samusc's reviews
174 reviews

DallerGut Dream Department Store by Mi-Ye Lee 이미예

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? No

4.0

This sweet book takes the reader on a journey throughout customers dreams, as well as the context of associates who sell them and dream-makers that create them. The themes encompass what it means to be human in our current world, with common experiences like looking for inspiration, falling in love, and grieving over family members that have passed away. A highlight is when a dog's perspective is shared and the reactions of his loving owners that surround him. There might be something to the Author's note as I typically deal with trauma nightmares most nights, but had low stakes dreams the night I started reading this.

Ghost Roast by Shawnelle Gibbs, Shawneé Gibbs

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Easily one of the best graphic novels I've read this year.

The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim

dark emotional 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? Yes

5.0

Izzy at the End of the World by K.A. Reynolds

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

I picked this book up because having dealt with the death of my Mom at the same age as Izzy and autism all my life, it's like looking in a mirror (complete with walkman). The pace of the writing keeps you hooked all throughout, as Izzy, Akka, and Raven look for clues to bring their families back. I really like how Reynolds discusses dreams and grief here, and the characterization given to a truck. The acknowledgements at the end are absolutely worth reading for further context. 

Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia

emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter

dark emotional mysterious slow-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

4.5

I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the sequel!

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle

dark emotional funny mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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? Yes

4.5

This book was impossible to put down. The characters are messy and given the zombie genre, the fear for their lives feels real. Rainbow capitalism kills.

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0