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books_and_cream_cheese's reviews
154 reviews
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
An unexpectedly heartwarming love letter to books. I don't recommend reading it on the train, I snort-laughed twice and got weird looks.
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Maybe it was the language barrier, but I absolutely couldn't follow what happend. To me the story felt confusing with very few explanations about the sirens and it quickly became exhausting to read.
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? No
4.5
As a non-native speaker, the first 100 pages were quite difficult for me. This book purposely uses a lot of Brooklyn Slang and I personally needed to get used to that. But once you're in it - you're IN it. It's music and black culture in the streets of New York - captured so vividly and gripping, sad and brutal and sweet. I couldn't put it down.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
The Humans by Matt Haig
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The "alien-comes-to-earth-the-first-time"-concept is nothing new (in fact, I had to think of Marvel's first Thor movie a lot while reading this), but Matt Haig manages to put an interesting spin on it. It's funny and philosophical in a way that will stick with me for a long time. It DOES have its lenghts though and the last few pages contained some of the cringiest sentences I've ever read. I also think that it focused on the protagonist a bit toooo much and neglected the development of some side characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicide attempt
Lanny by Max Porter
4.0
It's beautiful and raw and emotional. I'm a slow reader and I finished it in less than two days - the story seemed to haunt me whenever I dared to take a break or make myself a cup of tea. It's unlike anything I've ever read - scary, suspenseful and sometimes even funny.
The only thing that threw me off was the ending, because I wanted a few things to be different. However, I respect the risks the author takes. I love this book, the story will stay with me for a long time.
The only thing that threw me off was the ending, because I wanted a few things to be different. However, I respect the risks the author takes. I love this book, the story will stay with me for a long time.
On the Other Side by Carrie Hope Fletcher
3.0
Having been a subscriber to her YouTube channel for longer than I remember, I was very excited for this book. Regardless of my opinion on the story, I'm incredibly happy that she now has multiple books published and that she is living her dream as an author.
The writing style is whimsical in the best way, I enjoyed the way she told the different events and timelines. The story itself however is flawed to me, confusing at times. As much as I wanted to like it, I couldn't ignore some of the questionable decisions that were made. I also miss that there wasn't a specific time (at least decade) where the storylines takes place, as I very much struggled to imagine the places and characters without this context. Nonetheless, there were some brilliant chapters that I like very much.
The writing style is whimsical in the best way, I enjoyed the way she told the different events and timelines. The story itself however is flawed to me, confusing at times. As much as I wanted to like it, I couldn't ignore some of the questionable decisions that were made. I also miss that there wasn't a specific time (at least decade) where the storylines takes place, as I very much struggled to imagine the places and characters without this context. Nonetheless, there were some brilliant chapters that I like very much.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
5.0
I've read this book multiple times and always discovered a new perspective on the events taking place. I still feel like I haven't yet understood the story completely (which means that I need to read it a few more times still, I suppose) but it somehow sticks with me in a very special way. It has been and forever will be one of my favourite books.
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
3.0
This story feels warm and cozy, like a romantic comedy you'd watch on a rainy day. I enjoyed the concept of the book very much, especiallys the few chapters that dealt with some heavier topics.
However, I didn't really relate to or care for both of the main characters as much as I wish I did; especially Leon seemed to be a bit sterotypical and "flat". I don't read a lot of romance and I'm aware that some of the clichées and over-the-top scenes that made me cringe, might be the exact thing that others like about the book - but I wasn't that interested in what might happen next.
I listened to the audiobook, so I have to add that Carrie Hope Fletcher as Tiffy was really enjoyable and calming to listen to.
All in all, this was a fun experience and can see myself recommending this to friends who love romance novels - for me personally though, it didn't quite catch me enough to really like it.
However, I didn't really relate to or care for both of the main characters as much as I wish I did; especially Leon seemed to be a bit sterotypical and "flat". I don't read a lot of romance and I'm aware that some of the clichées and over-the-top scenes that made me cringe, might be the exact thing that others like about the book - but I wasn't that interested in what might happen next.
I listened to the audiobook, so I have to add that Carrie Hope Fletcher as Tiffy was really enjoyable and calming to listen to.
All in all, this was a fun experience and can see myself recommending this to friends who love romance novels - for me personally though, it didn't quite catch me enough to really like it.
All My Friends are Superheroes by Andrew Kaufman
3.0
A fun, sweet concept that made for an entertaining read, although I feel like there is potential to develop a more engaging story.
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
4.0
Fucking intense. Incredible characters that felt unique and three-dimensional. I was hooked as soon as I picked it up and developed a connection to every person in this book (especially loved Frances' mum, how dare she be so cool).
The only criticism I have is that some of the revelations and twists of the story were easy to guess (at least for me), I wanted to be a bit more surprised. Sometimes the book felt a bit preachy with its message about university and choosing one's own path, but since I can very much relate to the character's struggles, I didn't mind it much.
The only criticism I have is that some of the revelations and twists of the story were easy to guess (at least for me), I wanted to be a bit more surprised. Sometimes the book felt a bit preachy with its message about university and choosing one's own path, but since I can very much relate to the character's struggles, I didn't mind it much.