valerixia's reviews
161 reviews

The Surgeon of Crowthorne: A Tale of Murder, Madness & the Love of Words by Simon Winchester

dark informative sad

Haven't rated this book, as the story is very interesting but the writing and language is very dated. Contains homophobic and racist slurs, and out of date views on mental health and illnesses. 
The story of the OED and of the two particular men involved is fascinating however.

Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata

dark

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

2.0

Odd, flat, not quite explaining either side of what is happening. After reflection, somewhat paedophilic ending. Gross.

What's That Lady Doing? by Lou Sanders

dark emotional funny hopeful reflective

4.0

Open, brave, funny. Modern female life with the light shone on it.

Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense

• 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

Mind blowing, game changing and bloody complicated! Absolutely epic ending the the first half of the Stormlight archive. Feminism, depression, racism, queerness.

Doppelganger by Naomi Klein

challenging informative inspiring reflective tense

4.0

Interestingz thought provoking, and well thought out, a journey across feminism, anti semitism, conspiracy, social unrest and climate change. 

Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress, and Dr. Crippen by Hallie Rubenhold

dark emotional informative mysterious tense

4.75

Really interesting and thoroughly researched. Quite a lot of history of Edwardian London, but the actual narrative of events is gripping and it's fabulous to have these ladies brought to life in these pages.

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious

• 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

5.0

Convoluted but interesting, the last 200 pages a rather emotional when invested! 

Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki

challenging dark inspiring reflective 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

5.0

Intense, conversational, explores themes of feminism, societal expectations, desire, self sufficiency, attractiveness and other people's demands. Thoughtful and open, I loved it.

Make Me by Lee Child

adventurous medium-paced

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

4.0

Good solid reacher book. Decent plausibleish plot. Child doesn't have different voices for his characters still! All speak like Jack.

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous inspiring tense

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

5.0

Great characters, lots new to learn, some interesting revelations and developments throughout, as well as fascinating glimpses into characters origins.