sundaysunshine's reviews
128 reviews

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

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adventurous challenging dark 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

4.75

Nearly pushed me into a depressive episode with everything after they land in the Capitol like....
But still such an accurate representation of war tht ypu don't see much in the YA genre
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

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

4.5

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.75

We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

3.75

Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

2.75

May the Best Man Win by Z.R. Ellor

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emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing 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

3.75

As is the case with the genre of high school romance books, the plot is a little predictable and not at all stand out. But that definitely doesn't mean this was any less of a satisfying read.

Teenage books rely on emotion and interesting relatable characters to really hit yk and Ellor definitely hits the mark with this one.

Practically every character in this book is wonderfully written and fleshed out and so are topics like transphobia, bullying, and sexism. What I liked is how Ellor managed to accurately demonstrate bigotry and the emotional and physical damage it causes to young teenagers without letting it down by becoming 2 dimensional or stereotypical. 

Its portrayed in a range of ways and characters including in the MCs.

And the MCs.... messy af. But like in a Katniss Everdeen way like I'm shaking my head but also cheering you on, yk? 
All of their flaws are like actual flaws, frustrating to read but so satisfying for them to manage in a healthy way.

Such a beautiful portrayal of trans identity, Ellor allows it to be celebrated and take centre stage and also to manifest in Jeremy's anger, bitterness and defensive (if not slightly misguided) survival mindset.

I finished the book with the feeling that there could've been more done with Lukas' brother storyline, idk maybe with the family realising how neglectful they've been to him. But I guess I like the message of it all being that it isn't his responsibility to fix it and leaving the parents' problem undealt with. Maybe its more accurate.


Anyways, #SOL4PRESIDENT2024
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

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funny lighthearted medium-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

Oscar Wilde was in a silly goofy mood and wrote a whole play based on one pun. Absolute legend. This was more fun to read than I ever thought it would be. 
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

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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