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debthebee13's reviews
451 reviews
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don't usually read romance novels, but this has a combination of a very sweet characters paired with underlying grief, which gave it depth. Some things were a bit predictable, and that's my only negative. The pacing was also rather slow, but I didn't mind that as much. It could be a bit overhyped, but it's a good book, fun to read and it should also spark some feelings in you.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Even though I know that R.F. Kuang's writing is great, about as much as halfway into the book (except for one significant incident that I don't want to spoil for others), I was unsure what the hype was about. I was enjoying the flow of the story, but it was a bit too slow and calm, and I did not feel that strong of a nerdy academic linguistic impact that some loved and others disliked.
Then, in about the last third of the book, the story shifts and picks up a more dynamic pace, while by the end, the entire setup from the beginning falls right into place, so you understand that no word up until now was wasted.
Babel is not just a story about the loss of meaning during translation that is in this world used for magic, it is about colonialism, racial discrimination, misogyny, privilege, friendship, and betrayal. Pushing through the beginning of the book in case you are unsure whether this one is for you will be well worth it.
I am curious if this story can leave the same impression on readers who are unaware of their privilege compared to those who are, and then, especially on those who live under constant discrimination throughout their lives. As a white woman, I am aware of the privileges of my race and discrimination against my gender, which puts me in the spot of one particular character in this book, where I can wage how differently I would act if I were in her place.
I usually save 5-star ratings to books that either make me think or empathize deeply, and this one achieved both. Kuang is truly an impressive scholar and writer, I admire the work she put into this piece!
Then, in about the last third of the book, the story shifts and picks up a more dynamic pace, while by the end, the entire setup from the beginning falls right into place, so you understand that no word up until now was wasted.
Babel is not just a story about the loss of meaning during translation that is in this world used for magic, it is about colonialism, racial discrimination, misogyny, privilege, friendship, and betrayal. Pushing through the beginning of the book in case you are unsure whether this one is for you will be well worth it.
I am curious if this story can leave the same impression on readers who are unaware of their privilege compared to those who are, and then, especially on those who live under constant discrimination throughout their lives. As a white woman, I am aware of the privileges of my race and discrimination against my gender, which puts me in the spot of one particular character in this book, where I can wage how differently I would act if I were in her place.
I usually save 5-star ratings to books that either make me think or empathize deeply, and this one achieved both. Kuang is truly an impressive scholar and writer, I admire the work she put into this piece!
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I knew this book was going to be dreamlike, but it was weird and great and eventually, also heartwarming and emotional.
It's difficult to put into words the plot itself both because it's so fuzzy and because it would be a pity to spoil it for upcoming readers.
The main character is naively beautiful, the prose like a dream, and the reading experience completely unique. Even if odd, you should take the risk and give it a try to see if you'll love it. Give it at least 30% to decide whether you'll stick around.
It's difficult to put into words the plot itself both because it's so fuzzy and because it would be a pity to spoil it for upcoming readers.
The main character is naively beautiful, the prose like a dream, and the reading experience completely unique. Even if odd, you should take the risk and give it a try to see if you'll love it. Give it at least 30% to decide whether you'll stick around.
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a book full of opposites, a beautifully writen prose that portrays ugly horrors and abuse, and a story of mysoginy paired with the fear of female power.
The writing, apart from a few action moments and jokes is quite descriptive and dry, so it took me some time to warm up to the characters and their fate, but even from the start, clever moves by our Lady Macbeth kept me pinned until I learn what's next.
This is the first story I read by Ava Reid and I assume she has some works that are more popular, but this book reminded me of Slewfoot, and that's another witchy story I enjoyed.
The writing, apart from a few action moments and jokes is quite descriptive and dry, so it took me some time to warm up to the characters and their fate, but even from the start, clever moves by our Lady Macbeth kept me pinned until I learn what's next.
This is the first story I read by Ava Reid and I assume she has some works that are more popular, but this book reminded me of Slewfoot, and that's another witchy story I enjoyed.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
By rule, as a story that made me emotional, this gets 5 stars without a doubt.
All My Rage is a non-linear story that spans two generations and it's more than just a love story between high schoolers, it covers death, loss, grief, rage, poverty, abuse, discrimination, and lastly, forgiveness. Sal and Noor are at the center of it, but largely affected by their family's past, Sal growing up with an alcoholic father who has difficulties dealing with hardships in life and mom suffering from kidney disease, and Noor living with an ever angry uncle who remained as her only relative after everyone else in their family died. They are childhood friends growing closer and further apart, going through immense hardships for their age.
This is a must read fit for everyone. It's a beautifully written yet realistic story that describes common immigrant experiences in America. It's so important to have awareness and empathy for the additional challenges that minority groups like theirs face lifelong.
All My Rage is a non-linear story that spans two generations and it's more than just a love story between high schoolers, it covers death, loss, grief, rage, poverty, abuse, discrimination, and lastly, forgiveness. Sal and Noor are at the center of it, but largely affected by their family's past, Sal growing up with an alcoholic father who has difficulties dealing with hardships in life and mom suffering from kidney disease, and Noor living with an ever angry uncle who remained as her only relative after everyone else in their family died. They are childhood friends growing closer and further apart, going through immense hardships for their age.
This is a must read fit for everyone. It's a beautifully written yet realistic story that describes common immigrant experiences in America. It's so important to have awareness and empathy for the additional challenges that minority groups like theirs face lifelong.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This has been somewhat of a frustrating read that was difficult to warm up to, but honestly, I've been warned.
The relationship between Connell and Marienne is presented in a non-linear timeline and it is full of unsaid things, misunderstandings, class differences and it covers tough topics of abuse and suicidal tendencies. So go into this with only if you're sure these trigger warnings won't be a problem for you.
Also, it might be that I have grown up in a protective environment, but some of the thoughts and experiences in this book have been a bit too strong. I do understand that the point was to make the reader sense how these things, even if odd, might be part of someone's everyday life.
The relationship between Connell and Marienne is presented in a non-linear timeline and it is full of unsaid things, misunderstandings, class differences and it covers tough topics of abuse and suicidal tendencies. So go into this with only if you're sure these trigger warnings won't be a problem for you.
Also, it might be that I have grown up in a protective environment, but some of the thoughts and experiences in this book have been a bit too strong. I do understand that the point was to make the reader sense how these things, even if odd, might be part of someone's everyday life.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'll come back to write a longer review, but I might have found my top book of 2025 already 😍
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This sequel maintained the quality of story and writing, and it included more character growth, good dialogues, at least one good plot twist, and lots of action. This is a well written YA story with diverse characters and main characters that promote amazing values without dumbing things down for the audience. I might have enjoyed the first book a bit more just because I was new to Mexican mythology and more engaged through learning, but this brings a well planned ending to an adventure that was worth experiencing.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was drawn to this book because of the clever and funny dialogues I've seen shared from the TV series adaptation shared on social media. Knowing it was based on a book, I decided to read the book first, but I was then additionally motivated by this book being listed for the 2025 Goodreads Era Explorer Challenge.
Elizabeth Zott it an interesting character for me, a woman with progressive thinking stuck in a time and surrounding that was not ready for her strong values and fight against prejudice and inequality. She's a great role model and inspiration, written with a balanced dose or realism and humor, while the story covers topics of motherhood, grief, finding yourself and justice, as well as a cast of characters with depth and an unexpected plot twist at one point.
I really enjoyed the writing of Bonnie Garmus and I'm happy that she was not discouraged by her age and persevered in becoming an author.
Elizabeth Zott it an interesting character for me, a woman with progressive thinking stuck in a time and surrounding that was not ready for her strong values and fight against prejudice and inequality. She's a great role model and inspiration, written with a balanced dose or realism and humor, while the story covers topics of motherhood, grief, finding yourself and justice, as well as a cast of characters with depth and an unexpected plot twist at one point.
I really enjoyed the writing of Bonnie Garmus and I'm happy that she was not discouraged by her age and persevered in becoming an author.