oofsharkz73's reviews
196 reviews

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

2.75

I'm not much a fan of audio books, and unfortunately that was the only version I could find for Tricks. That and I've found that I'm not much a fan for all the shifting stories in Hopkins's novels either - I didn't like it in Fallout, and I was equally as disappointed in this one. Ginger's perspective and Seth's perspective were the saving graces, the only reason this gets any stars and the only reason I'll feel obligated to read the sequel. The way Hopkins writes SO much about teenagers having sex - whether it be to bring awareness or whatever - feels too wrong and pornographic. Books like these almost seem pedophilic, and I hate saying that when some of her novels I genuinely enjoy. 

Spring Street Touch and Trace: Opposites by Boxer Books

5.0

Adaptation by Malinda Lo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.

Not compelling in the very least. 

People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins

1.0

So boring. Crummiest take on gun violence and activism I've ever seen. Hopkins is an extremist in her writing style, and sometimes that proves to be good, sometimes it fails...like with this novel. Couldn't get attached to any of the characters. A premise that seemed promising only disappointed. Almost put me in a reading slump. She's such a 50)50 author, it's frustrating. 

Deposing Nathan by Zack Smedley

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense fast-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

Zack Smedley has done it again—I’m absolutely shaken by Deposing Nathan! I could have powered through it in one go last night, but I made the wise choice to sleep, which meant I could fully immerse myself in it this morning. And wow, was that the right decision. This book is raw, gripping, and emotionally intense, tackling the complexities of religion and LGBTQ+ identity in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally important. The courtroom-style storytelling, the unraveling of truth, the way it explores love, loyalty, and self-acceptance—absolute chef’s kiss. A masterpiece through and through!

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted

5.0

It took me far too long to start this book, as I kept pushing it aside for other reads. But once the looming library due date forced me past the prologue, I tore through it quickly—and was thrilled to discover it's part of a trilogy. Last summer, I read a similar book, and the whole "traveling West while disguised as a boy" trope has only appeared in these two novels (at least in my reading experience), but it was brilliantly executed. Partway through, I also realized I’ve read Rae Carson’s work before—Any Sign of Life is a treasured book on my shelf, and now I feel like I need to give it a re-read! Long story short, I was completely hooked and giddy by the end. I can't wait to dive into the sequel!

Smoke by Ellen Hopkins

5.0

When a novel illicits tears, you know it gets 5 stars. Amazing sequel to Burned, not one I even thought entirely necessary until I finished it. 

Burned by Ellen Hopkins

4.5

Another stunning novel by Hopkins. I smartly checked out the sequel at the same time, so I won't waste any time ...

Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern

1.5

This book had so much potential but almost put me in a reading slump with how boring and dragged on it was. All the different perspectives and plot points were horrible to try to keep up with. 

Rain, Rain, Everywhere by Christine Leeson

3.75