Scan barcode
ssgcedits's reviews
160 reviews
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
dark
emotional
sad
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
5.0
Steinbeck never disappoints. My heart was either pounding or breaking at every new page. Another disturbing, beautiful and insightful tale focused on working-class characters. It is not an easy read, precisely for its themes, but it is absolutely worth the effort.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence and Murder
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Interesting premise, terrible execution. Yet another alien invasion post-apocalyptic novel in which the heart of the story is... romance, of course.
The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Worse than following the misfortunes and misadventures of well-rounded characters is imagining a parent (or grandparent) watching it all with no chance of helping them, or looking away, or moving, or dying. It is a dark story and perhaps not as easy to follow as some of Tolkien's more famous books, but every bit as brilliant. I also loved learning a bit more about the history of Middle Earth. My edition had a lovely foreword by Christopher Tolkien (RIP), where he offers a bit more context and a few linguistic explanations - a real cherry on top!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Torture, and Murder
Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a great adventure story. It's a lovely introduction to a lot of classic literature and bits of historical knowledge. I would recommend it to any young person who is into fantasy and as a doorway to other classic fantasy or adventure stories.
Scottish Witches by Lily Seafield
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
4.0
This is a great little introduction to the witch hunts. It goes over the origins of witches and the most well-known trial cases in Scotland. It was the first time I read on the topic and it contributed to the growth of my feminist consciousness. What a great way to remember these women and celebrate their resistance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Torture