Take a photo of a barcode or cover
samdojtez's reviews
496 reviews
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner was a wonderful surprise for me. I initially picked up the book for its intriguing premise, but I quickly became invested in the story and its characters. The dual timelines of 18th century and present-day London were expertly woven together, and the historical details that the author included were absolutely fascinating. It was clear that she had done her research, and I found myself learning new things about this period in history.
The characters in the story were all complex and well-developed, and I was especially drawn to the female characters who were strong, resilient, and determined to take control of their lives. The friendship that developed between Caroline and the apothecary was heartwarming, and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship evolved over the course of the story.
In addition to the historical and character elements, "The Lost Apothecary" also had an intriguing mystery plot that kept me guessing until the very end. The twists and turns in the story were unexpected but not overly contrived, and I appreciated how the author tied everything together in a satisfying way.
Overall, I would highly recommend "The Lost Apothecary" to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mysteries, or stories about female empowerment. This book was a joy to read, and it left me wanting to learn more about this fascinating period in history.
The Way Back by Gavriel Savit
adventurous
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
"The Way Back" by Gavriel Savit is a book that I was looking forward to reading. However, I must say that I was a bit disappointed with the overall story. It wasn't really the book's fault though, it was more a case of me not being in the right mood for the story when I started reading it.
That being said, there were definitely some aspects of the book that I appreciated. One of the most notable ones was the way the author explored Jewish culture and religion throughout the story. It was clear that the author had done his research and had a deep understanding of Jewish traditions, rituals and beliefs. I found the references to the Jewish faith to be informative and enlightening, and it piqued my curiosity to learn more.
The story follows two characters, a girl named Bluma and a boy named Yehuda Leib, who meet in a mystical land that's a mix between the afterlife and the world of the living. The two embark on a journey together to find their way back home. The story was unique and had a lot of potential, but for me, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
While the concept of the story was intriguing, I found the execution to be a bit lackluster. The pacing was slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters on an emotional level. Additionally, the writing style, while beautiful, was often too descriptive, which made it difficult to keep track of what was happening in the story.
Overall, while "The Way Back" wasn't my favorite read, I can appreciate the author's efforts to create a meaningful story that explores Jewish culture and religion. It definitely piqued my interest to learn more about Jewish traditions and beliefs, and for that, I'm grateful.
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I just finished reading 'Lakelore' by Anna-Marie McLemore. It is my second book from them and it did not disappoint. Even more, Lakelore, has definitely earned a spot on my list of favorite reads of the year. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the magical realism elements are seamlessly woven into the story.
One of the things that stood out to me the most was the diversity of the cast of characters. The book features a queer group of friends with Heartstopper-style dynamics, and it was so refreshing to see two non-binary main characters as well as ADHD and dyslexia representation. I appreciated how the author portrayed these identities with care and sensitivity, making the characters feel real and relatable.
The setting of the book, with its lakes and folklore-inspired magic, was beautifully depicted, and I felt like I was transported to this world while reading. The themes of family, identity, and belonging were explored in a way that was both poignant and hopeful.
Overall, 'Lakelore' is a stunning novel that I highly recommend. If you enjoy magical realism, diverse representation, and heartwarming stories of found family, this book is for you. I'm already looking forward to reading more from this talented author with another book this month « When The Moon Was Ours ».
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-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
3.75
I recently finished 'Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!' by Sarah Kapit, and I must say that I found this book to be adorable, insightful, and fun. Although I knew nothing about baseball, I was able to connect with the two main characters, Vivy and Jake, and their struggles with personal and societal expectations.
One of the things that stood out to me was the portrayal of Vivy's autism. I appreciated how Kapit was able to bring the reader into Vivy's mind and show us the world through her eyes. Additionally, the book handles tough topics such as ableism, sexism, and religious intolerance with sensitivity and nuance.
Even though baseball is at the center of the story, it never felt overwhelming or exclusionary to readers who don't follow the sport. Instead, it was a backdrop for the characters' personal growth and relationships.
Overall, 'Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!' is a delightful read that balances important themes with lighthearted moments. The characters are lovable, the writing is engaging, and the plot moves at a good pace. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming story with relatable characters.
Color Me in by Natasha Díaz
3.5
I recently finished 'Color Me In' by Natasha Diaz, and I must say that I enjoyed the book overall. The author does an excellent job of tackling sensitive topics and taking them seriously. The story revolves around the biracial identity of the protagonist, Nevaeh, and her struggles with fitting in with both sides of her family and society. Diaz's personal experiences as a biracial person shine through in the book, and she portrays Nevaeh's journey with authenticity and depth.
However, at times, the book felt a little too long, and I found myself losing interest. Additionally, I struggled to understand some of the actions and reactions of the characters, which felt inconsistent with their personalities.
Overall, 'Color Me In' is a thought-provoking and poignant read that sheds light on important issues surrounding identity, race, and family. While the book has its flaws, Diaz's writing style is engaging and emotive, and the portrayal of Nevaeh's biracial identity is well-executed. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity and belonging.
Kink: Stories by R.O. Kwon, Garth Greenwell
4.0
I recently read 'Kink: Stories' and was thoroughly impressed by the diversity of stories and characters in this anthology. Each story offered a unique perspective on the world of kink, and I appreciated how the book presented a mostly positive portrayal of this often-misunderstood subculture. The authors did an excellent job of exploring different facets of kink and showcasing how it can be an empowering and fulfilling aspect of people's lives. Overall, I would highly recommend 'Kink: Stories' to anyone interested in exploring the world of kink or simply looking for a great collection of short stories.