magmmagenta's reviews
81 reviews

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

2.5

Easy to read, but not the most exciting Definitely has a lot of good quotes, but at the expense of making the book around the quotes rather than flowing as naturally. 

Loveless by Alice Oseman

lighthearted 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? Yes

3.5

Liked this a lot better than Radio Silence. Even though the characters messed up when it came with how they interacted with each other, at least all of them were aware and tried to grow and apologize for it unlike *cough*cough* Aled. They were also all so loveable, while I only liked Raine in Radio Silence. I really enjoyed the focus on the relationship between Georgia and Rooney and the importance of love in friendship and how it can be just as powerful as romantic love. I found that extremely beautiful, and more of what we need in today's world where everyone is so isolated. Not so much into the whole identities stuff today, I just don't see the need or point to label myself other than telling people my name and have no desire to interact with that whole side of things, but I probably would've loved this book when I was just starting out in college, you know in a similar position trying to discover my place in the world and find friends. It was a charming, heartwarming book about friendship at the end of the day. I liked it. I also appreciated the extra chapters at the end about the

first kiss between Pip and Rooney

. Baby gay me would've been screaming. I'm past that now, but it was fun to reminisce.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

5.0

After Dark by Haruki Murakami

mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

2.0

Second book of his I've read, and his writing is very nice and easy to read. Quick read. Atmospheric. Didn't do much for me. Not really a story. I don't see why someone said this was one of their favorite books either? Maybe I just don't like fictional books taking place in modern day (is that contemporary fiction? idk). Or maybe that person just has shit taste. I find it boring and not compelling. I want to read to experience a different world. Reading in a modern setting just will never give me that. As soon as they mention a cell phone I'm out. I'm so sick of it. In real life and books.

A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier

adventurous lighthearted relaxing 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

2.0

Fluffy book that I probably would've liked a lot more as a teenager (cause I would've been the same age as the main character). The story wasn't that entertaining, but it had a peaceful setting which was fun. I wonder why someone said this was one of their favorite books though? Didn't do much for me. Fast, easy, light read, so can't complain too much.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

What a creepy guy. Fast, easy read. I don't really know what to make of it. Seemed like it wanted to leave some type of message, but didn't seem to dive too deep. Kind of horrifying in a sense to read about a character that is so stagnant in life. I feel like I know the convenience store so well, like I've been there, after reading this, so I enjoyed that aspect.  The main character also felt somewhat relatable in some aspects, which probably is what made the read more horrifying to me than what it was meant to be. 

Emma by Jane Austen
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.

Don't feel like reading something that I know the story by heart right now. I want to read a story that's new to me. I love this story though. So so much.

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
Did not finish book.

Too long, and I'm not into it. I only like following a couple of the characters and just get bored with everyone else. It's too tedious for my liking. I also don't know what's going on half the time. There's too many characters. With too similar of names. I give up.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I felt so seen the first time I read this. I had some OCD issues crop up during middle school age, not as severe as the main character, but I felt like they really got what it felt like. He gets me.

South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

1.0

Very easy, quick read. I liked the atmosphere created at the main character's jazz bar. However, the story was just a repeat of every other story. Mid life crisis blah. Also what's with all the blow jobs. Why do authors always seem to think sex scenes are so necessary. More authors need to learn the fade to black technique, or discover in their own lives that intimacy is more than just sex, so they can figure out how to apply it in their writing. Cause clearly few get it. Read Jane Austen for a change guys. You'll see what I mean. If I wanted to read smut I'd just jump on AO3. But I don't. I really don't.