nila's reviews
500 reviews

I also can't remember the last time I laughed and smiled this much. And at one point, I actually cried, which I've never done before reading a book.

Content Warnings

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

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hopeful inspiring reflective 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? No

4.5

I've been holding out on reading Acevedo's work, and now I wish I hadn't. With the exception of THREE instances of "letting go of breaths she didn't know she was holding", this was such a well-written and engaging story. Though I loved how Emoni was focused on her own journey, the romance portion was also really sweet

Perfect Sound Whatever by James Acaster

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funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

I've been putting off reading this because I wanted to listen along to all the albums and songs mentioned in the book, but I realized I'd never have time to do that, and that I could always just reread the book whenever I needed to.

It's well balanced in terms of how Acaster weaves his personal stories in with the reviews and descriptions of the music he's presenting. It also matched his comedic tone, so you can hear his voice as you're reading it.

Content Warnings

Det hvite hotellet by Jo Nesbø

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mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

2.75

I feel bad for the low rating considering the book/story was written to make money for the charity Save the Children, but that's just how I feel about it. I've read short stories by Nesbø before and this just didn't do it for me. Everything felt rushed and too on the nose to make any lasting impact. There was also an abundance of tropes, so it felt quite predictable as well.

Alkymisten by Paulo Coelho

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hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced