svmreads's reviews
332 reviews

Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang

dark medium-paced

3.5

Honestly disappointed by this one, as I had such high expectations. Ultimately this book was trying to tackle way too many different ideas and (ironically) many of them were only dealt with at surface-level. It was hard to believe that the main character would work at Holistik and eventually with Apothecare when Victor and the company seemed so super villainish at the start of the book. 

Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

One of the best books I've ever read! How am I supposed to read another book again?!

All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess by Becca Rothfeld
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.

All things are too small, except for this book

Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley

dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide

Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung

dark reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I've been meaning to pick up this collection forever and I'm SO happy I finally read it this year. "The Embodiment" is a new all-time favorite short story. So excited to read YOUR UTOPIA!

Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

Such a fun rom-com! Loved the scenes where they were developing the video series. Wish we got more of Simone and Ray in a romantic context, as I loved their chemistry. Excited to read more from TJ Alexander!

The Magic Border by Arlo Parks

hopeful reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.5

Loved the imagery in this collection! I'll have to get a physical copy so I could highlight some lines.

Exalted by Anna Dorn
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

I'm so sorry, I tried to enjoy this book and couldn't get into it. I know there's a big plot twist (which I already looked up and...wow) but I was so bored I couldn't get through it. And I know that Emily and Dawn are supposed to be unlikeable but they had literally zero redeeming qualities. Also, I wasn't a fan of the audiobook narration. I am willing to give Anna Dorn's new book, PERFUME AND PAIN, a shot because it sounds intriguing.

Cold Nights of Childhood by Tezer Özlü

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.5