healing through the companionship of cats. The premise is unique, a mysterious clinic prescribes cats to people in need of emotional support, and each feline helps their human navigate personal struggles. The stories are soothing, and the book has a comforting atmosphere that makes it an enjoyable read.

However, I found the storytelling to be somewhat superficial. While the book touches on themes of self-discovery and healing, it doesn’t explore them in depth. There are hints of spirituality, but it’s not explicitly addressed, which might leave some readers wanting more clarity.

Overall, it’s a gentle and uplifting read, perfect for cat lovers and those looking for a light, feel-good book. While I wished for more depth in the storytelling, I still appreciated its warmth and unique concept.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.5

"The Housemaid" was my first experience with a psychological thriller, and what an amazing debut! From the very first pages, I was completely hooked and simply couldn’t put it down. The story is fast-paced, full of twists, and perfectly suspenseful.

There were moments when I felt like I needed someone next to me while reading because the tension was so intense! The author does a brilliant job of building suspense, and each new revelation pulled me in even more. If you love books that keep you on the edge of your seat and make you lose track of time, this is the perfect read. I’ll definitely be reading more from this genre after this experience!

Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday

reflective slow-paced

3.5

I had high expectations for Discipline Is Destiny, hoping for deep insights into self-control and how to apply it effectively in daily life. However, I felt that the book mostly repeated stories and basic advice that I’ve come across in other books, podcasts, and articles. While the message is important, the delivery didn’t feel particularly fresh or groundbreaking.

The book is filled with historical anecdotes and well-known examples of discipline, but many of them felt like filler rather than truly transformative lessons. There were moments of inspiration, but overall, I was looking for something more practical and insightful, something that would challenge my thinking or provide a unique perspective.

I’d rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. It’s a decent read for those new to the topic of discipline, but if you’ve already explored self-improvement literature, you might find it a bit repetitive.

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

challenging hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

5.0

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is a gentle and thoughtful story for people who have stopped chasing society’s idea of success. Many of us spend years trying to build a perfect career or reach a high status, only to realize that true happiness comes from something else, such as, finding our own path, at our own pace.

This book is for those who believe in others, who stand by their side during hard times, and who celebrate small efforts in a world that often only values big achievements. It tells the stories of people who struggle but keep going, of those who offer kindness when others fall.

Reading this book feels like a warm hug or a kind word when you need it most. It reminds us that life is not just about winning or doing things quickly. It’s about connection, patience, and finding joy in the little moments. If you’ve ever felt tired from trying too hard or lost in life, this book will comfort you and help you see that slowing down is okay.

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is a fascinating book that tells the story of Esme, a girl who grows up in the place where the Oxford English Dictionary is being created. As she listens to the men choosing which words to include, she realizes that many words used by women and poor people are being left out. She decides to collect these “lost words” herself, giving them the importance they deserve.

I loved learning about the history of words and how people decided what should be in the dictionary. It was eye-opening to see that many words, especially those used by women, were ignored. The book mixes real history with Esme’s personal story in a way that feels real and interesting.

At the same time, the story is very sad. Esme faces many struggles in her life, and there are moments of loss that stay with you even after you finish the book. While there are also hopeful and beautiful moments, the overall feeling is quite emotional.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

sad slow-paced

4.5

Britney was a big part of my teenage years, and reading this book made me rethink everything the media published about her back then. So many things she went through without ever making them public. The narrative is incredibly honest and reveals a vulnerable, human side of someone who was always seen as an untouchable icon. It was heartbreaking to realize how much she was controlled, manipulated, and often silenced.

Reading her story made me reflect on the price of fame and how ruthless the entertainment industry can be, especially towards young women. It’s impossible not to feel empathy for Britney once you understand how hard she fought to keep her identity amidst so many impositions and expectations. This book not only tells her story but also gives a voice to a woman who was silenced for so long.

I recommend this read, not just for those who were fans back in the day, but for anyone who wants to better understand the complexities of the celebrity world and the importance of questioning the narratives imposed by the media. It’s a powerful account of resilience and liberation.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Jonathan Haidt delivers a sharp analysis of the rise in anxiety and depression among young people, linking it to the shift toward a "phone-based childhood." He presents strong evidence on how smartphones, social media, and reduced free play have harmed children's development.

Beyond diagnosing the problem, Haidt offers practical solutions, delaying smartphone use, encouraging real-world interactions, and fostering a more active childhood. Well-researched and eye-opening, this book is a must-read for parents and educators. Five stars.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

Hello Beautiful is an engaging yet heartbreaking novel, beautifully exploring love, loss, and family bonds. Napolitano’s writing draws you in, making the characters’ emotions feel real and profound.

However, I wished for more engagement at the end, especially regarding William and Alice. Their story was left implied rather than fully explored, which felt somewhat unsatisfying.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.25

Although it is considered a children's book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a meaningful read for all ages. Much like The Little Prince, it offers reflections that can be interpreted in different ways depending on the reader’s age and life experiences.

This beautifully written and illustrated book is filled with wisdom, kindness, and gentle reminders about love, friendship, and resilience. However, one minor drawback is that the handwritten-style font can be difficult to read at times.

It is a touching and inspiring book that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.