leannj's reviews
2174 reviews

We the Animals by Justin Torres

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• 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

3.75

Part of me thinks that I am not smart enough to truly appreciate this book. Usually this kind of storytelling style (piecing the narrative together through vignettes) isn't really my thing but by the end I was surprised at how the ending of the book shocked me, making me realize how much I'd been sucked into the story.

Wish You Weren't Here by Erin Baldwin

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

"We need more unlikeable female characters!" You guys couldn't even handle Juliette.

Funnily enough, the romance was my least favorite part- the parts of the story that were more about Juliette coming of age and discovering (and rediscovering) things about herself resonated with me more.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.75

Very bleak (rightfully so) and I think while I was immersed in the story I do think it confirms for me that there is almost always something that keeps me from fully becoming immersed fiction about real historical figures as opposed to completely fictional characters in a realistic historical setting. The writing was beautiful and definitely has me intrigued to check more of this author's work. Most of all I'm glad to have finally read this book after it having been on my to-read shelf for a decade at this point.

The Broke Hearts by Matt Mendez

emotional 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? Yes

4.0

As with the first book, the end is really where the story really packs an emotional punch.

Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen

hopeful lighthearted 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

3.0

Quick, cute, and the art is beautiful

Vicious Devotion by Aveda Vice

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.5

I read this almost in one sitting; something about Vice's writing makes me unable to put down their books.

You're an Animal by Jardine Libaire
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron

emotional 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? It's complicated

3.75

While the writing felt a bit clunky at times, the book did made me feel invested in the characters wanting to know what happens next. Again, I thought the way Greek mythology was incorporated into the story felt very unique to me compared to other Greek mythology inspired books.

Himawari House by Harmony Becker

emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.25

Loved the characters, and the themes hit really hard as a child of immigrants. I thought the slice of life format worked really well, and made the ending pack even more of an emotional punch.

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

Another solid installment in this series of companion novels. Honestly this is basically the same as the first book but just in a different font, so if you enjoy one you will probably enjoy the other.