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fullybookedpenguin's reviews
129 reviews
Mates at Billabong by Mary Grant Bruce
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Keeping in mind that this book was written in the early 1900's and is based around that time too, so there are definitely a few societal/racial views that while accurate to the time, aren't exactly right or tasteful.
That acknowledged, it captures the rural Australian mateship and community of the outback really well. So of course it features a cricket game, mustering cattle, and beloved horses.
The work hands and family are so caring and hard working together that it's heartwarming to read. From Norah with her mix of enthusiasm for the bush and horses and heart for kindness, to her protective and caring brother Jim, to my favourite lad, Wally, they all have a way of winning you over.
Keep in mind this book does feature harsh animal cruelty near the end, and the culprit doesn't seem to get his justice served to him unfortunately, though the crew do threaten it.
That acknowledged, it captures the rural Australian mateship and community of the outback really well. So of course it features a cricket game, mustering cattle, and beloved horses.
The work hands and family are so caring and hard working together that it's heartwarming to read. From Norah with her mix of enthusiasm for the bush and horses and heart for kindness, to her protective and caring brother Jim, to my favourite lad, Wally, they all have a way of winning you over.
Keep in mind this book does feature harsh animal cruelty near the end, and the culprit doesn't seem to get his justice served to him unfortunately, though the crew do threaten it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, and Classism
Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 1 by Gwon Gyeoeul, SUOL
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
First volume of Villain's Are Destined to Die is a good introduction to the story without giving too much away. I like stories with a bit of mystery to them. The artwork is unique and pretty too~ I do despise Penelope's family and pretty much everyone other than our MC, but I think we're meant to.
I'm hoping that she takes out plenty of revenge at some point and she's not always struggling to survive but we shall see.
I'm excited to continue the series.
I'm hoping that she takes out plenty of revenge at some point and she's not always struggling to survive but we shall see.
I'm excited to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
This book encapsulated the feeling of a summer day with its lazy, haziness.
It's not a bad book, just none of it was interesting me and I found I was going through it to get through it rather than enjoying it.
It bounces between the past and the present, of the main characters life as an actress and now her daughters are asking questions.
Again nothing especially wrong, just not my literary fiction vibe.
It's not a bad book, just none of it was interesting me and I found I was going through it to get through it rather than enjoying it.
It bounces between the past and the present, of the main characters life as an actress and now her daughters are asking questions.
Again nothing especially wrong, just not my literary fiction vibe.
Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely adored reading this second book in the Anne of Green Gables series.
We are introduced to new characters, keep updated on old kindred-spirits, and they're encapsulated in a way that captivates the beauty of imagination, combined with the true beauty present in life, nature and people.
I related to this book on multiple points, not only with our creative sprite, Anne, but with some of the other older characters.
L.M. Montgomery has a way of spinning tales with adorable, heartfelt observances which will capture the hearts of all kindred-spirits, who don't want to let their awe of both seen and unseen adventures dwindle.
We are introduced to new characters, keep updated on old kindred-spirits, and they're encapsulated in a way that captivates the beauty of imagination, combined with the true beauty present in life, nature and people.
I related to this book on multiple points, not only with our creative sprite, Anne, but with some of the other older characters.
L.M. Montgomery has a way of spinning tales with adorable, heartfelt observances which will capture the hearts of all kindred-spirits, who don't want to let their awe of both seen and unseen adventures dwindle.
Before Your Memory Fades: A Novel by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
These books focus heavily on grief and loss, with bitter-sweet observances on how one continues on after a loved one has gone.
If somehow you're skipping to this book, this series isn't really cosy, happy cafe vibes. They are heartache and tears.
With the amount of crying I do over these books it feels a little like torture with the headaches and sniffles, but I can admire the depth of storytelling, so I can't help but also really like them.
If somehow you're skipping to this book, this series isn't really cosy, happy cafe vibes. They are heartache and tears.
With the amount of crying I do over these books it feels a little like torture with the headaches and sniffles, but I can admire the depth of storytelling, so I can't help but also really like them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Nathan is right up there as one of my favourite Appies along with Felix.
This is a fake dating, grumpy sunshine, banter filled romance and I had fun with it.
Also loved how supportive the Appies team and the past FMCs really gathered around to have fun, advise and be there for both MCs.
Definitely my favourite of the series so far.
This is a fake dating, grumpy sunshine, banter filled romance and I had fun with it.
Also loved how supportive the Appies team and the past FMCs really gathered around to have fun, advise and be there for both MCs.
Definitely my favourite of the series so far.
The Mystery of the Secret Room by Enid Blyton
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Again, Frederick, Bets and Buster were the real heroes of this mystery. Though again laws against trespassing is a crime these kids have no qualms about breaking.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Okay, so my main dislike of the book is... Celaena Sardothien...i.e. our main character.
Celaena is one of the most self-contradicting, boastful, strangely stupid heroines I've ever had the pleasure? of reading.
The plot with the Wyrdmarks and competition was fun to try and figure out, though some of the characters roles were pretty easy to see through, and made Celaena's slow deductions almost painful.
I dislike the romance in this book as well, the trio of weird vibes and awkward flirtations was cringe to read, you can definitely tell the romance was written by a fifteen year old in my opinion, but take away that and I enjoyed both male leads, Dorian and Chaol. Sure both have their faults, but I think I appreciated their views and convictions more than our female lead.
The best character by far was the dog, Fleetfoot. Will continue reading the series for the doggo.
Celaena is one of the most self-contradicting, boastful, strangely stupid heroines I've ever had the pleasure? of reading.
The plot with the Wyrdmarks and competition was fun to try and figure out, though some of the characters roles were pretty easy to see through, and made Celaena's slow deductions almost painful.
I dislike the romance in this book as well, the trio of weird vibes and awkward flirtations was cringe to read, you can definitely tell the romance was written by a fifteen year old in my opinion, but take away that and I enjoyed both male leads, Dorian and Chaol. Sure both have their faults, but I think I appreciated their views and convictions more than our female lead.
The best character by far was the dog, Fleetfoot. Will continue reading the series for the doggo.
Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
My Frosty fake Christmas date by Cassie Bowen
emotional
funny
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? No
2.0
When I tell you I was loving reading this book, I do not lie. The family dynamic around FMC, Julie, was so fun and her niece is adorably funny. They were doing silly goofy Christmas things too, which is an obvious must have in a romantic Christmas novel.
However... the last act conflict made me so angry and frustrated that it ruined the book for me. I hated it so much that when the HEA appeared it was like 'Ew'. Everyone but the niece and maybe the FMC (until she just took the trashy anger of every man and his dog. Have some fight my girl!) pissed me off.
Everyone just gets angry at our Julie and after dropping a whole heap of truth bombs on our bewildered FMC, Tucker (MMC) gives her half a second to respond to his love confession before storming off, and then Julies brother calls her cold, etc for not responding because she's flipping in shock. And then Julie does all the work of getting them together again. Not to mention the whole mother inviting the cheating exes and acting like everyone should just get over it and be buddy buddy despite the ex being a chronic liar and cruelest jerk alive.
However... the last act conflict made me so angry and frustrated that it ruined the book for me. I hated it so much that when the HEA appeared it was like 'Ew'. Everyone but the niece and maybe the FMC (until she just took the trashy anger of every man and his dog. Have some fight my girl!) pissed me off.