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lifeofchrstnlvly's reviews
177 reviews
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
Backman, as always, knows how to tap into human emotions and explore humanity. What I appreciate most about his writing is his ability to take a simple truth and delve into it to the extent that it prompts a different perspective, making us recognize the significance of that truth. Kudos to Backman (and the translator!) for always knowing how to articulate the essence of humanity.
I enjoyed reading "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry" (in my opinion, Backman can do no wrong). However, I did notice one flaw that bothered me a little: Elsa, who is almost 8 years old, sometimes seemed unusually mature for her age. The only thing that reminded me that she is still a child was her fascination with the Land-of-Almost-Awake. If it weren't for her interest in this imaginary world, she would come across as someone in her teens who simply enjoys escaping reality by creating a different world in her mind.
However, this book reminded me that being different is not wrong. You should not allow society to bring you down simply because you are different.
As with any of Backman's books, he once again reminded me of the importance of kindness. It serves as a reminder that we never truly know the struggles and experiences that others are going through. We should always keep in mind that even the people we may dislike have their own challenges and reasons for behaving the way they do.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Death's greatest power is not that it can make people die, but that it can make people want to stop living.
Backman, as always, knows how to tap into human emotions and explore humanity. What I appreciate most about his writing is his ability to take a simple truth and delve into it to the extent that it prompts a different perspective, making us recognize the significance of that truth. Kudos to Backman (and the translator!) for always knowing how to articulate the essence of humanity.
I enjoyed reading "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry" (in my opinion, Backman can do no wrong). However, I did notice one flaw that bothered me a little: Elsa, who is almost 8 years old, sometimes seemed unusually mature for her age. The only thing that reminded me that she is still a child was her fascination with the Land-of-Almost-Awake. If it weren't for her interest in this imaginary world, she would come across as someone in her teens who simply enjoys escaping reality by creating a different world in her mind.
However, this book reminded me that being different is not wrong. You should not allow society to bring you down simply because you are different.
As with any of Backman's books, he once again reminded me of the importance of kindness. It serves as a reminder that we never truly know the struggles and experiences that others are going through. We should always keep in mind that even the people we may dislike have their own challenges and reasons for behaving the way they do.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Animal death, and Blood
Moderate: Pregnancy, War, Alcoholism, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Infidelity, Cancer, Car accident, and Addiction
The Goal by Elle Kennedy
I never really thought someone would top Garrett as one of my book boyfriends… until I read The Goal. There's something about sweet men and Tucker was the sweetest. As for Sabrina, I related to her not because of her family issues, but because of her drive and strength. Both MCs are much more lovable to me than the others, that's why The Goal made it to my top 1.
If it weren't for Garrett, I wouldn't place The Deal in the second spot. In my opinion, he saved that book. Garrett will always be one of my favorite book boyfriends. I felt that Hannah's character was a bit forced. Her overly cheerful personality seemed like she was trying too hard to be that type of girl.
As for The Mistake and The Score, they were just average for me (The Score was forgettable).
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Now that I have finished the Off-Campus series (I still have yet to read The Legacy, but we all know that it's the epilogue book), I can now rank the books.
- The Goal
- The Deal
- The Mistake
- The Score
I never really thought someone would top Garrett as one of my book boyfriends… until I read The Goal. There's something about sweet men and Tucker was the sweetest. As for Sabrina, I related to her not because of her family issues, but because of her drive and strength. Both MCs are much more lovable to me than the others, that's why The Goal made it to my top 1.
If it weren't for Garrett, I wouldn't place The Deal in the second spot. In my opinion, he saved that book. Garrett will always be one of my favorite book boyfriends. I felt that Hannah's character was a bit forced. Her overly cheerful personality seemed like she was trying too hard to be that type of girl.
As for The Mistake and The Score, they were just average for me (The Score was forgettable).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Death, Abandonment, Cursing, and Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Drug use, Grief, Car accident, and Abortion
The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Aside from Noah occasionally being irritating due to his judgmental nature, this was good.
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
emotional
reflective
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? No
5.0
I finished this AN HOUR before Christmas, and I was bawling my eyes out. I have so many thoughts I think I need a blog post about it. This book was simple but beautiful.
Set the Record Straight by Hannah Bonam-Young
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
It's a sapphic Christmas novella. Despite being only 142 pages, it took me a week to finish because it lacked interest. It didn't offer anything special or new.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Cursing
Minor: Infidelity
The Score by Elle Kennedy
As always, Garrett will always be the best Off-campus boyfriend for me.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was fine.
As always, Garrett will always be the best Off-campus boyfriend for me.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame is more action-packed than Fourth Wing. So many things happened that by the time I finished reading, I'm not sure if I only read one book or three.
It was upsetting for some readers, but I enjoyed the fact that Xaden was absent most of the time. It gave Violet the opportunity to explore and discover things in her own way. It also allowed her to become independent and not rely on Xaden for protection or guidance on how to become stronger. Instead, she relied on herself and her squad. Yes, she made some questionable decisions because Xaden was not there interfering with her plans, but at least she learned from them.
However, I do agree that Iron Flame needed more editing. It felt rushed to get published without at least two more rounds of editing. There were chapters that I found slow. I didn't get the same hook as Fourth Wing, where the pacing was good. I had a bit of a problem with Iron Flame's pacing. One minute, everything is happening so fast, and the next minute, it feels like I'm dragging myself through the reading just to make some progress.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.0
“You must save yourself,” Tairn demands. “I chose you not as my next, but as my last, and should you fall, then I will follow.”
Iron Flame is more action-packed than Fourth Wing. So many things happened that by the time I finished reading, I'm not sure if I only read one book or three.
It was upsetting for some readers, but I enjoyed the fact that Xaden was absent most of the time. It gave Violet the opportunity to explore and discover things in her own way. It also allowed her to become independent and not rely on Xaden for protection or guidance on how to become stronger. Instead, she relied on herself and her squad. Yes, she made some questionable decisions because Xaden was not there interfering with her plans, but at least she learned from them.
However, I do agree that Iron Flame needed more editing. It felt rushed to get published without at least two more rounds of editing. There were chapters that I found slow. I didn't get the same hook as Fourth Wing, where the pacing was good. I had a bit of a problem with Iron Flame's pacing. One minute, everything is happening so fast, and the next minute, it feels like I'm dragging myself through the reading just to make some progress.
The Fall of Bradley Reed by Morgan Elizabeth
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5
Morgan Elizabeth is my go-to romance author, similar to Freida McFadden for thrillers, when I want to read something that is quick, easy to understand, and enjoyable.
Cruel Summer by Morgan Elizabeth
I can relate to feeling anxious, but reading too many uncertain thoughts from Cami doesn't make me feel understood - it just annoys me. I read to escape, not to be overwhelmed by constant inner monologues about how anxiety ruins everything.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book feels too childish. Although it is targeted towards adults, the characters, including Cami, come across as petty, which can be quite irritating. While I understand the desire for revenge, especially when wronged, the motivations of these women, or should I say girls, seem trivial. As the book primarily revolves around romance and the quest for revenge these mean girls, I didn't find it enjoyable. The romance aspect was decent, but the excessive focus on revenge between girls took away from the overall experience.
I can relate to feeling anxious, but reading too many uncertain thoughts from Cami doesn't make me feel understood - it just annoys me. I read to escape, not to be overwhelmed by constant inner monologues about how anxiety ruins everything.
Overall, Cami is an irritating character. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, considering she was already irritating in TTSFR.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Body horror and Blood