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m_riaelle's reviews
91 reviews
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
"There is nothing wrong with you wanting to look and feel your best and to take care of yourself, but self-worth shouldn't be tied to appearance, either."
Marlene (main character)
Ruby (Aunt of Marlene)
Camilla (Best Friend of Marlene)
Paola (Mother of Marlene)
My love for Marlene, Ruby, Camilla, and Paola has no bounds. Accepting and loving a part of you is hard especially when others see it as something it should not be. Seeing how Marlene used to be confident and innocent of the way the world works to an insecure middle-grade break my heart.
I'm glad to be part of Marlene and Paola's journey of loving their curls and opening up to each other. I'm happy with how supportive Ruby and Camilla are. This graphic novel is a gem and I love the colour palette!
Marlene (main character)
Ruby (Aunt of Marlene)
Camilla (Best Friend of Marlene)
Paola (Mother of Marlene)
My love for Marlene, Ruby, Camilla, and Paola has no bounds. Accepting and loving a part of you is hard especially when others see it as something it should not be. Seeing how Marlene used to be confident and innocent of the way the world works to an insecure middle-grade break my heart.
I'm glad to be part of Marlene and Paola's journey of loving their curls and opening up to each other. I'm happy with how supportive Ruby and Camilla are. This graphic novel is a gem and I love the colour palette!
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
I LOVE IT. I LOVE EVERY CHARACTER. I LOVE Y'ALL WHO GAVE THIS FIVE STARS.
And I quote from Casey McQuiston's acknowledgements, "let's hear it one more time for queer kids in red states and conservative religious communities. I love y'all so much."
The representations, plot, and characters are so overwhelmingly wonderful. You know it's a good book if you cry or almost cry when you've realised you've finished it. I tried to put it down because (a) I'm busy and (b) I don't want it to end. Yet, here I am at 1 AM, constructing a review.
I want to ask the author about a certain character who's kissed almost every team--it's for y'all to find out and have a good laugh at how the character said it. And another character (Shara) needs therapy.
*adds to favourite books*
CW from the author: Homophobia, Evangelical Christianity, religious homophobia, religious trauma, discussions of racism and misogyny, mentions of past off-page outing of an adult supporting character, threatened outing of supporting character (avoided), underage drinking
And I quote from Casey McQuiston's acknowledgements, "let's hear it one more time for queer kids in red states and conservative religious communities. I love y'all so much."
The representations, plot, and characters are so overwhelmingly wonderful. You know it's a good book if you cry or almost cry when you've realised you've finished it. I tried to put it down because (a) I'm busy and (b) I don't want it to end. Yet, here I am at 1 AM, constructing a review.
I want to ask the author about a certain character who's kissed almost every team--it's for y'all to find out and have a good laugh at how the character said it. And another character (Shara) needs therapy.
*adds to favourite books*
CW from the author: Homophobia, Evangelical Christianity, religious homophobia, religious trauma, discussions of racism and misogyny, mentions of past off-page outing of an adult supporting character, threatened outing of supporting character (avoided), underage drinking
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
First of all, I feel sorry for those who've read this without the new final chapter. Just thinking of myself finishing this book without it, I knew I would have given it one star out of spite. I never wanted (needed) a character to actually have a break from all the shits life is giving him.
Second, as always, I'm here for the sad and intense feelings that I get from Adam Silvera's books, and I'm heartbreakingly satisfied. The twists in his books never failed to shock me.
Third, why not five stars? I would never ever tolerate cheating. I would have let it slide if it was done once due to poor decisions, but it happened for so long and happened again when the characters saw the chance to do so. I know the author tied the loose ends, but I just can't let that go. It does happen in real life, and one of the most things I hated is that.
Fourth, another reason why I didn't give this five stars? It's because I found myself skimming the first few and some middle chapters, which means it didn't give any impact at all. Also, I'm considering what I would've given this without the new final chapter, and for a debut book, this is surprisingly good.
CW: Gun Violence, Drugs, Mention of Armed Robbery, Suicidal Ideation, Grief, Suicide, Death of Parent, Self-harm, Homophobic Slur, Toxic Relationships, Toxic Friendships, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Cheating, Assault, Blood, Depression, Hospitalisation, Physical Abuse, Profanity, Teenage Pregnancy, and Violence (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought was triggering while I read it)
Second, as always, I'm here for the sad and intense feelings that I get from Adam Silvera's books, and I'm heartbreakingly satisfied. The twists in his books never failed to shock me.
Third, why not five stars? I would never ever tolerate cheating. I would have let it slide if it was done once due to poor decisions, but it happened for so long and happened again when the characters saw the chance to do so. I know the author tied the loose ends, but I just can't let that go. It does happen in real life, and one of the most things I hated is that.
Fourth, another reason why I didn't give this five stars? It's because I found myself skimming the first few and some middle chapters, which means it didn't give any impact at all. Also, I'm considering what I would've given this without the new final chapter, and for a debut book, this is surprisingly good.
CW: Gun Violence, Drugs, Mention of Armed Robbery, Suicidal Ideation, Grief, Suicide, Death of Parent, Self-harm, Homophobic Slur, Toxic Relationships, Toxic Friendships, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Cheating, Assault, Blood, Depression, Hospitalisation, Physical Abuse, Profanity, Teenage Pregnancy, and Violence (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought was triggering while I read it)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
City of Lost Memories by Tolu' A. Akinyemi
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
"This generation is plagued by forgetfulness.
The past has been crucified on the cross of hypocrisy.
This generation of entitled children are fanning the embers of hate.
We have forgotten how to take lessons from the past."
This poetry book really handles the topic of memories, and the democrats will always be remembered: because of the pain, suffering, and agony. The past should not be just in the past. Various people suffered, and those responsible have not apologized, seeing how things are for those who have suffered the fates of raucous governments and entitled race and the rich. It isn't just the apology they needed. They also want to see the changes they've been promised for equality and human rights.
Just from the poems in this poetry book, I can feel how in between the person is from the past and present. Using 'a walk down memory lane keeps the future in focus.' Reading through these makes me angry, heartbroken, and sorrowful for the people who had gone through history's pain, suffering, and agony. And yet why call it history when it is still happening? There are changes, but we all know how conquering those who deny equality and human rights still is. 'Never trivialise our collective history as fake stories.'
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The past has been crucified on the cross of hypocrisy.
This generation of entitled children are fanning the embers of hate.
We have forgotten how to take lessons from the past."
This poetry book really handles the topic of memories, and the democrats will always be remembered: because of the pain, suffering, and agony. The past should not be just in the past. Various people suffered, and those responsible have not apologized, seeing how things are for those who have suffered the fates of raucous governments and entitled race and the rich. It isn't just the apology they needed. They also want to see the changes they've been promised for equality and human rights.
Just from the poems in this poetry book, I can feel how in between the person is from the past and present. Using 'a walk down memory lane keeps the future in focus.' Reading through these makes me angry, heartbroken, and sorrowful for the people who had gone through history's pain, suffering, and agony. And yet why call it history when it is still happening? There are changes, but we all know how conquering those who deny equality and human rights still is. 'Never trivialise our collective history as fake stories.'
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
Rating: 4.00
I like how raw the background story of both main characters is. I like how the author uses correct pronouns, made Alden have two moms, mentions asexual and aroace, and has bisexual and gay and Sapphic and Achillean characters. This is what I try to find in LGBTQIA+ books, having not only one or two characters that are part of the community. Casey McQuiston and Alice Oseman made sure the books were made as diverse as possible, and I'm glad Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert is the same. Conrad and Alden's character has consistency, and I'm glad I witness how much they've grown together after the difficult and cruel times. The trip started with both of them having one goal: winning. Through the expedition, they finally come to terms that there was something more than what their first goal was. Finding themselves, figuring out what they want and caring for each other (taking mental notes of how to take care of each other secretly) was a wholesome journey I really loved in their story.
CW: Anxiety, Asthma, Homophobia, Toxic Relationships (Parents), Parents Abandonment, Mentions of Medicines, and Panic Attack (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought triggering while I read it)
I like how raw the background story of both main characters is. I like how the author uses correct pronouns, made Alden have two moms, mentions asexual and aroace, and has bisexual and gay and Sapphic and Achillean characters. This is what I try to find in LGBTQIA+ books, having not only one or two characters that are part of the community. Casey McQuiston and Alice Oseman made sure the books were made as diverse as possible, and I'm glad Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert is the same. Conrad and Alden's character has consistency, and I'm glad I witness how much they've grown together after the difficult and cruel times. The trip started with both of them having one goal: winning. Through the expedition, they finally come to terms that there was something more than what their first goal was. Finding themselves, figuring out what they want and caring for each other (taking mental notes of how to take care of each other secretly) was a wholesome journey I really loved in their story.
CW: Anxiety, Asthma, Homophobia, Toxic Relationships (Parents), Parents Abandonment, Mentions of Medicines, and Panic Attack (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought triggering while I read it)
Endless Sky by Christopher Renna
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
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
4.75
Rating: 4.75
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman meets Endless Sky by Christopher Renna.
This book is cute and fluffy at first, then becomes dark. It's a Young Adult Fiction, Coming-of-Age, and Gay Romance with a twist of Mystery. The author's goal was to make this book about relationships, and I get that. Matt is someone who's coming to terms with who he is and deciding when he feels comfortable coming out to his loved ones, while Josh is a gay kid who came out of the closet a long time ago and isolated himself. This made me laugh multiple times because of Matt's best friend, Chase. I also felt tensed when it finally came to the mystery part, and it had me devouring it and kept me guessing who killed Eric. I hate and love how I wasn't able to predict this XD
CW: Bullying, Cyber Bullying, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Violence, Gun Violence, Drugs, Panic Attacks, and Anxiety (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought was triggering while I read it)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman meets Endless Sky by Christopher Renna.
This book is cute and fluffy at first, then becomes dark. It's a Young Adult Fiction, Coming-of-Age, and Gay Romance with a twist of Mystery. The author's goal was to make this book about relationships, and I get that. Matt is someone who's coming to terms with who he is and deciding when he feels comfortable coming out to his loved ones, while Josh is a gay kid who came out of the closet a long time ago and isolated himself. This made me laugh multiple times because of Matt's best friend, Chase. I also felt tensed when it finally came to the mystery part, and it had me devouring it and kept me guessing who killed Eric. I hate and love how I wasn't able to predict this XD
CW: Bullying, Cyber Bullying, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Violence, Gun Violence, Drugs, Panic Attacks, and Anxiety (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought was triggering while I read it)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.5
"Don't do what is right because they hold those titles. Do what is right because they are people."
I recommend this to those who are rarely or new to Fantasy. I love what the book represents: Women's rights and love is love. It is an easy read, and I prefer this Cinderella story to the original because more than two people have the same shoe size, Prince Charming. I had a hard time adjusting to Constance and Sophia's attraction to each other but, hey, who wouldn't fall in love with a mysterious girl who has a great smile and is protective of you. Though I was shocked to find they're only sixteen, it doesn't affect the rating. My only problem is how it sometimes seems to drag and force when Constance and Sophia are together. It is predictable, but even Leigh Bardugo's books are. So, it doesn't affect the rating. I devoured this when I got the chance to read without interruption to find out about the King XD
I recommend this to those who are rarely or new to Fantasy. I love what the book represents: Women's rights and love is love. It is an easy read, and I prefer this Cinderella story to the original because more than two people have the same shoe size, Prince Charming. I had a hard time adjusting to Constance and Sophia's attraction to each other but, hey, who wouldn't fall in love with a mysterious girl who has a great smile and is protective of you. Though I was shocked to find they're only sixteen, it doesn't affect the rating. My only problem is how it sometimes seems to drag and force when Constance and Sophia are together. It is predictable, but even Leigh Bardugo's books are. So, it doesn't affect the rating. I devoured this when I got the chance to read without interruption to find out about the King XD
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
Got an audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you're expecting pure or 80% of romance here, this is not it. But I still recommend The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain because it shows the history of queer people, which could be triggering. It's a story about an almost 65 years old man who has his own life bubble because he's introverted, scared, and closeted. This book portrays that hiding a part of you means you're denying a life of feeling free, of being you, and of all the opportunities that can make your life soo much better. I didn't expect to cry at the end (don't worry, it was a happy cry) because of what bloomed in the journey of finding the love of Albert's life. I don't care about the age; I believe all deserve to continue a life's worth of journeys because, every day, you find even just the slightest new thing about yourself.
CW: Homophobia, Racism, and Heartbreaking History of Queer People (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is TW while I read it)
If you're expecting pure or 80% of romance here, this is not it. But I still recommend The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain because it shows the history of queer people, which could be triggering. It's a story about an almost 65 years old man who has his own life bubble because he's introverted, scared, and closeted. This book portrays that hiding a part of you means you're denying a life of feeling free, of being you, and of all the opportunities that can make your life soo much better. I didn't expect to cry at the end (don't worry, it was a happy cry) because of what bloomed in the journey of finding the love of Albert's life. I don't care about the age; I believe all deserve to continue a life's worth of journeys because, every day, you find even just the slightest new thing about yourself.
CW: Homophobia, Racism, and Heartbreaking History of Queer People (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is TW while I read it)
Taproot: A Story About A Gardener and A Ghost by Keezy Young
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is good for the heart. I love this! The art, characters, and plot are stunning and cute! It's a fast-paced supernatural M/M graphic novel. Blue is a ghost wandering in-between while Hamal is a gardener. When Blue came across Hamal appreciating a pot of flowers, he followed Hamal not knowing Hamal can see him. From there, a life together started with other ghosts they come across with.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
Y'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!
I don't know if my review on this will do the justice it deserves. But I HIGHLY recommend this to EVERYONE. I swear on my sleeping schedule that this is WORTH IT. It speaks about the feeling of being separated from your culture: it's diverse, makes you feel like you have butterflies in your stomach, and will make you smile, laugh, and love each beautiful and heartbreakingly flawed important character with your whole heart. This instantly had the potential to become my NUMBER 1 favourite just from reading the content page; it had me dying of laughter. And guess what? IT IS MY NUMBER 1 FAVOURITE OF ALL TIME NOW. I feel happy crying because I am so glad to have read this. Thank you to the author, Sonora Reyes, and Books Forward for the advance reader copy (ARC).
I literally cried for Yamilet. The fear of people you love leaving after finding out a part of you hurts. This hits home. I didn't expect such a happy book is going to make me cry. I love this with my ENTIRE BEING. How can a book I adore make me do a short review?! I used to write an essay review for a book I love. The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes is making me speechless. I love how it doesn't solely revolve around romance. IT IS SOO MUCH MORE. I don't want to spoil so this is where my review ends...FOR NOW. I'll be rereading this and will post in my story of my reactions and add it to my highlights (I'll add a caution warning before proceeding don't worry).
TW: Side characters' stereotyping of races/racism, mentions of immigration stories, Caucacity, Past Toxic Friendships, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Religious People's Bias and Prejudice, Panic Attack, Insomnia, Forced Outing of Sexuality, Depression, Grief, Deportation, Police Trauma, Attempted Car Accident, Suicidal Ideation, and Bullying (search it up for more specifics or correct TW as mine is what I thought is TW while I read it)
I don't know if my review on this will do the justice it deserves. But I HIGHLY recommend this to EVERYONE. I swear on my sleeping schedule that this is WORTH IT. It speaks about the feeling of being separated from your culture: it's diverse, makes you feel like you have butterflies in your stomach, and will make you smile, laugh, and love each beautiful and heartbreakingly flawed important character with your whole heart. This instantly had the potential to become my NUMBER 1 favourite just from reading the content page; it had me dying of laughter. And guess what? IT IS MY NUMBER 1 FAVOURITE OF ALL TIME NOW. I feel happy crying because I am so glad to have read this. Thank you to the author, Sonora Reyes, and Books Forward for the advance reader copy (ARC).
I literally cried for Yamilet. The fear of people you love leaving after finding out a part of you hurts. This hits home. I didn't expect such a happy book is going to make me cry. I love this with my ENTIRE BEING. How can a book I adore make me do a short review?! I used to write an essay review for a book I love. The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes is making me speechless. I love how it doesn't solely revolve around romance. IT IS SOO MUCH MORE. I don't want to spoil so this is where my review ends...FOR NOW. I'll be rereading this and will post in my story of my reactions and add it to my highlights (I'll add a caution warning before proceeding don't worry).
TW: Side characters' stereotyping of races/racism, mentions of immigration stories, Caucacity, Past Toxic Friendships, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Religious People's Bias and Prejudice, Panic Attack, Insomnia, Forced Outing of Sexuality, Depression, Grief, Deportation, Police Trauma, Attempted Car Accident, Suicidal Ideation, and Bullying (search it up for more specifics or correct TW as mine is what I thought is TW while I read it)