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helendipietro's reviews
243 reviews
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
5.0
Been thinking about this one for a while so it had to be awarded 5*! I loved the characters/ story/ vibes and this book proved to me that I can enjoy fantasy! Looking forward to reading the next one in 2024! 🌟
If You'll Have Me by Eunnie
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
A 5* YA graphic novel which oozes cuteness! Loved the colour scheme and the characters 👌
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Untypical: How the World Isn't Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About it by Pete Wharmby
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
4.0
Gin and Phonics: My Journey Through Middle-Class Motherhood (via the Occasional Pub) by Clara Batten
lighthearted
slow-paced
2.0
I really didn’t get on with this but persevered to finish it because I hate DNFing books! I thought it must get better but this one just didn’t do it for me! I had high hopes from the title and thought it was going to be hilarious. The comedy and writing style wasn’t for me.
Rental Person Who Does Nothing: a Memoir by Shoji Morimoto
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Written very matter of factly which fits the ‘do nothing’ approach, this book is a series of a tweets and short reflections from a ghost writer. The whole concept of a ‘Rental Person’ to be hired just to be there for free is such an interesting one and I just kept thinking how sad it really was that people needed it. It could solve a lot of problems caused by loneliness. Rental person had some good yet short reflections on friendship, AI, introspection, Japanese culture, and money. It does feel very repetitive and basic as a reading experience though.
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Started on holiday but then forgot to carry on! Must revisit!
Rich Woman: A Book on Investing for Women, Take Charge Of Your Money, Take Charge Of Your Life by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter, Kim Kiyosaki
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Might come back to it?
The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
A really clever and intriguing set up, developed characters and some unexpected twists! This was a great book but I found it too long/ drawn out to be 5*.
Tyger by SF Said
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
This book is an enthralling adventure that combines Blakeian mythology, magic and the power of imagination to tell a story that stays with you. 🐯
The story is a dark, magical tale set in a dystopian London where Empire never ended and so some difficult themes are explored, albeit age appropriately. It follows the difficult lives of two children, Adam and Zadie. Adam's life changes forever the day he stumbles upon a wonderful creature - Tyger. This is a cleverly layered book full of emotion and I would recommend it for children in Year 5, 6 and beyond!
S. F Said was inspired by William Blake's poem 'Tyger' which I remember teaching to my Year 6 class. It's a poem that excited and engaged him as this 'Tyger' wasn't any ordinary 'tiger'.
Plus the illustrations from Dave McKean are transporting!🥰
The story is a dark, magical tale set in a dystopian London where Empire never ended and so some difficult themes are explored, albeit age appropriately. It follows the difficult lives of two children, Adam and Zadie. Adam's life changes forever the day he stumbles upon a wonderful creature - Tyger. This is a cleverly layered book full of emotion and I would recommend it for children in Year 5, 6 and beyond!
S. F Said was inspired by William Blake's poem 'Tyger' which I remember teaching to my Year 6 class. It's a poem that excited and engaged him as this 'Tyger' wasn't any ordinary 'tiger'.
Plus the illustrations from Dave McKean are transporting!🥰
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia and Colonisation
Minor: Child death