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minayana's reviews
179 reviews
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is a great novel with really poignant prose. The plot is really tragic, as are all the characters. The POV switches often, with the POV of Claudia being the only recurring one. Morrison explores the ways that black children are taught self loathing and hate, and how the definition of “beauty” is often intertwined with race. There is especially a spotlight on the treatment of black women in society, one of the topics being how black men will turn to abusing black women due to feeling demasculinized by white men. The author gives all the characters backstories to show how they became the people they are in the present day. I know some people didn’t like that she humanized the bad characters, but I think it’s important to recognize that the terrible things that happen in this novel are distinctly human.
This book is a hard read, and it did a bit too much towards the end for me personally. I don’t think there was a reason to show the rape of Pecola considering we already know from the very beginning of the book that it happens. I also really didn’t understand the point of the POV of “Soaphead” except to be gratuitously disturbing.
This book covers so many extremely important topics and themes, and I would definitely recommend, but PLEASE check the trigger warnings before reading!
A few other things I had issues with. The way fat characters are treated and described are pretty fatphobic, but I’m not surprised considering the time it was published. There’s also a character who doesn’t enjoy sex with her husband, and finds comfort in her cat. There’s really weird descriptions of her experiencing “pleasure” from her cat sitting on her lap and stuff like that ??? Weird and once again, gratuitous.
This book is a hard read, and it did a bit too much towards the end for me personally. I don’t think there was a reason to show the rape of Pecola considering we already know from the very beginning of the book that it happens. I also really didn’t understand the point of the POV of “Soaphead” except to be gratuitously disturbing.
This book covers so many extremely important topics and themes, and I would definitely recommend, but PLEASE check the trigger warnings before reading!
A few other things I had issues with. The way fat characters are treated and described are pretty fatphobic, but I’m not surprised considering the time it was published. There’s also a character who doesn’t enjoy sex with her husband, and finds comfort in her cat. There’s really weird descriptions of her experiencing “pleasure” from her cat sitting on her lap and stuff like that ??? Weird and once again, gratuitous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Animal cruelty, Rape, Sexual assault, Classism, Domestic abuse, Incest, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Animal death, and Pedophilia
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a really enjoyable reading experience. I liked the setting and all of the twists in the plot. I’ve read Black Tom by this author as well, and one thing I’ve noticed is that he is not very strong at character work. I didn’t feel any connection to any of the characters, and for a book that seems like its big message is redemption, that’s a bit of an issue lol. A lot of the character progression in both books either happens off page or is kind of one note if that makes sense? Even the “villain” characters, even though they’re doing bad shit and you dislike them for it, you don’t really FEEL anything for them. The last 100 pages definitely does a better job of all of it though, and the plot becomes pretty exciting. Would recommend.
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Unfortunately this just wasn’t for me. The book felt very inauthentic and cheesy to me, and I could tell it wasn’t going to get any more than a 2.5 star so I decided to dnf.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
GAGGED! I’m not sure how else to describe it. This book was amazing!!! I read it in one day. Both the MCs are wonderful and funny, their relationship is sexy, consensual and adorable. All the characters have distinct personalities. I’ve only read the Love Hypothesis from this author, but I can definitely say her writing has improved a lot. I love her humor so much, it really works for me. Will probably be in my top 10 faves of the year!!! I absolutely loved it!!
Sweet Vengeance by Viano Oniomoh
dark
emotional
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? No
3.5
A short fast paced romance that’s emotional but also has some fun elements (aka demon boy….also smut lol) I liked the plot and I felt that the heavy topic of SA was handled very well by the author.
I will say, the smut in this was not my favorite. Some words were just very overly used, and I don’t like how fast it all went by like…..yall locked eyes and are already “gushing”? Lmao
Overall, would recommend :)
I will say, the smut in this was not my favorite. Some words were just very overly used, and I don’t like how fast it all went by like…..yall locked eyes and are already “gushing”? Lmao
Overall, would recommend :)
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sooooo much fun and so messy. Overall really enjoyed it. Was a bit predictable but I didn’t mind. The only thing that really bothered me is kind of a spoiler (not big tho)
One of the main storylines is the MC coming to terms with being sapphic….and we get references to two times she had sex with women, and neither are really consensual….kind of uncomfortable.
One of the main storylines is the MC coming to terms with being sapphic….and we get references to two times she had sex with women, and neither are really consensual….kind of uncomfortable.
House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another hit from Alexis Henderson! She is amazing at creating a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere in her horror. I really enjoyed the characters and their relationships, I loved how none of it is simple and straightforward. Sometimes you’re rooting for Marion, sometimes she has you face palming. The relationships go through changes throughout the book that will have you liking and then side eyeing and then liking a character again. Marion and Lisavet was so well done, ugh love the sapphic tension!! The novel explores themes of exploitation of the poor by the rich, how manipulation and gaslighting can look in abusive relationships, ect. I can’t wait for the authors next author! She’s definitely a favorite now <3
If You'll Have Me by Eunnie
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
This is the sweetest thing I’ve ever read! Genuinely had tears in my eyes at some points because of how cute it was. The art style is so cute, and I adored all the diverse character representation. Our two MCs had the softest and sweetest personalities, and their interactions were adorable. As a sapphic Asian American, I can’t explain how much it meant to me to see these two lesbian WOC fall in love in such an innocent and tender way <3 I would highly recommend this to a YA or adult audience! This will most likely be in my favorites of the year
The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is my favorite of the Witcher books so far. I actually felt the politics in this one were really interesting, where as the last book I didn’t really care at all lol. This book was so compelling and I continue to love our 4 MCs. I’m loving the progression of Ciri’s arc, and I’m excited to see what’s happening with Yennefer in the next book. We find out more about the prophecy and what it means for our MCs. Also, how many times was the word “contempt” said in this book? lol
Also, this is where we start to get less and less Geralt and more of Ciri.
I know a lot of people do not like this series due to the misogyny. I will say, the misogyny is pretty often in this one, and probably is the worst of the series so far. There’s a lot of men calling women slurs and a lot of references to men wanting to rape women. These moments are uncomfortable, but i think it’s important to note that they are supposed to be. The author is not making jokes about these things or using them for shock value. That being said, totally understandable if you aren’t comfortable reading it!
Although there are so many powerful female characters in this series, a lot of what they talk about involve men or bitching about other women (except Ciri, who is a more masculine female and therefore “less bitchy”)
I feel the author tries to start conversations about a lot of stereotypical gender based tropes in fantasy such as female virginity, female fertility, female bodily anatomy, prophecy of a prince, legitimate male bloodline, ect. Does it always hit the mark? Not always, but I feel there is intention to the reasoning behind these themes in the book.
Important warning: there is a sexual assault scene at the end of the book. It is not graphic or speaking about the physical action. It is about the confusing feelings of the character that is being assaulted. It is halfway through page 378 through the end of page 380 if you want to skip.
Also, this is where we start to get less and less Geralt and more of Ciri.
I know a lot of people do not like this series due to the misogyny. I will say, the misogyny is pretty often in this one, and probably is the worst of the series so far. There’s a lot of men calling women slurs and a lot of references to men wanting to rape women. These moments are uncomfortable, but i think it’s important to note that they are supposed to be. The author is not making jokes about these things or using them for shock value. That being said, totally understandable if you aren’t comfortable reading it!
Although there are so many powerful female characters in this series, a lot of what they talk about involve men or bitching about other women (except Ciri, who is a more masculine female and therefore “less bitchy”)
I feel the author tries to start conversations about a lot of stereotypical gender based tropes in fantasy such as female virginity, female fertility, female bodily anatomy, prophecy of a prince, legitimate male bloodline, ect. Does it always hit the mark? Not always, but I feel there is intention to the reasoning behind these themes in the book.
Important warning: there is a sexual assault scene at the end of the book. It is not graphic or speaking about the physical action. It is about the confusing feelings of the character that is being assaulted. It is halfway through page 378 through the end of page 380 if you want to skip.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A really important read. I wouldn't say this taught me anything new, but it is the way the message is told that has the impact. This format of a message to his son makes the book feel so deeply personal, and the language and beauty of the authors writing really communicates everything so well.