thespicylemon's reviews
282 reviews

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.75

Not the best book I've ever read. I thought it was kind of cliche and just copied and pasted every romantic comedy formula. I really wasn't a fan of Carlos. He obviously cared about his family but the way he treated every woman he knew like a child really annoyed me. 

It had its moments but I would probably skip this one and try a different romance.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

4.5

Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler

dark reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I’ve read a lot of heavy literary fiction lately so I wanted something cute and fluffy. This book definitely scratched that itch! It was adorable and I really liked Lina and Max’s characters. The sex scenes were hot and I thought the pacing was really well done.

I did think some of the writing was a bit too cliche and cheesy for my taste but I don’t generally expect much from romance novels, the point is to be cheesy. 

Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta

relaxing medium-paced

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

2.75

Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

challenging emotional tense slow-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

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

dark emotional slow-paced

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

3.0

I'm Telling the Truth, but I'm Lying: Essays by Bassey Ikpi

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

dark reflective tense slow-paced

4.5

There's no such thing as a perfect book but I do think The Handmaid's Tale comes close. It is a literary masterpiece as well as a horrific reflection of religious fundamentalism. Atwood has previously stated that she didn't come up with many of the things that happen in Gilead but rather drew upon many realities that women have faced around the world and throughout history. 

The reason this book does not get five stars is because I would have liked for there to be more world building. I think more detail into how Gilead came to be and how the Sons of Jacob rose to power so quickly.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

challenging reflective slow-paced

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

5.0