browngirlreading's reviews
97 reviews

The Lover by Marguerite Duras

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reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn

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

2.0

I had very high hopes for this book since it's been on my TBR for eons. Published in 1966, Five Smooth Stones has some good points but not enough to give it 4 stars. Problems: 1. It's too damn long by 300-350 pages 2. There is a romance between 2 characters that is NOT believable. There is not any chemistry between the 2 characters to make the reader believe they are in love. 3. The character of Sara is irritating! I was happy when I didn't have to read about her. Good stuff: This book was written by a white woman who knew, understood, and was able to write very authentically about race relations, racism, and black people.  There are some white authors who could learn a few things from Ann Fairbairn.


The Dry by Jane Harper

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

L'Œuvre by Émile Zola

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challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe

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

1.0

Perfect Peace by Daniel Black

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emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is absolutely a must read! Excellent writing and storytelling! It's a book that you won't forget.
Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins

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challenging funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

In the beginning this book may feel like it's all over the place but once you're midway through things start to come together. You have to be a free spirit reader to enjoy what Tom Robbins writes. He has a lot to say even though it doesn't seem like it.
Emma by Jane Austen

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challenging funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book bored me to tears. I love a good classic but this just wasn't it. Emma is so damn annoying and so are a lot of the other characters. If you have to read this one make sure you aren't tired when you do because you will fall asleep no matter if you're lying down, driving, or walking.
On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Getting Mother's Body by Suzan-Lori Parks

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funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5