nervousbell's reviews
109 reviews

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

5.0

 

I devoured this book at a rapid pace, finding it a refreshing departure from the intense murder mystery thriller I am currently reading. "Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating" by Adiba Jaigirdar is a truly delightful read, and I enjoyed it immensely. 

 

Jaigirdar adeptly captures the nuanced experience of children of immigrants, who often feel an intense pressure to prove their worth and validate their parents' sacrifices. This theme resonated deeply with me. If I had a nickel for every friend or acquaintance who slogged through college, miserable, pursuing a degree for a career they didn’t even desire just to satisfy their parents' expectations, I’d be incredibly wealthy. 

 

Moreover, the book's exploration of bisexuality is spot-on. Having identified as bisexual since I was 12—now being 21—I can attest to the strange societal perceptions around bisexuality. People often doubt your orientation until you “prove” it by dating someone of the same gender. I recall being congratulated on my first girlfriend with remarks like, "Wow, you weren’t kidding about the bisexual thing," as if it were a whim rather than a fundamental part of my identity. This personal struggle is poignantly depicted in the narrative, offering a validating and relatable experience for readers like myself. 

 

The dynamics between the sisters in the story were captivating. I’ve never been particularly close to my siblings, and I often assumed the worst of my older brother until I matured and realized it was never that serious. The older sister’s journey, especially her uncertainty about her future, struck a chord with me as well. 

 

The portrayal of toxic friendships was another element that hit close to home. The painful awareness that a longstanding friendship is toxic, yet feeling trapped by its history, is a sentiment many can relate to. This book also accurately highlights the lack of respect for cultural differences, exemplified by the constant mispronunciation of Hani’s name—an all-too-familiar experience for many ethnic kids. 

 

Lastly, the romance between Hani and Ishu is beautifully crafted. The slow build-up and the mutual realization of their feelings, coupled with their hesitation to act on them, was wonderfully executed. The pacing of their relationship development felt natural and satisfying. 

 

Overall, "Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating" is a well-written and engaging story that tackles significant themes with sensitivity and authenticity. Adiba Jaigirdar has created a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. 

The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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? Yes

4.25

Probably the best book out of the entire series. That was really good, unfortunately I'm too tired to properly put my thoughts into words so I'll come back later. Hopefully.

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny reflective 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? Yes

4.0

 

In the third installment of the series, readers witness a notable shift towards a more serious tone. Unlike its predecessors, which at times felt like a slog, this book captivates with its newfound depth and intrigue. 

 

Central to the narrative is Apollo's profound struggle with guilt, a theme that permeates the storyline. His relentless battle against feelings of powerlessness and self-blame adds a layer of complexity to the character dynamics, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions on those around him. My only gripe with it was that it seems so brief. 

 

You will be furious when you get 73% into the book. 

 

It was delectable. 

Outdrawn by Deanna Grey

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense 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

4.5

I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the interactions between them. I loved how this is was a bit lighter compared to usual enemies to lovers. Both characters really did respect each other’s skills and boundaries, it was lovely to see. I never been a fan of enemies to lovers stories where the characters commit acts that seem incredibly irredeemable. 

The pacing was great it wasn’t dragging its feet nor was it too fast. I will add that there were certain moments where it was unnecessarily repetitive. A lot of telling and showing when it would’ve been just fine with just the showing. 

The last 10% of the book was just so beautiful. I love the message of community being just as important as any romantic relationship. That taking care of yourself is difficult but shouldn’t be something you do alone, you should lean on others when needed and return the favor. 

Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-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? Yes

3.5

The initial pace of the book left me feeling somewhat bored, but I found the characters to be authentic representations of young teens, effectively capturing their interactions and struggles. The depiction of the daunting world adolescents face, which extends into adulthood, was particularly well executed. It skillfully portrayed the communication gap between children and their parents, reflecting a common reality in both literature and real life.

However, the truly captivating aspects of the story only surfaced towards the end. While I did derive enjoyment from the book overall, I couldn't shake the feeling that the pacing could have been improved. There's an elusive element that didn't quite resonate with me, and it's frustrating not being able to pinpoint exactly what it is.

The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Vol. 1 by Nagabe

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

that was so good, had me at the edge of my seat.

All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami

challenging dark emotional reflective 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

4.75

In 'All the Lovers in the Night', we embark on a contemplative journey alongside Fuyuko Irie, a freelance proofreader consumed by solitude and work. Her encounter with a vivacious colleague and a benevolent, mysterious stranger sparks a transformation, unraveling themes of isolation, shame, and self-discovery. The narrative delves deep into Fuyuko's inner struggles with communication and personal identity, weaving in poignant explorations of dissociation and trauma. The slow pacing allows for introspective musings that resonate profoundly, prompting moments of pause and reflection even amidst daily chores. I found myself relating to the main character and I had to take breaks from the audiobook to just fully take a moment.

The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan

adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

The seamless inclusion of the elderly lesbian couple added a natural depth to the narrative, their presence neither contrived nor forced, but rather an organic facet of the story's tapestry. Apollo's character arc, a testament to subtle yet profound development, defied the common trappings of annoyance, rendering him a more endearing and relatable figure.

 (At least I find him annoying that is, but he is funny, l’ll give him that.)

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced

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

3.0

I’ll be honest, I didn’t get invested until 50% into the book, hence the 3 stars. 

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

3.0

This book was an enjoyable and straightforward read. I appreciated the overarching message it conveyed. While some have critiqued it as preachy or pretentious, I personally didn't feel that way. I can see how others might interpret it differently, though. 

There were moments when I found myself disengaged, which extended my reading time beyond a single day, as this was a book I could easily set aside. I still found it to be a charming and endearing read despite that.