monicalaurette's reviews
283 reviews

emotional funny lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

“He doesn’t call me ‘mate’, though…”

I am so glad that I picked this book up as a gift to myself and decided to read it at the end of the year just to get something quickly completed. But now I NEED to go out and get the other volumes that are out. I want to read those before I watch the show on Netflix.

The pacing of this book was fast yet the relationship between Charlie & Nick was slower paced and I really enjoyed that to really see how both of them grew to like the other. Also, I don't know why I was so shocked but finding out they were British basically in the middle of the story was JARRING to me.

Because I liked it so much and felt it was so cute, I am giving it 4 stars. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!

Charlie’s face while Nick is explaining Rugby to him is my face when anyone explains any sport other than soccer or colorguard to me. I know nothing, please stop me brain hurt.

Tori is a mood too, and her just appearing beside Charlie and clocking Nick as not straight made me burst out laughing.

I didn’t realize how short the book was or that it was going to end like that and I was so devastated because I also had to go to work afterwards. How dare!

Content Warnings

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious 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

4.75

“I did not know that I was so empty, to be so full.”

As many young children, I once had a large unicorn phase. If we’re being honest I still love unicorns. As this young child in this phase, my aunt introduced me to the cartoon movie The Last Unicorn. I've even done my first cosplay as Molly Grue! However, only about two years ago did I realize that it was based off of a book. So of course I had to purchase it and read it.

Since I love the movie and have seen it so often, I was able to essentially replay the whole movie in my head as I was reading. The scenes & plotlines of the story that were not able to be included in the movie I very much enjoyed and now want a new adaptation that can include those. The curse was so interesting and the backstory of the skeleton & guards was fascinating.

“And the brightness answered her with a bellow like the sound of ice breaking up in the spring.”

The only thing in this book that I didn’t like as much in the movie was Prince Lir, he seemed just annoying and spoiled in this book while in the movie he was more of like a himbo just wanting the pretty girl to say hello to him.

But besides that, I loved it. So much that I’m debating having either a 4.75 or 5 star rating. Each time I think of the book I switch it. All I want to do now is watch the movie and spruce up my Molly cosplay so that it looks better the next time that I go to wear it. But, off to get my copy of the book to my aunt & cousin because they love the movie too and didn’t realize it was based off a book either. Time to spread the love!

“I wonder if any man before us ever thought his time a good time for unicorns.”

Mommy Fortuna’s whole “time attraction” was so creepy and I would have loved to see even a small part of it during the movie, because imagine the EMOTION!

Speaking of wishing something was kept in: the whole curse connecting Hagsgate & Haggard’s castle was so beautiful and the way that Lir was the crux of it all was very fascinating. I feel that it 100% could have been kept in the movie….and maybe not include the horny tree that was not as horny in the book.

If I could punch that damn butterfly I would - please tell me you guys agree

The first scene of the Red Bull chasing The Unicorn was so intense to me and I loved how you could see all the different parts & people involved & how slow yet fast it all happened.

Content Warnings

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.25

“People disappear when they die.”

This book was somewhat of a wild ride, and I don’t know how much I truly enjoyed it. I enjoyed the mystery part of this book, finding out the truth of Vida Winters and her personal backstory, and was pleasantly surprised with the actual reveal of it. I won’t spoil it so

I honestly thought it was that the twin was alive, not that there was a third child - cousin - who is our Vida Winters

At first the narrator, Margaret, to mee seemed a little stuffy and full of herself, but she was a different type of person compared to me so perhaps that’s why. However as time went on I grew to at least be neutral about her, and the fact that we’re both twins was fun, as well as the Angelfield twins that were such a large part of the story. I loved how that was a small surprise for me while I was reading.

“The separation of twins is no ordinary separation.”

One thing I wanted to put in this review and not just in the content warnings/spoilers: there’s like possible incest in this book. It’s not specifically stated between the brother & sister character, but to me it was HEAVILY implied that there was some. Also the brother is a rapist so if that’s not something you want I’d suggest steering clear of this book, or at least the big reveal twist reveal because that’s when it’s mentioned. Besides those things, really it was a fine book.

“Do you know the feeling when you start reading a new book before the membrane of the last one has had time to close behind you?”

This book didn’t really have this feeling for me. I finished this and told myself I would sit on it before writing my review, and then promptly forgot all about it until I opened up my reading notes. So while the above quote I 100% agree with and have had that feeling, this book didn’t do it for me. The story only really picked up towards the end (which happens) but I wish it had hooked me deeper sooner.

For this book, because of the items that just didn’t sit nicely with me I mentioned above, along with not feeling like this book really stayed with me long, I am giving it 3.25 stars. I loved the concept and at the end thinking I had the answer and then getting shocked, so glad that I did read it to get that small enjoyment.

I liked the Missus & John-the-Dig’s relationship as like two friends having to come together to raise some kids

HOW DID HESTER NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE THIRD CHILD WHY DID MISSUS & JOHN SAY NOTHING ABOUT THEM?

I should have realized there was someone else in the story since it was all in the third person while Vida was recounting it to Margaret.

Honestly said that Margaret & Aurelius didn’t like….at least keep in touch or stay together at the end. I liked when they interacted.

Content Warnings

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson

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adventurous emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.75

Okay, so let’s get something out of the way first, and I may be the only one who was under this impression mind you. When I first heard about this book, I was under the impression it was a queer story, and I don’t remember who/where I heard it from, but this book has a f/m romance, not a f/f one. But the market to make a queer romance with the Phantom story is now something I’m highly interested in.

“All this remembering will drive me to madness.”

Besides my fake perception of this book being broken, I knew I wanted to read it as someone who loves Phantom of the Opera, and the fact the author is from my home state made me want to read it even more. And I was happy to read another Phantom book, perhaps I’ll try to make it a yearly thing that I read at least one Phantom-inspired book since I’ve read the original last year.

I really liked the fact that the book had the ‘phantom’ character as a female and not starting it off as she’s been working with the ‘Christine’ character but that it happened during the story so we could watch how it evolved and made it a little less creepy. Also the whole memory elixir and the powers gained and lost from it was very original and interesting to me. The only thing I didn’t really get was what exactly was the difference from fendoirs and gravoirs? I know it has to do with their face (which is another point I want to make a second) but also Isda was able to extract elixir with the right markings so like was there more to distinguish them? Or is it more just dependent on which marks you’re given? I just wanted to know more of that, and learn more about how the powers fully worked, and perhaps even more on Les Trois.

Isda mentions that she could be more beautiful if her face were “as misshapen as a fendoir” and for some reason this rubbed me the wrong way during the book, literally one of, if not the only, real issue I had, with it. I know in the musical that the Phantom’s face was burned, that’s why he wore the mask (can’t fully remember if that was the same in the book), so to have it be misshapen at birth, and that if it’s badly misshapen the kids are dangerous and need to be killed, sat wrong with me. Some people have misshapen faces when they are born, and it doesn’t take away from their lives. But then again, I was not born with anything like that, so maybe I’m out of line and am taking it too seriously, but I wanted to put my thoughts out there on it just in case.

“You could shatter the sky with a voice like that.”

I really liked Emeric as a character too and I liked how just a small comment he made helped to shatter the box that Isda lived in and the perception she had about Cyril because I also didn’t trust him from the spot. I think he had her memories changed and he just used her from a young age to make himself money because he didn’t actually care about her. And each time Isda had a bad realization about him, was just confirmation for me. I like being right about the bad guys 😂

“If they want me to be a nightmare, then a nightmare I shall be.”

This quote above, and Isda basically going unhinged for a hot moment was fun to see. To just have her giving in, and sort of taking revenge on those ‘unmarked’ that have judged her & others like her just for the face by showing them what their prejudice has caused was nice. Like good for her, good for her. I almost wish there was a prologue type of thing that showed how the world changed their views after all of this but I also feel that it didn’t change for the better in Channe.

After reading this book, and having the thoughts that I did, I’m giving this book 3.75 stars. I think it was a good book with a great & original story that I enjoyed reading, despite how long it actually took me to read it. But if there was another story in this world I would probably pick it up and see who else and where else in this world I could travel and adventure with.

“I would have loved you forever.” “And I will.”

Was the ‘bad fendoir’ that Cyril was always after the one that took the memories from his mom or just gravoirs like Arlette? Like my guy, why didn’t you tell Isda that story? It could have helped her stay on your side longer in the end.

I knew the second she took from Emeric again on the stage that she’d have to remove herself from his memory & life, and I cried a little bit during that scene because damn.

It’s like 60% Cyril’s fault that Isda’s mask came off at the masquerade because she’s the one that brought her into the other guy’s house to have him recognize her, so another reason not to like him.

Why did Isda not bring up the information that she knew about him being the catalyseur and Arlette’s powers when she told him where she was? And how would he be able to even get out of Channe with her when the search for a gravoir on the loose would truly be at an all time high. Like give a quick warning of “just don’t sing around her to be safe!” And she didn’t change Arlette’s memories so I feel that somehow Emeric would come to remember her or try and find her later in life with Arlette to find out how Isda knew about Arlette & him.

Almost dropped the rating to 3.5 because the horse died. I don't like that.

Content Warnings

Time Salvager by Wesley Chu

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.

I DNFed this book at 26% and here’s why: From the first page, I was confused and off-put by the characters, how they handled situations, and what even was happening.

Obviously as I read a little more I got the point of the salvaging, but I felt like I was missing so much information as to the why, the purpose, and even the history of everything. I don’t want a seven-hundred page beginning detailing each year leading up to the present time of the book, but a little crumb would have helped.

The story didn’t grip me like I thought it would from the summary, and James as a character is not someone that I like to read, so it made getting through the few chapters that I did slow. Really all I liked was learning about Cole, who we didn’t hear from again after besides him getting sent to space-jail, and the mystery jumper at the base. But those two weren’t enough to keep me reading.

One quote that I did like from the pages I did manage to read is “It was no surprise mankind got so good at killing once they were in space.” because why would that be a surprise? We’re good at killing now (sadly).

I think the main part that really turned me off from the book was when James went back in time to the 1940s and was disguised as a N*zi. I get why he’d have to be one in that time but, choosing that time and area to begin with could have been avoided, and I wouldn’t have had to read a line where James had sympathy for the young N*zi he killed. I just think maybe choosing a different historical relic and time period would have maybe allowed me to read more of the book.

Content Warnings

Life on the Color Line: The True Story of a White Boy Who Discovered He Was Black by Gregory Howard Williams

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dark emotional informative sad fast-paced

3.75

Biographies and non-fiction stories are not ones that I normally turn to, but sometimes there are those few that really spark curiosity in me that I’ll actually sit down and read. Some take me a little bit to actually finish once I start, like with this one, but all-in-all I enjoy what I’m reading so I don’t stop. I had never heard of Greg’s story before and only found it from a friend who read it (I believe) for a class in Undergrad. The tag line hooked me and I knew that I’d want to read it. And my friend also said they enjoyed reading it and it was something they felt I’d enjoy too.

I think one part that worked for me with this book (or at least my edition/copy) was that in the middle were photographs of Greg and those in his life that were mentioned in the book. So I was able to go through those photographs and see the faces that he talked about, like Miss Dora, and make me feel like I knew them all more than what I was just reading.

“Muncie has never paled into insignificance. It has lived inside me forever.”

I could not imagine how uprooting your entire life as a child feels, especially from going from one type of life to one so utterly different and for no fault of their own, but being forced to navigate it as if they always had. Sure I had struggles growing up, but I never had to toe the line between two different worlds and wonder which one I belonged to or which one was safer to stay on (one could say both sides were dangerous for Greg while he grew up). And reading about all the different opportunities that slipped from his hands because of his background & race was infuriating. While I remember that our country has always been racist, I forget how racist it was and never really thought about some of the smaller effects to those communities until reading it.

Part of me wishes that I could find a documentary or interview with Greg to hear more about his story in his words, or maybe someone else like Greg to see how their experiences matched. I just like watching people’s life stories over reading about them, but glad that I gave Greg’s a chance because it really made me think about how different are those communities from then to now? The “black-coded” neighborhoods (normally that way due to stereotypes and systematic racism) versus the “white-coded” ones. While some of the threats have gone away, new ones have arisen that to some could feel like the Civil Rights Era all over again (this is speculation here but honestly I wouldn’t doubt if people of color felt this way right now and I’m sorry if they do).

This story I think should be taught, I don’t think the book is good to teach to younger kids, but maybe high schoolers could read the book, because not everyone goes to college so assigning it there leaves others out from reaching it. The way that this book made me feel is profound and I hope that someday there are no more stories like this in our country, and the hatred is only a distant memory that only appears in the pages of a history book. It’s a far-fetched dream and one that has been chased forever, and sadly probably not one that will be obtained during my lifetime, but maybe the lifetime of my children or grandchildren. I know that Greg, just by being himself, is working to fight that. Sharing his story is helping to reach it, and the more people that open their eyes and actually see the world for what it is, the faster we can stop more kids from experiencing what Greg and more kids in his Muncie neighborhood lived through.

Content Warnings

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 49%.

I DNFed this book at 49% and let me tell you why: I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Kite Runner to start, so I went into this book wondering if I’d like it more. I did but only by a little bit.

For me it’s more on Khaled’s writing style and prose than the actual story he told. So because of that, and the fact I could tell how the story would end based on the summary and sections of the book I did read, I decided to not continue reading it.

One thing I felt was interesting was that both girls had sort of the same relationships with their parents for the majority of the time. Both loved their fathers and while they loved their mothers, had a more stand-offish relationship with them. And sadly when both parents left their lives, it was through trauma and heartbreak.

With Khaled’s stories that I’ve read, I just find it also uncomfortable to have miscarriage and a woman’s infertility something that is part of the story. Like the only thing left to make them a true woman is ripped away but then “hey! Here’s a child that you didn’t birth but you’ll now love and you’re whole again” rubbed me the wrong way. Especially as someone who has fertility issues (though I never plan to have children, but still). And while I’m not an amputee or know anyone who is (that I can recall right now while writing this) having Laila compare the loss of Tariq to phantom limb pain was off-putting, but I also see why that specific comparison was made towards Tariq since he was, in fact, missing a leg and had a prosthetic.

Perhaps if I watched this as a movie or show instead of reading it I’d finish it. But I know the ending (broadly) and don’t really care about the characters, I don’t know if I’ll ever search that out.

Content Warnings

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

“Because the past claws its way out.”

So this book was something that I had always heard of as such a great book and something everyone should read. So I bought it years ago. Then my mom borrowed it for one of her college courses and loved it, so I kept the book even though I never looked up the summary. So I went into this book totally blind. And part of me wishes I was still blind to it.

I could not get myself to really enjoy the book. I think I finished the book out of spite for the main character because I just didn’t like him. Most of what he did rubbed me the wrong way, even as a child yes some of those things, and I don’t feel that he really changed by the end. The only thing I liked was Amir’s wife and the fact that we got justice for Hassan through his son.

“But Baba had found a way to create good out of his remorse… What had I ever done to right things?”

The trauma and assault that Hassan went through, while I guess I understand why it was added in the book, given the story and the time it was written, but I felt that it wasn’t needed, especially with the constant flashbacks with new details that Amir had. I almost stopped the book when it happened and each time it was brought up again I was close to stopping, but I had to know what happened to Hassan by the end. And I was only sad about what happened to him and his wife.

The somewhat namesake of the book, that kite tournament, was very interesting to read about though. I’d love to watch something like that or participate in. I think that it was a great point to start and stop the book during two different tournaments; possibly the two most important ones in Amir’s life.

Due to me just not liking this book or the main character (given the fact that his growth really only happened during the last few chapters in my opinion) I gave The Kite Runner 3 stars. I was originally going to do 3.5 stars but after thinking about it more I decided against it. I have started the author’s second book, and I wonder if I’ll complete it or DNF should I feel the same as I did with this one.

“Or, maybe, it was meant not to be.”

Hassan was just too loyal and accepting. The mother who abandoned him comes back years later and he aides her back to health, he does what he is told and never tells on Amir, and for just watching the home while Rahim was gone he is met with trauma, grief, and his own death.

I know why Baba also probably paid for the surgery, but did anyone ask Hassan if he even wanted to get the surgery done on this lip? Because I feel like he only did it because his master told him to.

I didn’t like how we were supposed to just always feel bad for Amir when all bad that came to him was karma and his own doing. He was a rich boy and had bad things happen to him yeah, but what about all the bad he did himself?

Sohrab hitting Assef in the eye with that brass using the slingshot felt like poetic justice. The weapon and threat from Hassan finally came true and he should feel proud for what he did.

Soraya’s infertility was something that had to be done to bring Sohrab home, but I wish that it talked more into Soraya’s sadness with him and focused on her a little during that time. As someone with fertility issues it was sad to see that it was only written as a way to bring a child in later, that no woman can be happy without a child in her life.

I KNEW THEY WERE BROTHERS WHY ELSE WOULD BABA TREAT HIM LIKE THAT!?

Content Warnings

I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee

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emotional inspiring fast-paced

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

4.0

"I’m fat and I take up space, but that’s okay.”

I want to start this off by saying that I cried while reading this, and I don’t normally cry during my reading time. But the comfort and love, and shared trauma with Skye, that I experienced while reading this was just so much and I honestly loved every part of it. I think that this book is something that if I had it while I was in high school, would have utterly changed my life. Because it changed my life as a 25-year old.

As someone who grew up loving American Idol and other competition shows, and a current lover of The Masked Singer, I found it so fun to follow Skye in the background of it all. And as a plus-size woman who also has trauma surrounding that from my youth, this was such a nice book to read to remind myself that I’m still worthy of love and happiness. I wish that this book was 100 pages longer and was able to dig more into those moments too, just because I loved being in Skye’s world with every fiber of my being.

“You’re living your best life. They’re not.”

The only part that I didn’t like was how short the events of the finale were. I wanted to have more drama, I wanted to feel like I was there on that stage or in the audience, and I wanted to know what happened with Bora! It was a large build up to this event, that was over in a few paragraphs. However, besides that, I really and truly enjoyed this book.

I gave I’ll Be The One 4 stars because I loved it, but I wished it didn’t feel so rushed. I also saw somewhere (can’t find it now) that called this book 1 in a series and if Lyla writes about Skye’s time in Korea after the competition I’ll be sure to grab that book.

“You are beautiful. Don’t let anyone, not even yourself, tell you any different.”

Did anyone else get hairspray vibes from this? The conventionally attractive male celeb (in a small scale) falling in love with a bigger girl, really feels that way but with no racism plot line.

I couldn’t help but think that it was partly Melinda’s fault that Bora made that fake reason to get Skye out of the dancing portion. Like my gut says she was one of the reasons….

I almost didn’t want Henry & Skye together, especially after they both came out to each other. I think it would have been nice to have them just be friends after it all and maybe have them in same-sex relationships by the end. But not mad that they’re together, because we got consent for the first kiss which is something I love seeing!

Content Warnings

We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

“But comfortable doesn’t win battles.”

After a long month I was finally able to finish this book after reading We Set the Dark on Fire. Now be warned, this review will not censor spoilers from the first book but will for this book.

So WUtMS is narrated by Carmen Santos, the rebel spy who had been placed in Medio’s School for Girls five years ago to get into the highest ranking family in Medio. To get information and sneak protestors into the city. To help further the mission of La Voz.

And the girl who left Dani Vargas broken, bruised, and burned on a road next to the dead body of her mother-in-law & guards; unsure if the girl would ever return her love, keep her promise, and not betray the rebellion. But with Dani’s loyalty put into question, and the organization she was raised in seemingly changed overnight, Carmen runs BACK into the city where she is a wanted murderer to save her, and save the group she considers family in the process.

While fighting both sides to prove loyalty, love, and support for the cause, many others' stances come into question and friendships are broken, lost, and shot down. But will Carmen be able to unite and tie together La Voz from the attack coming down on them all from her evil ex-husband?

“It makes you worthy of the title rebel.”

I felt like this was such a good conclusion to the story that began with WStDoF. The growth of the characters and the inner turmoil of Carmen was a great piece to see instead of it being in Dani’s view again. To see both sides of the couple. I loved how passionate Carmen was about both Dani and her loyalty to La Voz, showing that you don’t need to have a one-track mind to be successful, and that sometimes having something else worth fighting for along with the bigger picture can help push you farther than expected.

Of course I love a good book about women falling in love as well, but seeing the fight in the relationship that stemmed from the end of book one through all the issues in book two was nice to see. It’s not always going to be a catwalk to be in love, but it makes life so much brighter. That even when they fought, the love that the other felt for each other was what grounded them to the world. Though personally I don’t know how many declarations of love I’d be giving if I knew someone was coming for me with the sole purpose of ending my existence, but that’s what escapism is for!

“But even through all of that, the sun was shining.”

I gave We Unleash the Merciless Sea 4 stars like the first book. While I wish a certain man was not left alive, I’m okay with how he came out of the final battle. I also liked the twist of the La Voz leadership at the end of the book to see a mantel taken up in a new direction than the thousand of years before. And while I’m sad I won’t be able to see Dani & Carmen live on until their ends as a happy couple, I’m glad that I was able to be there while I could.

I knew from the beginning that Ari was a gov’t spy, just not how he knew Mateo. I was theorizing he was like a illegitimate child of Mateo’s father or something

Why did Cielo have to die? Think of the happy life she could have had with that sweet village on the end of the wall that Carmen met. I dislike meeting someone and having them ripped away so soon.

Of course, RIGHT AS I LIKE SOTA he goes and gets shot….not my foxy boy

Carmen getting poison-induced powers over animals or something to attack Mateo was very cool, the Gods saw the fight and were like “here’s some rain and attack crows, go wild my children”

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monicalaurette's reviews 283 reviews

monicalaurette's reviews
283 reviews