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smiti_nathan's reviews
119 reviews
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
3.25 - listened to this as an audiobook and narration was okay.
I appreciated this as a quick low stakes listen. The flower descriptions were nice. The premise of the book was intriguing, but I felt like it lacked in tension. There was a build up to this big revelation and I was left feeling, “…and…”. I appreciated the seamless LGBTQIA+ representation and modeling of romantic consent; however, some of the characters felt quite one-dimensional. There was whimsy, which was nice. Other aspects were quite repetitive. Also, there was this whole aspect of the council, its shortcomings, and what it meant to be a part of it that was glossed over in my opinion.
I appreciated this as a quick low stakes listen. The flower descriptions were nice. The premise of the book was intriguing, but I felt like it lacked in tension. There was a build up to this big revelation and I was left feeling, “…and…”. I appreciated the seamless LGBTQIA+ representation and modeling of romantic consent; however, some of the characters felt quite one-dimensional. There was whimsy, which was nice. Other aspects were quite repetitive. Also, there was this whole aspect of the council, its shortcomings, and what it meant to be a part of it that was glossed over in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, and Fire/Fire injury
When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.75
3.75 stars & rounding up
This book was enjoyable as an audiobook. I thought the narration was fantastic. The plot felt slow-moving at times, so the audiobook helped with the pacing. There were parts of the characters' motivations and backgrounds that I would have loved to be more developed (e.g., a bit more background about Darwin and how his upbringing relates to grave work). My favorite part of the book was the dialogue between Yejide and Darwin. I felt that was written so well. I also appreciated getting a sense of place in this novel. The descriptions of Fidelis and Port Angeles really transported me there and I've never been to Trinidad and Tobago. Looking forward to more from the author
This book was enjoyable as an audiobook. I thought the narration was fantastic. The plot felt slow-moving at times, so the audiobook helped with the pacing. There were parts of the characters' motivations and backgrounds that I would have loved to be more developed (e.g., a bit more background about Darwin and how his upbringing relates to grave work). My favorite part of the book was the dialogue between Yejide and Darwin. I felt that was written so well. I also appreciated getting a sense of place in this novel. The descriptions of Fidelis and Port Angeles really transported me there and I've never been to Trinidad and Tobago. Looking forward to more from the author
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Death of parent
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I enjoyed the writing and appreciated that this felt like a trustworthy psychology book. I wish certain aspects had more depth. For example, the cross-cultural analysis of the Trobriand islanders felt more of a passing aside, and while the comparison wasn't wrong, as an anthropologist, I knew there was more to it. I also wish more time was spent with stories and anecdotes on implementing Kross's suggestion. I appreciated that the last section summarizes the learnings and what to do. Overall, an interesting quick read.
I listened to this as an audiobook.
I listened to this as an audiobook.
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.75
Same rating as the first book, but for slightly different reasons. Again, I loved the world-building, storytelling, descriptions, and pacing. It was slightly slower than the first book, but I didn't mind because I zipped through it. There was a love triangle in this one. I don't love triangles in general, but I did appreciate reading how the author conveyed the messiness and fickleness of love and grief. Unlike the singular mission, the main protagonist, Xingyin had in the first book, she deals with a lot that's thrown at her in this book. Life just gets messy now for her and even though I might not agree with her mentalities and decisions, I appreciated understanding and reading her process. The ending was not what I expected, which I appreciate it. I don't know how I feel about it, but I appreciate the mixed feelings because it keeps me thinking about the book. People have debated about Xingyin's growth and I totally get that. Though she was sympathetic to certain people and situations in the first book, I see a lot more empathy rooted in experience in the second book. The growth or aspects of growth is messy, and I appreciate that. Looking forward to more from Sue Lynn Tan!
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This story is more of a character study, than one with a gripping plot. The narrator (Aaliya) is a 72-year-old Beiruti woman, which I appreciated. It was fascinating to hear about Lebanon's history and Aaliya definitely had a strong perspective. I appreciated Rabih Alameddine's characterization of Aaliya, as he made her feel human. Yes, she is a bit of a misanthrope, but she's a complex human and that came though. She's also a book lover. Some of her perspectives about other people and nations were a bit jarring. I'm not completely sure how I feel about them and if they are situated well enough for me. The reader is told at certain points that they aren't going to get big answers or epiphanies. The way the story unravels is more about daily life and recalling memories from the past.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and that narrator did a fantastic job. This was a great listen for running errands, travel, or when you have bits of time here and there. I don't think I would have finished it if I had read it, but listening to it was great.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and that narrator did a fantastic job. This was a great listen for running errands, travel, or when you have bits of time here and there. I don't think I would have finished it if I had read it, but listening to it was great.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: War, Antisemitism, Violence, and Suicide
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
I listened to this as an audiobook, and it blew me away. The author, Lola Shoneyin, did an excellent job narrating the novel and her oration brought it to life for me. It's a quick-paced book that I enjoyed on a long-haul plane ride. My favorite part of the book was how she built up the complexity and humanity of her main characters, especially all four of Baba Segi's wives, and a few side characters. Many of the backstories were heartbreaking (i.e., TW for graphic sexual assault), and the author did a fantastic job of balancing heartbreak, tragedy, humor, and hope. The ending was quite satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Child death, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Physical abuse, Death of parent, and Sexism
Minor: Police brutality
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.25
I think the premise was intriguing; however, the execution had me wanting in 3 areas: 1. I wish Florence talked to other ghosts. 2. I wish there was less repetition of certain parts of Florence's experience and feelings. That's not to invalidate them; they just got repetitive to me. 3. I also wish that the relationships among family were a bit more developed. It's a quick, light-ish read, and those who love the romance genre will probably enjoy this one.
I read this on my Kindle.
I read this on my Kindle.