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whittaker's reviews
216 reviews
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
There’s a reason why so many poets try to replicate Rupi’s style. As much as people may mock the style itself, Rupi uses it to her benefit to make her poems effect the reader how she wants them to. Each one is well written and represents a piece of her - not outstanding so not 5 stars but it is phenomenal.
shine your icy crown by Amanda Lovelace
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
2.5
maybe ive read too many amazing poetry collections this year but this just seemed… average to me. i loved the message and it was well written, but the premise behind each poem felt like a regurgitation of entry-level feminist ideals. it didn’t inspire me. some of the poems were good - they held more mysticism and meaning and actually delivered a new insight to me - but they were few and far between. not a bad poetry book - i would actually recommend it for older teens who haven’t read much feminist literature or poetry (it’s a really good book to get you into poetry).
Carefree Black Girls: A Celebration of Black Women in Pop Culture by Zeba Blay
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
A Socially Acceptable Breakdown by Patrick Roche
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Provided for review by NetGalley!
I personally think this is one of the best poetry collections i’ve read recently. Patrick touches on many sensitive topics, especially from his own experiences, but it is easy to see yourself in his words. Such a thoughtful collection - some of my favourite quotes include:
“I commit to myself and I am committing to myself and I am committing myself”, “Heaven is a Pangea where only those who want distance have it. Hell is a fault line”, “Still, there are laws of physics in this bathroom that I haven’t proven but that I believe no matter how much I know I shouldn’t”, “The most tangible joy of all, of course, always queer” and the whole of the poem Icarus!
I personally think this is one of the best poetry collections i’ve read recently. Patrick touches on many sensitive topics, especially from his own experiences, but it is easy to see yourself in his words. Such a thoughtful collection - some of my favourite quotes include:
“I commit to myself and I am committing to myself and I am committing myself”, “Heaven is a Pangea where only those who want distance have it. Hell is a fault line”, “Still, there are laws of physics in this bathroom that I haven’t proven but that I believe no matter how much I know I shouldn’t”, “The most tangible joy of all, of course, always queer” and the whole of the poem Icarus!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie
mysterious
relaxing
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? N/A
3.75
Death in Her Hands by Ottessa Moshfegh
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
i loved my year of rest and relaxation but this was just way too slow for me
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.25
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Very close to being a 5 star review. I fell in love with Keiko, and the ending truly did make me feel happy for her. I'm sure some would read this book and feel off-put by, or dislike Keiko, but everything she said made sense. Whilst I don't relate to her necessarily, seeing her point of view, and watching how she settled in to who she is and what she loves, or needs per se, was invigorating.