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kenzieburns's reviews
50 reviews
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
**Review contains uncensored spoilers!!**
Didn't wow me or captivate me as I expected it to. Perhaps because of the old language and views of the role of women in society, but I was bored and annoyed more than I was entertained. I was only half listening at some points, so maybe I missed some vital plot points, but Jane's sickness and Lydia's departure seemed pointless to me. Also, for a book that is supposed to be so much about Elizabeth's and Mr. Darcy's relationship, I felt like there was surprisingly little discussion of such, and by the end of the book their marriage felt so abrupt and rushed. Is this typical of "romances" from thus period? Not sure. I feel like I need to do some digging and find an analytical synopsis because much of the book was over my head and I was just not interested.
Didn't wow me or captivate me as I expected it to. Perhaps because of the old language and views of the role of women in society, but I was bored and annoyed more than I was entertained. I was only half listening at some points, so maybe I missed some vital plot points, but Jane's sickness and Lydia's departure seemed pointless to me. Also, for a book that is supposed to be so much about Elizabeth's and Mr. Darcy's relationship, I felt like there was surprisingly little discussion of such, and by the end of the book their marriage felt so abrupt and rushed. Is this typical of "romances" from thus period? Not sure. I feel like I need to do some digging and find an analytical synopsis because much of the book was over my head and I was just not interested.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was honestly a bit disappointed by this book. It had such great accolades, but I found it kind of boring. I was never really excited or surprised by the big "twists" in the plot; it's not that I predicted them, it's more so that after a while, I just knew that the crew would get out if whatever was thrown in their way. I think the author could have made it more exciting by having a bit more variation in how the crew and heist was impacted by interferences. As far as character development, it was a mixed bag. I enjoyed the forays into each characters' past that made up the bulk of the middle of the book, but even with these descriptions I didn't feel like I knew the characters and their backgrounds enough to make me feel anything for their relationship conflicts and "betrayal" decisions. Also, the romance was severely lacking on all fronts except the Nina/Matthias one. I think I was queer-baited, as a lot of people promised a queer romance and we barely got anything from Wyatt and Jesper until the very end. I get that this is a duology, though, so perhaps more of the second book will be dedicated to relationships? Although, I'm bit exactly jumping up to go buy the second book, as I was severely unimpressed with this first installment. I'm torn between a 2 and 3 star rating for this one, but ultimately went with 3 thanks to the authors dedication to detail and description of setting/scenery.
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An overall enjoyable read! Törzs kept me engaged and guessing to the very end. I would have liked more resolution in the Pearl/Esther relationship, being that it was the only queer rep in the book, but the dynamics we got early in the story were nice at least. I think the concept of magic in this book was very well thought-out, but I was a little confused on the whole "Richard's bloodline of Scribes spell thing. But the tie ins to Esther/Johanna's lives and Nicholas' life were planned out and fit nicely together. I liked the author's use of dramatic irony, particularly in relation to Esther's status as a Scribe. All in all, this was a great debut fantasy novel and I'll definitely be reading more of Törzs' work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gun violence
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The final installment of The Hunger Games series was similar to the first book in that it was quite average. I remember reading this book when I was younger and thinking Katniss was really whiney, and this still stands true after my re-read as an adult. My perspectives shifted a little bit and I think I have a bit more sympathy for her now than I did as a teen, but I still felt let down by all Katniss amounts to be in the final book. On the surface, I get what Collins was trying to do: the symbolism of Katniss moving from a tribute in Snow's games to the figurehead of the war is not lost on me. However, for all that Katniss is made out to be as the narrator of these books, I felt like Collins could have given her more credit for her own actions and decisions in the books. As a figurehead, I kept expecting Katniss to do something that would reveal the similarities between Snow and Coin to the masses, thus turning the rebels against both presidents and leaving everyone to rally with Katniss and Peeta and Haymitch for something more just than either Coin or Snow's regimes. Also, I felt like everything with Peeta in this book was just lazy writing. Collins didn't want to have to develop the love triangle while also writing about the war, so she just tossed Peeta to the Capitol and then made him insane when he was rescued. Also, the rescue mission?? So glossed over, should have been a much bigger plot point. And finally, sending Peeta into the Capitol fighting on Katniss' squad didn't really make any sense, even if the goal was to get Peeta to kill Katniss for Coin. Like, why would someone in his condition even get sent to war at all in the first place? I think there should have been some other secret plot if Coin really wanted to kill Katniss because sending Peeta didn't make any sense from any strategy perspective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Child death, and Death
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was my favorite installment of the Hunger Games trilogy. When reading, I was surprised that the actual Games only made up the last third or so of the book - I had forgotten that there was such extensive discussion of the victory tour and events leading up to the next Games in the early parts of the novel. I feel that Collins did a great job balancing the action and character development in this book, unlike in the other two books in this series. We really got to see multiple sides of Katniss, from her fake in love with Peeta girlish persona to her fiercely protective of Gale to her stubbornness and anger when she realizes she's always just been a piece in everyone else's Games. Some characters did not get the same level of attention from the author when it came to character development, and I found myself wanting more discussion of the relationship between Haymitch and Katniss, as I think he is somewhat of a father figure to her, but in an "I hate that I love him" kind of way. I think Collins could have spent more time digging out their relationship and how they play off of each other in both good and bad ways. I also think, on this re-read and knowing how the story comes to an end, I picked up on a lot more foreshadowing than I would have if I didn't know the general storyline. For this reason, I was really able to appreciate some of the more intricate details and foreshadowing that Collins played with leading up to the Games. Overall, I really liked this book compared to the other ones in the series, but there was definitely room for improvement in writing style and relationship development.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
After the tik tok Hunger Games craze a few months ago, I decided I wanted to re-read the series with fresh eyes, so I set out hunting it down from local thrift stores. I'll keep this brief since I'm assuming almost everyone has read the books or seen the movies... I had to keep reminding myself that this is a middle-grade level book, because the writing style was just so simplistic. It's interesting, because I think Harry Potter is technically also middle-grade level, but feels like a more sophisticated writing style. Also, I wanted more as far as symbolism and other literary devices. Like, this book/series has so much potential to make bold statements on oppression and classes, even at the level it's written for, but mainly Katniss is just a stubborn teenager who, despite hating the political system, doesn't think about it much? Idk, maybe it's because we're living in a much more polarized political climate today than what it was at the time this series was first published, but taking a step back and considering the context of children fighting to the death as entertainment and reminders of war? I feel like Katniss was more of a doormat than I remember when it comes to just accepting her fate and competing in the Games. But also maybe I'm remembering Jennifer Lawrence's mature performances in the movies and holding book Katniss to a bit of a high standard. But based on the immaturity in Katniss' character, I did look up how old Lawrence was when playing Katniss, and she was 21, 5 years older than 16-year-old Katniss. 5 years might not seem like much, but at that young age, I would call 16 a child and 21 an adult, so I think my memories of the movies set the bar pretty high and the maturity of the characters just fell short for me. Last thing I'll mention is I still don't get the fake/real romance between Katniss and Peeta. Like, is he actually in love with her or is it a show?? It was quite unclear. Also, if her and Gale are "just friends," why is she so concerned with what he thinks? I didn't get romance vibes in the Katniss/Gale relationship until the end of the book, which made it even weirder that she was so concerned with her "friends" perception of their relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, and Animal death
Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Let me start off by saying I'm not usually the romance type, but this book had me from the start. When Stevie Green can't wait to get out of her small Pennsylvania town and head to LA with her girlfriend, Nora. The catch is that she'll have to leave behind everything and everyone she's ever known, thanks to the unacceptable air of the Catholic church he mother is so involved in and the general anti-gay sentiments of Wyatt residents. But when Stevie has a horrible accident, wiping the last 2 years from her memory, her secret plans are, quite literally, forgotten. Now Stevie is left to puzzle her life back together, and Nora can only sit and hope that Stevie finds her way back to their love.
The first big surprise of this book for me was that it was from Stevie's perspective. Based on the published synopsis, I had assumed Nora's POV would be the focal point of the novel, and at first I was put off by knowing that Stevie would soon forget everything. I expected the memory loss to make the narration confusing, but it actually wasn't a problem, especially since the accident happens so early in the book, it's not like there is a bunch of back story that the reader is missing. I guess this is to say I actually really liked having Stevie's perspective, because as a reader, parts of her story were revealed to me as she relearned them herself, which made me feel really connected to her character.
I think Derrick did an amazing job of broaching some really complex topics throughout the novel, such as xenophobic and racist behavior and internalized homophobia. The nuances in Derrick's discussion of these topics was particularly striking, especially since she was writing through an 18-year-old's perspective. As an ex-Catholic and someone who also realized my sexuality in my late teens/early 20s, I really appreciated being able to relate to the complicated emotions Stevie experienced in her internal coming out, as well as the conflicts her sexuality created in relationships she cared about. While listening to this book, I was continuously reminded of the dedication, "To all the Queer kids in a place like Wyatt; hang in there, it gets better." I know that there are parts of this story that are idealized and that not everyone gets the ending Stevie does, but I do hope that kids in places like Wyatt will read this story and know that they can get out, and that they will find people who love them entirely as they are, even if those people are not their immediate family.
The first big surprise of this book for me was that it was from Stevie's perspective. Based on the published synopsis, I had assumed Nora's POV would be the focal point of the novel, and at first I was put off by knowing that Stevie would soon forget everything. I expected the memory loss to make the narration confusing, but it actually wasn't a problem, especially since the accident happens so early in the book, it's not like there is a bunch of back story that the reader is missing. I guess this is to say I actually really liked having Stevie's perspective, because as a reader, parts of her story were revealed to me as she relearned them herself, which made me feel really connected to her character.
I think Derrick did an amazing job of broaching some really complex topics throughout the novel, such as xenophobic and racist behavior and internalized homophobia. The nuances in Derrick's discussion of these topics was particularly striking, especially since she was writing through an 18-year-old's perspective. As an ex-Catholic and someone who also realized my sexuality in my late teens/early 20s, I really appreciated being able to relate to the complicated emotions Stevie experienced in her internal coming out, as well as the conflicts her sexuality created in relationships she cared about. While listening to this book, I was continuously reminded of the dedication, "To all the Queer kids in a place like Wyatt; hang in there, it gets better." I know that there are parts of this story that are idealized and that not everyone gets the ending Stevie does, but I do hope that kids in places like Wyatt will read this story and know that they can get out, and that they will find people who love them entirely as they are, even if those people are not their immediate family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Homophobia
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
A lilting, hauntingly beautiful memoir that will have you itching to call your mom, hug your dad, and schedule extra therapy sessions all at once. Ford takes us through her childhood and early adult years as she navigates a challenging relationship with her emotional mother and dreams of her father's love for her from behind bars.
Memoir is probably my favorite genre of non-fiction, likey because of the focus placed on sharing experiences through anecdotal stories and shirt reflections on such. I loved the honesty that Ford brought to this book; she tells it as it is and was, without shame and without remorse, but also offers careful reflections on everything. There were times in her story that I wanted to scream at her mother for treating young Ashley so poorly, but was always reeled back in with Ford's detailed notes on how she picked out her mother's love even in the dark moments. The part of Ford's story that most resonates with me is her flight from her childhood home, and the duality of how leaving affects her. I deeply relate to the split feeling of not doing enough by your family/loved ones, but also knowing that to fully grow into yourself, you need to leave them. It was honestly so validating to read about Ford's internal struggle and see how it reflected some of my own feelings, and I really commend her for so bravely putting her deepest secrets and "shortcomings" down in writing.
A truly beautiful and poignant study of familial relationships, sense of self, and how we all respond to the self-proclaimed "bad" inside of us.
Memoir is probably my favorite genre of non-fiction, likey because of the focus placed on sharing experiences through anecdotal stories and shirt reflections on such. I loved the honesty that Ford brought to this book; she tells it as it is and was, without shame and without remorse, but also offers careful reflections on everything. There were times in her story that I wanted to scream at her mother for treating young Ashley so poorly, but was always reeled back in with Ford's detailed notes on how she picked out her mother's love even in the dark moments. The part of Ford's story that most resonates with me is her flight from her childhood home, and the duality of how leaving affects her. I deeply relate to the split feeling of not doing enough by your family/loved ones, but also knowing that to fully grow into yourself, you need to leave them. It was honestly so validating to read about Ford's internal struggle and see how it reflected some of my own feelings, and I really commend her for so bravely putting her deepest secrets and "shortcomings" down in writing.
A truly beautiful and poignant study of familial relationships, sense of self, and how we all respond to the self-proclaimed "bad" inside of us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Rape
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Xenophobia
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A feminist rager! I was often so, so angry alongside Clytemnestra, and so frustrated at the way her life played out. I always love a good Greek mythology retelling, and I appreciated how the author was able to add new dimension to not just the tale but also the characters. I particularly enjoyed the female relationships in this book, especially the diciness between Clytemnestra and Helen. I think the author did a good job of showing how each coveted what the other had, but still loved the other. I also appreciated the growth in Clytemnestra's character as she went from strong girl of Sparta to Queen and ruler of Mycenae, and how the writing style and focus reflected this growth. This book made me excited to follow up with Jennifer Saint's "Elektra"!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Child death
Moderate: Physical abuse