books_and_cream_cheese's reviews
154 reviews

Bloom by Kevin Panetta

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • 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

So much cuteness, even more baking.
How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I enjoyed the deeply sarcastic voice of the protagonist. You can tell that Tropper is a skillful writer, the story is well outlined and paced. Especially chapter 26 was brilliant. 

However, this is a classic "it's not you, it's me" - I can't put my finger on it, but for me personally, there was something off here. Maybe it didn't get deep enough, maybe there were just too many storylines on the side, maybe some parts were just a little bit too movie-clichè-dramatic. Either way - I still enjoyed the book. My favourite character by far was the father, absolutely brilliant.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

Outstanding writing. Made me cry on the plane twice. 
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

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informative reflective fast-paced

2.0

Yeah, that was a strange one. 
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neill

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I was quite stressed at work today, so I made myself a cup of tea and sat down to read this book. Reading took just as long as getting to the last sip of tea (which is no coincidence, I reckon) and I feel so much better now. Short and quick escapism, wonderful illustrations, so much warmth and cuteness.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Well written with a strong and unique fantasy concept. Didn't fit my personal taste, though. It was difficult to get into the story, since you're thrown in the action with barely any explanation of the world or the language being used. Sometimes gripping, other times exhausting to read.
Within the Sanctuary of Wings by Marie Brennan

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Solid ending for the series - the concept was quite surprising and creative. Andrew still is the absolut best character (can we give him a spin-off book, please?)

One thing that disappointed me though were the choice of illustrations this time. All the motifs were beautifully done, as always, but barely ever depicted anything of interest. I wanted to see the village and the temples and the dragons, not some half-lit sleeping something where you can barely make out a wing! 

Overall, you can see Brennans writing improve from book to book. To me personally, it's still exhausting. That being said, I appreaciate the consistent scientific and logic tone, because it fits the protagonist so well. I'm both glad I read this book and relieved it's finally over.
Nimona by ND Stevenson

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-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? Yes

5.0

So cute, so strong and absolutely hilarious. The perfect story to escape into on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
That's it - I'm giving up. I want to say that this book just isn't for me but... I'm 72 pages and literally BARELY ANYTHING happend?! I know I'm an impatient person, but seriously... 72 pages of basically mere character explanation and nothing else? This book has no business being this long, there is so much unnecessary stuff in here already that I really don't need to read about. Sorry not sorry...
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Despite having absolutely no interest (or knowledge - apologies to my old English teachers) of Shakespeare, I'm surprised how connected to the story I felt. The setting, the characters, the smart parallels between the plays and the actual plot - absolutely brilliant. Even without any knowledge about theater, I noticed how carefully crafted every aspect of this book was. The theatrical structure and  intentional dramatic tone were absolutely fitting. 

Obviously inspired by "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt - and at least as good. 4 stars were a personal choice - I just don't care about Shakespeare.