wuthrinheights's reviews
79 reviews

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-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? Yes

4.5

This was the first Shakespeare play I bought before, but didn't finish because it was in its original text. I'm glad I found Barron's version and this time I can finally pick it up easily. I've been wanting to read it because it sounds like something I'd love but I didn't want to have such high hopes, since the last time I thought a certain Shakespeare play *cough* that Scottish play *cough* was right up my alley and it disappointed me greatly. It's safe to say that lowering my expectations helped me enjoy this one a lot! 

A Midsummer Night's Dream was fun. It felt like reading a mix of childhood story books all in one; you have the legends from Greek myths, royal characters, fairies, magic potions, and mishaps at every turn! It was funny, exciting, and was quite a page turner. The only reason why I didn't give it full stars is because at some parts, it felt a little stifling and I nearly dozed off. 

Hamlet. Based on the Play by William Shakespeare by Louie Stowell

adventurous funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

5.0

This illustrated version of Hamlet was absolutely beautiful! It's been years since I read it, so some parts were new to me now as I've forgotten it. But I enjoyed it just the same as the first time I read Hamlet. The writings were clear and engaging, and the illustrations were really lovely. So happy I got this copy!

Hit And Run by R.L. Stine

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

A breezy, predictable read but I wasn't bored. I've always been fond of Stine, so this was just nice.

This was definitely targeted to younger audiences. I figured out the plot twist from the first few chapters so I wasn't surprised by the ending at all. 

But despite the predictability, it was still entertaining and I'm glad it didn't put me in a reading slump.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald

mysterious reflective sad fast-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

I did not know this book (which I faintly knew from the movie starring Brad Pitt) was originally written by Fitzgerald. 

It was a delightful (and initially horrifying) read that I started and finished all in one sitting. The beginning where he was born made me feel more scared than Lovecraft ever did.

It was certainly a curious story, and the journey made me pity Benjamin. The whole world was cruel to him for things he cannot control, and I often felt so frustrated along with him. 

This was a well written short story and I felt like I was reading a dream journal. It has that fantasy, surreal feel to it.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

dark emotional tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

I wish I'd gotten this book as a kid. It was a delightful read. I was surprised that the language wasn't as simplified as I expected for a kid's book but I loved how close it stayed to the original text. Great short retelling of my fave novel!

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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? Yes

4.0

Finally got to read Mary Shelley and I was in love with her prose. Her writings were exquisite, like a breath of fresh air as like the mountain air that Frankenstein was breathing in. I thought the book would be creepy and scary but instead, all I felt was sad throughout the book. It was ladened with themes of death (and birth), fear, insecurity, and dreams and hopes to be loved and accepted when one is scorned by society. It was brilliant, and so different than most books churned out in the publishing world. However, I could not give full stars for there were some racist/islamophobic content that I felt was unnecessary or uncomfortable. 

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense fast-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? Yes

4.75

As my first Tolkien book, I was swept away by his writing. It was adorable, heart-warming, funny, and entertaining. 

Bilbo was a magnificent character and he made my heart melt so many times. I loved how he grew so much throughout the journey. From being a comfortable and shy homebody to being brave and adventurous, all while still having a good, pure heart. Witnessing his character development made me laugh, and I was rooting for him. 

I wish we had more Smaug scenes, though. I was waiting for him since the start and when he did appear, it wasn't long enough. But I had a great time, and I would love to visit this book again. 

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus

dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

4.75

This was the first book from Camus that I've heard of years ago and I finally have my own copy, and this is my first time getting to know him and boy, did I enjoy it.

Camus was unbelievably eloquent; his words were liquid, streaming down the pages and into my soul. He was wonderful at drawing up pretty images while handling difficult topics, that even as a fictional book lover, I devoured this satisfyingly in two sittings.

It was a joy to see him bring out my beloved writers (Kafka, Shakespeare, Nietzsche) like a puppeteer and putting on a play with them as dolls to tell his story.

I'd love to read this again someday, and to try out his other works. For an introduction to him, I really liked this. 

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë

dark emotional 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? Yes

4.25

Once again I started Anne Brontë without knowing the summary of the book, but because I kept comparing it to Agnes Grey, I didn't find this as enjoyable as I did with Agnes. But if I were to compare it with Wuthering Heights, it would've been better, or as good.

Although I wasn't as swept away by the plot, I was still thoroughly impressed by Anne's ability to convey emotional feelings and experiences in her characters. I could easily connect to the narrators in this book, and embody their feelings as though they are mine. Particularly, the writings about domestic abuse. She was terrific at telling the gut wrenching experiences of living with an abuser; I had to take breaks in between because it was so vivid and life-like. 

I am in awe of Anne Brontë, I do think she's the best writer among classical authors I've come across.

I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

The book was quite different from the movie (as much as I could remember from my last viewing), but the actors were similar in my head.

This book was easy enough to read, and I loved the 90s feel of it; the writings and atmosphere. Like reading a Fear Street thriller. But I was pretty distracted and wasn't fully invested. So I couldn't give 5 stars. But otherwise it was a great book.