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ladybugwrites's reviews
279 reviews
We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
I knew this book would be young adult, and yet the very young adultness of the plot still surprised me. It was more young adult than expected, but it felt like an integral part of the plot, so I didn't mind too much. I just didn't expect it, and thought there would be more horror.
But that does not take away from the fact that the horror scenes of this are great. They're fantastically written with a maxed out creep factor and I absolutely loved those parts. The slow way we get to see how Jade (our MC) slowly breaks down what is happening and the psychological impact the house has on her and her family. The way it goes from pretty clear lines between whats real and fake to the point where those lines are so blurred you don't know what's real anymore. The argument about whether or not there's an unreliable narrator, and the interludes are great. I liked a great deal about this book.
It did, though, drag a lot. At the later stages, a lot of the scenes felt like they were too slow and that you got more description than really necessary, and whilst it was fine, it came to the point where I was wondering if it would be done soon and that's never really a positive. I'm also not entirely sure I liked the ending. It was fine, and definitely satisfying, I just think I wanted something else that I didn't get.
But, overall a great book. And I do recommend it just for the creepiness of those scenes that really show the horror element. They had me react with my own body and that shows how well described they were. I'll definitely be on the look out for Tran's next book.
But that does not take away from the fact that the horror scenes of this are great. They're fantastically written with a maxed out creep factor and I absolutely loved those parts. The slow way we get to see how Jade (our MC) slowly breaks down what is happening and the psychological impact the house has on her and her family. The way it goes from pretty clear lines between whats real and fake to the point where those lines are so blurred you don't know what's real anymore. The argument about whether or not there's an unreliable narrator, and the interludes are great. I liked a great deal about this book.
It did, though, drag a lot. At the later stages, a lot of the scenes felt like they were too slow and that you got more description than really necessary, and whilst it was fine, it came to the point where I was wondering if it would be done soon and that's never really a positive. I'm also not entirely sure I liked the ending. It was fine, and definitely satisfying, I just think I wanted something else that I didn't get.
But, overall a great book. And I do recommend it just for the creepiness of those scenes that really show the horror element. They had me react with my own body and that shows how well described they were. I'll definitely be on the look out for Tran's next book.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book paints a very uncomfortable picture, and it does it well. It shows the flaws of the publishing industry (at least, how it is in the US--there are certainly differences to how things are done between countries, but I'm certain what's the actual point of this book is pretty similar everywhere else too), and it shows the many insecurities of authors themselves.
I had a lot of emotions whilst reading this book. Whether I was actually supposed to like Athena regardless of what Juniper was saying about her (and of course, my view of her would be through the lens of Junipers words, it's her story, that's how it works, and I'm still not sure if I can count Juniper as a reliable or unreliable narrator because she sits somewhere inbetween). Or whether I was supposed to feel some kind of sympathy for June at all, because I sometimes did. Not regarding her obvious crime, but her insecurities about the publishing industry reflect some of my own--the fear of never beeing good enough, the fear of being unable to do what you love. But I was also deeply uncomfortable with how comfortable she was with plagarizing--which is obviously the point. But, some of my fanfiction was plagarized once and because of that one time, it's still a fear. (and that person also tried to play it off, saying they got permission from the author--which I was the author what are you talking about, and why isn't said author mentioned anywhere in the summary?) Does the justification June has for her own action mirror that persons?
It's honestly a great take on a lot of different sides, and I think this is a really important book to read. I'm still abit iffy if I liked the ending, and I've seen a lot of people say it could've been shorter, and maybe it could've but I don't see those last hundred pages as unnecessary. I really liked this book, I had a good time, and I think it will stay with me for a long time for a multitude of reasons. R.F. Kuang is a very talented writer, and now I can't wait to read Babel.
I had a lot of emotions whilst reading this book. Whether I was actually supposed to like Athena regardless of what Juniper was saying about her (and of course, my view of her would be through the lens of Junipers words, it's her story, that's how it works, and I'm still not sure if I can count Juniper as a reliable or unreliable narrator because she sits somewhere inbetween). Or whether I was supposed to feel some kind of sympathy for June at all, because I sometimes did. Not regarding her obvious crime, but her insecurities about the publishing industry reflect some of my own--the fear of never beeing good enough, the fear of being unable to do what you love. But I was also deeply uncomfortable with how comfortable she was with plagarizing--which is obviously the point. But, some of my fanfiction was plagarized once and because of that one time, it's still a fear. (and that person also tried to play it off, saying they got permission from the author--which I was the author what are you talking about, and why isn't said author mentioned anywhere in the summary?) Does the justification June has for her own action mirror that persons?
It's honestly a great take on a lot of different sides, and I think this is a really important book to read. I'm still abit iffy if I liked the ending, and I've seen a lot of people say it could've been shorter, and maybe it could've but I don't see those last hundred pages as unnecessary. I really liked this book, I had a good time, and I think it will stay with me for a long time for a multitude of reasons. R.F. Kuang is a very talented writer, and now I can't wait to read Babel.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I saw the movie before I read the book, which is not something I usually do, but it means I knew a lot of what would happen as I was reading. Though, despite my 2 star rating, the book is better than the movie. Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy this book that much and seem incapable now of actually writing a review without spoilers.
There are definitely parts of this book I enjoyed. The view we get of the Hunger Games from the Capitol's point of view is insanely fascinating, especially with the differences between then and now (the 10th and 74th games). I thought a lot of the start had many social commentaries on how we treat people we think are less than us, or how we sometimes mange to not view people as people. To some extent, I think Dr. Gaul's thoughts are true (I obviously do not support the games or think she's a good person, but she makes some interesting points and just twists them into doing harm against others). This first part called the Mentors, is fairly good. It's what I expect from Suzanne Collins in a book set before the original triology.
However, I have a few too many problems to actually have enjoyed the book. I even considered DNF
ing at some point, but I was already halfway and I wanted to see it through to the end, maybe it could redeem itself (which seems a silly thought when I've seen the movie, but I had hopes).
First of all, I don't think it was necessary throughout this book to paint Snow as some person affected by all his trauma. Snow, as a character, would be a lot more interesting if he was just straight up evil. It feels like a half-assed way to somehow try to justify his actions (it technially doesn't, but that's the feeling it gives and thats the wrong message). I didn't care for him throughout this whole book, despite knowing that to some extent I was supposed to. He suffered during the war, but he seemed completey incapable of realizing that his suffering was on par with the suffering of people from the districts. He had no compassion, and was, in all honesty, an egotistic and narcissitics ass. Only proven by his lack of care for Clemensia, and the fact that the only tribute he cared about was Lucy Gray--someone he tried to paint as not actually district.
And that leads me to my second point. The romance is awful. I never cared for it. It's forced, and it doesn't make sense. I see how Lucy Gray could fall for someone helping her, even if he does it for his own benefits, mainly because it's the only saving grace she has. That part I can buy, though it's a little harder when you think of how Lucy Gray is presented throughout the book. It doesn't seem to me that she would fall for him, honestly. And Snow, why would he care enough in any other way than to win? That was his whole goal. The romance in here pissed me off. I didn't like it, and I never believed they actually loved each other. Even during their time in 12, I never belived it. It only had me annoyed. Especially considering the plot could be the exact same, without the romance, which was just a layer to have us sympathize some more. Of course, we're supposed to hate him by the end of the book. The epilogue even changes the name from Coriolanus to Snow. That's specific. But I wanted that through the whole book. There is nothing that can make me sympathize with him, feel any hint of compassion for him, and I think the book would've been better if he was an asshole from the start.
Also, I have a few questions left. What the fuck happened to Tigris between this book and Mockingjay?
I don't know if I'm actually managing to gather my thoughts in a coherent way, mainly because I'm left disappointed. I get that the Hunger Games was a success and I guess people wanted to know Snow's background, not sure. But I actually thought this book would add something more, and it didn't. A book doesn't need to, but I kind of expected it from Suzanne Collins of all people.
Honestly, I don't recommend this. Maybe it deserves even less than 2 stars, but there's parts of it I did like. I'm just left disappointed, and kinda annoyed.
There are definitely parts of this book I enjoyed. The view we get of the Hunger Games from the Capitol's point of view is insanely fascinating, especially with the differences between then and now (the 10th and 74th games). I thought a lot of the start had many social commentaries on how we treat people we think are less than us, or how we sometimes mange to not view people as people. To some extent, I think Dr. Gaul's thoughts are true (I obviously do not support the games or think she's a good person, but she makes some interesting points and just twists them into doing harm against others). This first part called the Mentors, is fairly good. It's what I expect from Suzanne Collins in a book set before the original triology.
However, I have a few too many problems to actually have enjoyed the book. I even considered DNF
ing at some point, but I was already halfway and I wanted to see it through to the end, maybe it could redeem itself (which seems a silly thought when I've seen the movie, but I had hopes).
First of all, I don't think it was necessary throughout this book to paint Snow as some person affected by all his trauma. Snow, as a character, would be a lot more interesting if he was just straight up evil. It feels like a half-assed way to somehow try to justify his actions (it technially doesn't, but that's the feeling it gives and thats the wrong message). I didn't care for him throughout this whole book, despite knowing that to some extent I was supposed to. He suffered during the war, but he seemed completey incapable of realizing that his suffering was on par with the suffering of people from the districts. He had no compassion, and was, in all honesty, an egotistic and narcissitics ass. Only proven by his lack of care for Clemensia, and the fact that the only tribute he cared about was Lucy Gray--someone he tried to paint as not actually district.
And that leads me to my second point. The romance is awful. I never cared for it. It's forced, and it doesn't make sense. I see how Lucy Gray could fall for someone helping her, even if he does it for his own benefits, mainly because it's the only saving grace she has. That part I can buy, though it's a little harder when you think of how Lucy Gray is presented throughout the book. It doesn't seem to me that she would fall for him, honestly. And Snow, why would he care enough in any other way than to win? That was his whole goal. The romance in here pissed me off. I didn't like it, and I never believed they actually loved each other. Even during their time in 12, I never belived it. It only had me annoyed. Especially considering the plot could be the exact same, without the romance, which was just a layer to have us sympathize some more. Of course, we're supposed to hate him by the end of the book. The epilogue even changes the name from Coriolanus to Snow. That's specific. But I wanted that through the whole book. There is nothing that can make me sympathize with him, feel any hint of compassion for him, and I think the book would've been better if he was an asshole from the start.
Also, I have a few questions left. What the fuck happened to Tigris between this book and Mockingjay?
I don't know if I'm actually managing to gather my thoughts in a coherent way, mainly because I'm left disappointed. I get that the Hunger Games was a success and I guess people wanted to know Snow's background, not sure. But I actually thought this book would add something more, and it didn't. A book doesn't need to, but I kind of expected it from Suzanne Collins of all people.
Honestly, I don't recommend this. Maybe it deserves even less than 2 stars, but there's parts of it I did like. I'm just left disappointed, and kinda annoyed.
Terminal Boredom by Izumi Suzuki
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
When I picked up this book and read the cover (and the first page), I was intrigued. Not only does it sound like it's right up my alley, it's a different perspective on huge topics that I have a strong connection to or interest in.
Unfortunately, I didn't get what I was hoping for. Overall, Suzuki is a great writer and I enjoy the storytelling, the characters are fine (mainly whats expected for some that appear for a short time in short stories) and all the stories have engaging plots that I want to know the end of. But, despite all these great points made throughtout a story, despite all the comments on society and the speculations on what may happen in the future, none of the stories have a point. Now a story doesn't need one, but these stories all feel like they are supposed to have one. Maybe I'm just too stupid to understand the points, which it certainly feels like when I don't get something I think I should, but it's disappoint to be expecting a punchline, something in those last few pages to make me really get what she was trying to show, but it never happened. I was hoping it wouldn't be all the stories, but even when I closed the book on the last one, I still hadn't gotten that feeling. There was as if something was missing.
I do want to add, though, that doesn't feel like stories about women and society and all of that, as the cover wants to say, but rather, these are all stories about depression. There is a layer underneath the societal commentary that is mental health, and specifically depression. The numbness of living in society, and it comes across in all seven stories. Looking at them through this lens, does make them something else, and even possibly a little better. And knowing Suzuki took her own life, definitely puts to show that there are more to these stories than first meets the eye.
I think this is a book I'll pick up again, sometime in the future. Maybe I'll feel differently about them, or maybe reading them again will open up those parts I didn't fully grasp. I don't know. But I do know I finished this book with a lot of thoughts because even if the stories lack something, there's a lot of small comments throughout each of them that all make you think and reflect, and that in itself is a feat.
Unfortunately, I didn't get what I was hoping for. Overall, Suzuki is a great writer and I enjoy the storytelling, the characters are fine (mainly whats expected for some that appear for a short time in short stories) and all the stories have engaging plots that I want to know the end of. But, despite all these great points made throughtout a story, despite all the comments on society and the speculations on what may happen in the future, none of the stories have a point. Now a story doesn't need one, but these stories all feel like they are supposed to have one. Maybe I'm just too stupid to understand the points, which it certainly feels like when I don't get something I think I should, but it's disappoint to be expecting a punchline, something in those last few pages to make me really get what she was trying to show, but it never happened. I was hoping it wouldn't be all the stories, but even when I closed the book on the last one, I still hadn't gotten that feeling. There was as if something was missing.
I do want to add, though, that doesn't feel like stories about women and society and all of that, as the cover wants to say, but rather, these are all stories about depression. There is a layer underneath the societal commentary that is mental health, and specifically depression. The numbness of living in society, and it comes across in all seven stories. Looking at them through this lens, does make them something else, and even possibly a little better. And knowing Suzuki took her own life, definitely puts to show that there are more to these stories than first meets the eye.
I think this is a book I'll pick up again, sometime in the future. Maybe I'll feel differently about them, or maybe reading them again will open up those parts I didn't fully grasp. I don't know. But I do know I finished this book with a lot of thoughts because even if the stories lack something, there's a lot of small comments throughout each of them that all make you think and reflect, and that in itself is a feat.