elderwoodreads's reviews
159 reviews

Finna by Nino Cipri

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 89%.
This was so hard to follow on audio and because it's so short by the time I realized I was totally lost it was almost over. Maybe later. 
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-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? No

4.0

To put it lightly this translation was rough. I think this could have has the potential to be rated higher if the translation had been done better. Be prepared to be taken out of the story several times by weird translation choices. Overall though a very nice character study and story about belonging.  
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The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Weird, not what I was expecting. 
I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai

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

4.5

I feel like in different hands this book could've been doing too much and felt all over the place, but it was not. It was perfectly balanced and was such a great story. While I found some parts a little over the top, it was far and few between for this genre. I also felt like this book resonated with me and had more takeaways than books in the same genre. 
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We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets

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

4.5

Really surprised by the low ratings this book has, I think more people wanted to be voyeurs to this occupation than read about the impacts of it. This is going to stick with me for a while. 
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Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

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emotional reflective sad 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

I loved the use of scripts interspersed in the story telling as well as the three distinct acts in three time periods. I originally wanted to give the book 4.5 but the ending really through me for a loop
although perhaps not intentionally it was giving a strong pro-life sentiment that did not resonate well with me
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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

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dark emotional reflective fast-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

4.5

Really unique book, from concept all the way down to formatting. I really enjoyed this thoroughly, although I feel like it could've been even a little longer with more reflection on behalf of the main character. 
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Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

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

4.0

The first two stories of this collection are 5 stars, the middle really lost me. I wanted to like the SVU story but it went on too long and the others confused me a bit. The last story was a solid 4.5. 
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Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Really hard to review this but it is excellent and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. 
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Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
Not for me right now, maybe later.