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kajasversion's reviews
178 reviews
Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin
challenging
dark
tense
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
It was written in a really readable and enjoyable way, however not meaning the content was light. The novel deals with heavy topics but in a non-serious way, as it does not explore the psychology behind it, only presents the readers with how a person with these mental problems might think, which I found interesting. Ofc this does not apply to everyone, it is a glimpse into some people’s thinking tho.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body shaming, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Fatphobia and Sexual content
After the Quake by Haruki Murakami
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The stories are interesting, but ultimately nothing special to me. I found the idea of the quake tying all the stories together an interesting premise, that ultimately yielded no result. You were essentially reading about random people and their unconnected lives so i can’t say i’d read it again.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
It was a good read but im not that big of a fan of miscommunication trope or the fact the start of the book is them having to pretend theyre together for the sake of the rest of the group not finding out. Idk the whole romantic premise seemed so far fetched and lowkey stupid but i loved the friendship aspect, even if it was really cliche with basic storylines.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
adventurous
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I see what people mean now when they say Austen wrote with humour and criticised the English social scene of her time. I think it is especially evident in the Character of Mrs Bennet, and there were multiple instances where i genuinely laughed out loud. I like the way its written and the slowburn of the love story definitely paid off.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest and Misogyny
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Genuinely one of the best books i’ve ever read. It reminds me of A Little Life in some aspects, but a watered down version with a different point to the story. I think it’s written so accessibly and geniously that i couldn’t put it down. The characters’ stories are so interwoven and complex, and they feel so real. The things that happen to them could happen to any real person, which is why i was sucked into the world created. Even though i know almost nothing about videogames i was still enjoying it and i thought the Pioneers chapter was genious, considering i’ve never come across a book with such a POV.
The humanity in all the characters is precisely what makes the story so sad, since it doesn’t go or end how you would want it to - because unpredictable things happen all the time and no life is perfect.
The humanity in all the characters is precisely what makes the story so sad, since it doesn’t go or end how you would want it to - because unpredictable things happen all the time and no life is perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Suicide
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It was okay, I wasn’t thoroughly impressed but it was interesting to read something different I wouldn’t read it again tho.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Blood
Moderate: Racial slurs and Injury/Injury detail
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I loved the writting style and the characters mind captivated me completely. The main focus of the book is how Piranesi perceives the world, and his experiences through his eyes, which is a type of book I love. I found the psychological part of his character study at the end very interesting, but the ending ultimately left me feeling a bit disappointed. Though it is true to the character, I couldn’t help but hope for something to be different.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Mental illness, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gun violence
The Promise by Damon Galgut
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Truly a masterfully written story, the narrative transitioned from one character to another seamlessly and it was amazing to witness. The characters are all flawed, the burden of family and societal values destroying their relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gun violence and Racism
Minor: Eating disorder