raco_vl's reviews
17 reviews

Outlawed by Anna North

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? N/A

2.0

I loved reading this book because one, gay, and two, cowboys (the best mixture). But I have to say, this is just kind of poorly written. 

The beginning is too long, slow, and, frankly, boring. The middle is the best part. The ending.. felt inconclusive.

It's one of those where there's a lot of potential and could have been amazing,  had it just been written a bit bettter.

I do recommend to bring this with you if you are stuck in a place for a long time, and don't have anything else on your shelf (i was taking a test so thats how i finished the book).  

Sun Tzu: The Art of War by Sun Tzu

reflective slow-paced

4.0

It feels weird rating this, and i'm not sure why. 

Sometimes, the random, elaborate metaphors feel a bit goofy, but the book itself is really interesting. 

idk i don't have much to say. its a cool book. 

Uzumaki by Junji Ito

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.5

This is a wonderful series to read in one go. The art is gorgeous, and done perfectly to really give you some goosebumps. Ito does body horror to a T. 

Personally, i think manga does horror the best. This showcases that.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

Oh my god. This is the only book i've ever annotated so heavily, because i used it for an analysis essay.

it's just the perfect length and perfect pace. you never get bored reading it, but you aren't slammed in the face with climax after climax after climax. 

i think this book does a great job at adding some real drama to domestic fiction. the use of setting by having it in a planned neighborhood really adds to the unaltruistic ways the richardson's treat Pearl and Mia. I also think the use of that to further drive the wedge between Pearl and Mia's relationship is done beautifully. And then the whole court case about the adopted child? Perfect way to build on Mia's character and push the conversation of 'Mother and Daughter'.

i'd have to read the book again to give a much better review, but i read this book in one day (i am a slower reader). i'd call it a must read.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

emotional funny 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? N/A

4.0

i adore this book. i adore angie thomas. i might reread this and The Hate U Give so i can give a better review for both :) but these were my main middle school novels ahhhhh

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

this was an interesting book to read when i was in middle school. i'd say it's the better of john green books, but it can definitely be a bit... convoluted. i also think he falls into making a manic pixie dream girl again, but it wasn't too bad. 

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

reflective fast-paced

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

2.0

I don't really understand why this is the dystopian novel we read in school, first. Yes, the reading level is suited for a younger audience, but i'd definitely say there are better options out there with reading levels just slightly above Fahrenheit 451's that communicate dystopian ideals without sounding like an angry, old man. 

it's also a shame that the most interesting character, clarisse, dies ??? why :(  

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide attempt