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sarahmae531's reviews
119 reviews
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Enjoyed the book overall. There were certain parts that seemed a little outlandish and unbelievable, but that was kind of expected going into it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. For every terrible character there were so many more that I fell in love with.
I really enjoyed Backman’s writing style/this translation. The ending tied everything together perfectly.
I really enjoyed Backman’s writing style/this translation. The ending tied everything together perfectly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Rape, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Homophobia, and Self harm
Minor: Outing
Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Three books in and I fear this series just isn’t for me. I still want to continue, since they’re such quick reads and I don’t dislike them, I just feel like I am past the point of being the intended audience for these books.
In this book specifically, there were a couple of times that I cringed at the “quirky high schooler” talk of keyboard smashing and one too many “why are we like this.”
Still a sweet series, I’m excited to watch the show once I’m done since I’ve heard really good things.
In this book specifically, there were a couple of times that I cringed at the “quirky high schooler” talk of keyboard smashing and one too many “why are we like this.”
Still a sweet series, I’m excited to watch the show once I’m done since I’ve heard really good things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Eating disorder and Self harm
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I said in my review of Volume 1 that I hoped my ratings would go up as I got further into the series and knew the characters a bit more, and I think that will be the case! A sweet book, nothing too deep (other than some homophobia). Nick’s coming out to his mom made me tear up, very similar to my own experience. Overall a cute addition to the series, excited to read on!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Violence
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Wanted to pick up this series to see what all the hype was about, and I’m hoping it goes up from here… It wasn’t a bad book by any means, but as someone who doesn’t typically read graphic novels, there wasn’t as much character building/backstory as I’m used to.
It was such a quick read, I am still planning on picking up the rest of the series, and hoping my ratings go up as I get to know more about Nick and Charlie!
It was such a quick read, I am still planning on picking up the rest of the series, and hoping my ratings go up as I get to know more about Nick and Charlie!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying and Outing
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
Needed a good thriller and this did not disappoint! If you’re a fan of unreliable characters, this one is for you. So many varying accounts of events leaves you wondering who is telling the truth, if anyone.
I’ve heard such good things about Lisa Jewell but this is the first book of hers I’ve read. I’ll definitely be picking up more in the future!
I’ve heard such good things about Lisa Jewell but this is the first book of hers I’ve read. I’ll definitely be picking up more in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, and Stalking
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Loved, loved, loved this book!! Nothing felt overly impossible, all of the characters were well fleshed out and I loved watching all of the relationships grow. Also, the spicy scenes.. chef’s kiss (pun intended)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed this book. I did see the twist coming from a mile away, but it was at least somewhat entertaining leading up to it. Can’t say I particularly loved, or even liked, any of the characters, which usually I need in a book. Overall a good book and a good way to start off October.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Confinement and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
3 star read from me. Granted, at 24 years old, I’m not the intended audience, but I never read it when I was younger.