pastelhellion's reviews
132 reviews

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus

Go to review page

dark funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Go to review page

funny hopeful mysterious tense 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

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Go to review page

challenging dark funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Plath describes depression and the position of women in her time extremely well, and makes some of those issues relatable to modern readers. However, the main character is unlikable (despite myself relating to her at times), and is clearly based on herself. I was also caught off-guard by the use of racist terms and homophobic language. 

Both can be simultaneously true; Plath being self-centred, racist, and a literary classic. Plath is clearly (and unfortunately) a product of her time, and her work must be engaged with critically and with that consideration. 
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Go to review page

dark emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This Is Not Who We Are by Sophie Buchaillard

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative sad tense fast-paced

4.25

The Binding Room by Nadine Matheson

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense 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

4.25

The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense 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

4.75

Any Girl by Mia Döring

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

4.0

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Know My Name: The Survivor of the Stanford Sexual Assault Case Tells Her Story by Chanel Miller

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Although this is a difficult read, I believe everyone should try to read it. Chanel is a masterful writer, and a powerhouse of a woman. She made me cry and laugh so many times. I don't have the words to accurately describe this book. It is beautiful, a love letter to all survivors.