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sarah_cameron's reviews
102 reviews
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.75
This book was sweet, reflexive, a bit devastating, and a lot cathartic
I learnt a lot, and although in some ways my family is quite different to Michelle’s, in other ways I saw us reflected so clearly
I was blown away by how strong Michelle’s writing style was, how immersed in her life I felt, and how she wrote about love and loss and how strongly it can be felt even with time and difficult emotions that can create space between family, how that doesn’t really matter at the end of it all
This was an important read for me, and if you pick it up, I hope you feel the same catharsis I did, even amongst the difficult times and experiences Michelle shares
I learnt a lot, and although in some ways my family is quite different to Michelle’s, in other ways I saw us reflected so clearly
I was blown away by how strong Michelle’s writing style was, how immersed in her life I felt, and how she wrote about love and loss and how strongly it can be felt even with time and difficult emotions that can create space between family, how that doesn’t really matter at the end of it all
This was an important read for me, and if you pick it up, I hope you feel the same catharsis I did, even amongst the difficult times and experiences Michelle shares
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I liked this book!
Was I absolutely blown away by it? No, but it was an enjoyable read that gave a lot of insight into the social and political context that eventually lead to the world of THG as we know it in Katniss’ story.
All the nods to that later timeline were really fun, and despite knowing where the story would ultimately land, it didn’t really predictable at all.
I think it also gives you the opportunity to be reflexive in your assumptions and world views, but equally if you just want to enjoy reading this book you can.
On the whole a solid book that definitely exceeded the expectations I had for it
Was I absolutely blown away by it? No, but it was an enjoyable read that gave a lot of insight into the social and political context that eventually lead to the world of THG as we know it in Katniss’ story.
All the nods to that later timeline were really fun, and despite knowing where the story would ultimately land, it didn’t really predictable at all.
I think it also gives you the opportunity to be reflexive in your assumptions and world views, but equally if you just want to enjoy reading this book you can.
On the whole a solid book that definitely exceeded the expectations I had for it
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Okay I really loved this book
It was incredibly tender and sweet. A slowburn, gorgeously written epic-romance, and damn I have never believed in soulmates more
McQuiston has a way of making a story both simple and complicated and just so real. I loved RW&RB because I could escape into this other world where life changing politics and romances were possible, but I loved this book because it was so genuine. Despite the sci-fi element, it was so grounded in real emotions and experiences and reactions and relationships and found family that just seemed true and relatable and cathartic and I’m so jealous of anyone who gets to read this book for the first time
It was weirdly healing, and just gahhh
There are also a number of topics tackled realistically but in a gentle way that, despite the historical (and residual and current) trauma, are handled carefully and in a way that leaves you optimistic. Within this, I would note CWs for homophobia, hate crimes, racism, and fire injury/death
Finally, the secondary characters are so vibrant and well fleshed out and queer and just wonderful. I love the community they form and their relationship to our protagonist but also to so many other people and places, and they really do add to the story and the warm feeling you get every time you pick it up
Basically, please read this book. It’s the epic sapphic romance we all deserve, and I can’t wait to read more from McQuiston in the future
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Car accident, Death, Vomit, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Racism, and Alcoholism