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alysereadsbooks's reviews
364 reviews
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I really enjoyed this one - such an odd premise. I found the ending a little disappointing, but it makes sense for the overall resolution of the book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence and Fire/Fire injury
Better by Far by Hazel Hayes
I really enjoyed Hazel Hayes’ last book so I had high hopes for this one, and was (mostly) satisfied. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was a very rich experience. I didn’t think that romance and horror could work together but surprisingly, I kind of liked it. I loved the exploration of her mom’s death and the way the author writes relationships.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia and Death of parent
Minor: Transphobia
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
adventurous
funny
relaxing
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
I really enjoyed this one and it's highly rated for a reason. Definitely farfetched but extremely entertaining and was a fast read that I couldn't put down. I loved the focus on family and the characters of the aunties.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Body horror, Racism, Violence, and Murder
The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really wanted to like this one, but I didn’t. I found most of the characters insufferable, and it didn’t seem like there was a real resolution, or even a plot. I did appreciate the LGBT representation though.
Alice Sadie Celine by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I had high hopes for this one, but I found it really....weird. It felt unfinished and I didn't really find any of the characters lovable. I did like the bit of the twist at the end though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
My Year Abroad by Chang-rae Lee
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I picked up this audiobook on a whim, but surprisingly enjoyed it. I did find the timeline switching a bit confusing, but overall, I liked the first half of the book. The second half was...weird. I don't understand how he basically got kidnapped. Also I really wish I had never looked up what sounding was lol. It was a bit disjointed, but I found the writing compelling. Also, just real weird.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual violence
Moderate: Mental illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I listened to the audiobook version of this without reading much of a summary, and I was pretty disappointing. I knew from the beginning that Julian was a red flag and I had dread while reading this one. I did like the exploration of her relationship with her sister and the previous wives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
3.5
I love Emily Henry books and this one was no exception. The plot premise was dramatic and drew me in right away, and I really liked the overall storyline and characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Sea Change by Gina Chung
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I listened to this as an audiobook and found it deeply engrossing, and also pretty sad. I enjoyed the water/octopus motif. It kind of sucks that you don’t get to find out what happens to her dad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Miscarriage, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Central Places by Delia Cai
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Listened to the audiobook and thought it was just okay. Didn’t love it. I found the main character a bit insufferable. I also found the ending unsatisfying.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual content