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lowclasswarrior's reviews
100 reviews
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
I enjoyed this book. Basically, it’s a lesbian vampire gothic novel set in the 1960s. It’s a unique take on classic vampiric literature. The undead are, for the most part, still quite human. The narrative plays with themes of love—from innocent puppy love to manipulative, selfish love. Also, breaking the cycle of abuse. The characters are quite codependent, for better or for worse.
One criticism I have (which didn’t take away my enjoyment—it honestly just felt a little like whiplash) was the fast transition from enemies/rivals to lovers. Also, as alluded to above, the codependency is interesting. I guess it’s fine to be codependent if the other person has your best interests at heart (or at least believes they do)? Like, Carmilla never truly dealt with her abandonment issues.
Whatever though. I went in totally blind and enjoyed this enough to check out A Dowry of Blood. I really liked reading the author’s flowery prose.
One criticism I have (which didn’t take away my enjoyment—it honestly just felt a little like whiplash) was the fast transition from enemies/rivals to lovers. Also, as alluded to above, the codependency is interesting. I guess it’s fine to be codependent if the other person has your best interests at heart (or at least believes they do)? Like, Carmilla never truly dealt with her abandonment issues.
Whatever though. I went in totally blind and enjoyed this enough to check out A Dowry of Blood. I really liked reading the author’s flowery prose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Vomit, Murder
Minor: Death of parent
The ADHD Advantage: What You Thought Was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength by Dale Archer
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Penned by a doctor with ADHD. Material is a mix of research papers and case studies of individuals with ADHD. Favors those with the hyperactive type more than inattentive but still useful info regardless. Each section wraps up with a “ADHD Tool Kit” which is basically a bulleted list of actionable advice that I found helpful. The audiobook narration sounds like being in a lecture hall which I rather enjoy but I can see others might find a little boring. A positive take on “ADHD is a superpower”, and the author emphasizes meds only as a last resort (hence the toolkit advice).
Loveless by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Cute, cozy read. Simple, straightforward plot. I found the main premise annoyingly repetitive toward the middle but overall I enjoyed it. It’s nice to vicariously experience a tight knit friend group. Hopefully this book can normalize the lack of romantic/sexual attraction and help teens experiencing it. Though I wonder if it’d give plausible deniability to someone on the ace spectrum who does experience romantic attraction. Idk.
Reflecting on my own journey, I struggle to imagine how my younger self (being more than 15 years removed from being a freshman in college) would relate. Life is so much messier. I had a ton of things going on that made me feel “not normal”/“broken”—undiagnosed neurodivergency and the depression that resulted, comp het and bierasure. It’s hard to stack things into neat little categories that attribute feelings to any one particular thing.
As someone on the ace spectrum, it’s interesting to have someone else point out how sex crazed the media/others are. I definitely relate to the “oh it’s just hyped up in movies for entertainment” feeling.
I guess this book is reflective—prompting me to think about the culture we/I live in. It definitely has me mourning the free time all my friends had while in college before we got older, and everyone now needs 2 week advanced notice for even casual hangouts. Ok, now I’m just rambling.
Reflecting on my own journey, I struggle to imagine how my younger self (being more than 15 years removed from being a freshman in college) would relate. Life is so much messier. I had a ton of things going on that made me feel “not normal”/“broken”—undiagnosed neurodivergency and the depression that resulted, comp het and bierasure. It’s hard to stack things into neat little categories that attribute feelings to any one particular thing.
As someone on the ace spectrum, it’s interesting to have someone else point out how sex crazed the media/others are. I definitely relate to the “oh it’s just hyped up in movies for entertainment” feeling.
I guess this book is reflective—prompting me to think about the culture we/I live in. It definitely has me mourning the free time all my friends had while in college before we got older, and everyone now needs 2 week advanced notice for even casual hangouts. Ok, now I’m just rambling.
Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.25
I recommend the audiobook version read by the author.
I grew up in the deep south (New Orleans area). The southern culture of my home is similar but different to Reese’s experience growing up in Nashville. More like an adjacent southern culture with quite a bit of overlap. It was interesting to hear what I thought were universal experiences to be unique to the south.
To be honest, this book made me kinda forlorn. It reminded me of how isolating it is for a neurodivergent girl to grow up in a culture of conformity outside of the status quo. To be different than what was socially acceptable. To always feel like something was wrong with me because I behaved wrong, didn’t wear the right clothes, didn’t have the right personality. It’s interesting to hear Reese’s positive experience—an experience I’m sure my mother and sister would agree with.
There are things I love about the south, however, that were echoed in this book. We have the best food. People in general are kind and very open/generous. Something that I’ve seen northerners find suspicious. Of course there is systemic racism, government corruption, lacking education, but I find people tend to show you who they are right away. (Opposed to northerners that tend to hide certain ideologies—like racism behind closed doors.)
The epilogue was interesting. I don’t necessarily disagree, but I think it’s important to highlight the difference between city and rural ideologies. Cities are always a blue dot in a sea of red. I think our cities are the best of both—they’re a welcoming haven to a diverse population—poc, queer community, different cultures. This is reflective in the food, the art community, the atmosphere in general. But it’s a lot friendlier than similar northern cities. I have a friend who now lives in portland, oregon. He just randomly struck up a conversation with a stranger while standing in line at the grocery (much to his date’s horror). However, the rural/small town communities can be like stepping back to the prejudices of the 50s and some places are generally unsafe for those outside of the status quo. As the cities become increasingly expensive, the neighboring suburbs have slowly become more accepting though this is often greeted with retaliation such as burning down pride banners and vandalizing yards with democratic signs. I should also mention that the state government tends to hate its blue cities and will enact certain laws to oppress those living there—those that don’t conform to the status quo set by the rural communities (and religion extremism).
I think the south can be a wonderful place to live. 70* winters where it rarely if ever snows, driving distance to beautiful temperate beaches, a culture that prioritizes community, incredible food (that’s not afraid of spices and heat), beautiful historical architecture. But it’s important to keep in mind that everywhere has its good and bad. We still have the lowest paying jobs despite cost of living exploding and locals are becoming more displaced by remote workers from higher paying states (cali and nyc mainly). This can result in our culture becoming diluted, for better or for worse.
I hated growing up in the south. But it wasn’t until I left that I found an appreciation for it. We really do have a rich culture.
I grew up in the deep south (New Orleans area). The southern culture of my home is similar but different to Reese’s experience growing up in Nashville. More like an adjacent southern culture with quite a bit of overlap. It was interesting to hear what I thought were universal experiences to be unique to the south.
To be honest, this book made me kinda forlorn. It reminded me of how isolating it is for a neurodivergent girl to grow up in a culture of conformity outside of the status quo. To be different than what was socially acceptable. To always feel like something was wrong with me because I behaved wrong, didn’t wear the right clothes, didn’t have the right personality. It’s interesting to hear Reese’s positive experience—an experience I’m sure my mother and sister would agree with.
There are things I love about the south, however, that were echoed in this book. We have the best food. People in general are kind and very open/generous. Something that I’ve seen northerners find suspicious. Of course there is systemic racism, government corruption, lacking education, but I find people tend to show you who they are right away. (Opposed to northerners that tend to hide certain ideologies—like racism behind closed doors.)
The epilogue was interesting. I don’t necessarily disagree, but I think it’s important to highlight the difference between city and rural ideologies. Cities are always a blue dot in a sea of red. I think our cities are the best of both—they’re a welcoming haven to a diverse population—poc, queer community, different cultures. This is reflective in the food, the art community, the atmosphere in general. But it’s a lot friendlier than similar northern cities. I have a friend who now lives in portland, oregon. He just randomly struck up a conversation with a stranger while standing in line at the grocery (much to his date’s horror). However, the rural/small town communities can be like stepping back to the prejudices of the 50s and some places are generally unsafe for those outside of the status quo. As the cities become increasingly expensive, the neighboring suburbs have slowly become more accepting though this is often greeted with retaliation such as burning down pride banners and vandalizing yards with democratic signs. I should also mention that the state government tends to hate its blue cities and will enact certain laws to oppress those living there—those that don’t conform to the status quo set by the rural communities (and religion extremism).
I think the south can be a wonderful place to live. 70* winters where it rarely if ever snows, driving distance to beautiful temperate beaches, a culture that prioritizes community, incredible food (that’s not afraid of spices and heat), beautiful historical architecture. But it’s important to keep in mind that everywhere has its good and bad. We still have the lowest paying jobs despite cost of living exploding and locals are becoming more displaced by remote workers from higher paying states (cali and nyc mainly). This can result in our culture becoming diluted, for better or for worse.
I hated growing up in the south. But it wasn’t until I left that I found an appreciation for it. We really do have a rich culture.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The first half of the book fell flat for me. It felt like mostly setup. Most of the characters were pretty one dimensional. (Maybe that’s just the challenge with a first person pov.) Plot lines felt like they needed more time to ruminate as well as a lot of “tell don’t show” going on.
However, I enjoyed the second half of the book much more, and I was even inclined to pick up the sequel. I don’t know. I like how cheeky Cardan is. I think their dynamic would’ve been more impactful had they interacted more in the first half. It was very “he’s so cruel” when it’s mostly Cardan taking a backseat while his friends were being cruel. Maybe Jude is supposed to be an unreliable narrator?
However, I enjoyed the second half of the book much more, and I was even inclined to pick up the sequel. I don’t know. I like how cheeky Cardan is. I think their dynamic would’ve been more impactful had they interacted more in the first half. It was very “he’s so cruel” when it’s mostly Cardan taking a backseat while his friends were being cruel. Maybe Jude is supposed to be an unreliable narrator?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Death of parent
Moderate: Death
The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
I really enjoyed the audiobook! This book is separate from the cosmere. More scifi than fantasy (as the author mentions in his postscript). But it’s a fun story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Suicide
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I read through the whole collection. I can definitely see this writer being very divisive for people.
All the stories are quite dark. The titular one in particular is forlorn and grotesque, even downright chilling at times. AM is a very compelling villain. I can see how this story has influenced the scifi genre in its infancy.
There’s an overarching theme to all of his stories: highlighting the underlying darkness that is human nature. That being said: most of the women aren’t portrayed fondly. Sexual violence and name-calling are common. They're very much written by a bitter man scorned. However, these misogynistic men aren’t portrayed as likable either. If anything, it reads like a nihilistic and forlorn man projecting his self-hatred onto women.
To reiterate: these stories are divisive and misogyny is the dividing line.
All the stories are quite dark. The titular one in particular is forlorn and grotesque, even downright chilling at times. AM is a very compelling villain. I can see how this story has influenced the scifi genre in its infancy.
There’s an overarching theme to all of his stories: highlighting the underlying darkness that is human nature. That being said: most of the women aren’t portrayed fondly. Sexual violence and name-calling are common. They're very much written by a bitter man scorned. However, these misogynistic men aren’t portrayed as likable either. If anything, it reads like a nihilistic and forlorn man projecting his self-hatred onto women.
To reiterate: these stories are divisive and misogyny is the dividing line.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts
Shōgun, Part 2 by James Clavell
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
5.0
Fantastic read. This book had me crying toward the end. I think some readers would consider it to be a slow read and dragged out. There’s romance and death in it, but it’s mostly a political story. So temper your expectations accordingly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide
The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
I love that this book explores another ark. The culture and people are so different from Anima and the Pole. Babel is like a utopian society on the surface, but things aren’t quite what they seem underneath the chipped veneer. New characters are introduced. And the stakes are much higher compared to the first two books.
I wasn’t as engrossed in this world as that of the Pole. However, after I finished this book, I found myself re-reading the scenes between Thorn and Ophelia and even replaying them in my head until I fell asleep.
I wasn’t as engrossed in this world as that of the Pole. However, after I finished this book, I found myself re-reading the scenes between Thorn and Ophelia and even replaying them in my head until I fell asleep.
The Storm of Echoes by Christelle Dabos
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
I loved the first 2 books of this series! I agree with what others have said: this quartet is really 2 duologies.
Overall, I enjoyed the series and enjoyed this book. I loved the surrealism that took place whileOphelia was in the Deviations Observatory . (The visuals would’ve made an amazing movie.) I love Thorn and Ophelia’s relationship. They’re both independent people investigating the plot from 2 different sides.
The plot started to veer into absurdism toward the end, and I found myself re-reading passages. Lots of info-dumping/exposition toward the end, and it was a little confusing. Maybe that’s partially because of the translation. I’m conflicted about the ending. The pacing got a lot faster as the book ran through the climax. This isn’t necessarily a negative, but I couldn’t help but wonder how the story would wrap up with so few pages left. I enjoyed the poetic moment withThorn pulling The Other through the mirror opposite Ophelia, but at the same time, I wish he was featured in the epilogue. Do something with that character growth he obtained on the Wrong Side! After a lifetime of struggles, he deserves to be happy. And leaving the plot kind’ve open-ended…like how will Ophelia release him? Would releasing him re-release The Other? The ending just felt unsatisfying.
Also, a minor complaint was Ophelia getting so upset aboutbeing infertile. Like I got it initially with the whole “that was my choice to make and you robbed me of it” but then it started to feel like part of her identity. Idk. It’s minor, and I tried really hard not to let it bother me.
Overall, I enjoyed the series and enjoyed this book. I loved the surrealism that took place while
The plot started to veer into absurdism toward the end, and I found myself re-reading passages. Lots of info-dumping/exposition toward the end, and it was a little confusing. Maybe that’s partially because of the translation. I’m conflicted about the ending. The pacing got a lot faster as the book ran through the climax. This isn’t necessarily a negative, but I couldn’t help but wonder how the story would wrap up with so few pages left. I enjoyed the poetic moment with
Also, a minor complaint was Ophelia getting so upset about