kortneyshea444's reviews
40 reviews

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a fun read and as an older sister I could relate to Korede in many ways (minus the whole my sister being a serial killer thing she had going on, lol). I really felt for Korede and found myself annoyed with Ayoola but as the story went on I found myself feeling empathy for her and admiring Korede’s loyalty and love for her sister. This was a quick and enjoyable read.

The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill

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hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.5

My Mother Cursed My Name by Anamely Salgado Reyes

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.75

This book was described as Encanto for adults and I couldn’t agree more. This book made me laugh and cry as we journeyed through the perspectives of three different generations of women grappling with grief and generational trauma. Beautifully written. Loved every second of it. I also listened on audio when I was driving and enjoyed that also!
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Honestly, I struggled to get through this book at the beginning but the last line of this book made me sob and I would definitely recommend. I just realized I’m not really into Greek mythology but totally was here for the love story.
January by Sara Gallardo

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sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.75

Knowing this has happened to women for centuries and is still happening is heart breaking. I really wanted a better ending for Nefer but it was also impactful to not give us closure but now I’m just sitting here sitting in that anxious and sad feeling that Nefer was battling.
Unbecoming by Seema Yasmin

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hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

Didn’t feel very dystopian since this is much like the world we are currently living in…. Highly recommend reading. 
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-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

5.0

A beautiful story of navigating grief. I loved Marcellus. Who knew the POV of an octopus could be so life altering? This story was so heartwarming and I couldn’t put it down once I started. 
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

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emotional hopeful reflective 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

5.0

This story was beautifully heartbreaking. I have so much I could share about this story but I can’t find the words.  Sabaa Tahir’s ability for you to connect with the characters and the way she weaves their stories together is remarkable. Reading this during the current political climate really hit my heart even more. Please give this a read 🤍
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The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

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challenging dark informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was not a book that I was able to fly through and not because it wasn’t beautifully written but because it wasn’t an easy topic for me to digest. I cried often and was angry and my heart ached not just for those in the book but for all of the women who have had men take what wasn’t theirs. While I highly recommend reading this book, I also believe you should tread lightly if you or someone you know has experienced SA but the story needs to be told and she did beautifully telling it. Also, Martha is a badass! 
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The Fastest Way To Fall by Denise Williams

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funny hopeful inspiring fast-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

5.0

I stayed up way too late because I absolutely had to finish this book. Wes made me swoon. Britta made me feel seen. Loved seeing a main plus size character not try to lose weight but rather find strength in her body. Obsessed with Britta and Wes. Will be thinking about them for months to come. The world needs more love stories like this.
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