ivi_reads_books's reviews
183 reviews

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

2.25

The book leans more towards a memoir than a collection of essays.

The focus on the author’s interactions with the people around her didn’t appeal to me, especially since these issues are rarely addressed directly. Additionally, there are some inconsistencies in the descriptions, such as the author’s claim of being a planner, contrasted with an account of climbing Cotopaxi without prior preparation or experience.

I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book, but I completed it as part of a book club reading.

The Book of George: A Novel by Kate Greathead

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emotional sad medium-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

3.75

The author managed to portray all main characters as unlikeable. Even though the protagonist consistently let me down, I kept reading, which perfectly mirrors the book’s engaging central theme of being disappointed by someone and yet hoping they would change for the better. This is a true testament to her fantastic writing style.

Thanks to Henry Holt and Co. for this advanced reader copy.

Content Warnings

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

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emotional funny hopeful 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

4.75

A heartwarming story filled with hilarious side characters! While the main characters navigate quite a bit of childhood and family drama, their slowly building romance is absolutely captivating and a joy to read.

Content Warnings

Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-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

Heavy on themes of medicine, mental health, and social media, but ultimately a cute and engaging story!

Content Warnings

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

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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? No

3.5

Did not see this ending coming!

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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emotional funny 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

3.5

Finally a romance novel where the main couple doesn’t jump straight into mind-blowing sex!

Instead, the book takes its time, showing the journey of how they build that connection, drawing inspiration from Emily Nagoski's Come As You Are.

While the mental health topics felt a bit forced and the ghostwriting aspect could have been explored more, it's still an engaging read. The pace slows down a bit towards the end, but overall, it's a refreshing take on romance.

Content Warnings

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

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hopeful reflective 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

4.0

This book portrays a lonely protagonist who, despite her social challenges, illustrates the profound connections that can still be forged, even in the final moments of life. Rather than following her own path, she chooses to honor her patients' memories by continuing their passions after they pass away.

Despite Clover's reserved demeanor, a few people manage to break through her barriers, becoming friends who challenge and support her.

Content Warnings