riareads's reviews
9 reviews

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was beautifully written. I loved the progression with the plot and appreciate the precise details especially during sorrowful moments. This book was so specific, there are moments where you question how Evelyn Hugo isn't a real person. I loved how truthful this book was and appreciated how nothing was sugarcoated, it also gave leeway and insight to life in Hollywood through a POC's perspective. Additionally, the plot twists and turns as you read, and there were moments where my jaw DROPPED. Overall, I do think that this book lived up to its hype. 
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Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

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lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

I was beyond excited to read this book because of how much I enjoyed "The Unhoneymooners". Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with this novel. To start off, I found Hazel's personality to come off as more "quirky, and not like other girls" instead of outgoing and unique. There were a lot of points in the book where I had to roll my eyes at actions she partook in or things she said. Although I know that being different was the character's purpose, I felt like it was forced too much and didn't seem natural. This being said, I did find moments where I related to Hazel in her moments of vulnerability. Additionally, I felt the plot to be very mediocre. There was very little character development and I felt as if there was no major spark between Josh and Hazel. Although they had connections throughout the story, I didn't feel any excitement or thrill when hearing about their progress individually or as a couple. Furthermore, I did find a lot of the storyline predictable which added a bland element to the story. Lastly, I hated the ending of this book. I felt the need to add a pregnancy was very unnecessary and it felt like the author was reaching for a new idea to spice things up.   Overall, I was very unsatisfied with this book. 
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Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

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challenging emotional mysterious tense slow-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? Yes

3.75

In all honesty, there isn't much to say about this book. I felt the writing to be mediocre but acceptable. I did find the lack of quotation marks and interesting touch, it made reading this book to be a different experience. The plot was very slow at times and although I appreciated the detail, it was hard to follow up with how much time had passed. During a majority of the time, I couldn't tell where the story was going and it made me question what the purpose for this book was. Overall, I did not develop any sort of emotional connection with the characters which disappointed me to say the least. 
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

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

4.5

This story was beautiful. The author did an amazing job helping readers feel the gut wrenching emotions the main character, Lucy, felt. This book was heartbreaking in so many ways and I found myself bawling by the end of it. The perspective of Lucy was so well explained and seeing life through her was relieving and helped me better understand her as a person. Although the ending was a little predictable, I do think that the build up was beautifully written. Regardless, it was absolutely devastating to read. I also loved how a lot of the story revolved around 9/11 and its significance, not only to Lucy but to others who were there. It really made me reflect and think about my community and others around me. How one decision or event can play such an important role in our lives. All of this being said, I did think the book was a little slow paced at some points but I did not mind that very much. Overall, I loved the writing and honestly wish I could glue some sentences from these pages onto me, so that they will stick with me forever. 
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The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

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adventurous funny relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I've heard amazing stuff about this book and needless to say, I did enjoy it. I loved the constant banter (even after the relationship began) which you don't see often. I also loved the main characters and appreciated their character development over the course of the book. I also loved the wording and conversations both character had with each other, I'm happy to admit that there were moments (more than I count) where I found myself having to physically put the book down to grin or laugh. The relationship was adorable and I found this book to be more wholesome than expected. Great stuff aside, I didn't love the lgbqt+ representation in this novel. I found a lot of common stereotypes incorporated into it and a lot of harmful comments about "wanting to be lesbian", which is extremely tone deaf and was irritating to read. This being said, I do recommend  this novel to anyone interested in a lighthearted nemisis's to lovers. 
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

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adventurous challenging lighthearted slow-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 had high expectations for this book considering how popular it has been on booktok. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. The main character gave me a lot of "pick me" vibes and I was not here for it. In almost every chapter there were mentions about how small and dainty she was and quite frankly it was very aggravating. Like ok, we get it. You're short. Get over it. Additionally, I found this book to follow similar plot lines and formatting to Wattpad stories 12 year olds write. Regardless, I do admit there were positive points in this book in which I enjoyed. I did find it rather slow paced but if you're into that, definitely recommend. 
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Fireworks by Katie Cotugno

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adventurous emotional lighthearted relaxing sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Overall I enjoyed this book, however I didn't appreciate the main character being described as "not like the others" from almost everyone around her, it made the plot a little more predictable. It also gave me "pick me" vibes. Additionally, I also wasn't a huge fan of the ending, I liked certain narratives of the main characters progression, however I was hoping for a more triumphant ending for her. 
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Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

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challenging inspiring tense medium-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

4.25

This book discusses the challenges of mental health. A lot of analogies were used to describe this and it definitely makes you stop and think. Based off of the way it is written and discussed throughout this story, it is  definitely a thought provoking book and would recommend  to anyone interested in mental health journeys/stories. 
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The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody

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adventurous emotional funny sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book was beautifully written, although it had some dark parts and touched on grief, it was such a cute romance and I loved the progression of this story. 
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