sarahmerfi's reviews
429 reviews

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

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

5.0

Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

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mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

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

5.0

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

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funny hopeful 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

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Amelia Nagoski, Emily Nagoski

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informative medium-paced

4.0

Some Takeaways 

  • Complete the stress cycle through: physical activity, breathing, positive social interaction, laughter, affection, crying, creative expression
  •  Because you experience stress every day, you have to build completing the stress cycle into every day. Make it a priority like your life depends on it, because it does. 
  •  Sadness, rage, feeling you aren't enough: all forms of loneliness. When you experience these emotions, connect with others. 

  • "You don't have to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm."
  •  "When you are broken, go to bed."
 
  • Happiness is predicated on what is occurring, but joy arises from an internal clarity about our purpose. 

  • My wellness is tied to your wellness.
  • To be "well" is not to live in a state of perpetual safety and calm, but to move fluidly from a state of adversity, risk, adventure, or excitement, back to safety and calm, and out again.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

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adventurous dark mysterious 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

3.75