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elizlizabeth's reviews
221 reviews
Album de familia by Rosario Castellanos
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Una discusión interesante sobre temas que, increíble o tristemente, siguen vigentes cinco décadas después de su publicación. Quizá más un ensayo con la máscara de narrativa que una novela.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Sexism, and Classism
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Such a genius use of language and plot. In saying so little it conveyed so much, I almost feel like I am a different person too. Already know that I will reread it many times.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
The Name Drop by Susan Lee
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
Really loved the premise of this, and I appreciate that both Jessica and Elijah helped the other grow -as opposed to making one the "helpless poor girl" or the other an "aloof rich brat". In this the plot was consistent with the message until the very end, a bit delusional but hopeful about carving a place for happiness in the middle of whatever late late stage capitalism we're stuck on. Things felt a bit rushed after the third act and I would've liked seeing some off-camera stuff, but it was a comforting read. A Sally Rooney novel for the girls and boys who are done being cynical about the state of the world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Olivia by Dorothy Strachey, André Aciman
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Storygraph recommended this as "out of my comfort zone" and true because I really struggle with stream of consciousness books like this. However, the theme and topic and the melodramatic narrator was right up my alley. I haven't read Aciman's foreword but the spirit of this is definitely in CMBYN, and it has in fact made me understand it better. Quite a surprise, but most welcome!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Religious bigotry, and Gaslighting
Bored Gay Werewolf by Tony Santorella
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ending felt a bit rushed but overall it was a fun read. It's probably because I am a depressed millenial but reading about fuckups in their 30s found family-ing their way out of trouble is my cozy fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Homophobia
Ciudad de Ceniza by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Yeah... the sibling plotline gets a bit weird in this one ngl. Aside from that the worldbuilding was amazing and it has great side characters and b plots. I could read a million spinoffs -which lucky me, because they exist (:
Gilgamesh: A New English Version by Stephen Mitchell
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
It packs so much in such a short read! Dunno if it was the translation or the medium but I was hooked. Wish I'd read it earlier in life, but either way I am planning a re-read as we speak.
Disclaimer about the edition tho: I read the dramatized version that Jeremy Howe did for the BBC and which is free on Youtube (insanely good, 10/10 would recommend) but since that is not a book proper, I am listing the translation from which that adaptation was based on.
Disclaimer about the edition tho: I read the dramatized version that Jeremy Howe did for the BBC and which is free on Youtube (insanely good, 10/10 would recommend) but since that is not a book proper, I am listing the translation from which that adaptation was based on.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape and Terminal illness
Ciudad de hueso by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Re-read this after several years and was pleasantly surprised to find it still as good as the first time. Even if one or two jokes aged poorly this is one hell of a book, made me laugh in publicand kick my legs like a teen in public. Successful throwback.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Incest and Fire/Fire injury
Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
The final plot twist was so unexpected! I missed Ravi but it was fun to read more about Pip's friend group pre-everything. Really fun tie-in if you've read the series already but it also works as a standalone.
I'm a huge fan of the voice actor, she's incredibly good and really shines on this one.
I'm a huge fan of the voice actor, she's incredibly good and really shines on this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Terminal illness, and Murder
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A perfect conclusion to the series. It did feel a bit too fast on the last third vs the rest of the book, but it kinda helped to keep the stakes and tension high so.
I loved all the side characters and how the book picked up on past connections and details, it truly felt like closing the loop -and by Zeus I hope that verdict for Max was guilty.
Audiobook takes full advantage of the format and it makes for a great experience 10/10 would recommend.
I loved all the side characters and how the book picked up on past connections and details, it truly felt like closing the loop -and by Zeus I hope that verdict for Max was guilty.
Audiobook takes full advantage of the format and it makes for a great experience 10/10 would recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Kidnapping
Moderate: Misogyny