anniefwrites's reviews
393 reviews

Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

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adventurous informative lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
Still a delightful page-turner after all these years. And when your name is Annie and you and your older brother Jack grew up in Pennsylvania, you’re legally obligated to love these books. What a fun start to the series. 
The Color Purple by Alice Walker

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

There's a reason this book is considered a modern classic. Walker's novel is a masterful piece of literature, as devastating as it is hopeful. The characters are so real, and she uses their distinct voices to explore so many complicated issues, from race relations to FGM, from gender roles to sexuality. She's created a hero of literature in Celie, not because she acts like a man, but precisely because she acts as a woman, with all of the complexities that come with it: her tenderness, her boldness, her desire to care and to be cared for. While this is at times a difficult read, I think it is absolutely worth it, especially for the beautiful ending. A masterpiece.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No

1.5

Not for me. In particular, I found the excessive sexual violence to further plot (and sometimes not really accomplish anything) without any real concern for the survivors incredibly difficult to swallow. In general, misogyny is baked into this society and book, and I don’t want to read about a future where patriarchy—and by extension, violence—still wreak havoc on the world. 
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Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame by Mara Wilson

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced
This was such a pleasant, easy read despite some of the difficult subject matter. I, like so many, loved Mara Wilson growing up, and it was fascinating to read about her more unique experiences as a child actor and also her more universal experiences of girlhood. She’s such a strong voice for unpacking the complexities of child acting—I’d definitely read more from her in the future. 
Exploring Philly Nature: A Guide for All Four Seasons by Bernard S. Brown

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informative lighthearted fast-paced
This was a really nice introduction to getting to know the flora and fauna of my city. It’s super accessible and has concrete activities to do, as opposed to a book of animal or plant species. There’s some overlap in the seasons generally, but I think that structure will be useful when referring back. This book made me excited to explore the parks and green spaces in Philly in the near future. 
Goblin Mode: How to Get Cozy, Embrace Imperfection, and Thrive in the Muck by McKayla Coyle

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inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

Congrats to McKayla on their delightful debut! The tone of this book reminded me of all the DIY/self-helpy books I read as a tween, with fun activities and an air of lightheartedness. I’ve never identified as a goblin, but after reading this I can definitely vibe with that lifestyle (in particular, the decor aspect; I’m typing by the light of a floral stained glass lamp I got at a flea market). This was just the lovely palate cleanser I needed and a perfect read for fall. Maybe I’m ready to go full goblin mode 👀🧙🏻‍♀️🍃
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

Even after finishing this book, I still feel like I’m wading through the depths of the ocean. It has the precision of a short story but the movement of a novel. The concluding image was so powerful, I think it will stay with me for a long time. This book is a feat of tone, transporting the reader to somewhere they’ve never imagined. 
There Is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life Is Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love by Emily McDowell, Kelsey Crowe

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hopeful informative reflective fast-paced
While this is definitely a broad guide to what are inevitably nuanced situations, I think this book serves as a great first step for anyone who wants to show up better for the people in their lives. Some aspects of that I think I do really well, and others not so much. This book allowed me to assess those things clearly and without judgment, and in fact, with encouragement to trust myself and my ability to care for others. I will definitely refer back to it when I need to figure out how best to support someone during a tough time. 
I'll Love You When You're More Like Me by M.E. Kerr

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funny lighthearted fast-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
This was such a fun, quirky read. The characters were so distinct, and I loved following their stories and reading their banter. The premise itself is so offbeat that it’s really unlike any other book I’ve read before. Being from the 70s, it’s a mix of old-fashioned charm and some jokes and lines that don’t age well, but generally I loved the tone.
I sort of wish Sabra had reached a similar conclusion to Wally about the course her life was taking, but I also see the merits of showing her in opposition to him, how she can be satisfied moving through the world like she does.
Overall a really enjoyable, light read that I’d recommend for summer. 
Sylvia Plath: A Biography by Linda Wagner-Martin

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dark informative reflective sad slow-paced
I’ve been fascinated by Sylvia Plath since I read The Bell Jar a few years ago and it blew me away. This book is super informative about the minutiae of her daily life from childhood to her death, and it paints a clear picture of a person who struggled with mental illness, perfectionism, strict gender expectations, and family trauma. It was a bit dry, but not excessively so for a biography. I do wonder how the book would have been different if the Hughes estate had allowed more access, as the author notes up front. There’s still so much we don’t know.