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streetwrites's reviews
254 reviews
Dumplin' by Julie Murphy
4.0
Dumplin' was absolutely a delight, with a funny and often poignant voice that inspired me in ways that I didn't think it would. This book was never something I thought I would pick up and, thanks to prodding from friends and actually hearing the author speak on two separate occasions this year, I decided to give it a go. I'm so glad that I did! While some of the situations that happen in this story are specific to females, the themes and struggles are universal.
I think the message of this book is more than just "Fat people matter, too." The message is that no matter what we look like, or what labels we give ourselves, we've all "been there" at some point in our lives. We've all been embarrassed or scared or confused or trying to cope with big changes in our lives. I definitely took something away from this book about friendship, as I watched the dynamic between Willowdean and Ellen from beginning to end. Overall, this book was a delight.
One tiny complaint would be that the ending came too quickly and left a few things a bit unresolved. But, hey. That's life sometimes, right?
I think the message of this book is more than just "Fat people matter, too." The message is that no matter what we look like, or what labels we give ourselves, we've all "been there" at some point in our lives. We've all been embarrassed or scared or confused or trying to cope with big changes in our lives. I definitely took something away from this book about friendship, as I watched the dynamic between Willowdean and Ellen from beginning to end. Overall, this book was a delight.
One tiny complaint would be that the ending came too quickly and left a few things a bit unresolved. But, hey. That's life sometimes, right?
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
This was a FANTASTIC read with plenty of twists and turns that I didn't expect. I wouldn't say that the plot devices were ground-breaking, but they were definitely a delight! It took me about 125 pages to really get into the story, but I think that is symptomatic of any good fantasy. It takes some time for authors to build their worlds and steer their characters into likable territory. I found it most difficult to like or relate to Feyre very much until later in the story, when she is nearing her lowest points. I actually found myself enjoying Rhysand the most. I think Maas may even view him as her favorite character to write. There is just a sense of mischievous and velvety fun to his voice and to his actions. There are definitely lots of unanswered questions, so I am looking forward to see what threads Maas will spin in the second book.
I really only have two complaints with this book: 1) the ending was a bit of a deus ex machina, and it was a bit rushed; 2) if I never EVER read the phrase "she clicked her tongue" in a book again, my life will be the better for it. (Hint: Maas employs this turn of phrase at least twice per chapter, and it almost makes me wonder if her editor was asleep at the wheel when it came time to line edit for redundant or over-used phrases.)
I really only have two complaints with this book: 1) the ending was a bit of a deus ex machina, and it was a bit rushed; 2) if I never EVER read the phrase "she clicked her tongue" in a book again, my life will be the better for it. (Hint: Maas employs this turn of phrase at least twice per chapter, and it almost makes me wonder if her editor was asleep at the wheel when it came time to line edit for redundant or over-used phrases.)