kwichris's reviews
128 reviews

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I've not read much in this genre before, and this was a pleasant read that moved along at a rather quick pace... Once you make it through the first story that is. There are four stories in this book, which eventually are woven together but often subtly, which makes details very important while you read. However, the last three stories are so well-written and connected in comparison to the first, it leaves things a little lopsided and hard to get into given that the first foray isn't nearly as intriguing beyond the initial concepts. Something about the writing gets significantly better for stories two through four, and all four matter, but the initial story pacing, description, and writing just doesn't seem as well thought out as the rest. (Maybe something was lost in translation from Japanese to English possibly.) I still recommend this book as an interesting read with a very well defined time travel system with practical twists and solid character development.

Content Warnings

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

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challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

Content Warnings

The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I picked this book up on a whim from the new shelf section at my library, and I'm just delighted it caught my eye. I've always found stories revolving around the holocaust and this time period intriguing, but this perspective is wholly unique amongst available literature I've read. The civilian view from an outskirt of London and the adopting a Jewish child effort are quite interesting, plus the way characters deal with grief, perseverance, and every day challenges is well written. While there are plenty of tropes in here regarding some topics and it seems a little funny after a while that every time Gertie and company get together for a meal a bombshell occurs (both literally and figuratively) that even the characters joke about it at one point. Overall, a lovely novel I couldn't put down and recommend to people wanting a different perspective and take on the events of this time period.

*As an aside to address anyone staying away from this book due to the LGBTQ tag thinking that's a core aspect of this story, it's a very small plot point addressed once that doesn't affect the key points of the overall story. But either way, that shouldn't stop you from reading this amazing book! :)

Content Warnings

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-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

It took me too many years to finally read this wonderfully written science-fiction epic. For anyone who has seen the movie, please read this book, as it contains so much missing content that really demonstrates the breadth of this world Card has envisioned. The way in which he weaves topics of religion, abuse, isolation, and grief together in a futuristic world where humanity 'cannot' afford to deal with these concepts in fear of an alien 'threat' is nothing short of masterful. I do wish some concepts were given a little more time, like the subplot with Valentine/Peter Wiggin influencing public opinion on Earth while Ender trains for the fight of his life or the subtle importance of religion on how the society currently functions and how it resurfaces at the end of the novel so suddenly. Overall, a must-read for fans of this genre, and a good choice for young readers wishing to engage with material than will challenge them, make them think, and help them develop mental imagery skills thanks to the clear pictures Card has written.

Content Warnings