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lindsaygp_reads's reviews
52 reviews
The Yellow Wall-Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
A classic piece of literature about the loneliness and isolation of women in a patriarchal society. A quick read.
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I think what I needed to do to enjoy this book was throw all expectations that it was going to be like the movie out the window first, and I think I succeeded.
The imagery and the mystery in this book are so deep and provocative. Our main character keeps us at an arms length at all times, but for brief moments, almost like her readers are the brightness taking over, she allows us in to better understand her.
This is written like a biologist’s field journal, so it can be dense at times and a little hard to understand but overall very interesting. This may not be a book that I ever re-read, but the imagery of Area X has carved out a place for itself in my brain.
While beautifully written and seems to be incredibly well researched, I am struggling with whether or not I enjoyed the story. I don’t know yet whether I will try book 2.
The imagery and the mystery in this book are so deep and provocative. Our main character keeps us at an arms length at all times, but for brief moments, almost like her readers are the brightness taking over, she allows us in to better understand her.
This is written like a biologist’s field journal, so it can be dense at times and a little hard to understand but overall very interesting. This may not be a book that I ever re-read, but the imagery of Area X has carved out a place for itself in my brain.
While beautifully written and seems to be incredibly well researched, I am struggling with whether or not I enjoyed the story. I don’t know yet whether I will try book 2.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
dark
emotional
fast-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
5.0
**SPOILERS THROUGHOUT**
This book takes what was heartbreaking about the first two and turns it up about 10 times. You grow to love so many of these side characters who are all finding their courage in the face of a government that wants them dead— and always we are reminded that they are CHILDREN with no other choice.
Peeta’s arc especially had me absolutely sobbing, how much time was needed for that trust to be rebuilt, for Katniss to show up for him the way that he would for her if the roles had been reversed, teaching herself to dig deep and find that softness for the boy with the bread. The realization that she carried enough fire to burn a corrupt government to the ground, and what she needed was the dandelion in spring.
Moments that I’ll carry with me: The delayed response to Prim’s death was so real and impactful it still hurts to think about. Johanna in all her rage, holding tight to the little pack of pine needles and crying because it smelled like home. Gale knowing but not saying that the bomb he helped build was a thing that killed innocent children made me want to scream. The book of tributes, the little memories to remember them all. Buttercup not leaving Katniss, but guarding her against the night.
This series should be required reading.
This book takes what was heartbreaking about the first two and turns it up about 10 times. You grow to love so many of these side characters who are all finding their courage in the face of a government that wants them dead— and always we are reminded that they are CHILDREN with no other choice.
Peeta’s arc especially had me absolutely sobbing, how much time was needed for that trust to be rebuilt, for Katniss to show up for him the way that he would for her if the roles had been reversed, teaching herself to dig deep and find that softness for the boy with the bread. The realization that she carried enough fire to burn a corrupt government to the ground, and what she needed was the dandelion in spring.
Moments that I’ll carry with me: The delayed response to Prim’s death was so real and impactful it still hurts to think about. Johanna in all her rage, holding tight to the little pack of pine needles and crying because it smelled like home. Gale knowing but not saying that the bomb he helped build was a thing that killed innocent children made me want to scream. The book of tributes, the little memories to remember them all. Buttercup not leaving Katniss, but guarding her against the night.
This series should be required reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
****Spoilers throughout****
An epic sequel to The Shining. I loved seeing where Danny went and how he grew up, that it didn’t just get easier post The Outlook. So often in stories like The Shining, the children just forget and live happily ever after, but by giving Danny demons that literally follow him after that horrendous experience it allows for him to grow, to fail, to learn, and become better. I really appreciate the way that King writes about the struggle of sobriety. I’m a child of an alcoholic myself and there are things written here that have offered new perspective and understanding on that dangerous thirst. The Jack Torrence redemption, 15year sober Doc, and the final send off in the book had me in absolute tears.
An epic sequel to The Shining. I loved seeing where Danny went and how he grew up, that it didn’t just get easier post The Outlook. So often in stories like The Shining, the children just forget and live happily ever after, but by giving Danny demons that literally follow him after that horrendous experience it allows for him to grow, to fail, to learn, and become better. I really appreciate the way that King writes about the struggle of sobriety. I’m a child of an alcoholic myself and there are things written here that have offered new perspective and understanding on that dangerous thirst. The Jack Torrence redemption, 15year sober Doc, and the final send off in the book had me in absolute tears.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Child death
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
funny
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I don’t give out 5⭐️s very often, but this is easily a 5 if not a 6⭐️ read for me.
This story was so fast paced, and ebbed and flowed easily between tension and relief, humor and devastation, all balancing the potential of human mass extinction in view.
The friendship building between Grace and Rocky is delightful and endearing. I love that at no point is there ever a thought that Rocky might betray or hurt him, he is only ever a friend. Their relationship is so loving and vibrant, I would have read another 500 pages just about their travels together.
Something that I find really refreshing in this book is that it has VERY few curse words (maybe 5 total?) and a very brief discussion about sexual experience, but only in a very direct professional, and ultimately very funny way.
To be clear, there is a considerable amount of science and math talk throughout this story— and as someone who is garbage at both of these subjects, I can tell you with 110% honesty that it made no impact on my understanding or enjoyment.
This is a brilliant story of saving not just human kind, but alien as well, of friendship, of bravery, and of learning about yourself a little more along the way. I can tell already that Project Hail Mary will be a story that sticks with me for a long time.
This story was so fast paced, and ebbed and flowed easily between tension and relief, humor and devastation, all balancing the potential of human mass extinction in view.
The friendship building between Grace and Rocky is delightful and endearing. I love that at no point is there ever a thought that Rocky might betray or hurt him, he is only ever a friend. Their relationship is so loving and vibrant, I would have read another 500 pages just about their travels together.
Something that I find really refreshing in this book is that it has VERY few curse words (maybe 5 total?) and a very brief discussion about sexual experience, but only in a very direct professional, and ultimately very funny way.
To be clear, there is a considerable amount of science and math talk throughout this story— and as someone who is garbage at both of these subjects, I can tell you with 110% honesty that it made no impact on my understanding or enjoyment.
This is a brilliant story of saving not just human kind, but alien as well, of friendship, of bravery, and of learning about yourself a little more along the way. I can tell already that Project Hail Mary will be a story that sticks with me for a long time.
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
***Spoilers Throughout***
This is easily my favorite of the series so far. I loved getting Chaol’s story and his well-earned romance with Yrene was just SO lovely. I don’t think that Nesryn really needed to have a romantic plot to feel like a worthwhile character, I kind of enjoyed that she was just in it for vibes, violence, and glory but her budding relationship with Prince Sartaq is sweet if a little quick.
The way that disability is discussed throughout is respectful and relatable. I appreciate that there is no absolute magic fix here, not really, and that not having working legs or missing an arm does not make you weak, it only means that you need to find a new way to work your body, that it is okay to ask for help, but also that it is okay to demand you be treated as anyone else might be (not pushing someone’s chair without being asked, not being made a spectacle of or a being made to be a training dummy without permission and discussion, etc.). That in love, friendship, and effort is where we find our strength.
Overall, Chaol’s journey to self-acceptance, acceptance of Aelin, a loving relationship, and healing himself inside and out was a beautiful story of triumph that had lots of excellent bits of information and plot secrets that will make the next book that much more satisfying.
Oh, and I absolutely snorted at the Skull’s Bay information release. She would *never* go there lol
This is easily my favorite of the series so far. I loved getting Chaol’s story and his well-earned romance with Yrene was just SO lovely. I don’t think that Nesryn really needed to have a romantic plot to feel like a worthwhile character, I kind of enjoyed that she was just in it for vibes, violence, and glory but her budding relationship with Prince Sartaq is sweet if a little quick.
The way that disability is discussed throughout is respectful and relatable. I appreciate that there is no absolute magic fix here, not really, and that not having working legs or missing an arm does not make you weak, it only means that you need to find a new way to work your body, that it is okay to ask for help, but also that it is okay to demand you be treated as anyone else might be (not pushing someone’s chair without being asked, not being made a spectacle of or a being made to be a training dummy without permission and discussion, etc.). That in love, friendship, and effort is where we find our strength.
Overall, Chaol’s journey to self-acceptance, acceptance of Aelin, a loving relationship, and healing himself inside and out was a beautiful story of triumph that had lots of excellent bits of information and plot secrets that will make the next book that much more satisfying.
Oh, and I absolutely snorted at the Skull’s Bay information release. She would *never* go there lol
This World Is Not Yours by Kemi Ashing-Giwa
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book was very interesting and at times feels more science than science fiction. A few times a found myself a little lost in the verbiage or didn’t exactly understand what happened so I had to go back to figure it out. Overall I think that the idea is very cool, I think the POV maybe does this book a disservice as it was often hard to tell who was who. The main characters were not particularly likable or at least not likable enough to really feel sympathetic to their being pulled apart right after being married. I think this novella has incredible potential and room for further thought and growth. The ending was awesome.