mishjordn's reviews
30 reviews

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

dark mysterious sad fast-paced

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

3.5

Chlorine by Jade Song

dark tense fast-paced

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

3.25

I loved the premise of the book, but the storytelling was a bit lacking. I wanted to love this book, especially since it explores asian-american girlhood: trying to fit in, trying to please your parents, while also trying to understand who you are. I think the first half of the book was great, but the ending had too many loose ends. It seemed like there were so many themes in this book that it would be impossible to have a proper closing. I felt that the reason for Ren’s ”transformation” was not believable and I wasn’t empathetic towards her as much as I could have. I also felt that Ren’s desires were hard to understand. She liked Cathy, but her priorities fell on swimming throughout the book but at the end she felt like she had gotten closer to Cathy before it all ended. I found the book resonated with me, especially about asian family dysfunction and dynamics, but this was outshined by the unsatisfying storyline. I would still recommend this book to those starting out on literary fiction, but I wouldn’t say that this was my favorite. Might re-read again.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

So so beautifully tragic. This was my first Toni Morrison and I am addicted to her writing style. She describes generational trauma so vividly in a way that cuts so deep.

The story is very shocking and is very uncomfortable to read, especially in the POV of the predators, but it forces the message to stick with you.

This story is about race, beauty but especially how a community perpetuates a self-image and how you become a product of your environment. I will never forget this book and will definitely re-read.

No Exit by Taylor Adams

dark funny tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I really like how this author writes thrillers where you are trapped in the headspace of the protagonist and I really enjoy how he incorporates the protagonist’s and the antagonist’s past throughout the book. I will say this story is not the most realistic where there are so many coincidences stacked on top of each other that makes the story WAY to good to be true. Also, the antagonist can be so cartoonishly evil that you can’t help but laugh. All of this in mind, this was a very fun, fast-paced read that is great to read during christmas time.

The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5

The Only One Left by Riley Sager

hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was okay. I wasn’t expecting a super profound story, but I felt the build-up to the revelation of the murders was too much for what had happened that night. It felt a bit predictable but overall this book was entertaining, but I don’t think I would read it again.

Bluets by Maggie Nelson

hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

5.0

required reading for everyone

Penance by Eliza Clark

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

5.0

The story makes you forget that it’s fiction. I was so engrossed in the world of the book and left me wanting more. I really enjoyed the format of this book as a series of interviews and even the context of the town and history which made it feel so real. I think this books touches on the ethics of true crime: what draws the line between casual morbid curiosity and disturbing interests and behavior? I think the most interesting point of the story was illustrating the proximity of online communities. That essentially online spaces create the illusion of closeness and thus the ability to fuel ideologies in community members. However, these communities only live in a “thought” space where offering help is nearly impossible regarding anything else than the exchange of knowledge and judgement. Overall, this book was so interesting and written in a very intriguing way, especially including 2014-2016 tumblr era and its influence on teenagers. This is a book I will think about for a long time.

First Love: Essays on Friendship by Lilly Dancyger

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

beautifully written and touching; these essays were so human and touched on ‘girlhood’ in such a visceral way. This was written with a self awareness but also understanding of the author’s younger self.

Almond by Won-pyung Sohn

dark emotional hopeful 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

2.0

Maybe the translation of the book got lost on me, but it was just okay. I did not feel the characters had made that much of an impact to “change” each other in the end. Definitely reads as YA.