mezzarella's reviews
739 reviews

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Deed by Torrin A. Greathouse

5.0

Assembly by Natasha Brown

reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

emotional sad 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

5.0

Normal People by Sally Rooney

challenging emotional reflective slow-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

A relatable read, which was rooted in the flaws of characters who truly felt real. I found myself watching the characters struggle to find their place in the world while also realizing that the decisions they made weren’t always the best ones for them. Heartbreaking, but ends happy. 

The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success by Kate White

hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.0

Perfect for what it is meant for! I read this primarily for self help in becoming a more confident and strong person, which this book does go over, but in a more corporate or CEO focused way. It’s a great read, even if you don’t go into corporate or large workplace settings. It’s a very general read without discussing much nuance, but this is clearly a taster rather than a book meant to ensure the success of every woman. 

All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami

4.0

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

5.0

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

5.0

The Great State of West Florida by Kent Wascom

challenging dark tense slow-paced

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

4.0

Beautifully written and with a strong voice present, this is a book meant to be studied more than enjoyed. It’s  alternative reality Florida is both eerie and accurate to its modern real counterpart, but still alien to the reader. A state splitting into pieces, mad cow outbreaks in wild deer, and religious zealotry serving as a background for a coming of age western novel.