alyssastag's reviews
232 reviews

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

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

3.0

I think this was a cute story that I would’ve liked when I was a kid. Belly is fun, flirty, confident in her own way, and gets to experience the summer all teenage girls dream of. Reading it as an adult, though, all I can see is that the main love interest (Conrad) sucks. He is moody, rude, and it is unfair that happy-go-lucky, innocent Belly is pushed to love him. There are also some (unimportant) plot holes that really annoyed me because they seemed like lazy mistakes by the author. Despite my complaints, I made it through this book so quickly so I guess I can’t hate on it too much. I’ll definitely still read the rest of the series lol. 
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

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emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

I was initially skeptical about whether Britney had a say in this or if it was just another way for her family to make money off of her. But after reading it, I’m convinced the story came straight from her heart. It’s super conversational—not too deep. But it is also raw, vulnerable, and brave. I’m so happy Britney finally had the chance to tell her side of the stories we all hear about strictly from the media. She went through so much, her parents and the legal system completely failed her. And despite it all, it seems like she’s reaching a point of acceptance, peace, and even happiness. Thank you Britney. <3
Track Changes by Sayed Kashua

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Beautifully written story of cultural, familial, and personal trauma. Kashua writes about a man who longs for love and lives in regret in such a sorrowful way, I had a pit in my stomach while I was reading it. The narrator ghostwrites other people’s memoirs, so it’s difficult to tell which of the memories he shares belong to him and which belong to someone else. This makes for an interesting and engaging reading experience, one full of doubt and questioning, empathy and understanding. Though it gives a unique look at the Arab-Israel experience, this story goes beyond the political and says a lot about family, love, and humanity. 
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman

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emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This was a beautiful story about first, true, lifelong love. The characters have depth and their relationship (though illegal?) feels realistic. The narration is a bit overemotional for me. The whole time I felt like I needed to get out of the main character’s head because his thoughts were suffocating. 
The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights by Kitty Zeldis

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emotional inspiring 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

3.0

Cute story about unconventional families, set during Prohibition, when unconventional families weren’t as widely accepted. The love and friendship between the female characters is inspiring. The plot is super predictable and at times corny, especially the ending. The characters are also a bit unrealistic for the time period. 
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

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adventurous 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? No

3.0

Cute story, cool art. Loved the diversity in sexual orientation, gender, and ability of the characters. The plot was a bit predictable and the big fight scene wasn’t very intense. But still a fun read. 
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

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

2.0

Katie’s relationship with her mother is extremely codependent and hard to read about. I was cringing the whole time I was listening to this. The descriptions of the food and views in Positano are nice, though a bit corny. I guess I just expected this to be a more lighthearted read about a second chance romance, but instead it felt heavier and I couldn’t connect with the main character.
Also there are so many plot holes surrounding the time travel of it all.
The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu

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emotional reflective fast-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? No

3.0

The art style is really cute and the themes surrounding artificial intelligence feel relevant. Though the story involves nonhuman characters, their familial conflicts are realistic and hit home. I do wish we got to know the main characters a bit more deeply.
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

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

3.0

I really struggled with this one. The sex scenes were so hard to get through. I’m so glad I listened to an interview with the author after I finished the book and learned that she wrote them when she was a teenager. This made it a lot easier to understand why she included them. Vanessa’s character was really interesting as a deeply complicated and flawed victim, and the shifts between her point of view as a teenager and adult made this story all the more interesting. Her mother’s character was heartbreaking. The subject matter is disturbing yet so important, and this book provides a unique look into why victims may take some time to call out their abusers. 
You Are Here by Karin Lin-Greenberg

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emotional reflective 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

4.0

I really loved this book. The characters are complex and believable, and though the plot unfolds in a somewhat obvious way, it is super engaging. The multiple perspectives really bring this unique community of mall patrons and employees to life. I found myself feeling deeply connected to and sorry for them all, despite their flaws.