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manon_misheck's reviews
321 reviews
Falling by T.J. Newman
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
2.25
It's been about a month since I've read this and I'm still having trouble giving it a review. On the surface, it's an engaging thriller with a great premise (can a pilot choose between saving his family or everyone on the plane?). I'm sure the movie will be great! However, I can't get past a few things, especially the careless casting of a Middle Eastern man as the plane-hijacking villain. This and the other harmful stereotypes the author played into for the other supporting characters as well as some White Saviorism made it difficult to enjoy the actual story. In 2021, there are many thrillers out there that have much more nuanced and thoughtful conversations around social issues, and I'd love to see more of those be developed into movies with as large of a budget as this one has.
CW: plane hijacking, kidnapping, Xenophobia, gun violence, suicide
CW: plane hijacking, kidnapping, Xenophobia, gun violence, suicide
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Kidnapping, Xenophobia, Gore, Violence, Islamophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Blood
You'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If you've read Girl in Pieces or How to Make Friends with the Dark, you know the depth and emotion of Kathleen Glasgow's stories. Kathleen has the distinct ability to wrap each word in emotion and care. This story is not only a beautiful and heartbreaking portrayal of loving someone who is struggling with addiction, but it also depicts the isolation and loneliness of being a teenager in the world, the struggle to be heard, seen, and understood by adults. Emory is a brilliant narrator, and the cast of characters is so well-developed throughout the story. I am absolutely in awe of Kathleen Glasgow's writing.
*
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House for the e-ARC!
*
CW: addiction and recovery, car accident (graphic) resulting in the death of a minor, drug use, bullying, abandonment
*
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House for the e-ARC!
*
CW: addiction and recovery, car accident (graphic) resulting in the death of a minor, drug use, bullying, abandonment
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Car accident, and Child death
Moderate: Abandonment and Bullying
With You Forever by Chloe Liese
funny
hopeful
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? No
5.0
HAPPY PUB DAY to Chloe Liese and With You Forever! Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
*
Chloe once again proves that she knows her characters inside and out. Each member of the Bergman family and their love interests are so unique and special, and I really value how much that comes through in Chloe's writing. This book felt like snuggling up in front of a fireplace with your favorite person. Chloe is also a rockstar at giving us a little insight into the next Bergman book and UGH WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG?! I've been in a bad reading slump for a couple months, and this book was exactly what I needed to center me again. I absolutely adore this book and this series!!!
*
Chloe once again proves that she knows her characters inside and out. Each member of the Bergman family and their love interests are so unique and special, and I really value how much that comes through in Chloe's writing. This book felt like snuggling up in front of a fireplace with your favorite person. Chloe is also a rockstar at giving us a little insight into the next Bergman book and UGH WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG?! I've been in a bad reading slump for a couple months, and this book was exactly what I needed to center me again. I absolutely adore this book and this series!!!
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
One of my favorite rom-com series has come to a close and now I am deciding how soon it would be acceptable to read all three books again!!
•
I could not have wished for a better third book for the Brown sisters. Talia Hibbert continues to blow my mind with character development, hot AF build-up, the BEST steamy scenes, witty banter, characters I just want to squeeze, and just all the heart-swelling emotion. Eve is such a bright light, and Jacob is so lovable. The last chapter was everything - so perfectly perfect for this couple and this series. This book also brings us a thoughtful and beautiful representation of Autism.
•
I CANNOT WAIT FOR WHAT TALIA RELEASES NEXT! I heard her next book is set in the same universe as the Brown sisters and there might be a F/F romance coming (OMG OMG OMG I NEED) - and I have a guess as to who might be the next MCs 👀
•
This is one of the top series I find myself recommending when folks ask for recommendations. Have you all had the joy of reading about the Brown sisters yet? Are you as in love with them as I am?
•
I could not have wished for a better third book for the Brown sisters. Talia Hibbert continues to blow my mind with character development, hot AF build-up, the BEST steamy scenes, witty banter, characters I just want to squeeze, and just all the heart-swelling emotion. Eve is such a bright light, and Jacob is so lovable. The last chapter was everything - so perfectly perfect for this couple and this series. This book also brings us a thoughtful and beautiful representation of Autism.
•
I CANNOT WAIT FOR WHAT TALIA RELEASES NEXT! I heard her next book is set in the same universe as the Brown sisters and there might be a F/F romance coming (OMG OMG OMG I NEED) - and I have a guess as to who might be the next MCs 👀
•
This is one of the top series I find myself recommending when folks ask for recommendations. Have you all had the joy of reading about the Brown sisters yet? Are you as in love with them as I am?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
CW: mentions of anti-Autism ableism and childhood neglect
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book may not go down as one of my favorites, but it was exactly what I needed! Kwan brought his signature style to Sex & Vanity that makes you feel like you’re gossiping with your friend who knows all the tea. Us average people of course can’t relate to the ultra-rich characters, but it’s so fun to be a fly on the wall in their world for a bit to escape the heaviness of our reality. Our book club agreed that we would love an entire story about Marian or Freddie! This book came at the perfect time for me, & I really enjoyed it. Now I will continue impatiently awaiting the second Crazy Rich Asians movie!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Antisemitism, Fatphobia, Racism, Racial slurs, and Xenophobia
CW: mentions of antisemitism, fatphobic comments, death of a parent/spouse (heart complications), witness of a heart complication in a public space, racism & microaggressions (in particular, perpetuated against the Asian community and by family members)
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
“There’s nothing feminist about having so many resources at your fingertips and choosing to be ignorant. Nothing empowering or enlightening in deciding that intent trumps impact. Especially when the consequences aren’t going to be experienced by you, but will instead be experienced by someone from a marginalized community.” -Mikki Kendall, Hood Feminism (synopsis on slide 2)
•
Any review I write would not do this book justice. It should be essential reading, particularly for white feminists. Mikki Kendall breaks down topics in an accessible way and clearly explains why so many issues are actually feminist issues. Mikki creates an inclusive and intersectional space with discussions about the homophobia, transphobia, racism, and ableism that persist in white feminism. I listened to the audio of this one, which is narrated by the author, and it was fantastic - I truly did not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book!
•
Any review I write would not do this book justice. It should be essential reading, particularly for white feminists. Mikki Kendall breaks down topics in an accessible way and clearly explains why so many issues are actually feminist issues. Mikki creates an inclusive and intersectional space with discussions about the homophobia, transphobia, racism, and ableism that persist in white feminism. I listened to the audio of this one, which is narrated by the author, and it was fantastic - I truly did not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Content warnings broken down by chapter since this book discusses topics that affect marginalized groups:
Gun Violence - gun violence, death of children, domestic abuse and violence
Hunger - food insecurity, poverty
Of #FastTailedGirls and Freedom - sexual violence (including against children and trans folks), genocide, violence against sex workers
It's Raining Patriarchy - misogyny, mentions of gun violence and homicide, discussion of homophobia & transphobia
How To Write About Black Women - discussion of racist stereotypes, tone policing, misogynoir, mentions of sexual assault
Pretty for A… - discussion of texturism and colorism, sexual harassment, fatphobia
Black Girls Don't Have Eating Disorders - eating disorders, fatphobia, diet culture, addiction, self-harm, mental health issues
The Fetishization of Fierce - discussion of sexual assault, domestic abuse, police, incarceration
The Hood Doesn't Hate Smart People - mentions of lynching, homicide
Missing and Murdered - murder, missing persons
Reproductive Justice, Eugenics, and Maternal Mortality - genocide and eugenics, abortion, miscarriage, maternal mortality
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
5.0
One of my recent audiobooks, The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta, was highly recommended by bookstagram friends, and it was just as wonderful as I had heard it would be!
•
What a beautiful story. This book weaved together self-discovery, exploration of sexuality, gender, and race, the experience of growing up, family, and friends. Coming out is different for every person, and it was a joy to follow Michael's discovery of what life can be like when you are truly able to be yourself. The author narrated the audiobook, and it was fantastic - I couldn't stop listening!
•
What a beautiful story. This book weaved together self-discovery, exploration of sexuality, gender, and race, the experience of growing up, family, and friends. Coming out is different for every person, and it was a joy to follow Michael's discovery of what life can be like when you are truly able to be yourself. The author narrated the audiobook, and it was fantastic - I couldn't stop listening!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Bullying, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Sexual content
CW: consumption of alcohol and drugs by minors, bullying, homophobia, internalized homophobia, homophobic slurs, physical assault, domestic abuse, internalized racism, racial microaggressions, racial slurs, toxic masculinity, sexism, coming out themes, dubious consent, parental abandonment, poverty themes
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I just want to hug this book so hard. Besides being a rom com that I couldn't put down, the character development in this book was phenomenal. The banter was witty and fun, the behind-the-scenes of a radio station was super interesting, and the two main characters were so lovable!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Cancer, and Misogyny
CW: grief, death of a parent/spouse (heart condition and cancer), mention of a skiing accident, misogyny, alcohol consumption
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
5.0
With The Fire On High was my first Elizabeth Acevedo book, and I knew going in that I would fall in love, but WOW. I could not have predicted how much this book would capture my heart.
•
I could not recommend this book more. The story is so wonderful and I just wanted to hug all the characters. I listened to this on audio which Elizabeth herself narrated; her voice is one I could listen to all day. This story was such a beautiful ode to Emoni's culture and the food she learned to make from her family members. I want to devour everything Elizabeth Acevedo has written but I also want to slow my roll because I really want one of my book clubs to choose one of her books soon (hint hint 😜)
•
I could not recommend this book more. The story is so wonderful and I just wanted to hug all the characters. I listened to this on audio which Elizabeth herself narrated; her voice is one I could listen to all day. This story was such a beautiful ode to Emoni's culture and the food she learned to make from her family members. I want to devour everything Elizabeth Acevedo has written but I also want to slow my roll because I really want one of my book clubs to choose one of her books soon (hint hint 😜)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Bullying
CW: slut-shaming, teen pregnancy and motherhood, sexual content (dubious consent, high school age), Antiziganism (g slur), colorism, teenage alcohol consumption, food as a theme. Recounting of: coming out, childbirth, death of a loved one/parent/spouse, hurricanes, bullying