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youreadtoomuch's reviews
330 reviews
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
3.0
While I didn't grow up with Star Wars, I thought this book would show some of the behind the scenes of the films. Instead Carrie shares one party relevant to the beginning of her affair with Harrison, some background on her film career, and her annoyance of fan encounters/autographs she dubs "lap-dances."
Her journal entries are so poetic and resonant of a 19+ year old finding her way in unexpected fame and an uncertain romance – not.
The book was not what I expected though I didn't expect too much.
Her journal entries are so poetic and resonant of a 19+ year old finding her way in unexpected fame and an uncertain romance – not.
The book was not what I expected though I didn't expect too much.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
3.0
First off – trigger warnings for this book:
I think there is a certain joy to gain from this book but it is hidden behind a character's tragic childhood. Without even knowing it, the book centers around one person, Jude St. Francis, of a group of four people. The book is told in varying perspectives, those closest to Jude, and more his own. It is a bit hard to keep track of the narrative because old stories are intertwined right in the middle of current story lines that make it hard to know what is happening and when. It's a long book that makes the reader someone that can be trusted with Jude's past – it isn't until you are really heavy into the book that you learn so much about Jude. This book would make me feel safe so suddenly, like the tragedy was over, only to be given a new grief and despair within the next few pages.
Definitely, go through this book slowly and with caution because, while not being extremely graphic, it has enough visuals to let the imagination run wild. Additionally, there are beautiful, tender moments to clutch at but again they are clouded by the sadness. I cried reading through the last 20 or so pages and my tears were so thick I could barely read the words.
Spoiler
suicide, self-harm, child abuse (sexual and physical), domestic violence, and rape.I think there is a certain joy to gain from this book but it is hidden behind a character's tragic childhood. Without even knowing it, the book centers around one person, Jude St. Francis, of a group of four people. The book is told in varying perspectives, those closest to Jude, and more his own. It is a bit hard to keep track of the narrative because old stories are intertwined right in the middle of current story lines that make it hard to know what is happening and when. It's a long book that makes the reader someone that can be trusted with Jude's past – it isn't until you are really heavy into the book that you learn so much about Jude. This book would make me feel safe so suddenly, like the tragedy was over, only to be given a new grief and despair within the next few pages.
Definitely, go through this book slowly and with caution because, while not being extremely graphic, it has enough visuals to let the imagination run wild. Additionally, there are beautiful, tender moments to clutch at but again they are clouded by the sadness. I cried reading through the last 20 or so pages and my tears were so thick I could barely read the words.
Light in August by William Faulkner
2.0
Joe Christmas just does not have it easy. While running away from crime and his own ambiguous identity, this story weaves in several side characters to seamlessly fit the narrative. Some characters unforgettable and easy to understand their role in the story snd others were forgettable and quite confusing to the story.
My biggest take away: I was not prepared for this book. This is definitely one of those books I'd need to reread to fully understand what it's trying to say. Judging by other reviews, I didn't get the same joy and level of comprehension or even the commentary of post-slavery, racist America.
Anyway, I'm not reading it again. I was bored. Some parts picked up quickly but died after carrying the plot for too long.
My biggest take away: I was not prepared for this book. This is definitely one of those books I'd need to reread to fully understand what it's trying to say. Judging by other reviews, I didn't get the same joy and level of comprehension or even the commentary of post-slavery, racist America.
Anyway, I'm not reading it again. I was bored. Some parts picked up quickly but died after carrying the plot for too long.
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
4.0
I'm still giving this book 4 stars because it is a good book. Although dark, depressing, and a tear-jerker, this book still gives you that small sense of hope after so much tragedy. It's a hard book so here are some trigger warnings: .
Maya, or Inara, is kidnapped into a world of depravity and injustice, of horrors no one should live through. The Garden holds girls knows as Butterflies who try their best to forget who they were before their lives were stolen and to live under the eye of The Gardnerer who thinks he loves these girls. The girls form an unlikely family that helps get them through the worst of things but really only deludes the reality that is now their life, but who can blame these girls for wanting to keep living?
Spoiler
rape, sexual abuse, child abuse, death, murder, physical abuse, offensive language, suicideMaya, or Inara, is kidnapped into a world of depravity and injustice, of horrors no one should live through. The Garden holds girls knows as Butterflies who try their best to forget who they were before their lives were stolen and to live under the eye of The Gardnerer who thinks he loves these girls. The girls form an unlikely family that helps get them through the worst of things but really only deludes the reality that is now their life, but who can blame these girls for wanting to keep living?
The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer
4.0
The tales the gods, or more specifically Zeus, have told are all lies. Persephone is faced with loss and inspired to find within herself rebellion. The fates have foretold her encounter with Hades, the "lord" of the Underworld who isn''t a lord at all but a goddess. Together, these two find the light within the darkness, the calm in rebelling, and a love that withstands mortal time.
This book was magical in all the right ways. The connection between Hades and Persephone is gradual and romantic and a beautiful retelling of their myth. My only problem was the resolution or the handling of Zeus. It seems there's not a lot to be done about such a powerful God but the book tried and it fell a bit flat. It felt like there wasn't a lot of time spent in trying to resolve that conflict. And really it wasn't too big of a problem because I was way more invested in the dead's uprising. Now that... was theatrically resolved and very emotional. There were such nice moments throughout the book that would probably prompt me to read it again.
This book was magical in all the right ways. The connection between Hades and Persephone is gradual and romantic and a beautiful retelling of their myth. My only problem was the resolution or the handling of Zeus. It seems there's not a lot to be done about such a powerful God but the book tried and it fell a bit flat. It felt like there wasn't a lot of time spent in trying to resolve that conflict. And really it wasn't too big of a problem because I was way more invested in the dead's uprising. Now that... was theatrically resolved and very emotional. There were such nice moments throughout the book that would probably prompt me to read it again.
Hit And Run by R.L. Stine
5.0
First, let me tell you I am glad I read this after getting my driver's license!
Cassie and her friends decide to practice their driving before their tests except the worst thing possible that can happen, happens. They kill someone. Things get out of control when suddenly one of their own is injured in a hit and run and notes start appearing wanting revenge from the dead.
This book actually gave me goosebumps and had me so thrilled, it's honestly the simplicity and straightforwardness of the plot and writing that just pushes you through. It's scarily good! Would totally read again because it's a light read. Final thought: Also, the ending got dark and heavy real quick.
Cassie and her friends decide to practice their driving before their tests except the worst thing possible that can happen, happens. They kill someone. Things get out of control when suddenly one of their own is injured in a hit and run and notes start appearing wanting revenge from the dead.
This book actually gave me goosebumps and had me so thrilled, it's honestly the simplicity and straightforwardness of the plot and writing that just pushes you through. It's scarily good! Would totally read again because it's a light read. Final thought:
Spoiler
it's always the bullied kids and I should have seen it coming.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
4.0
Cameron Post is only 12 when she learns she wants to kiss girls. She's also only 12 when she loses her parents in an accident and her life turns around. Finding herself within her religion and finding others like her is difficult and even more so when she's found out and sent to a gay conversion school.
It's so refreshing to read a book that doesn't involve an lgbt+ character hating who they are or trying to fix themselves or even avoid their desires altogether. Additionally, it's a beautiful work about love and guilt and friendship. Right after finishing this book I saw the movie. And it's so interesting to see where the book and film deviate and how the film accommodates for time. Even more, I think the film lacked building upon the relationship Cameron and her Aunt Ruth struggle to maintain. Worse, it vilified the wrong people and made it seem like they had a right to a hurt that was never their own.
It's so refreshing to read a book that doesn't involve an lgbt+ character hating who they are or trying to fix themselves or even avoid their desires altogether. Additionally, it's a beautiful work about love and guilt and friendship. Right after finishing this book I saw the movie. And it's so interesting to see where the book and film deviate and how the film accommodates for time. Even more, I think the film lacked building upon the relationship Cameron and her Aunt Ruth struggle to maintain. Worse, it vilified the wrong people and made it seem like they had a right to a hurt that was never their own.
The Roses of May by Dot Hutchison
3.0
In trying not to compare this book to its antecedent, I could do nothing but compare them both. Priya is very similar to the first book's main character: not a victim, bold and sure of herself, and very much struggling to build a life after tragedy.
After finding her sister murdered in a string of unsolved murders of a serial killer spanning 16 years, Priya Sravasti and her mother never stay in any place for too long. But when this serial seems to have formed a connection to Priya, she and her mother decide it's time they find justice – whatever that may look like.
The storyline is definitely unique ... a murdered that adorns his victims with flowers? Yeah, interesting. However, the bulk of this book is spent not on the murders or the murderer but on what Priya and her mother are willing to share and wha agent Eddison actually knows, which isn't much. So it felt long and not very revealing. I did, however, spoil the book for myself because I was impatient to know who killed those girls but also I totally knew it!!
After finding her sister murdered in a string of unsolved murders of a serial killer spanning 16 years, Priya Sravasti and her mother never stay in any place for too long. But when this serial seems to have formed a connection to Priya, she and her mother decide it's time they find justice – whatever that may look like.
The storyline is definitely unique ... a murdered that adorns his victims with flowers? Yeah, interesting. However, the bulk of this book is spent not on the murders or the murderer but on what Priya and her mother are willing to share and wha agent Eddison actually knows, which isn't much. So it felt long and not very revealing. I did, however, spoil the book for myself because I was impatient to know who killed those girls but also I totally knew it!!
The Summer Children by Dot Hutchison
4.0
Agent Mercedes Ramirez begins to have bloodied children delivered to her door who claim an angel saved them from abusive parents. But what happens when this angel starts making mistakes and the children aren’t really being harmed? Mercedes must uncover who this serial killer is and the answer lies in her old cases.
I loved this book. Mercedes' character is so beautiful and I got a better feel of the dynamic of the team even after reading two books following the same team. I really, really wanted to give this book five stars but I just couldn't. My only problem with this book was the Spanish used here and there. As a native Spanish user, interjections were too random and unbalanced. You can tell when a language isn’t the author’s native tongue or even well-versed in casual conversation with the language. Other than that, Mercedes is a lesbian and my third gay eye knew it. – Also, too that one reviewer whose tone felt almost offended about Mercedes sexuality coming up out of nowhere: it is literally mentioned in the book before this one that she is dating a girl. No surprises here. Also, there doesn't need to be any hints that indicate sexuality, just let characters (and real people) be.
And while I'm on it, the running joke of the whole workforce thinking Eddison and Ramirez are f*cking is so excessive and like we get it... people can touch or seek comfort in others without jumping to the conclusion that they are somehow sexually involved. It felt like the characters were a little too obsessed with everyone thinking that that their actions seemed to always never be the innocence and comfort they actually were.
I loved this book. Mercedes' character is so beautiful and I got a better feel of the dynamic of the team even after reading two books following the same team. I really, really wanted to give this book five stars but I just couldn't. My only problem with this book was the Spanish used here and there. As a native Spanish user, interjections were too random and unbalanced. You can tell when a language isn’t the author’s native tongue or even well-versed in casual conversation with the language. Other than that, Mercedes is a lesbian and my third gay eye knew it. – Also, too that one reviewer whose tone felt almost offended about Mercedes sexuality coming up out of nowhere: it is literally mentioned in the book before this one that she is dating a girl. No surprises here. Also, there doesn't need to be any hints that indicate sexuality, just let characters (and real people) be.
And while I'm on it, the running joke of the whole workforce thinking Eddison and Ramirez are f*cking is so excessive and like we get it... people can touch or seek comfort in others without jumping to the conclusion that they are somehow sexually involved. It felt like the characters were a little too obsessed with everyone thinking that that their actions seemed to always never be the innocence and comfort they actually were.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
5.0
My mind was absolutely blown away. I had very little knowledge coming into this book about the War on Drugs although I was very familiar about the consequences and destruction it left behind in already impoverished communities. Reading about the role the US government played in this full-out war is horrendous and unbelievable. I started this book in a hope to better educate myself and it reinforced a belief I've had bothering me for a while and now it has given me a solid foundation of how to better defend my position.
The argument of race is very prevalent today, so it's always been uncomfortable for me to be firmly against the belief of being colorblind without having a real argument behind my position. This book set it in me that although racial hostility may not be as overt today, racial indifference is very much thriving right under our noses. And this – racial indifference – is the driving force behind colorblind rhetoric and politic. And that indifference is what has rubbed me the wrong way of those unwilling to engage in the very much needed conversations about race and progress and willing to insist they "don't see color." Race shouldn't be overlooked because for all that it sets us apart in terms of culture and lifestyle (not status) its brings us closer together when we value one another.
The argument of race is very prevalent today, so it's always been uncomfortable for me to be firmly against the belief of being colorblind without having a real argument behind my position. This book set it in me that although racial hostility may not be as overt today, racial indifference is very much thriving right under our noses. And this – racial indifference – is the driving force behind colorblind rhetoric and politic. And that indifference is what has rubbed me the wrong way of those unwilling to engage in the very much needed conversations about race and progress and willing to insist they "don't see color." Race shouldn't be overlooked because for all that it sets us apart in terms of culture and lifestyle (not status) its brings us closer together when we value one another.