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litdrivengirl's reviews
1036 reviews
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
It isn't often I rate books 5 stars. This felt both a simple and complex story to me. I will also warn you that there are triggers (please check them!). It wasn't until further reflection that I realized how much they would/did impact my mental health.
There is so much to 'chew' on and introspection of Nora and self. I'm not sure everyone will have the same experience, but I feel that is the beauty of such fiction. That we each can carry away with us a different story from the one we both consumed. I can see myself in 10 years' time (maybe sooner, who knows) rereading Matt's story and walking away with different food for thought. It gives a lot of permission to live and to just be... human. And isn't that sometimes all we need?
There is so much to 'chew' on and introspection of Nora and self. I'm not sure everyone will have the same experience, but I feel that is the beauty of such fiction. That we each can carry away with us a different story from the one we both consumed. I can see myself in 10 years' time (maybe sooner, who knows) rereading Matt's story and walking away with different food for thought. It gives a lot of permission to live and to just be... human. And isn't that sometimes all we need?
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I'm sure I'll be committing some sacrilegious act by typing this for the interwebs, but I 100% like this better than Austen's story. To be fair I was only ever a Pride and Prejudice film fan (all of them) and Austen's writing leaves a lot to be desired for me. So I'm a little biased? Who cares!
Did we have a lot to pack into a YA version? Absolutely. Was it precisely the same story as its influential predecessor? No, but a remix isn't meant to be. It is meant to elevate the story to a new audience and new landscapes. If I wanted to read the same story I would read Jane Austen's or watch one of the adaptations. I rarely encounter new versions of classics that I like well enough to rave about. I can't wait to discuss this at my YA Book Club!
Many moments of Oliver's story brought tears to my eyes. It is important to read stories that set our minds in places where we are unfamiliar and can take time to educate ourselves. Reading fiction is one of the best ways and I felt so much for Oliver and the constrictions of his time. I'm sure some will rage against the "historical inaccuracies" or how his parents never would be that accepting or accommodating, but this is a remix. A reimagining of what a world could look like with more love and understanding of how different each and every one of us truly is in this crazy world.
Did we have a lot to pack into a YA version? Absolutely. Was it precisely the same story as its influential predecessor? No, but a remix isn't meant to be. It is meant to elevate the story to a new audience and new landscapes. If I wanted to read the same story I would read Jane Austen's or watch one of the adaptations. I rarely encounter new versions of classics that I like well enough to rave about. I can't wait to discuss this at my YA Book Club!
Many moments of Oliver's story brought tears to my eyes. It is important to read stories that set our minds in places where we are unfamiliar and can take time to educate ourselves. Reading fiction is one of the best ways and I felt so much for Oliver and the constrictions of his time. I'm sure some will rage against the "historical inaccuracies" or how his parents never would be that accepting or accommodating, but this is a remix. A reimagining of what a world could look like with more love and understanding of how different each and every one of us truly is in this crazy world.
Orc's Unwilling Bride: A Dark Fantasy Romance by Kayla St. James
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
3.5/5
I wouldn't qualify this as 'Dark Romance'. If anything it reads more like a Historical Fiction Romance, but add Orcs and Elves. It wasn't what I was looking for or expecting, but I read it quickly. I found the writing very engaging. My only wish was that it had more Smut *haha*.
Oh and instead of an arrow through Manus's heart... why don't we aim for Mae's father instead in the next book?
I wouldn't qualify this as 'Dark Romance'. If anything it reads more like a Historical Fiction Romance, but add Orcs and Elves. It wasn't what I was looking for or expecting, but I read it quickly. I found the writing very engaging. My only wish was that it had more Smut *haha*.
Oh and instead of an arrow through Manus's heart... why don't we aim for Mae's father instead in the next book?
Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
"If I could give something to Fleurette--if I could give her one silent gift from a mother she didn't know she had--it would be this: the realization that we have to be a part of the world in which we live. We don't scurry away when we're in trouble, or when someone else is. We don't run and hide. She watched Mother and learned her ways just like I did. But I hoped she would watch me too, and learn something different."