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saoreads's reviews
137 reviews
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
The world building is honestly smooth and soft to imagine; the traces of the galaxy being introduced have their own set of pacing that's defined with beauty. I do want to hear more of Zila's POV, and although Cat was not a character favorite, she was pivotal to the story. I can't wait to read the following installation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and War
How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
It's the innocence of a child that wasn't shying away with curiosity and brimming with youth. At some point, reading it calls for a reminder for adults of how they once were, the way they live their lives, dreams, and purposes. It makes you fall back into deep reflections toward what you hold important in life and what matters. The reality of instances where we have shared experiences, individually gone through but something we can all relate to. This book should be read by people in the stage of their life who may forget themselves or be in a state of transformation; overall, it's a heartwarming reminder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Death of parent
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
I think it's amazing how, even after four books, the tone and the aspect of storytelling remain strong. It still makes me tear up. The moral lesson, I guess, at the end of it, wasn't about the plot but about different scenarios playing out within rigid and set rules. It's giving out huge lessons to readers when it comes to our relationships with people. The characters are lucky to have the chance to meet loved ones from the past again. Ever since book 1, this has been the theme, and it's deeply ingrained - subtle, but screaming that thought to me: instead of living with guilt and regrets, cherish your relationships. Although I wonder how long it takes before that reality hits, when that in itself is the truth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Much deeper than the surface, it touched on identity, mental health, and emotions. The extremes had mostly been carved out of reflections on relationships with other people. The vileness of others and the vileness within. It is a strange book with strange perceptions. But for one to account for, there wasn't much guidance to spare. There's a sense of rawness that offers no gentleness in words or in deeds. It cuts through corners straightforwardly, which causes panic. More or less, it provided insights into life without God, and the life surrounding it is a pity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Outing, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
It was heartwarming and had a slice-of-life moment. It touched on the gullible instances and betrayals at first, which led the character to go find a sort of escape. It showed the need for a change of environment. To allow yourself to take a breather when burned out. To get in touch with a community you'll learn to love. The character stayed true to their personality and allowed autonomy, which was, in its truest form, humane.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
As you reach the end of this book, a lingering tear comes to your eyes, and it tugs at your heartstrings. We often find ourselves living mindlessly without meaning, yet we continue to chase something that eludes us. In the process, we face failure, regrets, and a seemingly endless cycle of remorse. Despite this, it isn't all bad because death is inevitable. However, the beauty lies in how the character perceives their journey, even though the end is predetermined.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Cancer, Death, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
Home Game by Odette Stone
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
2.5
Never wanted to finish a book just for the sake of completing it, mainly because too much time was spent on it to realize how cringe-worthy it is—the type of cringe that will make you avoid romance novels for a while. It's funny at this point. Additionally, there wasn't much hockey involved, which was a letdown.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Unnecessary wording, POVs, and world-building are hard to grasp. Had to put it down.
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino
Did not finish book. Stopped at 58%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 58%.
The book started off exceptionally well, and I initially believed I would enjoy it thoroughly. However, I discovered that my interest was mainly captured by the first half of the story. The latter parts, while intriguing, didn't resonate with my preferences as much. Skimming through these sections proved futile and ultimately felt like a waste of time.
The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford
Did not finish book. Stopped at 46%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 46%.
It took significantly longer than expected for me to complete the book. While the initial parts were quite engaging, as the story progressed, I found it increasingly difficult to connect with the content. Ultimately, it felt like a waste of time, as my comprehension diminished, and the experience left me feeling disconnected.