sphynxreads's reviews
684 reviews

Korgi: The Complete Tale by Christian Slade

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

This was my first time reading a wordless graphic novel and it was just delightful! It was like watching a silent animated film which interesting characters and just loads of cuteness. Ultimately though, I don't think I'm in the right demographic for this kind of story.

The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

This was conceptually compelling but narratively a little bit dragging. Still, this is probably one of the most unique and solid science fiction books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I wasn't really drawn in by the scientific elements as much as I was by the philosophical implications of the story and social commentary interwoven throughout. In terms of characters, while interesting at first, I found them to be written a bit unimaginatively that it almost undermined the gravity of their actions. In fact, my unpopular opinion is that the Netflix adaptation's approach serves the story better in order to make them feel more grounded. However, I'd still recommend this to anyone who is looking for distinctive approach to first contact.

The Incomplete History of Secret Organizations: An Utterly Unreliable Account of Netflix's a Series of Unfortunate Events by Joe Tracz

funny informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

I absolutely loved going behind the scenes of one of my favorite shows of all time! So much heart went into the show and in this book as well. It made me appreciate and become more aware of the countless references in the show that made it brim with so much intelligence and creativity. Also the secret message here just made my heart soar.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

2.0

I can see why once upon a time, this was a hit. There were certainly a number of parts that made me feel things and there's the irresistible charm of a dog story, but overall this seemed to me more emotionally manipulative than anything. It doesn't offer much in the way of introspection about what it means to be human (or what it means to be a dog) that I found myself largely underwhelmed. I haven't read the source material yet, but I think I liked the approach and the heartfelt story in A Dog's Purpose more, at least from what I've seen in the film adaptation.

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

adventurous dark informative mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Breathtaking, highly engaging, and surprisingly thought-provoking! I didn't expect to love this as much as I did but what a ride reading this was. It's terrifying in all the right parts, owing to Crichton's excellent descriptions and worldbuilding. I also really enjoyed his social commentary, particularly on the scientific community. I may have to revisit the film adaptation which I haven't seen in ages, but even if you've already seen it, this book is definitely not one to miss!

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

To be honest, I struggled a lot with this book. Perhaps it was because it was higher concept than I anticipated or maybe it was the unique writing style. But in the end I liked it quite a bit more than I anticipated. The parts that were really interesting to me were very compelling, and man, what an ending this story had! It was written so well that despite not fully grasping everything that was going on I found myself quite moved. I think the main thing I disliked about this book was the structure of switching POVs every chapter. That made me have a hard time following storylines and characters and I had to refer to the Wikipedia summary to make sure I understood the events more linearly. I'm definitely interested in continuing the trilogy but with how much I struggled with this it's probably not going to be a priority.

Lion by Saroo Brierley

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

I've been wanting to watch the film adaptation for ages, but I am glad to have picked up this book first. This story is nothing short of inspiring to the point that some of the details feel impossible and made me doubt the author's recollection of some things especially given his age when these events took place. But that doubt didn't overshadow just how moved I was by this story that I actually shed tears. Really my own qualm with this book is the juvenile writing that feels more conversational than narrative.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.5

You know what, I get it. There's a lot to love and respect about this book. I just don't quite understand the hype it's been getting. I could go on and on in echoing the praises this has received: all the characters are so well developed in such a short period of time, there is a palpable humanity to the story and the themes it explores, every detail feels incredibly intentional, the writing is immersive and beautiful, et cetera. And yet, I am left wondering if I missed anything that would have guaranteed an emotional oomph to my reading experience. I am left thinking, "so was there a point to all this?" but perhaps that is the very point this book tries to make: there is hardly a point or purpose to life, it is just there to be experienced with all of its beauty and ugliness. And that there is much to marvel about how we are all interconnected through ties of blood, friendship, and love even with all of their failings. (I'm just rambling at this point.) I guess it's a good thing I'll be moderating a book club discussion for this; I think it's a book well worth discussing.

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

Soaring, touching, and triumphant. Even as someone who is rarely invested in sports, I do love a good story about athletes who defy all odds and persevere through their troubles on and off the playing field, or perhaps in this case the rowing waters. Don't let the title deceive you—while the story definitely touches on all nine players as well as their coaches, it's mostly about Joe Rantz, but that's not necessarily to the detriment of this book. Rantz' story is a compelling and inspiring one and one that I believe captures the heart of the story very well. Huge props to the author for the excellent storytelling and beautiful writing. I can think of no better way this story could have been recounted. Definite a newfound favorite nonfiction book!

Thirsty: A Filipino Boys Love Anthology by Paolo Herras

funny 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? Yes

4.5

I liked this anthology a lot more than I expected! There's a little something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for something cute, reflective, hilarious, or sexy. Definitely checking out the other Komiket anthologies.