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plantbasedbride's reviews
189 reviews
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Ok, I am not a romance reader. But this book was so adorable and I seriously enjoyed it!
I love that Chloe is giving amazing rep as a Black, fat, woman with chronic illness (fibromyalgia). I love that the book addresses the challenge of chronic illness, especially invisible illness, and how relationships suffer. I could relate to Chloe so much as someone who has struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember, especially as someone who doesn't "look" depressed or "seem" all that anxious or by those who don't understand the lifelong recovery journey after beating an ED. I have had my suffering denied so many times, and lost friendships over it, and Chloe's story brought me to tears on several occasions. Her tendency to close herself off from others to protect herself from being left behind and hurt all over again was painfully relatable.
I wasn't sure about Red in the first few chapters, but I ended up falling in love with them together. He started reminding me of my husband in the ways he trusted Chloe, believed her, and supported her without shaming her or letting her shame herself. The way Red tells Chloe she's the bravest person he's ever met echoed a very similar conversation early on in my relationship with my husband that was an "aha" moment for me (and also an indication that I'd found my person).
The steamy scenes were steamy, the sweet scenes were sweet, and the banter was loads of fun. I didn't love the way the misunderstanding near the end was dragged out, but I did appreciate that at least it was resolved relatively quickly and through mature and adult communication (if that communication had happened right away I wouldn't have had a problem with it because misunderstandings happen in relationships, especially when everyone involved has trauma).
This is certainly up there with Boyfriend Material for one of my favourite romance novels of all time (though to be fair, I really haven't read that many). I can't wait to read the second and third installments of this series!
I love that Chloe is giving amazing rep as a Black, fat, woman with chronic illness (fibromyalgia). I love that the book addresses the challenge of chronic illness, especially invisible illness, and how relationships suffer. I could relate to Chloe so much as someone who has struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember, especially as someone who doesn't "look" depressed or "seem" all that anxious or by those who don't understand the lifelong recovery journey after beating an ED. I have had my suffering denied so many times, and lost friendships over it, and Chloe's story brought me to tears on several occasions. Her tendency to close herself off from others to protect herself from being left behind and hurt all over again was painfully relatable.
I wasn't sure about Red in the first few chapters, but I ended up falling in love with them together. He started reminding me of my husband in the ways he trusted Chloe, believed her, and supported her without shaming her or letting her shame herself. The way Red tells Chloe she's the bravest person he's ever met echoed a very similar conversation early on in my relationship with my husband that was an "aha" moment for me (and also an indication that I'd found my person).
The steamy scenes were steamy, the sweet scenes were sweet, and the banter was loads of fun. I didn't love the way the misunderstanding near the end was dragged out, but I did appreciate that at least it was resolved relatively quickly and through mature and adult communication (if that communication had happened right away I wouldn't have had a problem with it because misunderstandings happen in relationships, especially when everyone involved has trauma).
This is certainly up there with Boyfriend Material for one of my favourite romance novels of all time (though to be fair, I really haven't read that many). I can't wait to read the second and third installments of this series!
Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Sankofa has been bestowed with a terrible gift, relegating her to a life of solitude, wandering through Ghana eliciting fear with every step. The adopted daughter of death, she glows green and can kill with a single look.
I read Binti by the author last year and quite enjoyed it, and was looking forward to dipping my toe in Okorafor's flavour of Afrofuturism yet again! For those uninitiated, Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African diaspora culture with technology.* This short tale has a dreamlike quality to it and reads like a fairy or folktale, with little explanation of the scientific cause of Sankofa's condition. Typically this would frustrate me, as a Sci-Fi reader with a love of technobabble, but in this case, it felt right. Sankofa is young and alone, with no way to determine the origin of the seed or her curse. She (and those she meets) interpret her powers in a culturally significant way, which is an incredibly human thing to do.
This book is fascinating and incredibly sad, with wonderful world-building and characters. I fell in love with Sankofa and felt completely pulled into this immersive tale. My only gripe is that I wish it was longer (and, selfishly, that more of the mystery was revealed - though I believe it was more powerful without it). This book takes a hard look at human nature and how we treat each other, the fear of the unknown, and how we perceive feminine presenting children and expect them to behave. Sankofa protects herself and helps those who are suffering, but she is feared and ostracized, echoing the witch hunt against women working with herbs and plants to practice medicine or self-defense around the world and throughout history.
I'm looking forward to picking up more work from Okorafor soon!
I read Binti by the author last year and quite enjoyed it, and was looking forward to dipping my toe in Okorafor's flavour of Afrofuturism yet again! For those uninitiated, Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African diaspora culture with technology.* This short tale has a dreamlike quality to it and reads like a fairy or folktale, with little explanation of the scientific cause of Sankofa's condition. Typically this would frustrate me, as a Sci-Fi reader with a love of technobabble, but in this case, it felt right. Sankofa is young and alone, with no way to determine the origin of the seed or her curse. She (and those she meets) interpret her powers in a culturally significant way, which is an incredibly human thing to do.
This book is fascinating and incredibly sad, with wonderful world-building and characters. I fell in love with Sankofa and felt completely pulled into this immersive tale. My only gripe is that I wish it was longer (and, selfishly, that more of the mystery was revealed - though I believe it was more powerful without it). This book takes a hard look at human nature and how we treat each other, the fear of the unknown, and how we perceive feminine presenting children and expect them to behave. Sankofa protects herself and helps those who are suffering, but she is feared and ostracized, echoing the witch hunt against women working with herbs and plants to practice medicine or self-defense around the world and throughout history.
I'm looking forward to picking up more work from Okorafor soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
In The Year of the Witching Alexis Henderson imagines an alternate puritan history where witches are real and are hiding in the dark wood. And as much as I wanted to love this book, it just fell a flat for me.
The characters were bland, including our protagonist, Immanuelle. She, and all of the other characters, were younger than I expected and as a result, the book read like YA. Now, there's nothing wrong with YA, I've read several YA horror/thriller novels lately that continued to deliver on meaningful thematic content and engross me despite the young age of the main character(s), but this one felt too simplistic and lacking in depth for my taste.
I did love Immanuelle's lesbian grandma and would have LOVED to read this story from her perspective. Alas, she had a cameo at best.
While Henderson hinted at some interesting themes tying in race, purity, sexism, and misogyny within a religious context that scapegoats (and tortures) women for the sins of men, the commentary didn't quite land. Not only is Emmanuelle saved by a white man with power, the son of the most powerful man in their community, but the ultimate scapegoats - the witches in the wood - continue to be blamed for all of the evil done by misogynistic and violent men and are portrayed as evil until the last page. I kept waiting for the reveal that the witches were actually misunderstood and vilified as the women in the community continued to be, pushed out for the crime of being strong women who challenged the totalitarian power of men, but the book didn't go there.
All in all this book tried some interesting things, and I enjoyed the atmosphere, but its message was garbled and frustrating to read.
The characters were bland, including our protagonist, Immanuelle. She, and all of the other characters, were younger than I expected and as a result, the book read like YA. Now, there's nothing wrong with YA, I've read several YA horror/thriller novels lately that continued to deliver on meaningful thematic content and engross me despite the young age of the main character(s), but this one felt too simplistic and lacking in depth for my taste.
I did love Immanuelle's lesbian grandma and would have LOVED to read this story from her perspective. Alas, she had a cameo at best.
While Henderson hinted at some interesting themes tying in race, purity, sexism, and misogyny within a religious context that scapegoats (and tortures) women for the sins of men, the commentary didn't quite land. Not only is Emmanuelle saved by a white man with power, the son of the most powerful man in their community, but the ultimate scapegoats - the witches in the wood - continue to be blamed for all of the evil done by misogynistic and violent men and are portrayed as evil until the last page. I kept waiting for the reveal that the witches were actually misunderstood and vilified as the women in the community continued to be, pushed out for the crime of being strong women who challenged the totalitarian power of men, but the book didn't go there.
All in all this book tried some interesting things, and I enjoyed the atmosphere, but its message was garbled and frustrating to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Racism, Rape, and Violence
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I have so many conflicting feelings about this one.
On the one hand, it is beautifully written in rhythmic verse and there are some genuinely touching moments.
On the other hand, the characters aren't deeply developed and the story feels a bit shallow - reading like a novella while sitting at over 400 pages.
I think I need more time to let my thoughts and feeling percolate on this book.
On the one hand, it is beautifully written in rhythmic verse and there are some genuinely touching moments.
On the other hand, the characters aren't deeply developed and the story feels a bit shallow - reading like a novella while sitting at over 400 pages.
I think I need more time to let my thoughts and feeling percolate on this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexual assault
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Wow. What a worldview shattering book.
The way Wilkerson compares the American system to the Caste system in India and the modified Caste system imposed by the Nazis seems, at first, like a stretch. But impeccably organized chapter by impeccably organized chapter, the picture begins to take shape. And by the end of this horrifying yet clarifying work, the comparison seems to be the most natural one you could make.
Concise yet detailed, and perfectly narrated by Robin Miles, this may be the most eye-opening book on race in America that I have ever read.
The way Wilkerson compares the American system to the Caste system in India and the modified Caste system imposed by the Nazis seems, at first, like a stretch. But impeccably organized chapter by impeccably organized chapter, the picture begins to take shape. And by the end of this horrifying yet clarifying work, the comparison seems to be the most natural one you could make.
Concise yet detailed, and perfectly narrated by Robin Miles, this may be the most eye-opening book on race in America that I have ever read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Child abuse, and Death
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
An extensive exploration of Obama's first term in office, perfect for those who are fascinated by the minutia of politics.
As a Canadian, I found the detailed timelines of the passing of bills a bit tedious but loved the big picture analysis of the American political system and the insights into how the Presidency affected Barack and his family.
I would highly recommend the audiobook as it's narrated by Obama himself!
As a Canadian, I found the detailed timelines of the passing of bills a bit tedious but loved the big picture analysis of the American political system and the insights into how the Presidency affected Barack and his family.
I would highly recommend the audiobook as it's narrated by Obama himself!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Racism and Homophobia
A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future by David Attenborough
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
5.0
A harrowing, well researched, and concise exposé of the progression and projection of climate change on our planet. Attenborough brings his decades of expertise, and famous voice, to the table - reminding us just how dire the environmental situation has become, and how quickly we are approaching the cutoff for meaningful change to prevent disaster on a global scale.
Ending with a sense of purpose, with a hopeful tone, and a plethora of next steps, this is an important read that I highly recommend. We cannot address our climate crisis without facing it head-on, but confronting our eventual destruction is a terrifying task. Attenborough takes the reader's hand and walks them through it, a reassuring presence from whom we can draw strength and resolve.
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
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Ending with a sense of purpose, with a hopeful tone, and a plethora of next steps, this is an important read that I highly recommend. We cannot address our climate crisis without facing it head-on, but confronting our eventual destruction is a terrifying task. Attenborough takes the reader's hand and walks them through it, a reassuring presence from whom we can draw strength and resolve.
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
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Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds
challenging
informative
sad
fast-paced
5.0
After taking copious notes (seriously, so many notes) I think I learned more from this "not history book" than I have from any "actual history book" I've ever read. As a Canadian, the low barrier to entry and understanding was much appreciated! I can only hope that one of our many incredible Black authors north of the border will write their own version of this primer of the evolution of racism over the centuries as it happened in our true north strong and *not really all that* free.
I highly recommend Stamped to everyone, whether you're American or not. There is so much insight into the development of racist ideas and legislation in this tiny book that will open your eyes no matter where you live (or at least, it did so for me).
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
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I highly recommend Stamped to everyone, whether you're American or not. There is so much insight into the development of racist ideas and legislation in this tiny book that will open your eyes no matter where you live (or at least, it did so for me).
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
You can find me on...
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/plantbasedbride">Youtube</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethturn/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElizabethTurn">Twitter</a>
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
When Kira discovers an ancient alien relic while on a scientific mission, the xenobiologist's life is forever altered.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars started off strong. In fact, the first few chapters were my favourite of the entire novel and immediately drew me in. Sadly, with a few exceptions, it was all downhill from there.
I'll start with the good.
The discovery of the xeno and the early development of its nature and abilities. I loved how we learned of the xeno and I was intrigued by its purpose and origins. I couldn't wait to untangle the mystery! Sadly, the more we learned the less I cared. Paolini took the xeno in a decidedly fantastical direction that was at odds with the setting and expectations set forth by his work.
Gregorivitch. He is the star of this novel. I pretty much only finished it because of him. He is 100% responsible for at least one extra star in my rating. I would let him call me his spiky meatbag anytime! The only way I'd consider reading a sequel is if it's all Gregorivitch all the time.
The narrator of the audiobook. They did a fantastic job.
And... oh. I guess that's it for the good.
And then there's the bad.
Kira. She's our protagonist, and yet we know very little about her. She's incredibly one dimensional and not particularly interesting outside of the circumstances she has found herself in. I would much rather read a book about Gregorivitch (as previously stated).
The oh-so predictable romance between our self-insert protagonist and the roguish captain of a ship with a ragtag yet lovable crew.
The awkward dialogue where everyone starts each sentence with "[my name], here..." and ends every other sentence with "..., also." This got seriously irritating after several hundred pages.
The many space battles that bled into each other after a while and added nothing to the plot or character development.
The "our MC is actually basically a God/chosen one and is the only one who can save the entire universe!" trope, which I hate with a burning passion.
And an added dose of victim blaming (of a character being bullied by fellow crewmates) and body shaming (in regard to scars).
Oh, and it was easily 500 pages too long.
Listen, despite all my issues with this one I did enjoy it, for the most part. There were some interesting ideas (though none were fully developed), there were some loveable side characters, and I love sci-fi enough that I just enjoyed being in space for a while. But this is certainly not one of the better sci-fi novels I've read, and I don't plan on continuing with the series (if it in fact becomes one).
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
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To Sleep in a Sea of Stars started off strong. In fact, the first few chapters were my favourite of the entire novel and immediately drew me in. Sadly, with a few exceptions, it was all downhill from there.
I'll start with the good.
The discovery of the xeno and the early development of its nature and abilities. I loved how we learned of the xeno and I was intrigued by its purpose and origins. I couldn't wait to untangle the mystery! Sadly, the more we learned the less I cared. Paolini took the xeno in a decidedly fantastical direction that was at odds with the setting and expectations set forth by his work.
Gregorivitch. He is the star of this novel. I pretty much only finished it because of him. He is 100% responsible for at least one extra star in my rating. I would let him call me his spiky meatbag anytime! The only way I'd consider reading a sequel is if it's all Gregorivitch all the time.
The narrator of the audiobook. They did a fantastic job.
And... oh. I guess that's it for the good.
And then there's the bad.
Kira. She's our protagonist, and yet we know very little about her. She's incredibly one dimensional and not particularly interesting outside of the circumstances she has found herself in. I would much rather read a book about Gregorivitch (as previously stated).
The oh-so predictable romance between our self-insert protagonist and the roguish captain of a ship with a ragtag yet lovable crew.
The awkward dialogue where everyone starts each sentence with "[my name], here..." and ends every other sentence with "..., also." This got seriously irritating after several hundred pages.
The many space battles that bled into each other after a while and added nothing to the plot or character development.
The "our MC is actually basically a God/chosen one and is the only one who can save the entire universe!" trope, which I hate with a burning passion.
And an added dose of victim blaming (of a character being bullied by fellow crewmates) and body shaming (in regard to scars).
Oh, and it was easily 500 pages too long.
Listen, despite all my issues with this one I did enjoy it, for the most part. There were some interesting ideas (though none were fully developed), there were some loveable side characters, and I love sci-fi enough that I just enjoyed being in space for a while. But this is certainly not one of the better sci-fi novels I've read, and I don't plan on continuing with the series (if it in fact becomes one).
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
You can find me on...
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/plantbasedbride">Youtube</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethturn/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElizabethTurn">Twitter</a>
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Gore, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, and Confinement
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
This book and this review contain potentially triggering content.
Trigger Warnings: suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, self-harm, loss of a loved one, animal death, severe depression
When Nora, a woman with depression and suicidal ideation, finds her life is falling apart as one thing after another seems to go wrong, she decides the world would be better off without her. But between life and death, there is a library. A library with shelves that go on forever, books full of the infinite possibilities of her life. And a librarian she recognizes who is ready to lead the way.
As someone who has suffered from depression and loved people whose lives have been touched by suicide, the Midnight Library hit very close to home. I, too, have a book of regrets. Choices I wish I could undo. Lives I wish I could have lived. While I am lucky enough to have carved out a happy life where I feel loved and valued, not everyone is so fortunate. If my twenties had progressed differently, I could very well have ended up in a very similar situation to Nora, and I could relate to her on a visceral level.
This book explores a difficult topic with clarity and hope, and leaves the reader with nugget after nugget of wisdom to digest. Questioning the nature of memory, challenging our expectations, interrogating our definition of a "good" or "purposeful" life, and reminding us that fulfilling our dreams is never a one-way ticket to everlasting happiness, Haig reminds us that the grass isn't always greener and that sometimes all we need is a slight shift in perspective.
Beautifully crafted, touching, and inspiring, The Midnight Library is well worth your time.
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
You can find me on...
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*PBB Book Club Selection for January 2021*
Trigger Warnings: suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, self-harm, loss of a loved one, animal death, severe depression
When Nora, a woman with depression and suicidal ideation, finds her life is falling apart as one thing after another seems to go wrong, she decides the world would be better off without her. But between life and death, there is a library. A library with shelves that go on forever, books full of the infinite possibilities of her life. And a librarian she recognizes who is ready to lead the way.
As someone who has suffered from depression and loved people whose lives have been touched by suicide, the Midnight Library hit very close to home. I, too, have a book of regrets. Choices I wish I could undo. Lives I wish I could have lived. While I am lucky enough to have carved out a happy life where I feel loved and valued, not everyone is so fortunate. If my twenties had progressed differently, I could very well have ended up in a very similar situation to Nora, and I could relate to her on a visceral level.
This book explores a difficult topic with clarity and hope, and leaves the reader with nugget after nugget of wisdom to digest. Questioning the nature of memory, challenging our expectations, interrogating our definition of a "good" or "purposeful" life, and reminding us that fulfilling our dreams is never a one-way ticket to everlasting happiness, Haig reminds us that the grass isn't always greener and that sometimes all we need is a slight shift in perspective.
Beautifully crafted, touching, and inspiring, The Midnight Library is well worth your time.
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
You can find me on...
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/plantbasedbride">Youtube</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethturn/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElizabethTurn">Twitter</a>
*PBB Book Club Selection for January 2021*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Death of parent, Death, Mental illness, Self harm, and Animal death