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readwithacoffee's reviews
12 reviews
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
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? No
5.0
It didn't take me this long because I didn't enjoy it. I freaking loved it. But I stopped mid Feb as I didn't want to take it on holiday and then had other books to finish for book club etc.
I'm not going to bother with a synopsis. I may accidently give a spoiler. And So. Much. Happens.
Like, what doesn't happen in this book? It switches to all of the characters at some point which I enjoyed and you get to know some of the characters in so much more detail. I mean, the length of the book...how can it not be that detailed. I wasn't bored for a second. I genuinely think I could read about these characters eating their breakfast for 800 pages and not be bored. I'm obsessed.
Favorite characters out of this were definitely Baxian, Rhun and Lidia. Can they have their own book please?
I'm not going to bother with a synopsis. I may accidently give a spoiler. And So. Much. Happens.
Like, what doesn't happen in this book? It switches to all of the characters at some point which I enjoyed and you get to know some of the characters in so much more detail. I mean, the length of the book...how can it not be that detailed. I wasn't bored for a second. I genuinely think I could read about these characters eating their breakfast for 800 pages and not be bored. I'm obsessed.
Favorite characters out of this were definitely Baxian, Rhun and Lidia. Can they have their own book please?
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Trigger warnings of abuse and eating disorders in this autobiography.
First of all, I had no idea who Jennette McCurdy was when I downloaded this as an audio. I had only heard of iCarly but never seen it and so I downloaded purely because I was intrigued by the title and I'd seen great reviews in booksta. Consider me bookfluenced. No synopsis as you should just read or listen (I suggest to listen) to discover her life. My thoughts below:
The audiobook is narrated by Jennette herself as she relives and retells her life as a child actor through to the present and the emotional, physical and mental abuse that occurred. It is a deeply personal account and listening to her tell it in her own voice made it all the more so. The complicated relationship with her mother (and the rest of the family) and the things that are described to happen in the entertainment industry (especially as a child let alone as an adult) are told with raw emotion yet matter of fact honesty.
I really liked how brutally honest Jennette is about her recovery and the amount of lapses that happen and that even today, everything isn't perfect and it's not a fairytale ending. It is hard work, a lot of fall backs and I think anyone reading this who is going through recovery of any sort would appreciate that. It sounds to me that through a shit ton of therapy and help she is finally reclaiming her life and her relationship with herself and the entertainment industry through this book.
Having never heard of her or having watched iCarly, I wonder if fans knew about any of this pre book release or was it completely new info? Anyone here a fan?
emotional
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Trigger warnings of abuse and eating disorders in this autobiography.
First of all, I had no idea who Jennette McCurdy was when I downloaded this as an audio. I had only heard of iCarly but never seen it and so I downloaded purely because I was intrigued by the title and I'd seen great reviews in booksta. Consider me bookfluenced. No synopsis as you should just read or listen (I suggest to listen) to discover her life. My thoughts below:
The audiobook is narrated by Jennette herself as she relives and retells her life as a child actor through to the present and the emotional, physical and mental abuse that occurred. It is a deeply personal account and listening to her tell it in her own voice made it all the more so. The complicated relationship with her mother (and the rest of the family) and the things that are described to happen in the entertainment industry (especially as a child let alone as an adult) are told with raw emotion yet matter of fact honesty.
I really liked how brutally honest Jennette is about her recovery and the amount of lapses that happen and that even today, everything isn't perfect and it's not a fairytale ending. It is hard work, a lot of fall backs and I think anyone reading this who is going through recovery of any sort would appreciate that. It sounds to me that through a shit ton of therapy and help she is finally reclaiming her life and her relationship with herself and the entertainment industry through this book.
Having never heard of her or having watched iCarly, I wonder if fans knew about any of this pre book release or was it completely new info? Anyone here a fan?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, and Mental illness
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
As with other Heather Morris books, (Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cika's Journey) this is historical fiction based on true events and real people.
In the midst of WW2, the story follows the lives of Norah and Nesta. Norah is an English musician and Nesta, a Welsh Austrailian nurse in the army. Both are fleeing Singapore as the Japanese tear through the Pacific. When their ship sinks and they spend a horrific 24 hours in the sea, they think things can't get any worse. That is until they are taken by the Japanese, separated from the men and put into Japanese prisoner of war camps.
I flew through this book. The characters are so resilient, resourceful, wilfull, courageous, brave and any other adjective I can think of along those lines. Reading what these women went through and the shear brutality of the events was horrific. However, it read in a very matter of fact and hopeful way. The amount of hope and ambition in this story is unbelievable. The women pulled together in the hardest of times and found the loveliest way to keep each other hopeful: music.
There wasn't much description of the setting, which I think might be on purpose? Or Heather Morris' style of writing? Another member of Book Club and i were discussing this as she felt the same. I mean, these places were clearly horrific to visualise and it is more character based but sometimes it was hard to visualise where the women were, the layout, the proximity etc when certain events were happening. However, having read The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cika's Journey, I think it is the style of the author, or done on purpose because they were the same, but because they were based on places that I know more about, I visualised them more clearly. There were a couple of other things I didn't enjoy about the writing style but the actual story of these women and what happened is horrific and incredible at the same time.
I mean, with that being said, I blubbed like a baby at the end as I felt so much for these women.
In the midst of WW2, the story follows the lives of Norah and Nesta. Norah is an English musician and Nesta, a Welsh Austrailian nurse in the army. Both are fleeing Singapore as the Japanese tear through the Pacific. When their ship sinks and they spend a horrific 24 hours in the sea, they think things can't get any worse. That is until they are taken by the Japanese, separated from the men and put into Japanese prisoner of war camps.
I flew through this book. The characters are so resilient, resourceful, wilfull, courageous, brave and any other adjective I can think of along those lines. Reading what these women went through and the shear brutality of the events was horrific. However, it read in a very matter of fact and hopeful way. The amount of hope and ambition in this story is unbelievable. The women pulled together in the hardest of times and found the loveliest way to keep each other hopeful: music.
There wasn't much description of the setting, which I think might be on purpose? Or Heather Morris' style of writing? Another member of Book Club and i were discussing this as she felt the same. I mean, these places were clearly horrific to visualise and it is more character based but sometimes it was hard to visualise where the women were, the layout, the proximity etc when certain events were happening. However, having read The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cika's Journey, I think it is the style of the author, or done on purpose because they were the same, but because they were based on places that I know more about, I visualised them more clearly. There were a couple of other things I didn't enjoy about the writing style but the actual story of these women and what happened is horrific and incredible at the same time.
I mean, with that being said, I blubbed like a baby at the end as I felt so much for these women.
A Bookshop of One's Own: How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the World by Jane Cholmeley
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
World Book Day and I'm reviewing a book about a book shop. But it isn't just about the book shop. It is the story of both the bookshop and its owners; those inspiring the women's liberation movement campaigning days of the 80s. It is described as a slice of social history and a much needed reminder of how women always have to fight for space - to get it and to keep it. What was it like to start a feminist bookshop, in an industry dominated by men? How could a lesbian thrive in Thatcher’s time, with the government legislating to restrict her rights? How do you run a business when your real aim is to change the world?
I've not quite finished this one but from the moment I started reading it was easily 5 stars for me. The voice of Jane retelling the time and events is one I have become familiar with. For someone who isn't that knowledgeable about politics and the terminology, this book was an important slice of education that I needed. Silver Moon book shop is the true story of a dream, politics, feminism, women, lesbians, community, hope and so much more than this. There is alot to unpack.
Such an important part of history and I'm reading it at the perfect time since it is International Women's Day tomorrow.
I've not quite finished this one but from the moment I started reading it was easily 5 stars for me. The voice of Jane retelling the time and events is one I have become familiar with. For someone who isn't that knowledgeable about politics and the terminology, this book was an important slice of education that I needed. Silver Moon book shop is the true story of a dream, politics, feminism, women, lesbians, community, hope and so much more than this. There is alot to unpack.
Such an important part of history and I'm reading it at the perfect time since it is International Women's Day tomorrow.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
OK, so I was so excited to read this and it didn't disappoint. There is so much hype around this book on insta that I definitely had FOMO which turned it into a booksta made me read it. So Booksta, I thank you dearly 💛
Things I loved:
✨️Historical Romantasy
✨️WW1 vibes but make it modern with female soldiers
✨️Rivals to Lovers
✨️Magical type writers
✨️Easy to get into
✨️my favourite quote: It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are....You will miss so much by being so guarded.
Things I wanted more of:
✨️More tension. Iris forgave Roman SO quickly
✨️More Gods and magic. This wasn't built on enough for me
✨️Spice. Buuuut, it is a YA so that explains that!
Things I loved:
✨️Historical Romantasy
✨️WW1 vibes but make it modern with female soldiers
✨️Rivals to Lovers
✨️Magical type writers
✨️Easy to get into
✨️my favourite quote: It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are....You will miss so much by being so guarded.
Things I wanted more of:
✨️More tension. Iris forgave Roman SO quickly
✨️More Gods and magic. This wasn't built on enough for me
✨️Spice. Buuuut, it is a YA so that explains that!
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This read as an epic story of loss and grief. Loss of home, family, brother, mother, childhood, friends, lover, status. Everyone in this book experiences loss. There is a lot of it. It is told frankly and brutally woth some uncomfortable moments which I read as intended. After having already read A Song of Achilles and Elektra, my knowledge of the story made this book an easy read of events to follow but this really gave a different voice to the story. Pat Barker successfully gave the women of the Trojan war a voice that can't be forgotten.
The book follows the story of captured Queen Briseis who becomes Achellies slave as his prize for capturing her town. We follow her as she makes sense of her new life and what it entails, the things she sees and the women she meets. It does show Achilles but there is no real character development or anything for him for as the title suggests, the story is about the girls.
For me, it didn't come anywhere near close to the beauty of A Song of Achilles but then will anything? It did satisfy my love of Greek Myth retellings though and I would highly recommend for anyone who loves reading them too.
The book follows the story of captured Queen Briseis who becomes Achellies slave as his prize for capturing her town. We follow her as she makes sense of her new life and what it entails, the things she sees and the women she meets. It does show Achilles but there is no real character development or anything for him for as the title suggests, the story is about the girls.
For me, it didn't come anywhere near close to the beauty of A Song of Achilles but then will anything? It did satisfy my love of Greek Myth retellings though and I would highly recommend for anyone who loves reading them too.
The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
4.0
What a delightful, heartwarming, whimsical little read!
I really enjoyed this one. It has a sort of simplicity about it that makes it such an innocent read but then it turns out it has such a beautiful message and view about books and their many purposes in life.
Rintaro Natsuki is a bit of an introvert, awkward and a self confessed loner. He has been raised almost in the bookshop by his grandfather, owner of Natsuki books. When his grandfather sadly passes away, it looks like he has to go live with his aunt and Natsuki books will be no more. That's when a ginger talking tabby cat arrives in the shop and enlists Rintaro's help in completing four labyrinths in a quest to save books.
It is such a charming read and it has everything I loved. Books, cats, a bookshop and friendship.
A cute read with many quotes about books that will warm any book lovers soul. ❤️
I really enjoyed this one. It has a sort of simplicity about it that makes it such an innocent read but then it turns out it has such a beautiful message and view about books and their many purposes in life.
Rintaro Natsuki is a bit of an introvert, awkward and a self confessed loner. He has been raised almost in the bookshop by his grandfather, owner of Natsuki books. When his grandfather sadly passes away, it looks like he has to go live with his aunt and Natsuki books will be no more. That's when a ginger talking tabby cat arrives in the shop and enlists Rintaro's help in completing four labyrinths in a quest to save books.
It is such a charming read and it has everything I loved. Books, cats, a bookshop and friendship.
A cute read with many quotes about books that will warm any book lovers soul. ❤️
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
4.0
Well this was just a warm hug in a book and it was just the lighthearted fantasy that everyone in the buddy read needed I think.
It follows the main character Viv, as she quits her previous barbaric life to open a coffee shop and settle down in one place. However, nobody has ever heard of coffee before. So she goes about finding people to hire, help build and serve and bake etc.
There is a gorgeous simplicity to this book in the way that coffee, cinnamon rolls and other delicious bakes are described as they are smelt and tasted for the first time. It really made me stop and taste my coffee as I was reading it. I love that about this book and one of my resolutions this year was to appreciate the little everyday things and this definitely fits with that.
Whilst there are events that happen throughout, I won't say what they are as that would be a spoiler as not much else goes on really but through these events, trials and tribulations as a coffee shop owner (and as the past catches up to her), Viv gains a sweet heartwarming found family by the end and personally I think that made it for me.
It follows the main character Viv, as she quits her previous barbaric life to open a coffee shop and settle down in one place. However, nobody has ever heard of coffee before. So she goes about finding people to hire, help build and serve and bake etc.
There is a gorgeous simplicity to this book in the way that coffee, cinnamon rolls and other delicious bakes are described as they are smelt and tasted for the first time. It really made me stop and taste my coffee as I was reading it. I love that about this book and one of my resolutions this year was to appreciate the little everyday things and this definitely fits with that.
Whilst there are events that happen throughout, I won't say what they are as that would be a spoiler as not much else goes on really but through these events, trials and tribulations as a coffee shop owner (and as the past catches up to her), Viv gains a sweet heartwarming found family by the end and personally I think that made it for me.
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
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? No
5.0
Guys, I'm not even going to do a proper review on this. How can I? I'm speechless! Now I know why everyone is sooo ready for House of Flame and Shadow. I must admit I did have a little inkling from some things that were said but never did I imagine the whole of it.
Things I loved that aren't spoilers:
🫶Rhun.
🫶Rhun and the gang taking on Ithan into their little crew.
🫶The unpredictability of some characters.
🫶The whole of Bryce's bad ass do anything for those I love and to save the world vibe.
🫶The spicy scenes
🫶EVERYTHING!
I have a buddy read for a few days next but then I'm straight on to HOFAS
Things I loved that aren't spoilers:
🫶Rhun.
🫶Rhun and the gang taking on Ithan into their little crew.
🫶The unpredictability of some characters.
🫶The whole of Bryce's bad ass do anything for those I love and to save the world vibe.
🫶The spicy scenes
🫶EVERYTHING!
I have a buddy read for a few days next but then I'm straight on to HOFAS