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suzyvee's reviews
221 reviews
The Maid by Nita Prose
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
This book was delightful. I loved Molly the Maid - both as an unreliable narrator and as an ND character. All the gold stars to the author for portraying Molly in a realistic and respectful way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Murder
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? No
4.5
This was a heart-wrenching middle grade novel, which follows Zoey, a 7th grade girl who lives in poverty with her mom, 2 brothers, one sister, and her mom’s boyfriend. She is responsible for much more than any 7th grader should be. The portrayal of Zoey’s family seem really accurate, given my previous experience working with families who lived in poverty.
The Reason I Jump: one boy's voice from the silence of autism by Naoki Higashida
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Approachable and easy to read Q&A with a teenaged autistic boy. I recommend that everyone read this to have a bit of insight into autistic folx’s mind.
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
3.75
This is a short story that read very quickly. I look forward to reading the rest of this series of stories.
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the best book I’ve read all year. No notes.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a little bit difficult to get into at first because of the way it was written in the dialect/vernacular the characters would’ve spoken at the time. The story itself is set in the early 20th C, and follows Janie, a biracial young woman, as she grows through her late teen years through adulthood and her 3 marriages/partnerships. I am finding it very difficult to describe my thoughts on this book, as I think a reread would help. 4 ⭐️
CW: racism, sexism, domestic violence, rape, death, drowning
CW: racism, sexism, domestic violence, rape, death, drowning
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Violence
The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was a quick read, following 28 yo Maggie Banks, seemingly unfocused in her career and without much to show for herself - no spouse, no kids, no career. She is asked to cover running the small town bookshop for her college best friend who is out on maternity leave. The town is centered around an author, including a museum, cafe, and bookshop. The books sold in the bookshop are required to be classics or published before the town’s author died. All current books and anything from the past several decades are not sold there. She meets Malcolm, who works with the director of the author-related businesses in the town, and who is the director’s eyes and ears.
Maggie decides to start selling more current offerings in a bit of an underground process, while also hosting book-themed parties. She keeps this from Malcolm, because she knows he will feel obligated to tell the director.
Throughout her work at the bookshop and shenanigans she pulls, she discovers a secret about the author that has the potential to upend everything the town believes.
I enjoyed this story, and would recommend it if you’re looking for a light, happy read. This was a perfect palate cleanser from the last book I read, which was heavy.