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helendipietro's reviews
243 reviews
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Cute, cozy vibes but I wasn’t overally wowed by this one. It had some nice reflections on life and my favourite part was when Takako and Momoko went on their trip together. I loved the descriptions of the mountain they climbed and their differences in attitudes. I also loved how Satoru and Takako helped each other to develop and grow.
There are lots of relatable parts too:
“It’s once I’m alone, mulling things over, that I can figure out what on earth I’m actually feeling.”
“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in this long journey of your life. This is your harbour. And your boat is just dropping anchor here for a little while. And after you’re well rested, you can set sail again.”
“It’s only in second hand books that you can savour encounters like this, connections that transcend time.
There are lots of relatable parts too:
“It’s once I’m alone, mulling things over, that I can figure out what on earth I’m actually feeling.”
“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in this long journey of your life. This is your harbour. And your boat is just dropping anchor here for a little while. And after you’re well rested, you can set sail again.”
“It’s only in second hand books that you can savour encounters like this, connections that transcend time.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
I’ll revisit maybe at Christmas!
Moonstruck, Vol. 1: Magic to Brew by Grace Ellis
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Loved the colour scheme, the artwork, most of the characters and the overall cuteness of this volume. I switched form 4 * to 3 * but I think the 3* fits my own enjoyment of my reading experience. I didn’t love the magazine extracts dotted through as it really took you out of the story and the art was so different it felt a bit garish!
Some of the action was rushed and I think some parts could have benefitted hugely from being just a tad longer to get to know the characters more and understand the plot. Overall though I did enjoy it!
Some of the action was rushed and I think some parts could have benefitted hugely from being just a tad longer to get to know the characters more and understand the plot. Overall though I did enjoy it!
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
This is a superbly written book that follows two best friends, Sam and Sadie, from being children in a hospital to adult business partners in the video-game industry. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a mega gamer in order to connect with these pages.
It has some of the best chronic pain representation that I’ve ever come across in a book which made me feel very seen:
“Sometimes, I would be in so much pain. The only thing that kept me from wanting to die was the fact that I could leave my body and be in a body that worked perfectly for a while - better than perfectly, actually - with a set of problems that were not my own. You couldn’t land at the top of a pole, but Mario could.”
Speaking of representation, this is also a book that displays platonic love and shows that men and women can just be friends!
It’s about the game of life at the same time as the actual game industry and the process of creation. It’s about human relationships, trauma, grief, sexism, identify and friendship and it took me completely by surprise!
I loved the philosophical aspects to it; it’s a book that you’ll want to highlight, tag and write in!
Marx was my absolute favourite! Sadie and Sam were layered, relatable and loveable. Dov was toxically repulsive. The characters were done so well. This is a book full of feeling!
The Light in Everything by Katya Balen
hopeful
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Nostalgic. Lyrical. Emotional.
I liked reading this story through dual perspectives from two very different characters. This worked really well to portray the innermost thoughts of two children in a newly-blended family. The writing style was poetic and lyrical. At times I was thinking ‘would a child really think like that’ but overall the child’s voice was done well.
Although her behaviour was at times infuriating, Zophia went on a huge journey of self discovery. It was also great to see Tom finally sticking up for himself and standing up to her! There are real, honest moments of conflict between Zophia and Tom which added to the book’s authenticity.
I think this is a great book for talking about emotions and I endeavour to use this book to teach figurative language to my tutees.
I liked reading this story through dual perspectives from two very different characters. This worked really well to portray the innermost thoughts of two children in a newly-blended family. The writing style was poetic and lyrical. At times I was thinking ‘would a child really think like that’ but overall the child’s voice was done well.
Although her behaviour was at times infuriating, Zophia went on a huge journey of self discovery. It was also great to see Tom finally sticking up for himself and standing up to her! There are real, honest moments of conflict between Zophia and Tom which added to the book’s authenticity.
I think this is a great book for talking about emotions and I endeavour to use this book to teach figurative language to my tutees.
Swifter than Starlight by Cerrie Burnell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Just read a taster. Will revisit later!
Stars in Their Eyes: A Graphic Novel by Jessica Walton
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
So wholesome! It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside! Important representation through fun and immersive illustrations ❤️
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.0
The cover and the title made me buy this book. This is a very honest and open look into someone’s mental health through transcripts taken from conversations with their psychiatrist. I was expecting more from it tbh but overall, once I got used to reading a transcript, I did relate and feel for the author. It’s such a brave thing to write and so feels weird giving a rating to a memoir but it’s supposed to help people which I think it will. Self sabotage and negative thought patterns are explored and I’m sure something we can all relate to. Also the exert from the psychiatrist themselves was a good addition; I wanted a bit more from them!
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy by Grace Ellis, ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm so glad I discovered these graphic novels from watching youtube! They truly are so much fun - full of adventure and friendship!
I wish I'd read them when I was younger but still so much to enjoy as an adult. The illustrations are vibrant and transporting. I loved the characters too! Onto the next one...
I wish I'd read them when I was younger but still so much to enjoy as an adult. The illustrations are vibrant and transporting. I loved the characters too! Onto the next one...