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bitsandbobsdivination's reviews
217 reviews
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
3.0
As someone who grew up in high school in the 2010’s I enjoyed some of the references and the setting but Tori and I had very different experiences.
I was a more curious, fearful, optimistic and an emotionally connect artsy teen who was trying to figure out my sexuality. Whereas Tori is loving and cares about those she loves deeply, but is also entirely out of touch with her emotions, pessimistic, judgemental, and most likely ‘undiagnosed with depression’ as Alice has stated.
Because we had such a huge difference in our experiences, I found her perspective interesting at the start and at moments later on, but found each time I picked up the book it really brought me down. I know this shows how difficult depression really is, and especially how it can make you not necessarily sad but more so cloudy and numb as those I know have described their own experience.
So, I know there are going to be plenty of people who will find and have found so much solace and more of themselves in this book in a way that is comforting and that’s why I hope it finds those people. I just wasn’t one of them and that’s okay.
Also I gave it only 3/5 because the story outside of Tori was kinda jumbled and didn’t really make a lot of sense as the characters involved weren’t as fleshed out. Also Michael is a great character to show how masking is definitely a part in all this, but also I just never really got him? Like he had one thing going for him outside of Tori? So… I don’t know…
Overall though, I hope this book finds its way to those who need it or will find Tori someone they can relate to and feel less alone in, but definitely check the Content Warnings first. 💚✨
I was a more curious, fearful, optimistic and an emotionally connect artsy teen who was trying to figure out my sexuality. Whereas Tori is loving and cares about those she loves deeply, but is also entirely out of touch with her emotions, pessimistic, judgemental, and most likely ‘undiagnosed with depression’ as Alice has stated.
Because we had such a huge difference in our experiences, I found her perspective interesting at the start and at moments later on, but found each time I picked up the book it really brought me down. I know this shows how difficult depression really is, and especially how it can make you not necessarily sad but more so cloudy and numb as those I know have described their own experience.
So, I know there are going to be plenty of people who will find and have found so much solace and more of themselves in this book in a way that is comforting and that’s why I hope it finds those people. I just wasn’t one of them and that’s okay.
Also I gave it only 3/5 because the story outside of Tori was kinda jumbled and didn’t really make a lot of sense as the characters involved weren’t as fleshed out. Also Michael is a great character to show how masking is definitely a part in all this, but also I just never really got him? Like he had one thing going for him outside of Tori? So… I don’t know…
Overall though, I hope this book finds its way to those who need it or will find Tori someone they can relate to and feel less alone in, but definitely check the Content Warnings first. 💚✨
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
Honestly, another beautiful book to add to their story!! Volume Four hits hard and this is a welcome change towards healing and growth for them both together and apart! If you loved all the other volumes, I mean obviously this one is gonna be amazing too 🌈🥹✨
The Martian by Andy Weir
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-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
5.0
I’ve already seen the movie multiple times, but I’ve been avoiding it for a couple years now just to read this fresh… And it was definitely worth it! I’ve also already read Project Hail Mary and do believe it is a step up from this, but the step was already *incredibly* high!
Highly recommend!! Definitely enjoyed learning and nerding out to Mark’s story. Whatever Andy writes next, sign me up!
Highly recommend!! Definitely enjoyed learning and nerding out to Mark’s story. Whatever Andy writes next, sign me up!
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Actually, my sign didn’t make sense without Roberta’s…” this line was so pivotal for me. A reminder of the needed duality for ‘sides’ to exist, for extremes to emerge, for hate from either side to ensue. I can’t say I know how to fix it other than to find the center of both or more viewpoints and see the humanity in both, but this book definitely has me thinking in new ways I’m sure I will revisit. Especially since I listened to it twice in one sitting. Highly recommend! ✨
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
I found this book to be very funny and mysterious, but also found the side characters more interesting to me than the main two.
The threads of found friendship and deeper understanding of one another was beautiful to see unfold, but I will say the main romance felt unearned and fast, but that is High School so I suppose it makes sense.
Overall, I would recommend this book as it was a fun time and definitely had me laughing. 💚📖✨
The threads of found friendship and deeper understanding of one another was beautiful to see unfold, but I will say the main romance felt unearned and fast, but that is High School so I suppose it makes sense.
Overall, I would recommend this book as it was a fun time and definitely had me laughing. 💚📖✨
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
Really enjoyed this one! Wasn’t sure where it was going to go as it went down different paths than the typical enemies to lovers trope. Definitely a solid read! 🌈✨
North and South by Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, Gene Luen Yang
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Smoke and Shadow by Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, Gene Luen Yang
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Loving reading these! This one was definitely a bit darker in themes but still an interesting mystery and funny too. Excited to continue on!
Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Rift by Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, Gene Luen Yang
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.75
Really enjoying these!! This one really brought up some very real tensions that happen even today when it comes to the past and future and how they fit together. Excited for the next one!
The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I enjoyed this a lot and found it fun reading the little character profiles and Alice’s pov. I took away one star just because I thought there might be more BTS snippets and unseen mini comics or illustrations, but 85% of the book is Alice’s POV of artwork I’ve already seen and read online.
That being said, I still enjoyed rereading and revisiting them! Plus I did draw Charlie and Nick with her help. Plan to draw Elle too! ✨
That being said, I still enjoyed rereading and revisiting them! Plus I did draw Charlie and Nick with her help. Plan to draw Elle too! ✨