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theengineerisreading's Reviews (779)
"Believing something existed and then finding out it didn't was like reaching the top of the stairs and thinking there was one more step."
Diving into this book blindly really augmented my experience.
This is my first time reading about schizophrenia from the lens of a young adult and I am not the one to vouch if the representation is accurate but the experience really affected all throughout.
I highly recommend to read the synopsis and check for trigger warnings first before starting this one.
TW: Hallucinations, domestic abuse, bullying, graphic injury, blood
Diving into this book blindly really augmented my experience.
This is my first time reading about schizophrenia from the lens of a young adult and I am not the one to vouch if the representation is accurate but the experience really affected all throughout.
I highly recommend to read the synopsis and check for trigger warnings first before starting this one.
TW: Hallucinations, domestic abuse, bullying, graphic injury, blood
x equals remembering how I squeezed my brain cells trying to understand Truda Becker's story
x equals finding the answers after reading the author's note
This book made me feel dumb bc I thought I was understanding the story but I keep on scratching my head.
Overall, this book offered reality check about complex family dynamics and how trauma affects people in different silent ways.
Thanks to Neil for sending a copy my way after winning a random TBTM book club giveaway.
Current A. S. King list
Love
Still Life With Tornado
Like
Switch
RATING: 3stars
x equals finding the answers after reading the author's note
This book made me feel dumb bc I thought I was understanding the story but I keep on scratching my head.
Overall, this book offered reality check about complex family dynamics and how trauma affects people in different silent ways.
Thanks to Neil for sending a copy my way after winning a random TBTM book club giveaway.
Current A. S. King list
Love
Still Life With Tornado
Like
Switch
RATING: 3stars
Once again, Jason Reynolds saved me from a budding slump and this time, it's through this "not history" history book about racism.
The discussion on how deep-seated racism in the world, particularly in the US, is well-elaborated and I keep on saying "oh nooooo" everytime a famous person turns out to be on the other side of this still-ongoing crusade.
Dating back to when Europeans first arrived in the US and how slavery was normalized back then up to now that the US elected their first Black US President, Jason Reynolds dissected the who, what, and why this social issue remains to be undefeated and what we can do to be part of the answer.
Jason Reynolds is definitely a genius and it shows in this book because it never felt like I'm reading an insightful history book when I'm flipping through the pages of this book (bonus if you're also listening to the audiobook because Jason narrated it himself) and this definitely sealed my pending decision to buy all of his works.
Again, a highly-recommended read that provides brand new information and lets the readers (including me) challenge themselves whether they're part of the problem or the solution.
RATING: 5 stars
The discussion on how deep-seated racism in the world, particularly in the US, is well-elaborated and I keep on saying "oh nooooo" everytime a famous person turns out to be on the other side of this still-ongoing crusade.
Dating back to when Europeans first arrived in the US and how slavery was normalized back then up to now that the US elected their first Black US President, Jason Reynolds dissected the who, what, and why this social issue remains to be undefeated and what we can do to be part of the answer.
Jason Reynolds is definitely a genius and it shows in this book because it never felt like I'm reading an insightful history book when I'm flipping through the pages of this book (bonus if you're also listening to the audiobook because Jason narrated it himself) and this definitely sealed my pending decision to buy all of his works.
Again, a highly-recommended read that provides brand new information and lets the readers (including me) challenge themselves whether they're part of the problem or the solution.
RATING: 5 stars
Are you a big fan of Sex Education from Netflix? I have a perfect recommendation for you... Fresh by Margot Wood!
Synopsis
Some students enter their freshman year of college knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives. Elliot McHugh is not one of those people. But picking a major is the last thing on Elliot’s mind when she’s too busy experiencing all that college has to offer—from dancing all night at off-campus parties, to testing her RA Rose’s patience, to making new friends, to having the best sex one can have on a twin-sized dorm room bed. But she may not be ready for the fallout when reality hits. When the sex she’s having isn’t that great. When finals creep up and smack her right in the face. Or when her roommate’s boyfriend turns out to be the biggest a-hole. Elliot may make epic mistakes, but if she’s honest with herself (and with you, dear reader), she may just find the person she wants to be. And maybe even fall in love in the process . . . Well, maybe.
Things that I liked
The character voice
Elliot McHugh is a very interesting character and Margot Wood really personified her as this funny and wild college student who knows her way with people. The way the character voice spoke in my head is convincing and it felt like Elliot is narrating her story to me as a friend.
I've mentioned with my friends that the MC is perfect for Rooney (from Alice Oseman's Loveless) and I enjoyed reading her story.
Sex positivity
I'm all in when it comes sex positivity especially when the target audience is teens/young adult and this novel really said fvck your backward thinking and all your social constructs that is deeply-rooted from patriarchy. Elliot McHugh's Project Chicken Tender is the ultimate college project that explored both personal and emotional aspects of the main character.
Discussion about trauma
One of the things that surprised me about this novel is the Kenton incident and I felt uncomfortable reading that part but I guess it's essential not only for Elliot as a character but for the readers as well. I can't say that the part was perfectly elaborated but it managed to reflect on what is happening in real life.
Writing style
LOL af and I can't help myself with annotating every funny lines. I had the pleasure to have a small talk with the author via Instagram chat and I can say that Margot Wood really is a humorous person.
Area that can be improved
I guess the romance is the only thing that kind of felt off because it was dragged all the way until the end. Romance is one of the main aspects that I expected to be discussed thoroughly as it was the MC's struggle right from the start.
Otherwise it was an enjoyable experience that I highly-recommend!
What's in this book: Bisexual rep, ADHD rep, Gay and lesbian rep (supporting cast)
I highly recommend if you enjoy: Sex Education, Loveless, Love is for Losers
Trigger warnings: Sexual assault, mention of cheating, verbal bullying
RATING: 4stars
Synopsis
Some students enter their freshman year of college knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives. Elliot McHugh is not one of those people. But picking a major is the last thing on Elliot’s mind when she’s too busy experiencing all that college has to offer—from dancing all night at off-campus parties, to testing her RA Rose’s patience, to making new friends, to having the best sex one can have on a twin-sized dorm room bed. But she may not be ready for the fallout when reality hits. When the sex she’s having isn’t that great. When finals creep up and smack her right in the face. Or when her roommate’s boyfriend turns out to be the biggest a-hole. Elliot may make epic mistakes, but if she’s honest with herself (and with you, dear reader), she may just find the person she wants to be. And maybe even fall in love in the process . . . Well, maybe.
Things that I liked
The character voice
Elliot McHugh is a very interesting character and Margot Wood really personified her as this funny and wild college student who knows her way with people. The way the character voice spoke in my head is convincing and it felt like Elliot is narrating her story to me as a friend.
I've mentioned with my friends that the MC is perfect for Rooney (from Alice Oseman's Loveless) and I enjoyed reading her story.
Sex positivity
I'm all in when it comes sex positivity especially when the target audience is teens/young adult and this novel really said fvck your backward thinking and all your social constructs that is deeply-rooted from patriarchy. Elliot McHugh's Project Chicken Tender is the ultimate college project that explored both personal and emotional aspects of the main character.
Discussion about trauma
One of the things that surprised me about this novel is the Kenton incident and I felt uncomfortable reading that part but I guess it's essential not only for Elliot as a character but for the readers as well. I can't say that the part was perfectly elaborated but it managed to reflect on what is happening in real life.
Writing style
LOL af and I can't help myself with annotating every funny lines. I had the pleasure to have a small talk with the author via Instagram chat and I can say that Margot Wood really is a humorous person.
Area that can be improved
I guess the romance is the only thing that kind of felt off because it was dragged all the way until the end. Romance is one of the main aspects that I expected to be discussed thoroughly as it was the MC's struggle right from the start.
Otherwise it was an enjoyable experience that I highly-recommend!
What's in this book: Bisexual rep, ADHD rep, Gay and lesbian rep (supporting cast)
I highly recommend if you enjoy: Sex Education, Loveless, Love is for Losers
Trigger warnings: Sexual assault, mention of cheating, verbal bullying
RATING: 4stars
I was a bit hesitant to start this book because I am not a huge non-fiction reader but the odds decided that I pick this one up...
and I enjoyed it.
Jia Tolentino's essays show a mix of research and personal experience/observation that blended well and ended with a really good masterpiece.
I enjoyed all the pieces that highlighted feminism, women empowerment, societal concepts that were rooted from patriarchy, and several anecdote from the author.
Top three essays are:
I Thee Dread
The Story of a Generation in Seven Scams
Reality TV me
I highly-recommend if you want to read more about the abovementioned topics plus if you're tired from reading fiction.
RATING: 4.5stars
and I enjoyed it.
Jia Tolentino's essays show a mix of research and personal experience/observation that blended well and ended with a really good masterpiece.
I enjoyed all the pieces that highlighted feminism, women empowerment, societal concepts that were rooted from patriarchy, and several anecdote from the author.
Top three essays are:
I Thee Dread
The Story of a Generation in Seven Scams
Reality TV me
I highly-recommend if you want to read more about the abovementioned topics plus if you're tired from reading fiction.
RATING: 4.5stars
Imagine having a bad day at work (your pitch got rejected by your male bosses who practices double standard against female workers) and you're in subway all prepped for a weekend of rest and then you met a gentleman (#subwaygentleman) whom you tweeted without knowing it'll go viral.
That's how the story started with On Location. First, the romance's early introduced and Lia & Drew hit it off right after the subway meeting but then Drew ghosted Lia for a second date they planned. (way to go for a love at first sight story)
Then the focus went back to Alia's work struggle as her rejected show got approval from the execs and then she need to prepare everything as the show's frontrunner. The surprise is Drew was one of Lia's crew in the show and then their romance will have a continuation while the shooting goes on.
Okay, I wasn't expecting anything about the book since this is my first time reading a Sarah Smith book but okay, I'll say it... I enjoyed this one.
I don't have anything much to share about the Filipino representation since the main character is Filipino-American but I can vouch that Philippines has some of the best beaches around the world (been to Palawan and Boracay and Camiguin) so that's a plus.
The main character Alia Dunn is someone you'll root for knowing her background as a person who works in cutthroat entertainment industry. Andrew Irons, on the other hand - well, I have reservations because he still shows signs of internalized toxic masculinity but it's worth mentioning that he is willing to address it as pointed out in some scenes.
The storyline is interesting because I really enjoy books that are set in the backdrop of entertainment industry (The Gravity of us, Nice Try Jane Sinner, You'd Be Mine) so the excitement to know how Alia and her debut show will progress added extra motivation for me to finish this.
But what I liked most about this book is how unapologetic it is in showing the reality about work, specifically in the entertainment industry. The fact that one of the themes that was fleshed out is how female workers get less attention but require more effort for them to stand out speaks volume and I hope the right audience will appreciate it as much as I did.
The romance though? I'm not a big fan of miscommunication especially when the characters are adult so I didn't enjoy how they continue keeping their true feelings instead of talking to each other honestly. But the spicy scenes? Damn, it's hot.
So again, I enjoyed the book overall. It's not something that will be unforgettable but it's still a ride that is worth the time.
What's in this book: Filipino-American rep
I highly recommend if you enjoy: Adult romance novels with a lot of spicy scenes (not as best but can be compared to The Kiss Quotient)
Trigger warnings: Sexual assault, mention of cheating, verbal bullying, toxic masculinity, relationship manipulation, workplace bullying
RATING: 4stars
That's how the story started with On Location. First, the romance's early introduced and Lia & Drew hit it off right after the subway meeting but then Drew ghosted Lia for a second date they planned. (way to go for a love at first sight story)
Then the focus went back to Alia's work struggle as her rejected show got approval from the execs and then she need to prepare everything as the show's frontrunner. The surprise is Drew was one of Lia's crew in the show and then their romance will have a continuation while the shooting goes on.
Okay, I wasn't expecting anything about the book since this is my first time reading a Sarah Smith book but okay, I'll say it... I enjoyed this one.
I don't have anything much to share about the Filipino representation since the main character is Filipino-American but I can vouch that Philippines has some of the best beaches around the world (been to Palawan and Boracay and Camiguin) so that's a plus.
The main character Alia Dunn is someone you'll root for knowing her background as a person who works in cutthroat entertainment industry. Andrew Irons, on the other hand - well, I have reservations because he still shows signs of internalized toxic masculinity but it's worth mentioning that he is willing to address it as pointed out in some scenes.
The storyline is interesting because I really enjoy books that are set in the backdrop of entertainment industry (The Gravity of us, Nice Try Jane Sinner, You'd Be Mine) so the excitement to know how Alia and her debut show will progress added extra motivation for me to finish this.
But what I liked most about this book is how unapologetic it is in showing the reality about work, specifically in the entertainment industry. The fact that one of the themes that was fleshed out is how female workers get less attention but require more effort for them to stand out speaks volume and I hope the right audience will appreciate it as much as I did.
The romance though? I'm not a big fan of miscommunication especially when the characters are adult so I didn't enjoy how they continue keeping their true feelings instead of talking to each other honestly. But the spicy scenes? Damn, it's hot.
So again, I enjoyed the book overall. It's not something that will be unforgettable but it's still a ride that is worth the time.
What's in this book: Filipino-American rep
I highly recommend if you enjoy: Adult romance novels with a lot of spicy scenes (not as best but can be compared to The Kiss Quotient)
Trigger warnings: Sexual assault, mention of cheating, verbal bullying, toxic masculinity, relationship manipulation, workplace bullying
RATING: 4stars
Quick read! 42 poems in 81 pages that highlight feminism, the complex reality of being a black American woman, the contrast between desires and vulnerabilities, based from the author's experience.
Favorite line:
"There are more beautiful things than Beyonce: self-awareness, leftover mascara in clumps, recognizing a pattern
This is for all the grown women out there whose countries hate them and their borrhers who carry knives in their purses down the street
Maybe they will not get out aluve
Maybe they will turn into air or news or brown flower petals"
RATING: 3.5stars
Favorite line:
"There are more beautiful things than Beyonce: self-awareness, leftover mascara in clumps, recognizing a pattern
This is for all the grown women out there whose countries hate them and their borrhers who carry knives in their purses down the street
Maybe they will not get out aluve
Maybe they will turn into air or news or brown flower petals"
RATING: 3.5stars
Stayed up all night finishing this novel and I totally understand the hype.
It's a cute friends to lovers story but I think I'm not in the perfect headspace for this kind of book.
RATING: 4stars
It's a cute friends to lovers story but I think I'm not in the perfect headspace for this kind of book.
RATING: 4stars
Enjoyed this one in one sitting!
Love how the illustrations look so alive and how the storyline feels unique.
Read this if you want a graphic novel that is equally funny and satirical, plus an amazing world set in a dystopiam backdrop and a set of characters that you'll love.
RATING: 4 stars (because I need more!)
Love how the illustrations look so alive and how the storyline feels unique.
Read this if you want a graphic novel that is equally funny and satirical, plus an amazing world set in a dystopiam backdrop and a set of characters that you'll love.
RATING: 4 stars (because I need more!)
This book proved how flexible of an author Helen Hoang is.
Anna and Quan's story is an emotional rollercoaster and I understood why Helen wrote their story as such when I read the author's note.
Full review to come after the buddy reading discussion (October 30.)
RATING: 5stars
Anna and Quan's story is an emotional rollercoaster and I understood why Helen wrote their story as such when I read the author's note.
Full review to come after the buddy reading discussion (October 30.)
RATING: 5stars