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mjb's reviews
24 reviews
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
I haven't cried because of a book in a while, but this really did it for me. It kept me thinking even when I wasn't reading. The concept of being reconnected with a dead loved one is unique, and was well executed through Thao's writing. The book has a great blend of characters, each of which are special in their own way. I would 100% recommend reading this!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had to read this book for my English class, and I personally found it a bit difficult to follow. The characters weren't exactly loveable, nor were there any parts I found to be exceptionally shocking. I will say that the message is incredibly relevant in today's society, which is a bit scary considering that the book was written back in the 50's.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Where do I even start...
I really did not expect to feel the feelings I did for these characters. I'm amazed at how the author made me go from disliking Eleanor, to loving her in such a short amount of time. I also love (and hate, because the characters did NOT deserve that) the twists that occurred near the end of the novel. Additionally, the style of writing is similar to "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon, which is a book that always hits a soft spot of mine.
Once I started reading, I did not want to put it down. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a book that is engaging, and gives you mixed feelings!
I really did not expect to feel the feelings I did for these characters. I'm amazed at how the author made me go from disliking Eleanor, to loving her in such a short amount of time. I also love (and hate, because the characters did NOT deserve that) the twists that occurred near the end of the novel. Additionally, the style of writing is similar to "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon, which is a book that always hits a soft spot of mine.
Once I started reading, I did not want to put it down. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a book that is engaging, and gives you mixed feelings!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
The Truth Is Told Better This Way by Liz Worth
dark
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Amazing expressions and imagery used! I'm trying to read more poetry and this was a great book to start with - complex yet easy to understand!
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
dark
medium-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
3.5
I had to read this for my English class. My teacher said it was "considered among the best American plays ever written". I'm not able to argue or agree with this, as this is the first play I've ever actually read, however I did find it enjoyable to read. It's a bit confusing in some parts, but intriguing!
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I think the plot was cool, however I found the main character, Pippa, unlikeable. I wish the author had expanded a bit on her relationship with Ravi, as he seemed randomly placed at times, like he was only there to show that Pippa is a good person. Overall, I did find the twists of this book intriguing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Minor: Rape and Sexual harassment
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
emotional
sad
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
This book did not go in the directions I thought it would, but I loved it. The ending is beautiful, and I’m so proud of Lily’s character development. I wish I could read it for the first time again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Rape
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Suicide, and Mental illness