katiey's reviews
32 reviews

Circe by Madeline Miller

challenging dark reflective tense 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

4.25

I really enjoyed this. It was a bit slow to start but once you get into it it’s fast. It was such a wonderfully interesting take on classic greek stories that always position women in a place of weakness. Circe instead demonstrates how women from a variety of stories are strong and create power for themselves in a society run by men. The commentary on motherhood was beautifully written. This work felt so different to Song of Achilles and I really enjoyed it. 

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I overall enjoyed this book! It was a slow start for me but fast at the end. In the beginning, I took issue with how the main character, Daunis, spoke about other women in the story, but I came to like Daunis’ character by the end. I learned a lot about the characters’ culture and traditions which was fun to read. I loved the message it sent about the value of her community. Plus, as a  Michigander, it was fun to read. I would recommend it. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I enjoyed this book. I read it for a class analyzing YAL novels, and there was a lot of discussion about which parts of the book are appropriate for young readers. Realistically, a lot of the 'crude language' and discussion of sexual acts are not that shocking, but young boys would probably relate to it a lot more than I would as an 18 year old girl, lol. Overall I really liked the book, it was a raw and semi-autobiographical portrayal of reservation life and the lived realities of Native people. It's a worthwhile read.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad 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? It's complicated

4.25

I really enjoyed this book! I'm not the targeted audience since I'm reading as an 18 year old, so I think some of the writing and character's thoughts would appeal to a younger audience. But I still really enjoyed it, it's such good representation of queer youth. It makes you fall in love with the characters and their friendship before showing how their feelings turn into love. The movie adaptation was pretty good as far as adaptations go, but doesn't do the character and character relationships justice. That was one of my favorite parts - Ari's and Dante's relationships with their parents and friends. They are demonstrated so beautifully and I think this should be a must read for young people.

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-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

3.75

I really enjoyed this book and I will probably go watch the show soon. It was SO FUNNY. I'm not even British so most likely, some of the humor went over my head, but the little footnotes and characterizations made me laugh out loud so much. It was definitely a slower read for me since it takes some concentration to understand everything that's going on. Every character introduced is important and comes back, which I really loved and it also forced me to pay deep attention and get engaged with the book.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this book and it made me cry at the end (though that isn't a high bar). It's beautifully written and illustrated and a worthwhile read.

Pep Talk Poetry: a tiny book of pep talks to remind you that you're an unmitigated badass. by Emily Haines Lloyd

2.0

you can tell these were made on instagram first. cute book though! 

The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

4.0

i think this book is super fun! it’s definitely a percy series book and not a HOO book- it’s fun and lighthearted and sarcastic. it almost reads like fanfiction, not in quality but in how self indulgent it reads. you can tell that rick was inspired by the three actors and i’m super excited for the show :) it’s nice to come back to the series as a college kid and see percy growing to be your own age once again. 

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

5.0

absolutely love this one. it’s one of my favorite books. the prose is to die for if you enjoy reading poetic, descriptive writing. perfect book for annotating and highlighting favorite lines. the quotes from this book will stick with me!! it’s such an out there concept and still got me invested in the characters and their society. 

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

funny lighthearted 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

4.0

i love all of casey’s books. this was a really fun rivals to lovers!