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caitlyn_baldwin's reviews
663 reviews
Paradise Lost by John Milton
dark
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
There’s better Bible fanfic out there tbh
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
I really liked the premise of the novel, and I thought it was a really intriguing idea to follow in the trend of reimagining classics through the eyes of the women involved. I think that the good Lady could have used some slightly different characterization in order to better meet the authors aims.
Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.25
A fantastical conclusion to the duology! I think the magical touches and historical reconstructions in the series are really fun and imaginative. Everyone is suspect and the plot will keep you guessing to the end. I also think there’s a somewhat comical but valid theme of “your parents are just people” that can be pulled from the plot lol.
Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland by Jonathan M. Metzl
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
A thoughtful analysis of the political landscape of America’s heartland. I think that it adds a lot of pertinent info to this issue of white conservatives voting against their own interests. I thought it was well researched and still easily accessible.
Thinning Blood: A Memoir of Family, Myth, and Identity by Leah Myers
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I thought this was a really unique memoir! Myers discusses her family history and reckoning with her indigenous heritage when she herself was not really raised in the culture. I thought that the way she set up the history and used the imagery of the totem pole to link herself and her ancestors was a really creative nod to her heritage.
Sanditon: Austen's Last Novel by Jane Austen, Another Lady
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Kamisama Kiss, Vol. 5 by Julietta Suzuki
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
I think that Sally knocks it out of the park once again for Intermezzo. I found it to be an insightful examination of difficult relationship dynamics - both familial and romantic - and what we owe each other. Much of the narrative is this battle of wills between Peter and Ivan’s rigid internal moral compasses, however the Koubek brothers seem to have more in common than meets the eye. We see characters causing hurt out of unresolved or unrecognized grief and resentment, all the while re-examining the pressures of societal expectations and conformity. It can often feel uncomfortable experiencing the narrative, but I think it’s because the material is so grounded in reality. Overall they felt like very flushed out characters and it remains one of the reasons why I enjoy her work so much. I’d also like to drop a line on how truly CLEVER the cover art is with its hinting at the plot and dynamics of the work.