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sprinumter's reviews
10 reviews
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is more than just a 4.5 star review! The read was dark, mysterious, emotional, and thrilling- however there were many points where the story was very predictable (hence the 4.5 not 5) as in I knew what the next plot twist was going to be. Regardless, it is one of the most interesting stories I’ve read in a while and very much enjoyed how fast paced and easily digestible the content was. Poppy is my favorite character of them all and I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints from the various characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
See How They Run by Rachel Howzell Hall
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
More of a 3.5!
4⭐️ The voice actor, Imani Parks, did a lovely job reading the story and attempting to make it come to life, and I have begun looking for other things by her.
3⭐️ As for the story concept- it was seemingly well-intentioned but was diminished by excessive word use and over explanation of minute details rather than the things that could have had that more robust imagery. The story also seemed to be rushed to fit a time limit and while there is some resolve to conflict in the story, we do not see much of a resolution regarding Lauren and her grief for her fiancé.
4⭐️ The voice actor, Imani Parks, did a lovely job reading the story and attempting to make it come to life, and I have begun looking for other things by her.
3⭐️ As for the story concept- it was seemingly well-intentioned but was diminished by excessive word use and over explanation of minute details rather than the things that could have had that more robust imagery. The story also seemed to be rushed to fit a time limit and while there is some resolve to conflict in the story, we do not see much of a resolution regarding Lauren and her grief for her fiancé.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Huxley wrote this book 80 years ago and there are components of the story that are remnacent of today’s society. We are still working toward this classist, “perfect“, everybody-is-happy-because-they-know-their-place, all-for-the-greater-good, society. It is scary to think that technology may eventually get to the point where people are just conditioned to be happy living in a systematically oppressed society based on being a delta or a gamma, least ye be an alpha or beta. The first time I read this book was in high school and it is surprising to me that I did not make the connections that I have now 10 years later. Even if you have read this before, try rereading it again to see how your views have changed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Spies! Sneaks, Snoops, and Saboteurs Who Shaped the World by Scott McCormick
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I love these books! I didn’t know much about spies at all and really enjoyed learning about Josephine Baker, Elizabeth Van Lou, and The Chevalier d’Eon were so impressive and Josephine Baker is my new role model! I am an elementary teacher and have recommended these stories to some of my friends who teach middle and high school!
Pirates! Scoundrels Who Shook the World: Rivals Book 3 (Rivals!, #3) by Margaret Ying Drake, Kevin T Colins, Eddy Lee, Scott McCormick, Cary Hite, Gabriel Vaughan, Khristine Hvam, Sean Patrick Hopkins
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I didn’t even know that I was interested in pirates until I started listening to this book! I also wasn’t aware that there were as many women pirates as there are- even if they had to hide behind men’s clothing. This series teaches me so many different things about history that I might have never gotten a chance to learn.
Rivals 2! More Frenemies Who Changed the World by Scott McCormick
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I very thoroughly enjoy this series because I am learning so many things that I didn’t even know existed! Of the four stories my favorite were learning about Chanel and Muhammad Ali! It is very interesting to see how intense the fights became and how it changed everything from the Byzantine Empire to Chanel to boxing!!! I can’t wait until the next one comes out!
Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Stephen Fry takes you on a divine journey across Greek mythology, explaining detail after detail of the lives, loves, and lies of each of the gods and goddesses. I probably would never have known as much about myths as I do now as I can retell the origins of something as simple as honey! Spoken in the audiobook, Fry’s voice is easy to listen to and animated, although I do recommend listening on an increased speed!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and War
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Nora finds herself in between app the many branches of herself and tries to find her self- her TRUE self. This story attempts to capture the complexity surrounding the will to live between platitudes and ingenuity- mixing in the common reasons others say you need to live with analogies of chess, glaciers, and even the occasional bottle of wine.
As a neurodivergent person who often finds themself in Nora’s shoes- struggling with the will to live, I find this story to be comforting and relatable- as if written by a person whose been where I have been and made it to the other side- the “correct” life, if you will. However, I take a star as I feel the story rushes in the end- the recovery and healing process oversimplified and effortless as if beliefs in platitudes and presuppositions will lead to innate happiness and there will be no more pain- no remittance, no failure, no regrets.
As a neurodivergent person who often finds themself in Nora’s shoes- struggling with the will to live, I find this story to be comforting and relatable- as if written by a person whose been where I have been and made it to the other side- the “correct” life, if you will. However, I take a star as I feel the story rushes in the end- the recovery and healing process oversimplified and effortless as if beliefs in platitudes and presuppositions will lead to innate happiness and there will be no more pain- no remittance, no failure, no regrets.
Love Is Love: A Comic Book Anthology to Benefit the Survivors of the Orlando Pulse Shooting by Marc Andreyko
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.0
I could not put this down, finding a need to see what each artist had to say.
I resonated in the comic of the person who did not have a coming out story- they just brought home their girlfriend- I came out as bi online but it did not garner much reaction as by the time my friends already knew and my family has only ever seen me as a disappointment, this solidifying that ideology.
-1 stars because I was under the impression that this book would be a tribute to the victims (celebrating their lives, loves, etc) but they were mentioned many times as the “49 who were killed” rather than as individuals. The content in the book NEEDS a voice and to be seen- but it does not feel like a tribute.
I resonated in the comic of the person who did not have a coming out story- they just brought home their girlfriend- I came out as bi online but it did not garner much reaction as by the time my friends already knew and my family has only ever seen me as a disappointment, this solidifying that ideology.
-1 stars because I was under the impression that this book would be a tribute to the victims (celebrating their lives, loves, etc) but they were mentioned many times as the “49 who were killed” rather than as individuals. The content in the book NEEDS a voice and to be seen- but it does not feel like a tribute.
Balanced on the Blade's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
medium-paced
3.0
This book combined the lore of sorcery and mystery with militant engagement and fear. Sardelle and Ridge have a connection but what comes of it? What if he finds out her secret? Though a bit oddly described in parts (read cringey) – particularly in the audiobook setting – this is a great book for those who are looking for a fast paced read!