maggie_ackbooks's reviews
154 reviews

The Murders of Molly Southbourne by Tade Thompson

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

The Most by Jessica Anthony

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

We Are Called to Be a Movement by William J. Barber II

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

3.75

Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

A cute book filled with beautiful heart. Perfect for child that believes in the hidden magic around them. My inner child was so happy to read this book and I regret not having any children or niblings to read this book to. 

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine by Alina Bronsky

dark funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami

dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This novel explores the ever growing Kafkaesque reality that is tech companies and the  prison-industrial complex. While I really enjoyed the message and how the novel explores it themes, there were were times where the narrative felt like it was looping in on itself. 

Transgenesis by Ava Nathaniel Winter

reflective slow-paced

3.75

Many of the poems, deep and personal, are in response to other texts and images. My lack of familiarity with the referenced work hindered my understanding of a few of the poems. For these poems I do feel driven to learn more about what they were responding to so good job Winter. Others I had little to no problem understanding despite my lack of knowledge thanks to the historical context and author explanation provided at the end of the book. 

We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin

challenging dark emotional funny reflective medium-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

Speaking as a queer person from a conservative small town who has struggled with mental health and ideation, this book found me at the right time. I cried, I laughed, I paused in reflection. I loved this book and recognize it is not for everyone. Due to its content I would struggle recommending to another person without knowing their history and experience with those triggering topics. And yet, this book has found me at the right time and I loved it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts

Moderate: Suicide attempt

Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault