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sareidle's reviews
134 reviews
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Wow! This book is simply incredible in its atmosphere, tension, and character-building. I was reminded of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, in which the main character is isolated and the estate looms large in the plot. Noemi is a plucky and determined protagonist, so even when I didn't agree with her individual decisions, I was rooting for her overall success. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Silvia Moreno-Garcia!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Body horror and Racism
The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book by Taylor Swift
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
While the concept of this book is exciting, the execution is quite poor. Especially for an official book at this price point, the editing was rushed and I doubt that they reviewed a prototype before creating copies for sale. The focal point of several pictures (Taylor Swift) is placed in the center of the spread, resulting in her face being in the gutter as this book does not lay flat. In time, I may have the benefit of nostalgia and appreciate this book as a tour memento.
Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
emotional
funny
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? N/A
3.5
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
I love Lucy Worsley's voice and sense of humor, which gave this biography personality and shape. I enjoyed learning how Christie's personal life was mirrored in her writings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Antisemitism and War
Minor: Sexism
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
I appreciate Natalie Haynes's well-researched and unique approach to retelling myths through multiple characters' perspectives. However, it was difficult to build momentum while reading as the narrator changed from chapter to chapter. I also had difficulty placing the importance of Andromeda in the story of Perseus and Medusa until late in the book. I gained a fondness for Medusa and her sisters and sympathy for all women in Greek myth who have been silenced, mistreated, and abused. Haynes is an excellent classicist, but I prefer her nonfiction writing to her fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Torture
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Violence and Murder
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Christmas Carol is a classic for good reason! I really enjoyed hearing the original story after viewing many adaptations throughout my life. Dickens's descriptions of the chains that Marley wears in the afterlife and how the only people emotionally reacting to Scrooge's death were relieved that they had more time to pay back their debt were affecting and made me reflect on the kind of life I've led.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Classism
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, and Terminal illness
Minor: Alcohol