saoreads's reviews
133 reviews

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It masterfully combined elements of the modern century and Gen Z, speaking about instances that involved disparities among the rich, poor, and middle class, addressing issues such as racism, and prompting questions about one's own conscience. Despite involving superpowers, it presented realistic points and maintained a friendly, amiable tone, even if it might be a bit cliché and cringe-worthy. Although I'm not a big fan of how the storyline unfolded, the main character's commendable actions in shouldering responsibility while facing disadvantages are noteworthy. It's not solely due to her decisions but also influenced by other adults, creating the environment in which she navigates. It is relatable, especially for Asians. For instance, in a conversation with Henry, Alice exclaimed, "Why do I feel so f*cking tired all the time?" and I couldn't not relate that badly. The book is filled with impactful and impressionable lines that stir emotions, and I'm pleased with how it concluded. The open ending leaves room for improvement, noting that accepting uncertainties is crucial for personal growth.
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The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

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adventurous challenging dark sad tense fast-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

4.5

It's an easy read that catapults with a strong heroine, who considers herself sexually empowered. She is on a mission to rule the kingdom by seducing the shadow king and killing him to gain control and power. The planning it took for her and overall resolve were there. Although she seemed to be a villainess type, she had principles that didn't make you hate her in a way. I'm not a big fan of some parts, especially the peak of the plot, but the little twist saved it, and it's fast to finish if you're in for a quick read. 
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Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.5

Solid collection; some are my cup of tea, while others are not. However, there's no debate that Ocean Vuong's strong vocabulary, combined with intense and spontaneous story-filled imagery, is a treat for poetic liberation. The vast array of wisdom-filled quotes leaves you pausing to reflect. These experiences are deeply personal, making it understandable why some parts may seem detached and unrelatable. Following the theme, the pleas and pieces dedicated to his mother evoke both ecstatic feelings and a tug at the heartstrings.
The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It was packed with more mystery and always had to insert a twist than the normal plot twists in history. Many side characters were introduced, and the characters from book 1 stayed true to their personalities. Although there's the frustration of the heroine's confusions and doubts, it showed readers that everything is not as it seems. This was good enough as a duology, but knowing it still has another installment is not so bad as well.
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You're Not Enough (and That's Ok): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love by Allie Beth Stuckey

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

This book shattered every fragmentary thought and rigid principle that used to hang loosely in my head. It affirmed logic, reason (not feeling), and the Almighty for what we believe in. 'You are not enough, and you will never be, and it's okay because God is.' This phrase guided the path of the book, and every chapter prompted self-reflection on our own self-ejected miseries and journeys to self-discovery, often leaving us with more questions than answers. In our pursuit to gain control, we become miserable. The book imparts simple yet effective lessons that, at times, we might have taken for granted–how uncertainties lie in our lives and how the author's experiences carry readers through relatability. In the end, God is the finishing line, just as He was in the beginning. Bible verses and scriptures intertwine throughout the chapters, and it's rare to find one that presents points well, encouraging us to reflect and ponder.
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The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Stephen Hanselman, Ryan Holiday

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challenging reflective fast-paced

4.5

It provided an in-depth conversation that delved into the real idea of being a stoic, of which at first, I simply had no clue. There are many pieces that one can always get back into and sought out with action effectively. The last chapter left a more significant impact than all the other goodies found in the book. 'Words turn to works,' according to Seneca, and that will be a new addition to my mantra for 2024.
Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard by Bo Seo

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Juggling to reading books from fiction to nonfiction brought me imbalance. I was no longer reading but skimming mindlessly. For the most parts it simply was not for me but it was interesting, though I never got through with it. 
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

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challenging dark emotional 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

3.5

This is an odd book; as I see it, it brings out perspectives worth reflecting on, but I find it infuriating that no justice was done. Being seen as different should not be a reason to be treated awfully, simply because they wanted to? It was hypocritical at most and selfish at best. They stuck to their own definitions, but it's frustrating to read something that seems to offer insight but provides nothing at the same time.
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Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

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adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

It has been stuck on my TBR for so long that I finally got to read it, and with my love for magic and fantasy, this was a real treat. The first book, Serpent and Dove, piqued my interest with its hint at unrevealed backstories and plenty of possibility for more investigation in possible sequels. The characters' deep family relationships with their convoluted secrets gave a level of complexity that really tricked the mind. The idea of a parent sacrificing their child and the contradictory emotions associated with parental love departed from the norm, revealing deceit and the disheartening knowledge that one is living a lie-based life. 
The story explores the dissolution of values that have been imprinted since childhood, only to expose their falsity. It skillfully captured the possibility of love blossoming in the middle of disaster and presented endearing individuals in the midst of all of this upheaval. Together with highlighting the animosity between witches and chasseurs, which developed into an unexpected and intricate love tale, the story also touched on the themes of affection and teamwork among the characters.
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Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-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

5.0

This book takes you on some mind-f*ck emotional experience—the phases of falling in love that are not exactly defined in the usual ways—it speaks in another language, differing from the means of poetry or typical romance. There's truth and nonsense and ecstatic to an escalation that relentlessly pulls you forward to the center stage, not being a part of ridicule but being a part of one's imaginary world (2 worlds with the main characters)—absorbing to curating images of personas—is that really the person? or a made-up one? The concepts of change and obsessions with it, the repertoire of control and not having it at the same time. This book is posed with humor and sarcasm, making you psychologically challenged, and it was absolutely delivered with as much perfection as possible.
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