quasinaut's reviews
179 reviews

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

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

3.75

I have such mixed feelings about this book! It started off rocky for me - I didn't really relate to the main character, her choices, and how she interacted with others, but over time things began to make more sense. There were still some awkward moments and almost-plot-holes that didn't quite add up, but honestly, her moments with Joe really won me over in the end. 
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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

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reflective slow-paced

2.0

I feel like this book and its approach would be much different if it were published today! The definitions of introversion/extroversion felt overly  simplified, the author was too focused on a certain definition of external "success", and I would have liked to see some exploration of neurodiversity and mental illness alongside the central discussion of introversion. Like, what might it look like to be introverted and have ADHD? What about extroversion and depression?

Overall, left me unsatisfied. This book may have had more impact on me had I read it when it was published, but I didn't get much out of it now.
In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

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

5.0

This is my second time reading this book and it is still such a delight. Elliot is obnoxious and lovable. He's perceptive and intelligent, while at the same time oblivious to how others' perceive him - especially as he grows and matures. 

And while I adore Elliot and his (mis)adventures the most, I also deeply love how the author has built this world that's filled with magical creatures and adventure, but also militaristic hubris and sexism and xenophobia. 

So good. No notes.
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Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Oh, this precious gem of a series! Seeing Charlie and Nick continually figure out how to communicate - with each other, with their friends and family, and with themselves - is so heartwarming and real. Love to see them grow closer together while also navigating making choices and doing things as individuals.
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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

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

3.5

In the beginning, the world of the circus was entrancing, but as the story unfolded, I became less intrigued by a place that lacked color and energy. Don't get me wrong - I would love the chance to explore the circus, especially the tents that defy explanation, but I question how engaging it would be day after day, year after year. 

I listened on audio and while I liked the narration, I think this made it trickier to keep track of the different characters and chronology. I suspect I might like it better if we jumped between characters, but each of their stories didn't jump back and forth in time. 
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The Twelve Points Of Caleb Canto by Sam Starbuck

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funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Loved following along as Caleb goes on a whirlwind Eurovision adventure - but with just enough of a grounded timeline to not feel like everything was happening too fast. 

At times, it felt like Caleb was a tad too "along for the ride" but I suppose it works because the others in the Shivadh group are so dang competent at what they do, which is delightful in its own way! 

Mostly here for the fun and lovable characters, and it helps that I've accepted that I won't understand how Eurovision voting works.
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Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

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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

5.0

Oh, how my heart breaks for Charlie and Nick! I love how this book shows that loving someone can't fix their problems, and sometimes all you can do is be there and help them get the help they need. And, support also comes from friends and family and professionals, not just whoever you're in a relationship with. 

And despite all the serious stuff, these kids still have fun at the beach and go to school and celebrate holidays. It's so real and perfectly imperfect.
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Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

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

5.0

This volume was sweet and fun, but also a bit more tough and real as Nick and Charlie learn more about themselves, each other, and their friendships. I'm rooting for these boys. Also, there are silly school trip adventures in Paris!
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Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Well, this series continues to be so dang cute. There's such a tenderness for these characters as they navigate love and friendship and coming out, even when it's tough and terrifying. Here's hoping Nick's friends get on board or go away. Bonus: this volume in particular brought back core memories of high school crushes and late-night texting.
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Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

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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? It's complicated

4.5

Well, that was adorable! Not much happened, really, but it was a delight to get to know Charlie and Nick. The floofy friendly dog might be the best part, though.
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