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alysereadsbooks's reviews
360 reviews
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
3.0
Saw this recommendation all over Booktok. I'm really into the time travel trope, but I did find this one kind of slow. However, the ending was pretty good and that made it more worthwhile for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Death
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it! This book has been on my TBR for a long time - and I think it deserves the hype. The main character is legitimately unlikable at first, but really grows over time. It gave me up vibes. Overall, a wholesome read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Self harm, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Cancer, Miscarriage, and Car accident
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
3.5
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great! I found it difficult to keep track of the multiple subplots and side characters, but it may have been me processing the format over everything else. I wish there was more explanation of the mechanics of the magic. I did enjoy the love story, but it felt unsatisfying to me at times.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was one of my favorite books I've read this year! I love the time travel trope and occasionally it can feel repetitive, but this book had such an unique plot. The ending was perfect and I can't wait to read it again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Grief, and Death of parent
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.75
I'm becoming a huge fan of Abby Jimenez. She reminds me a lot of a more mature Sarah Dessen with complex characters with believable flaws and elements of romance. I found their relationship sweet - overall it was a cute book. Can't wait to read her next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Mental illness and Sexual content
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
I listened to the audiobook - the voice acting was amazing! Sutanto's books are always heartwarming and funny. I also love the cozy elements. The book has depth and humor without being overly heavy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Domestic abuse
Firestarter by Tara Sim
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
3.5
Surprisingly, this was my favorite book of the series. The audiobook was great. There was a lot going on at times (subplots, traveling), but it engaging and a little dark for YA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: War
Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.25
I had high hopes for this one! Overall, poignant and heartbreaking. I loved the metaphor about death/burglary. It did feel slow paced and dense at times, but I think it deserves another read through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I wanted to love this book, but I found it disappointing. I’m honestly not sure what to make of it. I did like the vibes and the sapphic friendship but not sure I liked the ending. May need to reread it again to get the full context.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
One of my favorite books of this year. This book is such a raw, vulnerable, and beautiful examination of mental health and trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Abandonment
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, Grief, and Toxic friendship