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saoreads's reviews
140 reviews
The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
It was packed with more mystery and always had to insert a twist than the normal plot twists in history. Many side characters were introduced, and the characters from book 1 stayed true to their personalities. Although there's the frustration of the heroine's confusions and doubts, it showed readers that everything is not as it seems. This was good enough as a duology, but knowing it still has another installment is not so bad as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
You're Not Enough (and That's Ok): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love by Allie Beth Stuckey
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This book shattered every fragmentary thought and rigid principle that used to hang loosely in my head. It affirmed logic, reason (not feeling), and the Almighty for what we believe in. 'You are not enough, and you will never be, and it's okay because God is.' This phrase guided the path of the book, and every chapter prompted self-reflection on our own self-ejected miseries and journeys to self-discovery, often leaving us with more questions than answers. In our pursuit to gain control, we become miserable. The book imparts simple yet effective lessons that, at times, we might have taken for granted–how uncertainties lie in our lives and how the author's experiences carry readers through relatability. In the end, God is the finishing line, just as He was in the beginning. Bible verses and scriptures intertwine throughout the chapters, and it's rare to find one that presents points well, encouraging us to reflect and ponder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
It provided an in-depth conversation that delved into the real idea of being a stoic, of which at first, I simply had no clue. There are many pieces that one can always get back into and sought out with action effectively. The last chapter left a more significant impact than all the other goodies found in the book. 'Words turn to works,' according to Seneca, and that will be a new addition to my mantra for 2024.
Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard by Bo Seo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Juggling to reading books from fiction to nonfiction brought me imbalance. I was no longer reading but skimming mindlessly. For the most parts it simply was not for me but it was interesting, though I never got through with it.
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is an odd book; as I see it, it brings out perspectives worth reflecting on, but I find it infuriating that no justice was done. Being seen as different should not be a reason to be treated awfully, simply because they wanted to? It was hypocritical at most and selfish at best. They stuck to their own definitions, but it's frustrating to read something that seems to offer insight but provides nothing at the same time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
It has been stuck on my TBR for so long that I finally got to read it, and with my love for magic and fantasy, this was a real treat. The first book, Serpent and Dove, piqued my interest with its hint at unrevealed backstories and plenty of possibility for more investigation in possible sequels. The characters' deep family relationships with their convoluted secrets gave a level of complexity that really tricked the mind. The idea of a parent sacrificing their child and the contradictory emotions associated with parental love departed from the norm, revealing deceit and the disheartening knowledge that one is living a lie-based life.
The story explores the dissolution of values that have been imprinted since childhood, only to expose their falsity. It skillfully captured the possibility of love blossoming in the middle of disaster and presented endearing individuals in the midst of all of this upheaval. Together with highlighting the animosity between witches and chasseurs, which developed into an unexpected and intricate love tale, the story also touched on the themes of affection and teamwork among the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
This book takes you on some mind-f*ck emotional experience—the phases of falling in love that are not exactly defined in the usual ways—it speaks in another language, differing from the means of poetry or typical romance. There's truth and nonsense and ecstatic to an escalation that relentlessly pulls you forward to the center stage, not being a part of ridicule but being a part of one's imaginary world (2 worlds with the main characters)—absorbing to curating images of personas—is that really the person? or a made-up one? The concepts of change and obsessions with it, the repertoire of control and not having it at the same time. This book is posed with humor and sarcasm, making you psychologically challenged, and it was absolutely delivered with as much perfection as possible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Abandonment
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's amusing how the journey went from initially disliking the main character to gradually rooting for her, but not really (picky on some parts). There are reasons behind every action and the subsequent consequences, regardless of how positive or dire they may be. If it's not you fulfilling something in that life, something is bound to happen. The subtleties throughout the book, along with metaphors leading up to the years portrayed, shed light on generational patterns. Ultimately, it's her choice, and the outcome remains uncertain. The ending brings about new beginnings—whether good or bad, it could be either or even both.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Incest, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter - And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
It left impressionable anecdotes and brought me vices of knowledge, which for this case detailed and specific scenarios played out that oft times we struggled to identify and be aware of. The "twentysomethings" are indeed very crucial. It bore something and made me grounded in my resolve. "Mountains don't care," this quote especially gave me a hard reflection to look at. "Will I ever make it?" is not the right question; rather, "I will make it". The book taught me to be intentional.
Ms Ice Sandwich by Mieko Kawakami
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
I have mixed feelings about this book. At times, it delves into emotions, but sometimes it remains vague and elusive. It's a quick read, and I found comfort in its child-like tone while navigating the complexities of adulthood. However, I'm not entirely sure about its intended message.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief