whatchareadingheather's reviews
739 reviews

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

This is an example of a book that has a specific list of topics that it's trying to discuss (eating disorders, discovering your sexuality, and questioning of one's religion) but does it in a seamless and natural manner. Broder utilizes each character (no matter how small) to be an important part of moving the plot along while also allowing for our characters' true colors to shine through. Can't wait to read more from this author!

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

emotional lighthearted reflective sad slow-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

3.0

This is my first Kristin Hannah book, and I WILL say that she does a fantastic job with long-term character development, world building, and has very engaging writing (I can see how this got turned into a TV show because of the cinematic feel this has). My biggest issue that I have with this book (which docked it a whole star rating) is the fact that this felt very 'what trauma can I put my characters through' fest. It got to the point where I found myself getting annoyed with the clockwork 'trauma plug' and I think this book really didn't need them. I DO want to check out some of her other works still purely based on her talent.

Prism Stalker, Vol. 1 by Sloane Leong

adventurous tense fast-paced

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

3.5

Realistically, this rating is purely based on the fact that this is only half the story. Silly me for thinking that this was a completed work, but I’m definitely engaged enough with the overall story and the artwork to go and find the second volume of this series. Standby on an updated rating/review in the future.

Wilder: Poems by Claire Wahmanholm

mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I think this might be the most cinematically written poetry collection that I’ve ever read. Thought-provoking without being pretentious with a plot that is entertaining enough that you’ll get lost in the words. 

Face It by Debbie Harry

hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

A must-read for Blondie fans! 

Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

4.25

I was NOT expecting to have the same emotions like when I read 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' but I'm taking it as a very pleasant surprise. Anything that you think you know about Paris Hilton is completely blown out of the water in the book. Heads up, there is A LOT of triggering aspects to this book so PLEASE take care of yourself and go at your own pace while reading this.

Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Definitely fun and very well-done on the multiple POV aspect. Wanted a bit more of a concise motive for certain characters, but otherwise if you're looking for a humorous light horror that happens to be queer this is the book for you.

On Black Sisters Street by Chika Unigwe

challenging emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Less ‘Pretty Woman’ and more ‘Anora.’ There are definitely some rough parts that may be triggering to some readers, but this is a great book to check out if you are looking for a diverse perspective on how one can fall into the world of sex work. 

True Biz by Sara Nović

challenging emotional informative lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

Slightly too many characters for the overall plot (especially coming from someone who really enjoys multiple POV), but other than that I think this is an important book for people to read in order to understand the daily lives of deaf individuals in a realistic way. I learned a lot about not only the struggles that deaf individuals face against those who are hearing, but also the prejudices that live within the deaf community as well.

Citizen Keane: The Big Lies Behind the Big Eyes by Adam Parfrey, Cletus Nelson

informative sad medium-paced

3.25

Definitely wish this was more in-depth, especially with the trial, but luckily Tim Burton’s movie exists (highly recommend). Hoping to find books specifically about the trial if anyone has recs!