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tan_wayne's reviews
130 reviews
One Christmas in Reading by Sara Barnard
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
3.0
It has been years since I read the Beautiful Broken Things series back in 2019. I almost couldn’t remember who the characters are but have certainly forgotten their backstories. I am quite impressed how Sara Barnard managed to depict toxic relationships, while still showcasing love from her sister and aunt.
As I was reading the short story, the memories of the sad stories came flooding back to me. Personally, I feel that Suzanne’s story was the most impactful in both books. I think it served its purpose of showcasing the main character’s relationship with her parents. Just okay I guess.
☆3 Stars☆
As I was reading the short story, the memories of the sad stories came flooding back to me. Personally, I feel that Suzanne’s story was the most impactful in both books. I think it served its purpose of showcasing the main character’s relationship with her parents. Just okay I guess.
☆3 Stars☆
After the Bridge by Cassandra Clare
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
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Know My Name by Chanel Miller
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
“When a woman is assaulted, one of the first questions people ask is, Did you say no? This question assumes that the answer was always yes, and that it is her job to revoke the agreement. To defuse the bomb she was given. But why are they allowed to touch us until we physically fight them off? Why is the door open until we have to slam it shut?” ~Chanel Miller, Know My Name
I had goosebumps so frequently, because each line is that impactful and relatable. The writing is just unbelievable. The author presents so many issues that the world faces today and tying it to her personal struggles. I could relate to so many problems she faces. It hits so close to home that when I am not tearing up, I feel empowered her quotes from her quotes. She emulates power from her words, and I could understand why so many people were inspired by her and her story.
If you are worried about reading such a gut-wrenching book entirely, just read the victim impact statement. I promise it will be worthwhile! Book of the year award goes to this book here!
☆5 Stars☆
I had goosebumps so frequently, because each line is that impactful and relatable. The writing is just unbelievable. The author presents so many issues that the world faces today and tying it to her personal struggles. I could relate to so many problems she faces. It hits so close to home that when I am not tearing up, I feel empowered her quotes from her quotes. She emulates power from her words, and I could understand why so many people were inspired by her and her story.
If you are worried about reading such a gut-wrenching book entirely, just read the victim impact statement. I promise it will be worthwhile! Book of the year award goes to this book here!
☆5 Stars☆
Becoming by Michelle Obama
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
“So many of us go through life with our stories hidden, feeling ashamed or afraid when our whole truth doesn’t live up to established ideal. We grow up with messages that tell us that there’s only one way to be American – that if our skin is dark or our hips are wide, if we don’t experience love in a particular way, if we speak another language or come from another country, then we don’t belong. That is, until someone dares to start telling that story differently.” ~Michelle Obama, Becoming
Stunning. This story did not have a dull moment because it expertly combines compelling personal stories and things happening in real life. It makes readers feel like we are part of the family, experiencing the same feelings of the family. The story highlights the important issues facing not only in America but across the world and inspires change for a better future.
I learnt what it is to become a mother that worries about family dynamics when their parent is a prominent political figure. I learnt what it is to become a figure that can use power and voice to influence the next generation of leaders, despite prejudice towards race or gender. Most, importantly, I learnt what it is to listen to yourself and become who we want to be.
☆5 Stars☆
Stunning. This story did not have a dull moment because it expertly combines compelling personal stories and things happening in real life. It makes readers feel like we are part of the family, experiencing the same feelings of the family. The story highlights the important issues facing not only in America but across the world and inspires change for a better future.
I learnt what it is to become a mother that worries about family dynamics when their parent is a prominent political figure. I learnt what it is to become a figure that can use power and voice to influence the next generation of leaders, despite prejudice towards race or gender. Most, importantly, I learnt what it is to listen to yourself and become who we want to be.
☆5 Stars☆
Boyfriends. by refrainbow
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A nice, cute story about a polyamorous relationship. The pastel colour scheme is just so beautiful, I could really see the tremendous growth in the art across the 100 episodes in the season. I love that the love is multi-dimensional, and features interactions between all the people. The story is just the right blend between reality and unique storylines.
The comic is wonderful, with each character having distinctive features and characteristics. I love how each storyline perfectly fits the character, and the artist is not trying to force storylines for them. I do think the relationship building could have been deeper, otherwise this is an aesthetically stunning comic that features a fresh and different perspective on love.😊
☆4 Stars☆
The comic is wonderful, with each character having distinctive features and characteristics. I love how each storyline perfectly fits the character, and the artist is not trying to force storylines for them. I do think the relationship building could have been deeper, otherwise this is an aesthetically stunning comic that features a fresh and different perspective on love.😊
☆4 Stars☆
The Edge of Great by Micol Ostow
funny
lighthearted
sad
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? No
1.5
Just watch the television series. I loved so many songs especially "The Other Side of Hollywood" "Finally Free" and "Unsaid Emily".
The book fails to encapsulate the best part of the fiction universe – the music. Small parts of songs were inserted into the storyline in the book, without the music, it added nothing to the experience.
Everything happens in snapshots (each chapter averaging 5 pages), so nothing was developed. Stories (especially Luke’s family relationship) and characters that could be fleshed out were absent. Having multiple perspectives just add to the mess, since everyone feels similar. The only redeeming quality is Julie’s family dynamic. The book made it seem like a conglomerate of petty drama and meaningless rivalry. Maybe film-to-book adaptations should not exist.
☆1.5 Stars☆
The book fails to encapsulate the best part of the fiction universe – the music. Small parts of songs were inserted into the storyline in the book, without the music, it added nothing to the experience.
Everything happens in snapshots (each chapter averaging 5 pages), so nothing was developed. Stories
☆1.5 Stars☆
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
“When two people are at one in their inmost hearts, they shatter even the strength of iron or bronze” ~Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Princess
This trilogy left me in silent tears. It was such a bittersweet ending. Despite accidentally spoiling myself of the ending, there were many moments which left me flabbergasted and despondent.
Tessa Gray (Starkweather) was the one I sympathised with the most, I have grown to really love and admire her, who always stood by her heart. Will Herondale has matured greatly, and I admired his patience and loyalty. Jem Carstairs has evolved from a shy person to someone who has finally accepted his flaws and what he wanted.
Charlotte Fairchild is one of the strongest female characters I have seen, always standing with dignity and grace, her narrative is my favourite. Henry Branwell proved that standing out from others is nothing to be ashamed of.
Sophie Collins is the definition of growing from the pain and embracing the new changes in life and her dreams. Gideon Lightwood, on the other hand, is gentle and calm, fitting of a great lover.
Gabriel Lightwood learned to move from grudges and has welcomed a sense of joy and loyalty towards his loved ones. Cecily Lightwood has proven to be a brave and strong warrior.
I loved how this book combined everything from the action in “Clockwork Angel”, to the relationships in “Clockwork Prince”, and finally sprinkling in humour and devastation unique to “Clockwork Princess”.
Meanwhile, I will stand on the Blackfriars Bridge and reminisce the stories that it carries.
☆ 5 Stars ☆
This trilogy left me in silent tears. It was such a bittersweet ending. Despite accidentally spoiling myself of the ending, there were many moments which left me flabbergasted and despondent.
Tessa Gray
Charlotte Fairchild is one of the strongest female characters I have seen, always standing with dignity and grace, her narrative is my favourite. Henry Branwell proved that standing out from others is nothing to be ashamed of.
Sophie Collins is the definition of growing from the pain and embracing the new changes in life and her dreams. Gideon Lightwood, on the other hand, is gentle and calm, fitting of a great lover.
Gabriel Lightwood learned to move from grudges and has welcomed a sense of joy and loyalty towards his loved ones. Cecily Lightwood has proven to be a brave and strong warrior.
I loved how this book combined everything from the action in “Clockwork Angel”, to the relationships in “Clockwork Prince”, and finally sprinkling in humour and devastation unique to “Clockwork Princess”.
Meanwhile, I will stand on the Blackfriars Bridge and reminisce the stories that it carries.
☆ 5 Stars ☆