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just_an_avocado's reviews
270 reviews
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
“The truth is that this was a story about many different things, but most of all about idiots. Because we’re doing the best we can, we really are. We’re trying to be grown up and love each other and understand how the hell you’re supposed to insert USB leads. We’re looking for something to cling on to, something to fight for, something to look forward to. We’re doing all we can to teach our children how to swim. We have all of this in common, yet most of us remain strangers, we never know what we do to each other, how your life is affected by mine.” ~ pg. 336
I am in love with this book!! This is a story of a group of anxious hostages and an equally anxious bank robber in an accidental hostage situation that wasn’t supposed to happen this way because life doesn’t usually happen like we intend it to.
In the course of this situation, these strangers become not strangers. They learn about each other as we, the readers, learn alongside them. This is the perfect setting for Fredrik Backman to do what he does best, which is present each and every character with care and in doing so explore the complexity and universality of the human experience. Backman has truly mastered the balance between his witty and slightly absurd sense of humor and his sad and human wisdom. I’m obsessed!!!
I think the provided quote is truly a summary of exactly what I’ve taken from this book. Offering others empathy and a listening ear is such a gift and it’s a neglected gift at that. We get so caught up in our own anxieties and concerns that we forget that others are anxious too and that maybe they have some helpful wisdom to share. And maybe we have something to offer in return. We’re all anxious and we’re all learning and thus we all are equipped with the necessary tools to offer wisdom, grace, and support to our fellow humans. We all affect each other and have the potential to do so for the better. We must simply take the first step.
READ. THIS.
I am in love with this book!! This is a story of a group of anxious hostages and an equally anxious bank robber in an accidental hostage situation that wasn’t supposed to happen this way because life doesn’t usually happen like we intend it to.
In the course of this situation, these strangers become not strangers. They learn about each other as we, the readers, learn alongside them. This is the perfect setting for Fredrik Backman to do what he does best, which is present each and every character with care and in doing so explore the complexity and universality of the human experience. Backman has truly mastered the balance between his witty and slightly absurd sense of humor and his sad and human wisdom. I’m obsessed!!!
I think the provided quote is truly a summary of exactly what I’ve taken from this book. Offering others empathy and a listening ear is such a gift and it’s a neglected gift at that. We get so caught up in our own anxieties and concerns that we forget that others are anxious too and that maybe they have some helpful wisdom to share. And maybe we have something to offer in return. We’re all anxious and we’re all learning and thus we all are equipped with the necessary tools to offer wisdom, grace, and support to our fellow humans. We all affect each other and have the potential to do so for the better. We must simply take the first step.
READ. THIS.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Pregnancy
The Examiner by Janice Hallett
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really liked this! I love the characters and their moral ambiguity and complexity. I read the Appeal by Hallett as well which is in a similar format, and, though I enjoyed that one more, in both of them Hallett utilizes this unique medium of case documents to withhold information from us and reveal it in creative ways. She’s fantastic! This story truly would not be what it is if it had been delivered any other way and I love that! My biggest issues are that there were some plot points that were a bit far-fetched and random, which disengaged me from the story, and the pacing was a little off for me, slightly too slow at parts and too fast at others (the ending was particularly rushed). Overall, though, I’d say I enjoyed it! I will continue to read books like this by her!
The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Wow I LOVED this!! My copy (contained in Arcanum Unbounded) was only about 100 pages but it packed the emotional and insightful impact I expect from a full novel! I loved the main character, the dynamic between Shai and the grandfatherly Gaotona, the magic system (which he somehow developed thoroughly in a novella?), the setting, everything! The suspense and the action were captivating, and the political maneuvering and moral dilemmas were fascinating. And it all built up to a classic Sandersonian conclusion. It was truly a fantastic read, my favorite novella EVER by far <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
The Hope of Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Meh. It was a decent little novella but truly could’ve gone without it. Didn’t add much substance to ty e Cosmere or answer any questions I needed answered. l personally didn’t particularly care what Ashe was up to at the end of Elantris…
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was such an original fantasy story! Wow! Brandon Sanderson always does such a great job writing unique magic systems and realms.
I found the magic system to be a little hard to understand at first but I think that might have been a result of me reading this book off and on rather than consistently. Once I caught on, I found the Aons to be so fascinating, and the various surprises related to the system were so cleverly executed!
I felt less attached and invested in the characters in this book compared to Mistborn (felt very distant and a little flat) but I loved the friendship and relationship dynamics so much! Sarene is kind of giving “i’m not like other girls” which is awkward to read from a male author, but I understand that that was a trend at the time this was written. It also helped that she wasn’t dismissive of other women.
The various plot points and secrets and mysteries all tied together quite beautifully in the end for the most part, just a few random details that didn’t seem to click here and there. Also a few plot points that I wish had been emphasized or explained a little more. Nothing major! And the exploration of faith and religion and good/evil was very well done, super interesting stuff. The character of Hrathen was a particular fascination for me; I loved his story.
This was a fantastic debut that left me satisfied and craving more from the world and characters! And there are so many questions that I can’t wait to unpack in Warbreaker! Definitely more plot driven than character driven though so beware of that if it isn’t your preference
I found the magic system to be a little hard to understand at first but I think that might have been a result of me reading this book off and on rather than consistently. Once I caught on, I found the Aons to be so fascinating, and the various surprises related to the system were so cleverly executed!
I felt less attached and invested in the characters in this book compared to Mistborn (felt very distant and a little flat) but I loved the friendship and relationship dynamics so much! Sarene is kind of giving “i’m not like other girls” which is awkward to read from a male author, but I understand that that was a trend at the time this was written. It also helped that she wasn’t dismissive of other women.
The various plot points and secrets and mysteries all tied together quite beautifully in the end for the most part, just a few random details that didn’t seem to click here and there. Also a few plot points that I wish had been emphasized or explained a little more. Nothing major! And the exploration of faith and religion and good/evil was very well done, super interesting stuff. The character of Hrathen was a particular fascination for me; I loved his story.
This was a fantastic debut that left me satisfied and craving more from the world and characters! And there are so many questions that I can’t wait to unpack in Warbreaker! Definitely more plot driven than character driven though so beware of that if it isn’t your preference
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
What an amazing book and what a fantastic series!!!
This book was definitely my favorite in the series! It was really heavy and intense (it took me around 2 weeks to read, as a result), but that heaviness is characteristic of a story such as this with its sense of transcendent wisdom and enormity. This book dropped major lore chapter after chapter and shocked me at every turn. And none of these plot bombshells felt forced or out of nowhere; they fell right into place with ease and poignant significance. The culmination of all the character arcs in this conclusion was incredibly satisfying. My heart was shattered and put back together about a thousand different ways throughout this whole trilogy, and my chest still aches with lingering grief mixed with hope after that resolution. I loved the philosophical dilemmas at the core of this series regarding faith, trust, hope, and power, and the resolution of these was artfully curated. I love the way every piece of this story, even the smallest details, held enormous significance. The outcome was a meticulously crafted masterpiece of fiction. It is transcendent of and revolutionary for the fantasy genre. Period. Anyone who enjoys fantasy MUST pick this up NOW. I will never be the same after having these characters and this series ingrained into my being. I am new and better for it. Now, I embark on the rest of this journey-into the Cosmere!
This book was definitely my favorite in the series! It was really heavy and intense (it took me around 2 weeks to read, as a result), but that heaviness is characteristic of a story such as this with its sense of transcendent wisdom and enormity. This book dropped major lore chapter after chapter and shocked me at every turn. And none of these plot bombshells felt forced or out of nowhere; they fell right into place with ease and poignant significance. The culmination of all the character arcs in this conclusion was incredibly satisfying. My heart was shattered and put back together about a thousand different ways throughout this whole trilogy, and my chest still aches with lingering grief mixed with hope after that resolution. I loved the philosophical dilemmas at the core of this series regarding faith, trust, hope, and power, and the resolution of these was artfully curated. I love the way every piece of this story, even the smallest details, held enormous significance. The outcome was a meticulously crafted masterpiece of fiction. It is transcendent of and revolutionary for the fantasy genre. Period. Anyone who enjoys fantasy MUST pick this up NOW. I will never be the same after having these characters and this series ingrained into my being. I am new and better for it. Now, I embark on the rest of this journey-into the Cosmere!
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.0
The first two thirds of the book had some pacing issues that bothered me but the last third was shocking, thrilling, tense, revelatory, MORE INTENSE AND POSITIVE ADJECTIVES!
So that first chunk was way too dragged out. The scene to scene pacing was just fine but the progression of the actual plot arc was tediously slow. It felt like we were at a standstill for the first half, Sanderson just buying time with random character interactions and relationship problems. However, in the last third, the pacing was back on track and we were propelled into a whirlwind of plot twists, action, political intrigue, philosophical dilemmas, DID I MENTION TWISTS, everything I expected after that first book and MORE! That last bit brought the book from a 3 to a 4 star for SURE. Everything that felt pointless in the midst of the pacing issues came together seamlessly in these last couple parts. It was in those final plot movements that I realized the enormity of this series, how it is utterly revolutionary for its genre. I am OBSESSED. Can’t wait to see what’s next because surely my mind can’t be more blown by a singular series? I have no room left in my brain for shocking revelations but I have a strong feeling Brandon Sanderson has some more tricks up his sleeve and I cannot WAIT to experience it
So that first chunk was way too dragged out. The scene to scene pacing was just fine but the progression of the actual plot arc was tediously slow. It felt like we were at a standstill for the first half, Sanderson just buying time with random character interactions and relationship problems. However, in the last third, the pacing was back on track and we were propelled into a whirlwind of plot twists, action, political intrigue, philosophical dilemmas, DID I MENTION TWISTS, everything I expected after that first book and MORE! That last bit brought the book from a 3 to a 4 star for SURE. Everything that felt pointless in the midst of the pacing issues came together seamlessly in these last couple parts. It was in those final plot movements that I realized the enormity of this series, how it is utterly revolutionary for its genre. I am OBSESSED. Can’t wait to see what’s next because surely my mind can’t be more blown by a singular series? I have no room left in my brain for shocking revelations but I have a strong feeling Brandon Sanderson has some more tricks up his sleeve and I cannot WAIT to experience it
Witch & Wizard by Gabrielle Charbonnet, James Patterson
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I think I’m just growing out of this type of story, and it’s just so boringly written and the concept struggled (and failed) to hold my attention. Just not my thing.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
YES YES YES LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS!! It is so worth the hype! It absolutely deserves its reputation of being a classic, important, and fantastic fantasy! This is wholly satisfying as a singular book but there are so many unknowns yet to explore and so much potential for everything they’ve fought for to come crumbling down all over again, leaving room for an even more profound and epic fantasy world and story to unfold. The magic system is unique and thoughtfully designed. The plot is brimming with politics, action, intrigue, and heart. The characters are lovable, yet rugged and flawed. This found family is so secure and loving and loyal. I love them, I love the world, I love it all! I am so excited to read the rest of the trilogy! It stands on its own yet it deserves and almost necessitates sequels in order to fulfill its full potential as a fantasy epic. Can’t wait!!!