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barberchicago_books's reviews
1015 reviews
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
The Davenports is nothing like I’ve read before: a historical book set in my hometown with a touch of romance, told from the perspectives of four women on the precipice of beginning their lives.
Things I liked:
Things I liked:
- The multiple points of view that kept the pace crisp and varied
- The slow burn of the budding romances with all of their complexities
- The sibling relationships
- The underlying tension of post-enslavement/new Jim Crow era Black America and what that means for Black people, from the wealthiest to the poorest.
I’m very much looking forward to the next books in this series!
Linked by Gordon Korman
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A necessary middle-grade that belongs in any classroom, school, and home library.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
Simply brilliant.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A uniquely written interview-style book about the pushes and pulls of rock and roll. Loved the twist toward the end as it had me reading and rereading with a new perspective .
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Sexual content
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Such an interesting read, about two neighboring families whose lives intersect throughout the characters’ lives. The story begins with Theo & Sarah and a horrific experience that affects them for the rest of their lives. There is hurt, secrecy, and ultimately healing as the family learns to communicate. I loved the singular determination of Waldo, who chooses to be exactly who he is, in spite of the misguidedness & misunderstandings of his father. The relationship between fathers and their kids was something I was drawn to, as that’s usually not fleshed out in literary fiction.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
I now understand what all the fuss is about. As an identical twin, I was intrigued to read both girls’ perspectives. As a white woman, I was dismayed, yet unsurprised at Stella’s life-impacting change. The arc with their daughters was also an added layer of complexity. Finally, the ending was not what I expected, yet I understood perhaps why Bennett chose to go in that direction.
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
This one was perhaps my favorite volume (so far.) Charlie’s need to control has manifested itself into some harmful behaviors. Nick is there for his boyfriend as Charlie goes through it, and the realness of Charlie’s struggle and strength is a beautiful lesson for all. As a parent, I was practically taking notes as Nick’s mom walked him through how to support Charlie without taking on and internalizing his problems.
Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
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
Volume 3 in the Heartstopper series is such a dichotomy. Nick & Charlie are officially “together” and headed to Paris for a class trip. Conflicts emerge as No k hopes to see his stranger of a dad, and Charlie is grappling with control issues that are becoming dangerous for him. I liked the depth of Nick’s character as he noticed Charlie’s changing habits, yet didn’t judge him. A lovely playbook for how to be compassionate in a relationship.
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Heartstopper #2 is a slow-burn continuation of Nick & Charlie’ story, this time focused on Nick and his feelings about his evolving sexual identity. Charlie is a great support throughout Nick’s journey, and I continue to love them more and more.
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I have torn through the Heartstopper series in one weekend and now understand what the fuss is all about. I love Nick & Charlie, how Charlie communicates so openly, and how shy and curious Nick is.