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stardust_cowgirl's reviews
49 reviews
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
emotional
reflective
fast-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
3.75
A short but meaningful read; a bittersweet slice-of-life tale that grapples with tough realities of the times. The edition I read included a forward that covered some fascinating background on Steinbeck’s life, the travels and work he completed that informed his stories, and his struggles as an author. It added depth and perspective to an already complex story; I appreciated it immensely. Definitely interested in exploring more of Steinbeck’s works.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Truly phenomenal, easily one of my new all-time favorite books. Incredibly cozy and wholesome while touching on some important topics in a way that was admirably accessible and respectful. I loved the omniscient perspective covering each of the lovable (but flawed) members of the Wayfarer crew equally, and the sense of community expressed and developed between them. A fast-paced read that was super engaging with lots of intriguing world-building and character growth, I had a hard time ever putting it down!
Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess' Stardust #1 by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A lovely fantasy read! The story had a great flow and was wonderfully engaging, immersive, and descriptive. Lots of lovely visuals throughout. Plenty of ups and downs with a nice wrap-up ending. At a few points the writing is a bit suspect and certainly behind-the-times, but that is the only major criticism that comes to mind.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
This was one of my absolutely favorite reads in a long time; well-deserving of five stars. Truly unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s complicatedly beautiful (visually and emotionally), heart-wrenching, and intricately philosophical in a way that feels effortless (and surprising, considering how quick of a read this was). I was absolutely enthralled from beginning to end and I definitely plan on rereading it at some point. A truly unique and unforgettable read!
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This may just be the book that gets me back into sci-fi! Easily one of my favorite reads in a long time.
Incredibly engaging and thought-provoking, with so many real-world themes about humanity, science, religion, culture, and so much more heartbreakingly and beautifully woven throughout. It’s the type of book I easily could’ve binged, but glad I didn’t so I had time to soak up and reflect upon every twist and turn.
For me personally, I felt as though the pacing was a bit clunky at times and certain points were a but trope-y, but not in a terribly unfitting or distracting way. I also would’ve loved to see a bit more world-building and development of certain characters. I think this has great potential to make for an incredible movie!
All in all, a fantastic read I’d recommend to just about anyone I know.
Incredibly engaging and thought-provoking, with so many real-world themes about humanity, science, religion, culture, and so much more heartbreakingly and beautifully woven throughout. It’s the type of book I easily could’ve binged, but glad I didn’t so I had time to soak up and reflect upon every twist and turn.
For me personally, I felt as though the pacing was a bit clunky at times and certain points were a but trope-y, but not in a terribly unfitting or distracting way. I also would’ve loved to see a bit more world-building and development of certain characters. I think this has great potential to make for an incredible movie!
All in all, a fantastic read I’d recommend to just about anyone I know.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
medium-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? It's complicated
2.75