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theblushbookworm's reviews
526 reviews
Half-Life of a Stolen Sister by Rachel Cantor
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“Half-Life of a Stolen Sister” is a fictionalized account of the Brontë family. I most enjoyed Cantor’s interpretation when the novel shied away from anachronisms and focused on the characters’ daily lives. I think the novel could have benefitted from more editing and would have been better at least 50 pages shorter. The eccentric format involved chapters that were based in different time periods, chapters written like plays or home movies, and chapters in the fantasy world of the Brontë children. I understand the idea behind the format, but I would have preferred a straightforward historical fiction novel instead. The chapters where that was the case were my very favorite, and I loved learning more about Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. I would recommend “Half-Life of a Stolen Sister” if you are interested in the Brontë sisters and are alright with anachronisms.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Child death
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
“A Man Called Ove” is the touching story of a curmudgeonly, aging man in Sweden. We follow Ove as he navigates loss, learns to live again, and finds community. I adored this book! Ove is the perfect lead for this character-driven novel. His misadventures are funny and sweet, and he is surrounded by an amazing ensemble cast of characters. Fredrik Backman never misses!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Grief
Minor: Cancer and Homophobia
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Alex Michaelides writes another creative thriller. “The Fury” is a murder mystery set on a private island in Greece following six people and a famous movie star who connects them all. The novel is narrated by one of the six on the island, and I found his narrative voice to be electric. Told in five acts “The Fury” has many connections to plays, the theater, and how we perform in our daily lives. I found this novel to be incredibly engaging, and I recommend it for thriller lovers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really enjoyed the first story in “If I Survive You”, but unfortunately the rest of the book failed to capture that magic. The first story titled “In Flux” is an excellent examination of identity in the context of race, ethnicity, and nationality. I found it hard to figure out the speaker in some of the other stories, and reading patois takes some adjusting. I’m disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this one more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Racism
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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? No
5.0
“The Westing Game” is my favorite book from childhood! It ignited my love for reading and is such an artfully crafted mystery. I loved the editor’s note particularly the line “she wrote for children’s inner adult”. I think that sums up this wonderful book perfectly.
A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was a little silly, but I definitely enjoyed it! Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and I loved Lottie and Huxley’s take on it. Their banter was adorable and had me laughing out loud at times. This book is very spicy, but I enjoyed it because the relationship felt so believable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
“The Turtle House” follows a grandmother, Mineko, and a granddaughter, Lia, as Mineko recounts her life as a Japanese war bride. The perspective switches between Mineko’s retelling of the past and Lia’s predicament in the present. I felt like I had to push myself to read this novel, but it was an interesting story. I enjoyed Mineko’s banter with Lia, and she was definitely my favorite part of the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Moderate: War and Racism
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this character study of introspective Stephen over three summers. The son of Ghanaian immigrants to the UK, Stephen is sweet and musical. Azumah-Nelson’s writing style is musical as well, carrying a nice rhythm. Phrases are repeatedly used like the verses in a song. I particularly liked the phrase “two Black crowns”. I think that imagery is so beautiful. The second summer was my favorite, and the first summer was a bit dense for my preferences. But “Open Water” is an undeniably good book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Grief, Police brutality, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Colonisation
In the Same Boat by Holly Green
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“In the Same Boat” follows Sadie and Cully as the complete the 265 mile Texas River Odyssey — a spoof of the Texas River Safari. The childhood friends to rivals to friends and maybe more story arc was so cute. The snarky banter between Sadie and Cully made me laugh throughout the read. I love how YA tends to have a more simplistic writing style. Sometimes simple is better. And since I finished this book in one sitting, it clearly was in this case.