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alyssastag's reviews
232 reviews
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Loved it! Super refreshing to read a book centered on the woman behind a successful man. Camilla’s character has depth and is super lovable and inspiring. The organization of this novel is fun and different, and the fact that the author included lyrics to the songs they’re discussing adds a unique layer to the story. This book and Seven Husbands really have me convinced that Taylor Jenkins Reid is actiually Taylor Swift (or a huge swiftie). There are quite a few TS references in both books.
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
emotional
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
5.0
This reads like poetry—every word carefully chosen, every sentence artfully crafted so that it is beautiful to read. The story itself is horrifying and sad. The main character is a heroine in her own way. Her relationship with the spirits that guide her is totally unique and makes her character seem incredibly strong. The magical realism fits naturally into the plot. I also appreciate that she didn’t give any of the white characters positive traits; it feels like a more accurate story for the time period because of that. I didn’t fully grasp every extended metaphor during this first read, so I know there’s so much beyond the character and plot that I can pick up if I read it again.
Outline by Rachel Cusk
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Didn’t love this. The writing is so pretentious. She’s trying really hard to be deep, but really the stories all feel repetitive, the characters are insufferable, and nothing about this is fun to read. I didn’t feel challenged by anything she offered, and I’m not curious enough about the characters or plot to want to read the rest of the series.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
funny
hopeful
fast-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
4.0
Super cute, quick romance. Though the conflict is sad, there are funny moments throughout that keep you engaged. Jacob is pretty annoying, but he grows a lot by the end. Briana’s character is a little unrealistic because her personality shifts dramatically out of nowhere. But overall, fun book!
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was so good. The themes are relevant, current, and true. Juniper is the perfect villain—evil, lonely, and self-absorbed. Her rambling reminds you how insane she really is, and helps you to feel like you’re actually in her head. It feels good to see her reach her downfall, but the ending is just open enough to leave you wondering if she’ll recover from it.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
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
Pros: There’s more backstory about the other cultures of the world of the book in this one. I feel like I understand the rules of the setting better. Xaden and Violet learn to communicate much better, so their relationship feels less toxic (until the end). The twist at the end was totally unexpected, and the battle scenes are intense but not overly drawn out.
Cons: The Cat storyline is lame—I hate that she made us watch Violet stoop so low as to fight over a man. The book is extremely dense. So much information is revealed that it’s honestly hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. I was left with almost too many questions. I don’t fully understand what ended up happening with Jack, or why Xaden and Violet are dreaming about the Sage.
Cons: The Cat storyline is lame—I hate that she made us watch Violet stoop so low as to fight over a man. The book is extremely dense. So much information is revealed that it’s honestly hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. I was left with almost too many questions. I don’t fully understand what ended up happening with Jack, or why Xaden and Violet are dreaming about the Sage.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
Loved it! Great fantasy story with some fun twists, well-developed characters, and interesting myths throughout that really bring things together.
Educated by Tara Westover
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Super important read, beautifully written and engaging. Through her personal story, Tara Westover sheds light on the story of so many Americans who are denied education. I think this is an important reminder that ignorance is no one’s fault, but also that everyone has the power to choose to learn— as difficult as that may be.
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is such a quick read, and super engaging. I was hoping for a more feminist ending, but knowing the series, I wasn’t surprised that it was anything but. I can’t help but feel sad and disappointed for Belly. Though she got to experience deep love, I feel like she was robbed of so many other life experiences. This series is honestly weird in that it seems to promote young marriage and chastity. The trope of the young girl falling for the older brotherly figure is also still something I can’t get past.
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
emotional
medium-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
3.0
I’m honestly so tired of books for teen girls portraying the male love interests as helpless, stubborn, and unaffectionate. Belly is such a sweet character and so easily influenced. Conrad makes her miss out on a fun high school experience because he doesn’t know how to handle his own emotions. I guess she starts to realize that in this book, but I can’t help but feel like the author wants her young female readers to sympathize with Conrad rather than Belly. Also the fact that Conrad always saw Belly as a little sister then ended up dating her is so weird. And I hate the narrator’s voice. But other than that, something about the series has me hooked. Maybe it’s like a guilty pleasure situation.