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sinvvas's reviews
292 reviews
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
5.0
Perfect for both parents and their little ones. These books talk to children in a kind way, and speak about the problems children face with a lot of respect. They also have important lessons that adults need to hear as well. I tend to get stressed out about all that I need to do, Frog and Toad remind me to focus on the good simple things. Go on a walk, visit your friends, clean your room, and eat a sweet treat. Not all books have to be long, sad, and deep to change your point of view. These are a great little breather.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cute and fun read. It was incredibly fast to read and was a nice little cleanser.
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My ass cheeks were clenched. Have you ever wanted to be stabbed by a book? If so, just read anything by R. F. Kuang. This is a cut throat satire about the publishing industry. This book is as humorous as it is brutal. I HATED every single character in this book with a passion that could win wars, but I could not put it down. It hits on incredibly hard topics about racism, artistry, and recognition while simultaneously giving us one of the most tense plots ever written. When I finished this book I realized I was holding my breath the entire time.
Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I owe everything in my life, from my livelihood to my community, to being a giant nerd. At my core I am a fangirl. I love art and consuming media. But what do I do when the creators of the art that I love (and occasionally have to sell) end up being terrible people? Claire Dederer fines herself in a similar situation in this book, and tries to answer the question of what we do with these monsters. Is it our responsibility to hold them accountable? This book handles this subject with the incredible nuance it deserves, and has completely changed my mind on the subject. In the wake of cancel culture and the need for systemic change, this is one of the most important books I have read in a long time.
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Judging by the cover, you probably would not have guessed that this book is a steamy mafia romance, but boy howdy is it! This was a super fun romp full of spice, mystery, and delightfully healthy communication. When a wealthy man's father dies, he inherits his title and finds out that most of his wealth is due to a smuggling scheme. He must work with the head of a smuggling ring to uncover his father’s criminal record. This was a super heartwarming and sweet read for anyone looking for more queer historical romance.
Grit: Poems by Silas Denver Melvin by silas denver melvin
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Grit is a beautiful and messy look at the trans-masc experience. This book feels like a bruise. Full of mild self-loathing, youthful hijinks, and the crushing weight of coming of age. I am not much of a poetry reader, but I think this set of poems will remedy that. They have healed me as much as they have hurt me. If you're looking into reading them, try out my new favorite, Twenty.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5