Scan barcode
maddness22's reviews
709 reviews
The Project by Courtney Summers
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Very spooky and dark!! The cult aspect was so well done. We started moving in redundant circles a little after the halfway mark, but it picks up again and really drives home a helluva ending. There's so much darkness and hopelessness woven into the narrative and the sisters' dynamics really make the book. I screamed at several plot points and couldn't put it down for a handful of chapters. A very good read for the spooky season or for anyone in the mood for a dark sisters' tale about cults.
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
This was the perfect read to kickstart the fall season for me! It's so adorably cozy and cute. There's not a lot of depth to it, but the characters and small town are so charming that it's incredibly enjoyable. I actually think the spice diminished the cute nature of the book, but it was still fun. Overall just a great and easy read to prep for fall vibes and enjoy on a soft autumn day! It makes me want a pumpkin spice latte for sure!
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
Gosh this was the PERFECT romance! The angst, the chemistry, the grief, the emotional conflicts - wow this book just slapped on all fronts. The story was so incredibly gripping and I just absolutely loved both Francesa and Michael. Both of their characters were so likeable and their faults were so believable and compelling to watch develop into an emotional resolution. The ending was a bit rushed, but I still found it incredibly sweet. By far the best Bridgerton book in the series so far if not one of the best romance books I've ever read.
Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide by Samir Chopra
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
It's a pretty long-winded way to say "learn to live with anxiety rather than fight it" but I appreciated the nuanced reframing of anxiety through the lens of popular philosophical concepts. The perspective on anti-anxiety medication was interesting and I was very compelled by the Kirkegaard section. There are bits and sections of this book that have already stuck with me as I examine my relationship with my anxiety. I just wish the writing was a bit more digestible.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
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
4.75
Hey this was fun! I had fun! This was just a good ole classic YA fantasy with some solid romance (with an unnecessary love triangle to boot) and fun action. I'm a sucker for superhero stories so this was a fun take on the genre and I actually very much enjoyed all of the characters. The female lead is probably the best I've read in recent YA fantasies too. I had some issues with the pacing but meh. It all worked out in the end and I very much enjoyed the adventure along the way.
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, from Someone Who's Been There by Tara Schuster
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.25
The "super cool older sister" voice was welcomed at first, especially for this season of my life, but got somewhat grating about halfway through. I did love the raw honesty presented in the novel and it was validating to know someone could also recover from an emotionally dysregulated, messy life. There's not a lot of new material in the self-help parts and seems to be largely dependent on active journaling practices, but again if you want to be validated on your self help journey and need to be told that everything will be okay eventually then this is a great read.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-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
4.25
Not a bad little read. I'm not going to lie, Tom Hanks narrating this nostalgic book about the history of one family and their overpriced house was really incredibly cozy. It's pretentious at times and Danny is an insufferable privileged white man whining about nothing while doing nothing about his life but it was a comfortable audiobook to settle into at night or on walks with my dog. Not my usual taste, but my brother listened to it for some reason so I wanted to talk about it with him.
To Sir Phillip, with Love by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
Goodreads is way too mean to Phillip. Eloise is definitely dragged through it babysitting this emotionally unavailable man and teaching him how to feel emotions in a safe capacity, but Phillip is just doing his best here. Plus Eloise is a delight. I loved her personality and how she interacts with the kids. There are moments that definitely don't age well for our modern times, but I very much enjoyed this audiobook and had a fun time with it.
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
I'm going to read this one day. But two library holds unexpectedly hit so I've gotta pause this while I'm still early in the game
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
This cast is way too big and the rich people are barely being made fun of. It might be better as an audiobook, like Crazy Rich Asians, because I absolutely cannot wrap my head around all of these fancy people with their fancy names.