shonami's reviews
460 reviews

challenging emotional reflective sad 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

4.25

Loved this one. Not a genre I usually read. But I was draw. To the nature aspect (a group of kids rehabilitating a trail in the western sierras). I did not expect such a compelling story with some heft exploring grief and delving into themes of anger, depression and sadness as our main character Atlas journeys to find herself after the death of her dad and losing herself. It’s a beautiful portrayal of the prices of healing and reinventing oneself. This one made me cry several times.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall

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challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

3.75

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

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funny mysterious fast-paced

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

3.75

This was a fun mystery. I loved Prima. I lived the way Prina and Beth’s relationship was portrayed and the contrast between Between their relationship and Beth and Jacks relationship. The story was cute and unique. I guesses the who dunnit knocks it down a little. Good little palate cleanser.

The Change by Kirsten Miller

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adventurous challenging emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Strong women taking on the patriarchy full of unlikely female friendship and female empowerment. A touch of magical realism, author definitely achieves what she sets out to do. Lots to think about.

The three main characters are so well developed and unique…I loved each of them and their voices and each of their gifts and how they grow to embrace and use them..even if some are slower to come to that embrace.

The setting comes to be one a character..Culling Point is tangible! Harriet’s Garden is ethereal.

Warning..men are not portrayed well
Call. There are a few redeeming men but for the most part all men are portrayed as evil
And violent pigs.

Long book that goes by quickly.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced