Scan barcode
ivi_reads_books's reviews
183 reviews
Thicker Than Water: A Memoir by Kerry Washington
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.25
Kerry Washington’s memoir is a candid journey through her life, where she opens up about her upbringing and the challenges she faced due to family secrets. While much of the book focuses on her childhood, her adult years receive less focus. Despite this, it’s fascinating to learn about how she honed her craft and chooses her projects.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Infertility, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Minor: Eating disorder, Racism, and Alcohol
Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book presents a fascinating concept: the idea of renting a person for various events or simply to have someone to talk to. The story delves into the profound impact that such a "rental" arrangement can have, not only on the person doing the renting but also on those around them, particularly when the business relationship spans several years. The narrative raises thought-provoking moral questions, leaving the reader to form their own judgments.
The character of the rental is portrayed as emotionally detached and isolated, with no apparent friends. This made him come across as both a somber and unlikable figure to me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicide, and Blood
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had so much fun reading this book! A couple of athletes taking tips from romance novels to improve their relationships? Sign me up! And don’t worry if sports aren’t your thing—the focus is all on the relationships, so you’ll still enjoy it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This novel presents a quiet, slow-burning romance set against the backdrop of the U.S. Midwest. However, the portrayal of a character with Down syndrome raises concerns. The character, a daughter given up for adoption, seems to be used as a plot device to create drama and to avoid having the biological parents deal with the consequences of giving her up for adoption. The fact that everyone, except the daughter herself, knows her 'auntie' is actually her biological mother feels contrived.
The treatment of the character, Jessie, often feels infantilizing, as she is consistently portrayed in a way that diminishes her agency. The subtext suggests that her biological parents avoid facing the emotional complexities of their decision to give her up for adoption, seemingly because the author implies she isn’t capable of understanding. This portrayal not only oversimplifies the character's experience but also allows the biological father to emerge as a hero for accepting his daughter without having to confront the more difficult emotions and consequences of his past actions.
The lack of depth in addressing these issues left me regretting picking up the book.
The treatment of the character, Jessie, often feels infantilizing, as she is consistently portrayed in a way that diminishes her agency. The subtext suggests that her biological parents avoid facing the emotional complexities of their decision to give her up for adoption, seemingly because the author implies she isn’t capable of understanding. This portrayal not only oversimplifies the character's experience but also allows the biological father to emerge as a hero for accepting his daughter without having to confront the more difficult emotions and consequences of his past actions.
The lack of depth in addressing these issues left me regretting picking up the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol
Moderate: Ableism, Violence, Car accident, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
The concept of a podcast unintentionally uncovering a crime is intriguing and adds a fresh twist to the story. However, while the premise is compelling, the ending feels somewhat predictable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Death, Pedophilia, Medical content, Stalking, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the cocktail-mixing aspect of this book, even though I'm not a drinker! If you’re into exploring power dynamics within a polyamorous setting, go for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Violence
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book presents a compelling narrative centered around a wealthy, adventurous businessman whose life takes a dramatic turn after a car accident leaves him quadriplegic. Struggling to accept the limitations of his new reality, he grapples with finding joy and purpose in life. In contrast, his able-bodied caretaker is hesitant to step outside her comfort zone and fully embrace life. As they challenge each other to see the world through the other's eyes, the story explores the complexities of their emotional journeys.
The book delves into the daily struggles of living with chronic pain and the myriad medical complications that often accompany quadriplegia. While it offers a thoughtful portrayal of one person’s experience with disability, it’s important to note that it doesn’t aim to represent the experiences of all individuals with special needs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical content, Car accident, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death, Infidelity, Rape, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The story follows a stand-up comedian returning home to New Jersey, where he reconnects with family and an old flame. However, the blend of comedy and romance didn’t quite work for me. The banter felt forced and didn’t align with my sense of humor. The audiobook narrator nailed the Jersey accent of the protagonist’s family members, and I would have loved to dive deeper into the family drama
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Great smut
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life by Justin J. Lehmiller
informative
medium-paced
3.0
The book offers valuable insights into various fantasies and explores potential reasons behind them, all supported by data. It is very accessible and engaging, making it an excellent read for non-scientists.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia and Rape