ryliereadss's reviews
284 reviews

Repeat After Me by Jessica Warman

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
Too many characters to keep track of and most of them sound pretty similar. Also the set up seems to be taking a long time since we have to introduce and get to know like 7 characters. I appreciated the content warning in the beginning.
Speech Team by Timothy Murphy

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious 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? Yes

3.5

I really like this adventure of a story. It was fun to watch all the characters reconnect and see the differences and what had stayed the same about them after 25 years. I liked the twists and that Tip was such a gray character. The flashbacks to high school in the 80s was really great. As a speech kid I could relate to some parts of the book and the email of Tip reconnecting with Jennifer was so cringe because they seemed to both be trying to sound so smart.
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About Time by Neil Hilborn

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

5.0

This is some of Neil’s best work!! He’s very vulnerable in these poems and there are some beautiful lines that I’ll have to add to this review later. Highly recommend!!
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

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dark emotional hopeful sad 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? Yes

5.0

First 5 stars in a while, such a powerful read. I loved Liesel, so much depth and such a well rounded character. I loved the narration by Death. Hans and Rosa were incredible characters too, I really admired them, there relationship, and their morals. Max was so sweet and I loved his relationship with Liesel. I liked seeing Liesel’s first crush feeling too. Everyone should read this book. 
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Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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? Yes

3.0

Such a cute start to the series! It was fun to meet all the witches!!
A Vessel Born to Float by Yazmin Monet Watkins

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

4.5

I was not the target audience for this collection but I loved reading her poems about the Black Lives Matter movement, romantic relationships, and self love. Loved the anthems at the end.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

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challenging dark reflective 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? It's complicated

4.25

Really important read that would benefit readers from any age group. Handles the topic of police brutality with care and honesty. I liked that we get the scene in pieces as the story goes on and we learn new things as Starr retells it to each person. Its not trying to traumatize the reader. We see Starr’s internal struggle of deciding to speak out or stay silent. I liked seeing the family dynamics of her and her half siblings. We also see the argument of staying in your neighborhood and trying to make it better vs moving to a better neighborhood. There is also great advice in the book about how to decide if a friendship has ended/is worth continuing which I think is great and needed. Highly recommend giving this book a shot!!
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The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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? Yes

3.5

I liked the premise of this book! The themes of grief and death were handled well. I liked Florence as a character and her internal struggles were interesting to read about. She was also funny and relatable but at times could be pretty cringe,
like googly eyes on his abs?? Be so for real rn
I liked the yearning that Ben being a ghost that Florence can’t touch creates. Her family seems really supportive and tough conversations are had. I liked the ending and the queer representation provided by the side characters. Cute and lighthearted read!!
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
I’ve been trying to read this book for a month and a half and it just hasn’t hooked me. The pacing is too slow for me and Mr. Norrell is kind of a gatekeeping ass.
Poopsie Gets Lost by Hannah E Harrison

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adventurous funny tense fast-paced
Was this narrator trying to get Poopsie killed???? Poopsie is so brave and should not be shamed for wanting to take a nap. What a resourceful kitty.