megansoetaert's reviews
399 reviews

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.75

This book is awesome. It deals with very challenging themes, namely sexual violence against girls and women, so take care when reading. Manisha, the main character, is incredible and so powerful. Her story is one that, although steeped in mythology, many women can identify with. I loved the Indian & Greek mythology central to the story. Also, there's absolutely no room for forgiveness for violent men in this book, and I love it. 

I can't wait for the next book!

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Us by Sara Soler

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emotional funny fast-paced

4.5

A very touching & informative graphic memoir about Sara and Diana, Diana’s gender journey and experiences as a trans woman, and the evolution of their relationship. Sara tells the story with humor and love, providing space for others to learn about their story & trans experiences.
Life Without Nico by Andrea Maturana

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fast-paced

4.5

A very sweet picture book exploring friendship, grief, and loneliness.
An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

Manuela and Cora are some horny bitches. Good for them.

this was a fun read!! I loved the tension!! more lesbian tension everywhere! Manuela & Cora were such a good match, bringing out the best in each other. I also loved seeing the Parisian lesbian scene of the era <3

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Babel by R.F. Kuang

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adventurous emotional informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

R.F. Kuang really is that bitch. Babel completes my Kuang reads, and I can’t wait for more. 

Babel perfectly marries academia with adventure/intrigue. It analyzes colonialism through translation, calling out how imperial powers (in this case, the UK) rely on the people and resources of their colonies in order to have any power- or society- at all. 

I loved everything about this book. The characters (although oftentimes frustrating), the setting, the purpose & the anticolonial politics, the magic, and the language!!! As a former language student i loved seeing how Kuang explored the purpose & effects of translation. The ending really left me speechless. 

and finally… let Ramy & Robin be in love (explicitly) 🫶🏼

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Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World by

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emotional informative medium-paced

4.75

Our Women on the Ground is an impactful and emotional essay collection highlighting the experiences of Arab women journalists. The first-hand accounts brought a lot to the book—the contributors’ willingness to share their stories so honestly is very impactful. Their voices portray a robust Arab world and the complexity of women’s experiences.

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Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell's Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder

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emotional informative medium-paced

5.0

Tracy Kidder does such a great job at making the factual and informative personal. The care he takes with his subjects is so clear and makes his books very impactful.

Rough Sleepers tells the story of Dr. Jim O’Connell’s professional career with the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program. Dr. Jim and the healthcare workers in the program have dedicated decades to ensuring everyone in Boston has access to healthcare, even when no other parties in the city, state, or country were trying to make the situation for unhoused people better. The stories in this book humanize homelessness and (hopefully) inspire critical thinking and compassion.

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Spellbound: A Graphic Memoir by Bishakh Som

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reflective fast-paced

4.0

A funny and authentic graphic memoir reflecting on finding yourself, career/purpose, gender identity, being Bengali, and family. Som tells her story through a character- Anjali, a cis woman- who is relatable and truthful and has the best sidekick, Ampersand the cat <3 I loved seeing Bishakh’s story through Anjali—it was a way for her to tell her story while affirming her womanhood throughout her entire life. 
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.75

This was an easy fantasy read! i wish we had gotten more of Isla. I didn’t care for the romance (with anyone lol). the plot had potential, but it just didn’t capture me. also i (somewhat) guessed the reveal at the end way early & that always pisses me off, but that’s a me problem lmao 😭 

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