themanicuredreader's reviews
331 reviews

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

mysterious medium-paced

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

2.0

I don’t get it. No character development. I’m all for reality with an element of fantasy or whimsy but there was no explanation ever. 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was phenomenal — so voicey, so reflective, I wanted to highlight every other line. This is definitely one I will be rereading & learning from both as an aspiring writer & as a human being. 

The Women by Kristin Hannah

dark emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Kristin Hannah once again tells a phenomenal story about a piece of history many know little about. I couldn’t stop turning the pages of Frankie’s story, was both captivated & horrified by her descriptions of war, & felt gutted about life “back in the world” once Frankie returned. If anything, this book makes me want to learn more about this piece of history — which was not really taught in any of my history classes growing up. 

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

I saw two bookstagrammers post about this book just today, & given its length, I figured I should read it. A quick but thoughtful story with some quotable nuggets. I’m already interested in checking out more from this author. Beautiful writing & put me right in the scenes.  

The Situationship by Abby Jimenez

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Cute because everything Abby writes is gold. Just want more of this interlude before the next book!

The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book by Taylor Swift

emotional informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

I mean, duh, it was obviously phenomenal & her opening letter made me cry. 

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

Loved this one so much, may be my favorite of the year. Natalie & Rob are not only great romantic leads, but great depictions of the millennial plight. Their journeys make you feel less alone. This is one I’ll go back to & reread for sure. Also, at times I saw a bit too much of myself in Natalie & her situations, ha! 

Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff

funny hopeful 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? No

5.0

A perfect romcom with characters who had fully formed lives & careers. Easy to read on two plane rides! 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Gripping and unputdownable while unraveling the mysteries of two missing children through an entire cast of characters’ eyes. Will definitely be reading more Liz Moore. 

Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London

dark emotional reflective tense 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? No

5.0

My most anticipated read of the year! I absolutely love Kate’s writing style & storytelling. This story’s message is all about being your own hero. Tess & Joni’s friendship ended up being my favorite part! And of course I loved the Yoos. The action scenes were a surprise but a very welcome one! I could not put it down. As the self-proclaimed leader of the One to Watch fan club, I adored the Easter eggs!!