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lauren_miller's reviews
754 reviews
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
What really kept me engaged and in awe of this book was the folklore and mythology woven in, and the vast "slightly different" America the author created. I did like the characters and wanted to know how the plot would play out, but I wasn't 100% enthralled? It's probably part genre (my tastes lean less magical realism and more high fantasy) and part relationship-based (I'm a basic bitch that requires romance lol). Overall, it was a pleasant listening experience and I would absolutely recommend.
4.25 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
4.25 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death
The Night Flower by Lara Hawthorne
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
I first came across this picture book in the gift shop at Enchantment Resort in Sedona a few years ago (unfortunately during a day visit, which they currently do not permit due to the pandemic), but I did not buy it at the time; I um'd and aw'd and then put it back lol. Since then, I've come across it 3 or 4 times and each time marveled at the lovely illustrations and sweet rhymes... until finally, during a visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens two weeks ago (highly recommend y'all, especially during spring!), I saw it on the shelf and finally caved!! After all, the gardens are one of my favorite places in PHX, so being able to buy the book and support them as well was just perfect. I'm so happy to finally have this gem in my possession 🌸
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This graphic novel was so. lovely. It ticked ALL the boxes -- class representation, gender exploration, trans awareness and acceptance, rediscovered family, and MAGIC!! If I were in middle school, I would've eaten this up even faster than I did today!
What the Fang? by Stacey Kennedy
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Cheesy? Predictable? [Terribly] Smutty?
This was all of the above and honestly, I had a ball. Substance, it is not, but the entertainment value hit the spot!
This was all of the above and honestly, I had a ball. Substance, it is not, but the entertainment value hit the spot!
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
this book delivered on many things, including higher stakes and politics (all around) on a much larger scale, but at the same time, it was also exhausting and so. damn. convoluted. to be perfectly honest, I didn't really want to push through the last hour, but I knew if I didn't I'd probably never get around to finishing it, so... and speaking of, the ending is predictable, but only in its ending, not in how the ending was achieved, which I greatly appreciate. that said, I also feel like there wasn't enough emotional payoff in the end, which is disappointing.
overall, I find myself impressed by this debut duology, but not really interested in continuing on within the "Chloe cinematic universe." solid 4 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
overall, I find myself impressed by this debut duology, but not really interested in continuing on within the "Chloe cinematic universe." solid 4 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.25
honestly, I have no idea how to rate this book.
90% of the book felt strangely contained, operating within a much smaller scale than I had anticipated, especially given that it's set in a city as vibrant and brutal as Shanghai circa 1926. then that last 10% came out of freaking NO WHERE and blew me away; it was exhilarating and I immediately wanted to jump into the sequel.
from what I've heard, Our Violent Ends takes the politics, especially within the gangs, to new heights and makes the stakes feel even higher, so... I guess until I've finished it, I'll reserve judgement for this first installment. but damn, I've enjoyed myself thus far.
EDIT: ok, now that I've finished the sequel, this is definitely a solid 3.25/3.5 stars out of 5, ★★★☆☆. a good, entertaining story, but sort of pales in comparison to the sequel. super strong debut though!
90% of the book felt strangely contained, operating within a much smaller scale than I had anticipated, especially given that it's set in a city as vibrant and brutal as Shanghai circa 1926. then that last 10% came out of freaking NO WHERE and blew me away; it was exhilarating and I immediately wanted to jump into the sequel.
from what I've heard, Our Violent Ends takes the politics, especially within the gangs, to new heights and makes the stakes feel even higher, so... I guess until I've finished it, I'll reserve judgement for this first installment. but damn, I've enjoyed myself thus far.
EDIT: ok, now that I've finished the sequel, this is definitely a solid 3.25/3.5 stars out of 5, ★★★☆☆. a good, entertaining story, but sort of pales in comparison to the sequel. super strong debut though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book reads like a novella at times, making grand chunks of time disappear in only a few lines, but somehow Waite still manages to lay the desperation and attraction needed to reach real, heart-wrenching and life-affirming love. Quite a feat! All while highlighting and reigniting my passion for intellectual pursuits and the female mind. Wow.
4.25 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
4.25 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
The Break Up by Charlotte Barnes
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Thank you so much to Netgalley and HQ for the eARC!
While the premise is pretty standard—engaged childhood sweethearts take a break to explore their options, thus realizing there's more to life and love than each other—what sold me was the chemistry between Edi and Rowan in the first couple chapters. It was so good that I found myself thinking, "Why in the world would I want them apart?" I actually had to check the summary to make sure this wasn't a second chance romance! Talk about a strong start...
But inevitably, we start to see the cracks in their relationship—and boy, does the author drag it out deliciously. We begin to see just how incapable Rowan is of owning up to his actions. We slowly how emotionally stunted and self-conscious Edi is. We realize pretty quickly just how ill-suited a match they truly are, and that's when the fun really begins.
This book is about love (Rowan and Edi) and romance (Edi and Fred), sure, but what it really comes down to, in my opinion, is friendship—the relations we have with others AND with ourselves. You know the saying, "treat yourself the way you would treat a friend"? That's exactly what Edi learns by the end of the book. With support and guidance from her friends and Fred, she's able to move past her anxieties and acknowledge so many things: her sexuality, her self-worth, her right to stay no; by the end, she learns to treat herself with kindness and respect, and that is such a beautiful thing.
And speaking of friends.... I fucking loved them! Like, where is MY Faith? I desperately need her to talk me through LGBTQIA+ dating apps lol. She, Betty, Cora, Lily, and Molly were all great in their own ways, and altogether the perfect support system for Edi. Color me jealous! Oh, and I can't forget Ian and Monty! Boys, just because your friend is a dick doesn't mean you have to roll with it. The way they refused to hide Rowan's bullshit was great and Monty was such a sweetheart for repeatedly checking in with Edi. This whole cast of friends made this book funnier, crasser (LOL), and ultimately way more lovable.
And speaking of loving it, I really only have a few critiques.
1) Despite their chemistry, the beginning and subsequent setup of the "break" took a bit long. We don't even meet Fred until what, 37% in?
2) Fred is basically a manic pixie dream girl character. Her role as Edi's lesbian love interest only really serves to heal Edi by reframing understanding of both relationships and her sexuality (i.e., the fact that you don't need to label it). We don't ever truly get to know Fred beyond her art and interior design preferences, and her feelings for Edi beyond attraction are nonexistent. To an extent, I'm sure it's because she's very liberal—I mean, she shares that her last hookup was married—but it felt a bit unrealistic for Fred to be SO happy go lucky about their relationship. Who knows, maybe I'm just too much of a monogamist to understand...?
Overall, this was a really fast and fun read, less of a romance and more of a new adult coming-of-age "finding your identity" story that had me laughing, scoffing, tearing up, the works. Solid 3.5/3.75 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
While the premise is pretty standard—engaged childhood sweethearts take a break to explore their options, thus realizing there's more to life and love than each other—what sold me was the chemistry between Edi and Rowan in the first couple chapters. It was so good that I found myself thinking, "Why in the world would I want them apart?" I actually had to check the summary to make sure this wasn't a second chance romance! Talk about a strong start...
But inevitably, we start to see the cracks in their relationship—and boy, does the author drag it out deliciously. We begin to see just how incapable Rowan is of owning up to his actions. We slowly how emotionally stunted and self-conscious Edi is. We realize pretty quickly just how ill-suited a match they truly are, and that's when the fun really begins.
This book is about love (Rowan and Edi) and romance (Edi and Fred), sure, but what it really comes down to, in my opinion, is friendship—the relations we have with others AND with ourselves. You know the saying, "treat yourself the way you would treat a friend"? That's exactly what Edi learns by the end of the book. With support and guidance from her friends and Fred, she's able to move past her anxieties and acknowledge so many things: her sexuality, her self-worth, her right to stay no; by the end, she learns to treat herself with kindness and respect, and that is such a beautiful thing.
And speaking of friends.... I fucking loved them! Like, where is MY Faith? I desperately need her to talk me through LGBTQIA+ dating apps lol. She, Betty, Cora, Lily, and Molly were all great in their own ways, and altogether the perfect support system for Edi. Color me jealous! Oh, and I can't forget Ian and Monty! Boys, just because your friend is a dick doesn't mean you have to roll with it. The way they refused to hide Rowan's bullshit was great and Monty was such a sweetheart for repeatedly checking in with Edi. This whole cast of friends made this book funnier, crasser (LOL), and ultimately way more lovable.
And speaking of loving it, I really only have a few critiques.
1) Despite their chemistry, the beginning and subsequent setup of the "break" took a bit long. We don't even meet Fred until what, 37% in?
2) Fred is basically a manic pixie dream girl character. Her role as Edi's lesbian love interest only really serves to heal Edi by reframing understanding of both relationships and her sexuality (i.e., the fact that you don't need to label it). We don't ever truly get to know Fred beyond her art and interior design preferences, and her feelings for Edi beyond attraction are nonexistent. To an extent, I'm sure it's because she's very liberal—I mean, she shares that her last hookup was married—but it felt a bit unrealistic for Fred to be SO happy go lucky about their relationship. Who knows, maybe I'm just too much of a monogamist to understand...?
Overall, this was a really fast and fun read, less of a romance and more of a new adult coming-of-age "finding your identity" story that had me laughing, scoffing, tearing up, the works. Solid 3.5/3.75 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
this is one of the most beautifully illustrated children's books I've ever seen 🥺 💕
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
this book, or rather novella, has left me... unsure.
on the one hand, it's very short, the ending felt like a cop-out, and i've come away feeling disappointed. but on the other, the atmosphere was pretty good, the strained nature of the relationships between all the characters was visceral, and the descriptions of the house, alive with all its decay and yokai and moving rooms, were at points really beautiful and disturbing. I enjoyed listening to it and I'm curious about the author's other endeavors, if there are any; I want more substance, more time spent, just more.
2.75 out of 5 stars, ★★★☆☆
on the one hand, it's very short, the ending felt like a cop-out, and i've come away feeling disappointed. but on the other, the atmosphere was pretty good, the strained nature of the relationships between all the characters was visceral, and the descriptions of the house, alive with all its decay and yokai and moving rooms, were at points really beautiful and disturbing. I enjoyed listening to it and I'm curious about the author's other endeavors, if there are any; I want more substance, more time spent, just more.
2.75 out of 5 stars, ★★★☆☆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder