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wuthrinheights's reviews
196 reviews
Me, Me, Me by Francine Pascal
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
With everything currently going on, I'm saddened I won't be able to know how this will all end. I feel like I know all these characters personally and I wish I could see it till the end!
For now, though, I keep getting surprised with the turn of events. Jade gave up cheerleading for basketball and she dated Evan but broke up and now they're back together? Will and Melissa are back together and he's still resenting her for how she is? Why is he even with her? Ken and Maria are back, but there's trouble in paradise because apparently Ken's dad bribed University of Michigan in order for him to get the football scholarship. Conner isn't present but he's currently seeing someone new, who I'm guessing is also from rehab cause now they're not talking after he found out she's been secretly drinking. Tia and Angel broke up?? No wonder she hasn't been talking about him in the last book. Now she's dating Trent (whoever he is) but things may not work out because Jessica has been thinking about him a little too much.
Oh, I'm going to miss this series a LOT. I don't know if any other series will have me this invested.
Oh, I'm going to miss this series a LOT. I don't know if any other series will have me this invested.
Straight Up by Francine Pascal
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
With books missing in between, I am once again shocked at the developments I've missed. I literally gasped out loud when I learned about what happened since the last SVH:S book I've read.
The supposedly "forever" couple broke up AND Melissa is dating Ken, which makes me feel terrible for sweet Maria who keeps having ill luck in love. Conner is out of the picture (rehab) and broken up with Liz, and all those times she had ignored her academics made her ineligible for the prestigious scholarship. Jessica is back with Jeremy thanks to Jade, who apparently is her good friend now. I am always in awe of their drama!
This book went by quickly, I've finished it within 2 hours. I'm really happy with the turn of the events, and I'm glad it's a lot less toxic now. There's a lighthearted feel to SVH compared to the start of the series. But I'm always eager for more. Sadly I only have one more book on my shelf!
This book went by quickly, I've finished it within 2 hours. I'm really happy with the turn of the events, and I'm glad it's a lot less toxic now. There's a lighthearted feel to SVH compared to the start of the series. But I'm always eager for more. Sadly I only have one more book on my shelf!
King Lear by William Shakespeare
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What's a Shakespeare play without juicy drama, a hilarious fool, and many deaths? King Lear had it all, but it wasn't in my Top 5 plays. I was torn between rating this 3.75 or 4 but in my heart I felt like 4 is a bit too high of a rating. I enjoyed this, but some parts I felt like I needed to rush through.
Reading this with a buddy made it a much better experience. We both picked up on things the other didn't, which was a well balanced relationship, and I enjoyed it a lot.
But the play itself, I wasn't a huge fan of the characters except for Cordeliabut sadly she wasn't in the play most of the time, and death took her away from us . Which made most of the scenes a bit stuffy from time to time, since I didn't care much for most of them.
However, I loved the scandalous scenes between Edmund and Goneril. It was such a surprise, and the two evil people were truly made for each other. Even within terrible people, I'm a sucker for romance.
All in all, I'm really glad I got to read this, and it was nice! But definitely not a favourite. Nothing could top Hamlet so far.
Reading this with a buddy made it a much better experience. We both picked up on things the other didn't, which was a well balanced relationship, and I enjoyed it a lot.
But the play itself, I wasn't a huge fan of the characters except for Cordelia
All in all, I'm really glad I got to read this, and it was nice! But definitely not a favourite. Nothing could top Hamlet so far.
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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
4.75
In a word: brilliant. This book was so dazzling, I might as well have worn my sunglasses to protect my eyes. It was utterly bright and colourful; that was my constant thought while reading it. I've never read a Russian literature book that was as wild and exciting as this.
Who would've thought that a book concerning Satan and his comrades taking over Moscow would leave me feeling shy and giggly? Devil knows why I've grown so attached to the characters, especially Ivan Homeless. My sweet, lovely poet. My favourite character, the book started and ended with him, which is so beautiful to me. Other favourites include the meat eating, fang-having Azazello, the gorgeous Margarita, and the hilarious Behemoth.
The book had 4 main plots: Ivan and the Massolit, the devil and his friends, the master and Margarita, and Pontius Pilate. Out of the four, the latter was my least favourite part of the book, and I often felt like it was an entirely different book, strung together haphazardly. I could only get through it if I were to psych myself into thinking I was reading a different short story while pausing TM&M.
The devil and his friends, what a group! Every time they were featured, chaos ensured and I felt like covering my eyes in fear (and maybe secondhand embarrassment?) for they were constantly creating a ruckus. But despite their whacky adventures, you couldn't help but love them dearly. Funny, witty, impressive. It was never a dull moment with them.
And lastly, the master and Margarita. What a beautiful love story. Knowing that the master was written like the author himself, it made their story even more touching. Their loyalty, bravery, devotion.. I was enraptured. They were so sweet and I loved that she literally went to hell for him without a second thought. And I loved her dynamic with the devil's creatures.
I am not going to lie, it took me multiple tries to finish this (I may have read the first 3 chapters about 2-4 times for months), but it definitely worked better with a buddy. I needed some help with some chapters. That's why I couldn't give it 5 stars. But best believe, for most of the book, the reading experience felt 5 stars. Thank you, Bulgakov!
Who would've thought that a book concerning Satan and his comrades taking over Moscow would leave me feeling shy and giggly? Devil knows why I've grown so attached to the characters, especially Ivan Homeless. My sweet, lovely poet. My favourite character, the book started and ended with him, which is so beautiful to me. Other favourites include the meat eating, fang-having Azazello, the gorgeous Margarita, and the hilarious Behemoth.
The book had 4 main plots: Ivan and the Massolit, the devil and his friends, the master and Margarita, and Pontius Pilate. Out of the four, the latter was my least favourite part of the book, and I often felt like it was an entirely different book, strung together haphazardly. I could only get through it if I were to psych myself into thinking I was reading a different short story while pausing TM&M.
The devil and his friends, what a group! Every time they were featured, chaos ensured and I felt like covering my eyes in fear (and maybe secondhand embarrassment?) for they were constantly creating a ruckus. But despite their whacky adventures, you couldn't help but love them dearly. Funny, witty, impressive. It was never a dull moment with them.
And lastly, the master and Margarita. What a beautiful love story. Knowing that the master was written like the author himself, it made their story even more touching. Their loyalty, bravery, devotion.. I was enraptured. They were so sweet and I loved that she literally went to hell for him without a second thought. And I loved her dynamic with the devil's creatures.
I am not going to lie, it took me multiple tries to finish this (I may have read the first 3 chapters about 2-4 times for months), but it definitely worked better with a buddy. I needed some help with some chapters. That's why I couldn't give it 5 stars. But best believe, for most of the book, the reading experience felt 5 stars. Thank you, Bulgakov!
Nothing Is Forever by Francine Pascal
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
I had to skip so many books in between this and the last one, since I'm only reading the ones I have on my shelf. I missed so many new things! Liz and Conner are finally dating, Maria and Ken are also dating, Melissa and Will are back together and stronger than ever, there's a new character, Jade and she's dating Jeremy but also cheated on him? And Jessica cheated on him to be with Will(kinda saw that coming but come on)?? Jade works at House of Java along with Jeremy and Jessica, Conner's mum got into rehab and is doing better but now Conner is the alcoholic?? Will got a football scholarship, Ken's dad is ashamed of him cause he isn't a star athlete anymore, Andy is GAY?! I'm so sad I missed so much.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm so invested which causes me to read too fast or the books are too short but I feel like these books are getting shorter and shorter! Not much happened here, but the ones that did happen were huge and I just love that there's never a dull moment in Sweet Valley.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm so invested which causes me to read too fast or the books are too short but I feel like these books are getting shorter and shorter! Not much happened here, but the ones that did happen were huge and I just love that there's never a dull moment in Sweet Valley.
Boy Meets Girl by Francine Pascal
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I expected too much since the last book's cliffhanger cause this follow up wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. But there were a lot of moments that made me feel deeply satisfied.
Jessica standing up for herself, Will getting trashed, Jeremy having a good day.. I am glad it happened that way.
Again, I love the mini journal entries in the series. You can take a peek into their thoughts, feelings, humour/personality, and their past. It's fascinating.
Again, I love the mini journal entries in the series. You can take a peek into their thoughts, feelings, humour/personality, and their past. It's fascinating.
Your Basic Nightmare by Francine Pascal
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It's confirmed: I am hooked. The first two books, I had lots of pauses in between reading but this one was a breeze to get through. I'm a lot more familiar with the characters now, and I'm as invested as if I'm watching a soap opera on TV.
The love triangles, the relationship and friendship dramas, the family problems, school, work, everything. There are so many things going on and I am not bored one second.
I actually love how different the twins are in this series. Jessica isn't wild and snooty and obnoxious anymore. She feels more down to earth and like a real person now. Elizabeth isn't boring, predictable, Mary Sue. She's breaking rules left and right, and she's finally having a real life. Good for her.
I don't really care much for Will and Melissa, I think they're kind of the most awful couple in the series but the ending has me gripped. I need to read the next book immediately!
The love triangles, the relationship and friendship dramas, the family problems, school, work, everything. There are so many things going on and I am not bored one second.
I actually love how different the twins are in this series. Jessica isn't wild and snooty and obnoxious anymore. She feels more down to earth and like a real person now. Elizabeth isn't boring, predictable, Mary Sue. She's breaking rules left and right, and she's finally having a real life. Good for her.
I don't really care much for Will and Melissa, I think they're kind of the most awful couple in the series but the ending has me gripped. I need to read the next book immediately!
Star by V.C. Andrews
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This series reminded me of her other mini series, The Orphans. Where each book was centered about a certain character in a group of girls with troubled past. I wanted to like this book more, but I felt like it kept building the anticipation, only for it to be somewhat disappointing.
I don't have the first book, so I'm not really sure what Misty had gone through, but it's quite obvious that Star had it more rough than she did. Especially with her poverty, broken family, and all sorts of abuse.
Like I said, Star kept talking as if things got worse and worse but the ending felt a little flat. Her earlier traumas were worse than the ending, so it didn't live up to my expectations. It was definitely sad, of course. But after the Casteel book, this one didn't feel too bad.
I do, however, enjoyed seeing the dynamics between the girls. How they all have their own problems and coming from different backgrounds, it was interesting to see how vastly different they are. You can see snippets of their past by their reaction to the stories shared, through looking at art or food or nature. They were like pleasant little Easter eggs. I do wish I could read about Jade and Cat. I think they seem the most interesting.
I don't have the first book, so I'm not really sure what Misty had gone through, but it's quite obvious that Star had it more rough than she did. Especially with her poverty, broken family, and all sorts of abuse.
Like I said, Star kept talking as if things got worse and worse but the ending felt a little flat. Her earlier traumas were worse than the ending, so it didn't live up to my expectations. It was definitely sad, of course. But after the Casteel book, this one didn't feel too bad.
I do, however, enjoyed seeing the dynamics between the girls. How they all have their own problems and coming from different backgrounds, it was interesting to see how vastly different they are. You can see snippets of their past by their reaction to the stories shared, through looking at art or food or nature. They were like pleasant little Easter eggs. I do wish I could read about Jade and Cat. I think they seem the most interesting.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
I've Got a Secret by Francine Pascal
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
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
4.5
Once again, I am impressed with how different the vibes are from this new series compared to the older SVH series. This one feels a lot more emotional, dark, and heavy. The older series was more lighthearted and naive, and would only skim briefly through difficult topics. This newer one isn't afraid to get down and dirty. And ironically, it feels like a breath of fresh air.
I don't have the book between this (SVH:SY #4) and the first (SVH:SY #2) book I read, so I missed out on some details but not much has happened, because most of their stresses and worries are similar or on-going. There are a few more characters having their own POV this time, which was great to read up on. I'm starting to love Jeremy and I hope things get better for him (and poor Jessica!). I'm psyched for more!
I don't have the book between this (SVH:SY #4) and the first (SVH:SY #2) book I read, so I missed out on some details but not much has happened, because most of their stresses and worries are similar or on-going. There are a few more characters having their own POV this time, which was great to read up on. I'm starting to love Jeremy and I hope things get better for him (and poor Jessica!). I'm psyched for more!
Tales from the Odyssey, Part 1 by Mary Pope Osborne
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had time to kill, so I grabbed this kids version of The Odyssey. With my back against the window, the cool breeze flowing in my room to mark the start of a storm, I felt like I was on the boat with Odysseus himself as he started his voyage with his men.
With additional details from Virgil, Hyginus, and Apollodorus, this retelling of Homer's second epic was even more full fledged than the original Odyssey. It gave it more emotional depth and vibrant story-telling. I also love the illustrations throughout the whole book.
This book was like a soothing ointment to my bitter disappointment of reading The Odyssey from the night before. I no longer have that awful taste in my mouth regarding the boredom and letdown, because this one did a much, much better job at recounting Odysseus' adventures. I am so glad I can finally have a better memory to hold on to regarding this epic.
With additional details from Virgil, Hyginus, and Apollodorus, this retelling of Homer's second epic was even more full fledged than the original Odyssey. It gave it more emotional depth and vibrant story-telling. I also love the illustrations throughout the whole book.
This book was like a soothing ointment to my bitter disappointment of reading The Odyssey from the night before. I no longer have that awful taste in my mouth regarding the boredom and letdown, because this one did a much, much better job at recounting Odysseus' adventures. I am so glad I can finally have a better memory to hold on to regarding this epic.