thebacklistbook's reviews
296 reviews

Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I loved this book from the first page. As soon as I saw the map I knew it would be a wild ride. The story follows a group of bandits struggling to get by because they insist on helping others as well as themselves. Through magic, emotional turmoil, and war they persevere. But will they get what they need or only what they want? You will just have to read it. 

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.0

This book was one I checked out just to have something to listen to. It was very informative about the suffering she has been through.

Lost in Paris by Betty Webb

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

2.0

Well, this book did hold my attention alright. I can't say that I ever came to even sympathize with Zoe. She is extremely unlikeable, constantly sticking her nose places it really doesn't belong. The book was worth reading for all the side characters. Eventually I may continue with this series.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2.0

Didn't hold my attention the same way it used to. Took me ages to slog through it!

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

The Summoning can be viewed in one of two ways, as the author intended it, and as something else. It is intended to read as the coming of age story of an adolescent necromancer, in a decidedly non-magic world, full of mystery and intrigue. It can also be viewed as the teenage struggle to accept mental illness. Possible triggers for dissociative identity disorder and other illnesses present. Kelley Armstrong spins a brilliant yarn either way you choose to take it.

Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More by Fatima Ali

emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

2.0

I first came across Fatima on her season of top chef. She was tenacious and more than a little pig-headed based on how they edited the show. I read this book because it was honestly a gut punch to learn that she had died of cancer. She was so young. I can't help thinking, if she had chosen to make her career in a country with universal health care could it have made a difference? 

This book takes you through her short life from soup to nuts. Or from dahl to sushi. I listened to this on audio because I knew I wouldn't get through it as a physical book. As it is I spent months listening to the audio. It contains both her perspectives and her mother's on key events from her life.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Pedophilia, Rape, Homophobia, Medical content, Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Grief, Medical trauma, and Terminal illness

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

adventurous challenging funny mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

We join Claire in the difficult task of convincing her daughter of the truth of her parentage. With a side order of trying to save a life, only to realise it isn't her place to play god. Bonnie Prince, indeed! In her attempt to share the truth with Brianna, Claire recounts the uprising of 1745. Of course seeing is believing... 

The pacing of this book is quite slow and of course it is very long. I strongly urge reading these books in the hardback format. it will seem to go by faster owing to the larger page size.

Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.

I can't stand first person narrative unless it is directly relevant to the plot. also the format is unusual.

George Michael: A Life by James Gavin

challenging dark emotional informative reflective tense slow-paced

2.0

This book was a beast. Not only does it weigh a fair bit, it deals in heavy subject matter. George Michael was a deeply depressed individual. This book outlines his meteoric rise to the stratosphere of stardom. It also covers every dark spot on his record. From failed music tracks, fake girlfriends, and severe substance abuse to poor sexual decisions.

If you have come to this book looking for a bubblegum good time, you won't find it. If, however, you have come to better understand one of pop's favorite sons, read this book.

The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book is an interesting structure. It starts off with each chapter being a short story about different people. The common theme being the red garden and the town of Blackwell. Towards the end of the book it coalesces into one story.  This book was definitely engaging. It was also a rough read in terms of subject matter. If you have come to this book for magic, you will be disappointed. This is not that.