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bookswithbibi's reviews
703 reviews
Mask of the Deer Woman by Laurie L. Dove
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This is a hard book for me to review.
On the one hand, I appreciated the commentary on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. On how they (and their families looking for them) get dismissed and forgotten by law enforcement, on the generational trauma and racism, and ongoing colonialism that impacts Indigenous peoples every day.
On the other hand, I don't think Carrie Starr and her story were the best avenue to make this essential commentary. She mostly elicited such annoyance and negative feelings from me that it distracted from the important messages and themes the author was trying to convey. I also found that the multiple POVs were too much and gave away the mystery. I would've appreciated one or two POVs to get away from Carrie's, but the amount the author had was too much for me. I had sympathy for Carrie, what she went through, and as half-Indigenous, never feeling like she belonged in either the white world or the Indigenous world (something I can relate to as a transracial adoptee). However, I never connected with her, and I was rooting for her to move away from her biases for the sake of the missing women, not specifically for her character development.
The only redeeming characters I found were the Deer Woman and Chenoa. I loved the storytelling aspect, and the story of Deer Woman was a shining star.
On the one hand, I appreciated the commentary on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. On how they (and their families looking for them) get dismissed and forgotten by law enforcement, on the generational trauma and racism, and ongoing colonialism that impacts Indigenous peoples every day.
On the other hand, I don't think Carrie Starr and her story were the best avenue to make this essential commentary. She mostly elicited such annoyance and negative feelings from me that it distracted from the important messages and themes the author was trying to convey. I also found that the multiple POVs were too much and gave away the mystery. I would've appreciated one or two POVs to get away from Carrie's, but the amount the author had was too much for me. I had sympathy for Carrie, what she went through, and as half-Indigenous, never feeling like she belonged in either the white world or the Indigenous world (something I can relate to as a transracial adoptee). However, I never connected with her, and I was rooting for her to move away from her biases for the sake of the missing women, not specifically for her character development.
The only redeeming characters I found were the Deer Woman and Chenoa. I loved the storytelling aspect, and the story of Deer Woman was a shining star.
Desire or Defense by Leah Brunner
hopeful
lighthearted
3.5
This was a sweet quick read with some funny and heartwarming moments. However, I was more invested in the developing friendships and characters than the romance. Because of this, I didn’t
mind the fade to black scenes, but I still wish there was a bit more substance and chemistry to the characters;s relationship. I appreciated the mental health and therapy focus and I thought Noah, Ronda and the other players were gems.
mind the fade to black scenes, but I still wish there was a bit more substance and chemistry to the characters;s relationship. I appreciated the mental health and therapy focus and I thought Noah, Ronda and the other players were gems.
Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
I love Rebecca Jenshak and she has delivered another solid read. I did find, as it was a teen romance, I wasn’t as invested in the romance as her adult books, but I still thought Claire and Austin were cute. I did find myself slightl more invested in the side characters, however. Rebecca has always delivered a solid cast of characters around the MCs and for me, they were a bit more interesting in this story.
I really loved Lacey, her loyalty and protectiveness and I’m intrigued by Rowan. Lastly, I liked that while there was a third act breakup, it was pretty low drama and it wasn’t drawn out too long.
I really loved Lacey, her loyalty and protectiveness and I’m intrigued by Rowan. Lastly, I liked that while there was a third act breakup, it was pretty low drama and it wasn’t drawn out too long.