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kaitlyncookies's reviews
72 reviews
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
emotional
reflective
medium-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
3.0
The Measure of My Powers: A Memoir of Food, Misery, and Paris by Jackie Kai Ellis
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
This memoir would be a good fit for people who love cooking & baking, although the first half of the book largely focuses on Ellis’ strained relationship with her husband, and her experience of depression. Anyone who has ever felt lost or tried to find their “purpose” will likely relate to Ellis’s experiences.
The most interesting part of the book for me was the last 10 pages, where she describes what it was actually like to run her very successful bakery in the early days. Those pages were the most honest depiction of what it’s like to start a business I’ve ever read. I wish more of the book were about that, but the bakery’s opening is basically what this memoir builds up to, as it documents how Ellis tried to steer her life toward something more joyful & fulfilling. The style of the memoir may not be for everyone, as it is somewhat loose in structure and jumps around in time. Still, the photos, recipes, and colourful pages establish the book as an atypical yet memorable memoir.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Emotional abuse
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-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? N/A
4.5
Elizabeth Zott is such a unique character, and I was very inspired by her determination and refusal to accept the status quo of her time. Even though this book is set in the past, it is still very relevant today, and I think both women and men will get a lot from it. I like that the plot had twists I didn't see coming, and a cast of well-fleshed out, loveable, and not-so-loveable characters. This one was a super quick and super fun read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Domestic abuse
Minor: Suicide
Foster by Claire Keegan
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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? N/A
3.0
A quiet story that is reminiscent of Anne of Green gables.
Fangirl, Vol. 3: The Manga by Rainbow Rowell
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport
informative
slow-paced
2.0
The audiobook narrator sounded like he was reading a textbook. Did not enjoy. Overall this book had very common sense insights, nothing really revolutionary.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
This book had my attention from the very sentence and never let it go. Although I read it slowly I loved how much time I got to spend in this world and with these characters. It is, if not THE best, one of the best books I have ever read. The main character has a voice that is so compelling, it's hard to not just pause in awe every couple of paragraphs at the truths so beautifully written on every page. Somehow the book manages to have so much heart and humour despite all the tragic things that happen. To me it is a 6 out of 5, and it will stay with me forever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Animal death
How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A memorable collection of short stories that explore the Lao experience.