tattedtrashreader's Reviews (124)

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

Becky Chambers

5.0

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

It’s cozy and hopeful existentialism. I’m really loving the concepts and hard to discuss topics presented in a relatable way. Often I find myself anxious when I read books like this and with this book, I didn’t.

Highly recommend for all readers.

Western Lane

Chetna Maroo

4.0

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I kept this one as background and I found it tough to follow at times. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the themes around grief and family. I appreciated that friendship was diverse too.

Squash becomes our main character’s solace but grief doesn’t feel like the central theme of the book. It’s constantly in the background and influences the characters. It feels a bit more real in that sense.

This is short and more complex read and I wish I had read the text rather than listen to the audiobook.

Content Warnings

Twisted Lies

Ana Huang

4.5

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious 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: Yes

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Jennette McCurdy

4.5

challenging dark emotional funny reflective fast-paced

Big TW for eating disorders, cancer, parental death, and mental health.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. Her tone and authenticity really shined in this book and I genuinely hope she is doing well now. This is a heavier read and it’s going to stick with me for awhile.

The Ritual

Shantel Tessier

DID NOT FINISH: 50%

lol just no.

No plot. Only smut.

Her homicidal betrothed licks her face and our MMC keeps drugging her. It’s just…a lot.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Becky Chambers

5.0

challenging funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This book is a short read that focuses on exploring the simple pleasures of life: a cup of tea, a journey to the next town, and a bath. While simple, the author explores the theme deeply and intentionally.

This story is an akin to The Alchemist, as Dex ponders his existence and his purpose, alongside his robot friend, who is on a journey of his own.

This was such a warm, hopeful, and calm listen. Highly recommend to those who like philosophical exploration and books like The Alchemist.

Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life

Emily Nagoski

4.5

informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Really enjoyed how well-researched this book is as well as the social commentary. The encouragement to embrace yourself, whatever that looks like, reassured me. I enjoyed the author’s writing style too. The stories shared resonated with me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would for sure recommend it to others who want to keep exploring their sexuality or those who are seeking validation that they’re normal. I easily understood the concepts and found them relevant to my own life.

Her final words were warm and inclusive. Loved it.

Content Warnings