sarahmae531's reviews
118 reviews

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. For every terrible character there were so many more that I fell in love with.
I really enjoyed Backman’s writing style/this translation. The ending tied everything together perfectly.

Content Warnings

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

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emotional inspiring 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

3.0

Content Warnings

Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

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emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

3.5

Three books in and I fear this series just isn’t for me. I still want to continue, since they’re such quick reads and I don’t dislike them, I just feel like I am past the point of being the intended audience for these books.
In this book specifically, there were a couple of times that I cringed at the “quirky high schooler” talk of keyboard smashing and one too many “why are we like this.”
Still a sweet series, I’m excited to watch the show once I’m done since I’ve heard really good things.

Content Warnings

Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

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emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

3.5

I said in my review of Volume 1 that I hoped my ratings would go up as I got further into the series and knew the characters a bit more, and I think that will be the case! A sweet book, nothing too deep (other than some homophobia). Nick’s coming out to his mom made me tear up, very similar to my own experience. Overall a cute addition to the series, excited to read on!

Content Warnings

Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Wanted to pick up this series to see what all the hype was about, and I’m hoping it goes up from here… It wasn’t a bad book by any means, but as someone who doesn’t typically read graphic novels, there wasn’t as much character building/backstory as I’m used to.
It was such a quick read, I am still planning on picking up the rest of the series, and hoping my ratings go up as I get to know more about Nick and Charlie!

Content Warnings

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Needed a good thriller and this did not disappoint! If you’re a fan of unreliable characters, this one is for you. So many varying accounts of events leaves you wondering who is telling the truth, if anyone.
I’ve heard such good things about Lisa Jewell but this is the first book of hers I’ve read. I’ll definitely be picking up more in the future!

Content Warnings

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck

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emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

Loved, loved, loved this book!! Nothing felt overly impossible, all of the characters were well fleshed out and I loved watching all of the relationships grow. Also, the spicy scenes.. chef’s kiss (pun intended)

Content Warnings

You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I enjoyed this book. I did see the twist coming from a mile away, but it was at least somewhat entertaining leading up to it. Can’t say I particularly loved, or even liked, any of the characters, which usually I need in a book. Overall a good book and a good way to start off October.

Content Warnings