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micareads123's reviews
274 reviews
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
5.0
A fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series!
Immediately upon finishing this book, I had to flip back through certain chapters and sit for 30 minutes to puzzle things out. Honestly, I’m still puzzling some things out, but I’m not mad about it.
The book simultaneously provides the backstory needed to tie up all of the loose ends and gives us a conclusion to the running plot that we’ve been following from the first book. It had me looking back at the first two and seeing them in a new light, understanding them better as new information was revealed.
This incredibly multifaceted series, while thrilling to read, offers a lot of valuable insight into our societal structure and history of colonialism. But the exploration of complex issues doesn’t stop there; it also tackles the parent-child relationship in its many forms, the lasting impact of grief and loss, and the value of unlearning “truths” we’ve been sold for generations. The series also earned my admiration for its unique use of narrative perspective that is masterfully executed.
Definitely a new favourite series for me and one I can see myself reading again in the future!
Immediately upon finishing this book, I had to flip back through certain chapters and sit for 30 minutes to puzzle things out. Honestly, I’m still puzzling some things out, but I’m not mad about it.
The book simultaneously provides the backstory needed to tie up all of the loose ends and gives us a conclusion to the running plot that we’ve been following from the first book. It had me looking back at the first two and seeing them in a new light, understanding them better as new information was revealed.
This incredibly multifaceted series, while thrilling to read, offers a lot of valuable insight into our societal structure and history of colonialism. But the exploration of complex issues doesn’t stop there; it also tackles the parent-child relationship in its many forms, the lasting impact of grief and loss, and the value of unlearning “truths” we’ve been sold for generations. The series also earned my admiration for its unique use of narrative perspective that is masterfully executed.
Definitely a new favourite series for me and one I can see myself reading again in the future!
The Book of X by Sarah Rose Etter
5.0
Sarah Rose Etter manages to perfectly capture my brand of depressing and unhinged. And this book is definitely that, but in the best way.
Born in a body that does not fit within the parameters of the societal expectations of her world, Cassie walks through life feeling isolated at every turn, feeling different, feeling unfulfilled. The author does an excellent job of expressing these emotions and making Cassie a very relatable character.
I absolutely loved Ripe by Etter and have thought about it almost daily since reading it. This book was no different. I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever this author has coming up next!
Born in a body that does not fit within the parameters of the societal expectations of her world, Cassie walks through life feeling isolated at every turn, feeling different, feeling unfulfilled. The author does an excellent job of expressing these emotions and making Cassie a very relatable character.
I absolutely loved Ripe by Etter and have thought about it almost daily since reading it. This book was no different. I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever this author has coming up next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Pregnancy
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Actually quite enjoyed this, despite the general consensus seeming to be that this book is less strong than Rooney’s other work. Having only read Normal People by her before this, I can comfortably say I liked this one considerably more. I’m knocking off half a star for the story being admittedly a little longer than needed and for Peter’s POV being a slightly less interesting than Ivan’s.
Overall, I thought this was a beautiful story about the complexities of the many emotions and relationships we encounter in life. It deals with grief and how differently it may present in different people. With the impacts of grief on the relations of the family members left behind. With how our limited perspectives cloud our perceptions of other people’s lives. With how sometimes we need to let go of the idea of what our lives were “supposed” to look like and accept where we are, what makes us happy.
A lot of the emotions in this book resonated with me, especially those from Ivan’s POV. I was glad to spend a lot of time with these flawed characters while reading the book.
I can get why this isn’t everyone’s favourite Rooney book, but currently it’s mine, and it’s encouraging me to get to the other books of hers I haven’t yet read sooner than later.
Overall, I thought this was a beautiful story about the complexities of the many emotions and relationships we encounter in life. It deals with grief and how differently it may present in different people. With the impacts of grief on the relations of the family members left behind. With how our limited perspectives cloud our perceptions of other people’s lives. With how sometimes we need to let go of the idea of what our lives were “supposed” to look like and accept where we are, what makes us happy.
A lot of the emotions in this book resonated with me, especially those from Ivan’s POV. I was glad to spend a lot of time with these flawed characters while reading the book.
I can get why this isn’t everyone’s favourite Rooney book, but currently it’s mine, and it’s encouraging me to get to the other books of hers I haven’t yet read sooner than later.
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a beautiful little book arguing for the benefits of a gift economy: an economy based on reciprocity, the sharing of abundance, mutual well-being and gratitude. In contrast, she highlights how the colonial, market-based economy that underpins our society is based on scarcity, profit, overconsumption and individualism. It encourages people to work solely for their own benefit, without regard for the benefit of others. And it promotes the hoarding and privatization of natural resources for the wealth and gain of a few.
This book essentially expands on the author’s thoughts about an idea she introduced in Braiding Sweetgrass. She takes wisdom from plants and the natural world and applies it to our human social structures. And I expected to enjoy this book, of course, but I didn’t expect it to resonate with me as deeply as it did.
The underlying current in this book is the feeling that our society should move from individualistic to group-oriented, an economic unit of “we” rather than “I,” as “all flourishing is mutual.” This is a model that I strongly feel should be — and could be — applied in many areas of our society. The transition away from individualism and convenience and towards community care and mutual well-being is something that I care about very deeply.
While reading the book, I couldn’t stop myself from comparing the ideas presented to how society is acting in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s one aspect of community care that has become socially acceptable to overlook, but I do not think it is an issue on which we can exempt people from the responsibility of community care. The gifts of getting vaccinated, staying home when sick and wearing a mask when applicable are crucial to mutual well-being, too.
But while Wall Kimmerer argues for the benefits of the gift economy, she acknowledges that it is not feasible for us to transition completely out of our current economic structure, and certainly not overnight. She highlights the importance of fostering a “mosaic of economies” and prioritizing gifting networks and models where possible. She also provides examples of gifting networks already existing in our society, such as little free libraries, Wikipedia, the buy nothing movement, clothing swaps and more.
TL;DR: This is a wonderful little book that expands on the idea of the gift economy, a concept from an “old-growth culture” that was introduced to me by Robin Wall Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass. The idea of moving away from our economy driven by individualism and towards a group-based gifting system resonates with me very deeply, and I think this is a must read for anyone hoping to see and be a part of the change we so desperately need at this juncture.
Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino
emotional
funny
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
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book! It made me laugh out loud and hit me in the feels several times.
Adina is positively the most human alien you’ll meet. Planted on earth in a human body, her mission is to report back to her home planet about earth, humans and whether this would be a suitable place for her species. She is an incredibly relatable and charismatic character. And while the author tackles a myriad of important and heavy themes, such as loneliness, loss, grief, understanding oneself and what it means to be human, the tone of the book remains mostly light.
Adina is positively the most human alien you’ll meet. Planted on earth in a human body, her mission is to report back to her home planet about earth, humans and whether this would be a suitable place for her species. She is an incredibly relatable and charismatic character. And while the author tackles a myriad of important and heavy themes, such as loneliness, loss, grief, understanding oneself and what it means to be human, the tone of the book remains mostly light.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Cancer, and Death
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Cute, cute, cute! I really enjoyed this prequel to Legends & Lattes. The backstory on Viv, the seaside setting and all of the characters were wonderful. I do think I liked it a little less than L&L, but I definitely hope to read more books set in this world if the author releases any more.
While I was excited for the higher stakes in this book and did really enjoy that part, in the end I actually found it took away from the cozy aspect I loved about L&L. I was too hooked on the conflict and ultimately found the resolution just a little too convenient. But the epilogue was just perfect. 🥹
Definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoyed L&L!
While I was excited for the higher stakes in this book and did really enjoy that part, in the end I actually found it took away from the cozy aspect I loved about L&L. I was too hooked on the conflict and ultimately found the resolution just a little too convenient. But the epilogue was just perfect. 🥹
Definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoyed L&L!
These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An interesting story about two queer boys in the 70s struggling with family relationships, social expectations and alienation when their intense relationship spirals into something sinister. That said, this book wasn’t for me. I almost DNF’d it. But the ending was good.
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My new favourite vampire read. Timeless, but even better when you know it predates Dracula. Really interesting use of queerness as an element of horror and of classic vampire lore. Plus, the intro by Carmen Maria Machado (in my version) was excellent.
In the words of Jordan Hall, Carmilla kicks Dracula’s ass.
In the words of Jordan Hall, Carmilla kicks Dracula’s ass.
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Went in to this with no expectations and ended up loving it. I even stayed up late to finish the second half.
This book follows Ingrid Yang, a 29-year-old PhD student working towards her dissertation on a canonical Chinese poet. When she stumbles upon a seemingly harmless note during her research, she falls upon a disorienting mess that upends all aspects of her life and calls into question the actions and morals of not only her educational institution but several other entities and corners of society.
The overarching theme in this book is internalized racism, not just among white people but among POC as well, and the author pulls this off beautifully. But in addition to that, the book looks at fetishization, “reverse racism,” yellowface, cultural appropriation and so much more.
I loved the witty and tight writing style, the realness of the characters and the relatability of some of the uglier parts of the book. This was well worth the read and a book I think I will be recommending widely.
This book follows Ingrid Yang, a 29-year-old PhD student working towards her dissertation on a canonical Chinese poet. When she stumbles upon a seemingly harmless note during her research, she falls upon a disorienting mess that upends all aspects of her life and calls into question the actions and morals of not only her educational institution but several other entities and corners of society.
The overarching theme in this book is internalized racism, not just among white people but among POC as well, and the author pulls this off beautifully. But in addition to that, the book looks at fetishization, “reverse racism,” yellowface, cultural appropriation and so much more.
I loved the witty and tight writing style, the realness of the characters and the relatability of some of the uglier parts of the book. This was well worth the read and a book I think I will be recommending widely.