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238 reviews
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-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
3.5
I never thought I’d say I liked the movie adaptation better than the book itself, but here I am saying exactly that. ☹️
I did enjoy this book for its glamorous exploration of the lives of the Chinese upper-class through the eyes of a newcomer, its vivid descriptions of food and decor, and sense of humor.
What I did not love was that none of the characters had much depth. I had a hard time understanding Rachel and Nick as they are both fairly one-dimensional and their relationship does not seem to be built on a solid foundation of trust. Although this was purposeful at first, I don’t think the relationship developed much and the character development itself was lacking, too.
I think the real meat of the story got lost under dazzling descriptions and the constant introduction of new secondary and tertiary characters.
I did enjoy this book for its glamorous exploration of the lives of the Chinese upper-class through the eyes of a newcomer, its vivid descriptions of food and decor, and sense of humor.
What I did not love was that none of the characters had much depth. I had a hard time understanding Rachel and Nick as they are both fairly one-dimensional and their relationship does not seem to be built on a solid foundation of trust. Although this was purposeful at first, I don’t think the relationship developed much and the character development itself was lacking, too.
I think the real meat of the story got lost under dazzling descriptions and the constant introduction of new secondary and tertiary characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Vomit
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, and Homophobia
Minor: Murder
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Violence, and Trafficking
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and War
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Lesbophobia
The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and War
Minor: Ableism and Abortion
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Police brutality and Suicide attempt
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, Racism, Abortion, and Pregnancy
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Toxic relationship
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-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
5.0
This is probably one of my favorite books of the year. The beautiful prose, the complicated and messy characters and the equally layered dynamics between them and the ways these characters still surprise you in the second half of the book… The gorgeous covers helps too :)
This book takes on the topic of detransition, focusing on three main characters who navigate the ins and outs of queerness and the implications being trans, detransitioning and parenthood might have on their lives. I’m always looking for books who tell a different kind of story and bring something new to the table. This book does exactly that. Detransition, baby puts the voices of largely underrepresented people in literature at the forefront of its storyline.
If you’re looking for something new, if you like contemporary, realistic, fiction, if you’re looking to learn more about the trans community from a trans author, etc etc, read this book!!
This book takes on the topic of detransition, focusing on three main characters who navigate the ins and outs of queerness and the implications being trans, detransitioning and parenthood might have on their lives. I’m always looking for books who tell a different kind of story and bring something new to the table. This book does exactly that. Detransition, baby puts the voices of largely underrepresented people in literature at the forefront of its storyline.
If you’re looking for something new, if you like contemporary, realistic, fiction, if you’re looking to learn more about the trans community from a trans author, etc etc, read this book!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide, Transphobia, and Suicide attempt