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wrenl's reviews
1072 reviews
The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church by Sarah McCammon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee by Ellen Oh
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
This book has a very specific writing style (lots of exclamation marks, obvious dialogue, super obvious bullying plot). And while that might work for some, it doesn’t work for me. Also the idea is cool, but the way it’s been executed feels a bit overdone.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
Love Me For Who I Am, Vol.4 by Kata Konayama
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Blood
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality and Injury/Injury detail
The Borrow a Boyfriend Club by Page Powars
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
An adorable queer romance. I love the Ouran High School Host Club vibes. And the supportive guy friends! Noah has a pretty interesting journey because of his perception of what a guy looks and acts like. Which I got a bit frustrated because being a guy is however you define it. But in the end, he figured it out.
Love Me for Who I Am, Vol. 1 by Kata Konayama
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Ugh I love a good queer love story! It’s doubly awesome because of nonbinary rep. I appreciate how this manga shows that gender is complex and fluid. And it’s so CUTE!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a fun little book. I love the Slack message format. The way emojis and gifs are written make them a bit hard to follow, but overall, the chat message tone and pacing was good. I liked the story; it was a bit trippy and surreal, but it was overall an interesting ride. There are moments when the book dips into existentialism but then bounces right back into comedy or lightheartedness, making the deep bits a bit less impactful.
Blue Flag, Vol. 8 by Kaito
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
(A review of the whole series)
There's something really special about this story. It takes itself seriously, and I appreciate that. The characters are caring and considerate and make some very messy decisions, but they stand by their decisions.
I love Taichi as a character. He feels so human. He's boisterous and awkward and feels like he's stuck in his perfect best friend's shadow. He's caring and goes out of the way for the people he cares about. I love how his character develops and how he interacts with the world.
The plot became a bit messy near the end when Toma was in the fight with his friends. I had a super hard time keeping up with the conversation between Taichi, Toma's friends, and Mami's friends. Yes, you can't judge someone's opinion because you don't know their past, but also homophobia is bad. It was such a confusing conversation. But the intent behind that conversation ties really well into this story about perspective and following YOUR dreams and values.
My biggest gripe (which according to the Reddit post I read is the biggest gripe for everyone else who read this series) is the time skip at the end of this volume. While I like that it shows how people and relationships change over time, and I'm happy Toma and Taichi get together in the end because they are very cute together, some of the reveals at Futaba's wedding feel out of place. Like who is that dude? Who is Masumi with? What is going on???
In my perfect little world, Masumi would be married to her wife and having a grand old time. I'm not sure about Futaba; maybe she'd be on her own with a little flower shop or something, maybe she'd be married in the countryside. But at least Masumi would be in a gay relationship.
Overall, I would recommend this series because it explores relationships and personal desire (not in a sexual way, think more life purpose way). There are some amazing friendships and surprising relationships (think Mami and Masumi's friendship). Just a beautiful manga for the most part
There's something really special about this story. It takes itself seriously, and I appreciate that. The characters are caring and considerate and make some very messy decisions, but they stand by their decisions.
I love Taichi as a character. He feels so human. He's boisterous and awkward and feels like he's stuck in his perfect best friend's shadow. He's caring and goes out of the way for the people he cares about. I love how his character develops and how he interacts with the world.
The plot became a bit messy near the end when Toma was in the fight with his friends. I had a super hard time keeping up with the conversation between Taichi, Toma's friends, and Mami's friends. Yes, you can't judge someone's opinion because you don't know their past, but also homophobia is bad. It was such a confusing conversation. But the intent behind that conversation ties really well into this story about perspective and following YOUR dreams and values.
In my perfect little world, Masumi would be married to her wife and having a grand old time. I'm not sure about Futaba; maybe she'd be on her own with a little flower shop or something, maybe she'd be married in the countryside. But at least Masumi would be in a gay relationship.
Overall, I would recommend this series because it explores relationships and personal desire (not in a sexual way, think more life purpose way). There are some amazing friendships and surprising relationships (think Mami and Masumi's friendship). Just a beautiful manga for the most part
Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 26 by Adachitoka
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.0
(Per usual, a review of the whole series)
I’m done! Phew, this manga felt like it took forever. I think I lost the plot in the middle of the series, but I found my way out. The middleafter Ebisu dies just DRAGS on forever. But it adds a lot of interesting depth to characters like Nora and Kazuma.
But in the end, this story is about humanity and family. It’s about loving the people you love with all your heart. Every character goes through this, even the ones who seem evil at first.
Some of the best character arcs are Nora, Bishamon, Kazuma, and Yukine. They all go through their own struggles, but love and friendship pull them through.
One big thing does bother me. I wish Hiyori had a bigger part in the climatic fight portion where Yato and Kazuma go for the sorcerer. Hiyori is SO important for most of the story, so her absence is definitely noticed. I get that she isn’t a god or shinki, but given her importance, she deserved more page time. Although the ending is so so sweet.
I’ve stuck with this series for a long time. It was one of my favorite anime, and I was so upset when season three never came. So I’m happy I’m able to finish it now as an adult years later.
I’m done! Phew, this manga felt like it took forever. I think I lost the plot in the middle of the series, but I found my way out. The middle
But in the end, this story is about humanity and family. It’s about loving the people you love with all your heart. Every character goes through this, even the ones who seem evil at first.
Some of the best character arcs are Nora, Bishamon, Kazuma, and Yukine. They all go through their own struggles, but love and friendship pull them through.
I’ve stuck with this series for a long time. It was one of my favorite anime, and I was so upset when season three never came. So I’m happy I’m able to finish it now as an adult years later.