ruthie_wk's reviews
1203 reviews

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

Someone recommended this book because they found it “weird.” And if there’s something that’s becoming glaringly clear…weird is right up my alley. 

After the disappointing experience I had with You Made A Fool of Death with Your Beauty, I was afraid of reading another Emezi book. But this, THIS is a fave.

The Secret Lives of the Four Wives by Lola Shoneyin

emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective sad fast-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? Yes

5.0

It took me so long to get to this but I'm happy I read it at this time. I was better able to appreciate the prose and beauty of the book. I now understand the hype. Well written, fast paced, and highly engaging, this is a remarkably addictive story that will remain in my mind for a while.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

4.5

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

The ending paragraph was such a heartbreaking revelation when linked to Deya's last memory of her parents. 
And Isra's having felt that Hannah must have been at fault a little bit for her death and then she gets killed months later for trying to leave?? Goddamn.

My greatest pain reading such books is the existence of Fareedas. The mothers who

glorify suffering just because their suffering had a bit of societal success. Just because they didn't die, they trivialize their daughter's pain.

The women who propagate toxic and dangerous patriarchy and cultures are the characters I tend to hate the most. 

This book provides a good context of why more women are choosing to stay single. It's not representative of the whole world, but such shared experiences help us glimpse deeper into the choice women are making. 

This wasn't an outright five star, but Part III just turned everything on its head. And I am grateful I ever got a chance to read this one.

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.

Couldn't stay interested in this. 

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

I am grateful that this is my first Shafak book. This is a wonderful book despite how heavy it is. 

Absolutely loved this one :)

Comemadre by Roque Larraquy

dark funny fast-paced

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

3.5

This would have been a powerful 4.5 star read if it didn't have the second part. 

Apple and Knife by Intan Paramaditha

adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

3.5

We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo

2.25

The first part was funny, engaging, and interesting. 

Once she got to America, it turned disjointed and more of summarized commentary. 

Thankfully it was a quick read.

Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.

Not interesting enough.