sariandtherevolution's reviews
138 reviews

Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic descriptions of physical abuse, bullying, psychological and sexual harassment. Mention of suicide.The main topic and the distressing events that build the story line can be heavily disturbing.

Eyes and Kojima form a friendship bonding over their trauma, despite the circumstances. Hope, strength and togetherness  bloomed thanks to the conversations, letters and moments the main characters exclusively shared together. The author asks philosophical questions in a way that will leave you uncertain of how you should react and answer.

Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

emotional lighthearted relaxing 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 sweetest of the series!

Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

lighthearted relaxing 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? N/A

4.5

Exquisite!!!

Globalization: A Very Short Introduction by Manfred B. Steger

informative fast-paced

3.0

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

Crying in H Mart is so beautiful and inspiring. I connected with a culture and its food that I’m not familiar with. I was able to deeply empathize with grieving family members without having lost a parent myself. The writing is exquisite and made me hang on to the story very tightly. Zauner centers the protagonists’  flaws but using Michelle’s mother’s favorite word, each person in the story is “lovely”.
Topics include: grief, a mother-daughter relationship, biraciality, racism, migration, food, culture and diversity.

You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat

challenging reflective medium-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

3.5

We follow the main characters' recovery from love addiction while navigating her traumas through glimpses of her past. Being queer, Arab, a Palestinian woman living in America comes with assimilated and naturalized difficulties. This book reflects on the intersection of these pieces of her identity in a way that breaks the taboo built wall of silence. Acknowledging that trauma shapes toxic behaviors, responses and coping mechanisms, the main character fights her inner demons and the ones surrounding her while embracing cultural differences.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

Beautifully lyrical and poetic. Each of the three parts of this book is incredibly relevant. They reveal the main character’s intimate discovery of himself. We are welcomed into the life and emotions of Little Dog and walked fluidly through the events that shape his life. My copy is full of highlighted quotes that left me in awe of Ocean Vuong’s writing.

Prayers for the People: Homicide and Humanity in the Crescent City by Rebecca Louise Carter

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

A beautiful book about Black struggles in New Orleans post-Katrina and how the African American community found peace and healing through faith.

On Cats by Charles Bukowski

medium-paced

2.0

I hate the way Bukowski makes you empathize with him through his love for cats despite him making racist and sexist comments. As the Washington Post said “He shocks you on one page and moves you on the next”.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

4.0