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bookishpatricia's reviews
54 reviews
The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eva Eger
5.0
These lessons feel more like a gift. I felt blessed listening to the audiobook version!
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
The first chapter was an instant hook. I love it when an author has that *magic*. From the beginning to the epilogue, I savored this novel like a big mug of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows.
I enjoyed Abby's writing style and appreciated the dual POV. It made the story make more sense as it unfolded. The voices are spot on. I feel a strong Brianna vibe in her chapters, and Jacob’s warmth and softness in his.
The pacing was fine. There could have been fewer push-and-pull moments, but what really kept me reading was Abby's depiction of anxiety through Jacob. If you're reading this novel for fun, those moments might be small fillers. But for someone like me who struggles with anxiety on a daily basis, I feel seen and heard.
I enjoyed Abby's writing style and appreciated the dual POV. It made the story make more sense as it unfolded. The voices are spot on. I feel a strong Brianna vibe in her chapters, and Jacob’s warmth and softness in his.
The pacing was fine. There could have been fewer push-and-pull moments, but what really kept me reading was Abby's depiction of anxiety through Jacob. If you're reading this novel for fun, those moments might be small fillers. But for someone like me who struggles with anxiety on a daily basis, I feel seen and heard.
The Elephant in the Room: One Fat Man's Quest to Get Smaller in a Growing America by Tommy Tomlinson
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Just as I thought I was over YA’s, “Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry” by Joya Goffney found its way into my list. I heard a lot of positive reviews about it and I’d have to agree with the rave.
Quinn, our protagonist, is a list fanatic. She keeps a list of anything and everything in her red journal. This journal keeps her grounded and feeling safe. Until it goes missing. An anonymous person blackmails her into completing one of her lists within a deadline. Otherwise, the rest of her lists would be exposed to everyone.
This novel is cute, sweet, and mildly spicy. The diverse set of characters makes me feel like I’m back in HS and I’m witnessing all the scenes unfolding. But it also tackles serious themes such as racism, cyberbullying, senescence, and social anxieties (or mental health, in general).
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. On a personal level, I can relate to Quinn. But instead of lists, I have trackers. My trackers make me feel in control of things I can. It makes me feel that despite my shortcomings as a human being, I’m at the least capable of tracking things and I’m damn good at it. On the downside, it can be mentally exhausting and time-consuming.
Just like Quinn, I have many fears. And just like Quinn, I’m afraid of facing them. But I also understand that eventually, I’ll have to wear my big girl pants and face everything I don’t want to, so I can grow as a person.
Quinn, our protagonist, is a list fanatic. She keeps a list of anything and everything in her red journal. This journal keeps her grounded and feeling safe. Until it goes missing. An anonymous person blackmails her into completing one of her lists within a deadline. Otherwise, the rest of her lists would be exposed to everyone.
This novel is cute, sweet, and mildly spicy. The diverse set of characters makes me feel like I’m back in HS and I’m witnessing all the scenes unfolding. But it also tackles serious themes such as racism, cyberbullying, senescence, and social anxieties (or mental health, in general).
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. On a personal level, I can relate to Quinn. But instead of lists, I have trackers. My trackers make me feel in control of things I can. It makes me feel that despite my shortcomings as a human being, I’m at the least capable of tracking things and I’m damn good at it. On the downside, it can be mentally exhausting and time-consuming.
Just like Quinn, I have many fears. And just like Quinn, I’m afraid of facing them. But I also understand that eventually, I’ll have to wear my big girl pants and face everything I don’t want to, so I can grow as a person.
The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
The story begins when our protagonist, Libby, meets Frank on the 88 Bus. Frank has been searching for a woman he met over 60 years ago on the same route. As events unfold, we meet more characters who forge a great friendship while embarking on their 88 Bus mission.
Reading The Lost Ticket was a delight. I enjoyed the "soft life" depicted in the novel, the unique individuals bonding over a decades-long (love) mission, and the personal growth that most of the characters gained.
The entire novel leans more towards light reading while having a surprising turn of events and touching on more sensitive themes like family issues, emotional abandonment, dementia, and prejudice based on appearance. I went into this novel wanting to get answers on where "the girl" had gone and whether they were able to find her, but I got so much more than I bargained for. I got 1) likable characters, 2) modern no-spice enemies-to-lovers romance, 3) green flag male character (my fave), 4) diverse characters that somehow work well together, 5) dual POVs, 6) life wisdom, and 7) a very heartwarming epilogue.
I can liken The Lost Ticket to A Man Called Ove, but a more cheerful and optimistic version. If you enjoy a light read that discusses delicate issues gently, then I highly recommend this. If you need a palate cleanser from heavier-themed novels, this is an excellent refresher.
PS: Great story aside, I thought the book cover looks brilliant. I love the pop of color and the character illustrations. I kept perusing the cover in between reading.
Alternative title: The Girl on the 88 Bus
Reading The Lost Ticket was a delight. I enjoyed the "soft life" depicted in the novel, the unique individuals bonding over a decades-long (love) mission, and the personal growth that most of the characters gained.
The entire novel leans more towards light reading while having a surprising turn of events and touching on more sensitive themes like family issues, emotional abandonment, dementia, and prejudice based on appearance. I went into this novel wanting to get answers on where "the girl" had gone and whether they were able to find her, but I got so much more than I bargained for. I got 1) likable characters, 2) modern no-spice enemies-to-lovers romance, 3) green flag male character (my fave), 4) diverse characters that somehow work well together, 5) dual POVs, 6) life wisdom, and 7) a very heartwarming epilogue.
I can liken The Lost Ticket to A Man Called Ove, but a more cheerful and optimistic version. If you enjoy a light read that discusses delicate issues gently, then I highly recommend this. If you need a palate cleanser from heavier-themed novels, this is an excellent refresher.
PS: Great story aside, I thought the book cover looks brilliant. I love the pop of color and the character illustrations. I kept perusing the cover in between reading.
Alternative title: The Girl on the 88 Bus
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Open Throat by Henry Hoke
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Verdict: I'm not sure if the last page was worth the heartbreak, but it was definitely worth the 5-star rating
Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major
emotional
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The start of the novel was an instant hook. I listened to the audiobook version so it immediately gave life to the characters. The synopsis was promising and it stayed true within the pages. However, eventually, some chapters felt dragging, Brooke's indecision pulled down the quality of the story, and midway through, I just wanted to know the end of the novel regardless of how the events unfolded. I find that it's not a positive sign if the reader is rushing to get to the end, not out of excitement but of boredom.
Now this is the part I trash-talk the novel. If it happens to be your favorite or you simply don't like negative reviews, I suggest you stop reading and look the other way.
✏️ Crude review + spoilers ahead ⤵
The Inmate has a 4.1 overall rating on GoodReads as of this writing. I can't wrap my head around it.
The plot is so simple it can pass as weak. The protagonist, Brooke, has zero self-awareness and a backbone made of noodles. If she got any more unlucky, she would have been the perfect candidate for murder. And in this book, *drumroll*, she is!
I've been seeing this novel everywhere and the reviews are constant: it's GOOD. However, I beg to disagree.
In the end, the plot twist and the epilogue were good. I didn't see those coming. But they weren't enough to vindicate the entirety of the novel.
Was it just a bad egg? Have I watched enough thriller films to find this novel basic? Am I dumb and unappreciative?
I don't know. I'm still confused. And this book review is clearly as messy as the book itself.
Now this is the part I trash-talk the novel. If it happens to be your favorite or you simply don't like negative reviews, I suggest you stop reading and look the other way.
✏️ Crude review + spoilers ahead ⤵
The Inmate has a 4.1 overall rating on GoodReads as of this writing. I can't wrap my head around it.
The plot is so simple it can pass as weak. The protagonist, Brooke, has zero self-awareness and a backbone made of noodles. If she got any more unlucky, she would have been the perfect candidate for murder. And in this book, *drumroll*, she is!
I've been seeing this novel everywhere and the reviews are constant: it's GOOD. However, I beg to disagree.
In the end, the plot twist and the epilogue were good. I didn't see those coming. But they weren't enough to vindicate the entirety of the novel.
Was it just a bad egg? Have I watched enough thriller films to find this novel basic? Am I dumb and unappreciative?
I don't know. I'm still confused. And this book review is clearly as messy as the book itself.