Take a photo of a barcode or cover
nietnoah's reviews
374 reviews
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
emotional
informative
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? No
4.0
This book was gut-wrenching but also really beautiful. It starts off slow, so it took me a bit to fully get into it, but once I did, it was so worth it. It made me realize just how privileged we are in the West to be able to be openly gay. I can’t recommend this book enough, especially to those who think Pride and LGBTQ+ activism aren’t necessary—because they really are.
I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love by Minta Suzumaru
emotional
tense
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
3.0
Didn’t realise this was a spicy manga but enjoyed it anyways! Bit short tho :/
Crumbs by Danie Stirling
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
4.5
One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
The first thing I said to my partner after finishing this book was, “Why would anyone write this?” When I started reading, I couldn’t believe the low star reviews that called this book anti-Black. But as I kept going, I realized those reviews didn’t even cover how bad it actually is—it was worse than I could have imagined.
Other reviews have already explained the problems with this book, so there’s no point in me repeating them. But honestly, I don’t see why a book like this even needs to exist. I’ve always loved Black horror—stories that confront our struggles while uplifting us. But this book? It flat-out tells readers that Blackness is the problem, not the racism and oppression we face from white supremacy.
What’s even more disappointing is that this comes from a Black author who has written such beautiful, empowering YA novels about Black people before. In this political climate, with the far-right gaining ground and racial tensions high, the last thing we need is a book that undermines us like this. This is not “Get Out,” a story with layers and meaning. No, this is one of the most surface-level, racist takes on “Black horror” I’ve ever read.
It breaks my heart because Nicola Yoon has been one of my favorite authors. Her earlier books were the reason I fell in love with reading, so to feel this kind of disappointment from someone I’ve admired is painful. The epilogue, in particular, was just a gut punch.
Yes, the book is well-written, as you’d expect from Yoon. But no amount of good writing can make up for the sadness and betrayal I felt reading this. I can’t give it more than 1 star. Please, trust the reviews and skip this one. The story is so plain and simple, I could summarize it in one sentence if you’re curious.
Other reviews have already explained the problems with this book, so there’s no point in me repeating them. But honestly, I don’t see why a book like this even needs to exist. I’ve always loved Black horror—stories that confront our struggles while uplifting us. But this book? It flat-out tells readers that Blackness is the problem, not the racism and oppression we face from white supremacy.
What’s even more disappointing is that this comes from a Black author who has written such beautiful, empowering YA novels about Black people before. In this political climate, with the far-right gaining ground and racial tensions high, the last thing we need is a book that undermines us like this. This is not “Get Out,” a story with layers and meaning. No, this is one of the most surface-level, racist takes on “Black horror” I’ve ever read.
It breaks my heart because Nicola Yoon has been one of my favorite authors. Her earlier books were the reason I fell in love with reading, so to feel this kind of disappointment from someone I’ve admired is painful. The epilogue, in particular, was just a gut punch.
Yes, the book is well-written, as you’d expect from Yoon. But no amount of good writing can make up for the sadness and betrayal I felt reading this. I can’t give it more than 1 star. Please, trust the reviews and skip this one. The story is so plain and simple, I could summarize it in one sentence if you’re curious.
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
I was surprised by how many good reviews this book has because, honestly, I found it pretty difficult to get through. While most of the characters were solid and the story itself was well thought out, I just couldn’t stay fully engaged. I really enjoyed the first part of the book, but things started to fall apart for me as it went on.
The art style and the world we’re thrown into were the main things that tripped me up. The graphic novel throws you into this unique, otherworldly setting, but I spent a lot of time wondering, “What am I actually looking at?” The spaceships shaped like fish? The vague, dusty-looking atmosphere? While the art is undeniably creative and visually striking, it was so abstract at times that I found it hard to follow what was going on. Creativity is great, but when it gets too obscure, it can lose the reader—and that’s what happened to me.
All in all, I think this graphic novel just wasn’t my cup of tea. There were moments when I thought it was about to grab me, but those moments were fleeting. Still, I can see the appeal for others, even if it didn’t fully land for me. I’d give it a 2.75/5 stars.
The art style and the world we’re thrown into were the main things that tripped me up. The graphic novel throws you into this unique, otherworldly setting, but I spent a lot of time wondering, “What am I actually looking at?” The spaceships shaped like fish? The vague, dusty-looking atmosphere? While the art is undeniably creative and visually striking, it was so abstract at times that I found it hard to follow what was going on. Creativity is great, but when it gets too obscure, it can lose the reader—and that’s what happened to me.
All in all, I think this graphic novel just wasn’t my cup of tea. There were moments when I thought it was about to grab me, but those moments were fleeting. Still, I can see the appeal for others, even if it didn’t fully land for me. I’d give it a 2.75/5 stars.
De morgen loeit weer aan by Tip Marugg
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Ik lees van mezelf hele andere boeken dan deze dus het was sowieso even inkomen voor mij. Ik vond het lastig om te begrijpen wat ik precies las. Ik had een beetje het zelfde wat ik had tijdens het lezen van “Herfst”. Er waren stukken die ik kon volgen en erg mooi vond, maar over het algemeen wist ik niet zo goed wat ik nou uiteindelijk precies aan het lezen was. Ik kan volledig inzien dat dit boek heel mooi kan zijn als dit het soort boek is dat iemand vaak leest, maar mij raakte het helaas niet zoals ik hoopte😔. Maar then again, hoort dat bij een lees club en ik vind het juist heel fijn om lekker buiten mijn comfort zone te lezen! Leer ik ook weer van😇
Hiding Him by Adam Hattan
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I didn’t have high expectations for this book because I’ve read a lot of gay YA over the years, but I have to say I was quite impressed. While it is not groundbreaking and remains fairly predictable, I enjoyed the overall story. However, none of the characters really stood out to me. They all felt quite two-dimensional and underdeveloped. Most of the conflicts in the book are resolved too quickly, which I am not a fan of. Additionally, there are many time jumps where an extra chapter or two would have been beneficial.
One aspect I absolutely disliked was the “homophobe turns out to be closeted” narrative. It’s such an overdone trope and I’m starting to find it quite insensitive. The idea that a character’s homophobia is just a result of their own hidden sexuality is not only clichéd but also diminishes the real and complex reasons behind homophobia. It feels like a lazy explanation that undermines the depth of the issue, especially since the homophobe in question is a side character. I find it weird that many authors still include this in their books. Is it some sort of secret fantasy? I don’t know. But I immediately get bored when I’m presented with a closeted homophobe.
To end on a positive note, I think this book is a solid addition to the queer YA genre, and I hope the author continues to write more because I see potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if his next book turns out to be a 5-star read for me. ⭐️
One aspect I absolutely disliked was the “homophobe turns out to be closeted” narrative. It’s such an overdone trope and I’m starting to find it quite insensitive. The idea that a character’s homophobia is just a result of their own hidden sexuality is not only clichéd but also diminishes the real and complex reasons behind homophobia. It feels like a lazy explanation that undermines the depth of the issue, especially since the homophobe in question is a side character. I find it weird that many authors still include this in their books. Is it some sort of secret fantasy? I don’t know. But I immediately get bored when I’m presented with a closeted homophobe.
To end on a positive note, I think this book is a solid addition to the queer YA genre, and I hope the author continues to write more because I see potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if his next book turns out to be a 5-star read for me. ⭐️
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
mysterious
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
Sensation Island by Thysia Huisman
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Baba by Bo Hanna
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Ik had een uitgebreide recensie geschreven en die per ongeluk verwijderd, dus we doen het even opnieuw 😭.
Dit boek heeft me diep geraakt. Het is moeilijk om je als buitenstaander in zulke intense situaties in te leven, vooral als je er weinig vanaf weet. Toch slaagt de auteur erin om zijn verhaal op een toegankelijke, zachte en ontroerende manier over te brengen. Je voelt door de woorden heen dat dit een boek is waar veel tijd, energie en gevoel in zit. Vooral de laatste hoofdstukken raakten me omdat Bo zo open is over zijn emoties en ervaringen. Hoewel ik me niet kan voorstellen hoe dat moet voelen, heeft dit boek me meer inzicht en begrip gegeven.
Een van de krachtigste onderdelen vond ik de boodschap dat kinderen niet verantwoordelijk zijn voor de problemen van hun ouders. Tijdens het lezen wilde ik niets liever dan die lieve jonge jongens redden, ook al is dat onmogelijk. Ik hoop echt dat dit boek, zoals Bo zelf ook zei, andere kinderen zal helpen. Dit is een uiterst belangrijk onderwerp dat meer aandacht verdient. Het voelt bijna vreemd om dit boek te recenseren vanwege de gevoelige inhoud, maar ik meen het oprecht: dit is prachtig geschreven. Zo’n zwaar beladen verhaal zo goed kunnen overbrengen op de lezer vergt talent, en dat heeft Bo zeker ❤️.
Dit boek heeft me diep geraakt. Het is moeilijk om je als buitenstaander in zulke intense situaties in te leven, vooral als je er weinig vanaf weet. Toch slaagt de auteur erin om zijn verhaal op een toegankelijke, zachte en ontroerende manier over te brengen. Je voelt door de woorden heen dat dit een boek is waar veel tijd, energie en gevoel in zit. Vooral de laatste hoofdstukken raakten me omdat Bo zo open is over zijn emoties en ervaringen. Hoewel ik me niet kan voorstellen hoe dat moet voelen, heeft dit boek me meer inzicht en begrip gegeven.
Een van de krachtigste onderdelen vond ik de boodschap dat kinderen niet verantwoordelijk zijn voor de problemen van hun ouders. Tijdens het lezen wilde ik niets liever dan die lieve jonge jongens redden, ook al is dat onmogelijk. Ik hoop echt dat dit boek, zoals Bo zelf ook zei, andere kinderen zal helpen. Dit is een uiterst belangrijk onderwerp dat meer aandacht verdient. Het voelt bijna vreemd om dit boek te recenseren vanwege de gevoelige inhoud, maar ik meen het oprecht: dit is prachtig geschreven. Zo’n zwaar beladen verhaal zo goed kunnen overbrengen op de lezer vergt talent, en dat heeft Bo zeker ❤️.