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queendbw's reviews
1193 reviews
Minion by L.A. Banks
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
3.75
Book #47 of 2021.
This was a great, fast-paced read. I love that the author turned some of the “normal” vampire tropes aside.
Damali is a great character and I was rooting for her all the way. She is young and I sometimes questioned her judgement/motives. That being said, I feel like this series has legs and I cannot wait to see where the author goes next!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
This was a great, fast-paced read. I love that the author turned some of the “normal” vampire tropes aside.
Damali is a great character and I was rooting for her all the way. She is young and I sometimes questioned her judgement/motives. That being said, I feel like this series has legs and I cannot wait to see where the author goes next!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Book # 44 of 2021.
I have to admit that I love the idea of historical fiction - the chance to really travel back in time and immerse myself in another time and place. I hate that I rarely see me reflected in the stories, though. I read fiction as an escape, so I don’t want a story about the traumas of slavery - unless there is a Harriett Tubman-esque character giving a bold middle finger to the “curious institution”. If you know some stories like THAT, let me know!
So, yeah, I like historical fiction and I’d been hearing great things about the Outlander series. After waiting for WEEKS, literally weeks, I finally got the hold notice from my library! I was instantly drawn into this story. Claire Randall was a refreshing spin on the genre - she was no blushing virgin and she didn’t fall in love with a prince or noble - her love is a Scot on the run from the English.
Claire soon finds herself with 2 husbands in two different times. Will she stay in the past or go back to her present? I cannot recommend this book more - great read!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Book # 44 of 2021.
I have to admit that I love the idea of historical fiction - the chance to really travel back in time and immerse myself in another time and place. I hate that I rarely see me reflected in the stories, though. I read fiction as an escape, so I don’t want a story about the traumas of slavery - unless there is a Harriett Tubman-esque character giving a bold middle finger to the “curious institution”. If you know some stories like THAT, let me know!
So, yeah, I like historical fiction and I’d been hearing great things about the Outlander series. After waiting for WEEKS, literally weeks, I finally got the hold notice from my library! I was instantly drawn into this story. Claire Randall was a refreshing spin on the genre - she was no blushing virgin and she didn’t fall in love with a prince or noble - her love is a Scot on the run from the English.
Claire soon finds herself with 2 husbands in two different times. Will she stay in the past or go back to her present? I cannot recommend this book more - great read!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Educated by Tara Westover
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
4.75
Educated by Tara Westover
This is book #43 of 2021.
I finished this book over a week ago and I have not been able to write my review. The book is very well-written and the story is fascinating - but I HATE her parents! I could not imagine allowing anyone to mistreat either of my children and hearing about Tara’s neglect and abuse was triggering.
Tara’s family lived in the mountains of Idaho(?). Her father is rabidly anti-government, -medicine, -education, etc. The children were “home-schooled”, never saw doctors and rarely had contact with anyone outside of the family and some church members. Her upbringing was awful! The family was involved in two serious car accidents, there were several mishaps at the father’s junkyard and her eldest brother was abusive to at least two other siblings and his wife (I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t already killed her).
As I said, the story was fascinating and I was really happy for Tara when she went to school and England and got her PhD! I really pray that she is safe and whole.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
This is book #43 of 2021.
I finished this book over a week ago and I have not been able to write my review. The book is very well-written and the story is fascinating - but I HATE her parents! I could not imagine allowing anyone to mistreat either of my children and hearing about Tara’s neglect and abuse was triggering.
Tara’s family lived in the mountains of Idaho(?). Her father is rabidly anti-government, -medicine, -education, etc. The children were “home-schooled”, never saw doctors and rarely had contact with anyone outside of the family and some church members. Her upbringing was awful! The family was involved in two serious car accidents, there were several mishaps at the father’s junkyard and her eldest brother was abusive to at least two other siblings and his wife (I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t already killed her).
As I said, the story was fascinating and I was really happy for Tara when she went to school and England and got her PhD! I really pray that she is safe and whole.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Book #42 of 2021
This book! I could not stop listening - I was pulled headlong into Gifty’s world. Gifty is a PhD student researching pleasure seeking behavior in mice. She gets the mice addicted to Ensure then studies their reactions to taking away the Ensure along with negative stimuli. Fascinating stuff, but the meat of the story is her attempts to reconcile her science and her faith. Gifty’s brother, Nana, died of a heroin overdose; her mother is suicidal and living in her bedroom.
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, but I can see her being added to my faves list!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
This book! I could not stop listening - I was pulled headlong into Gifty’s world. Gifty is a PhD student researching pleasure seeking behavior in mice. She gets the mice addicted to Ensure then studies their reactions to taking away the Ensure along with negative stimuli. Fascinating stuff, but the meat of the story is her attempts to reconcile her science and her faith. Gifty’s brother, Nana, died of a heroin overdose; her mother is suicidal and living in her bedroom.
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, but I can see her being added to my faves list!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use
The Beautiful Ones by Prince, Dan Piepenbring
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Book #33 of 2021.
I ADORED PRINCE! Like, my fave color is PURPLE and everything! That being said, I was delighted to find this memoir!
The author met Prince and was picked by His Royal Badness to write the memoir. Unfortunately, Prince passed away before they made much headway on the project. The author used the content of their conversations, the archives at Paisley Park and several published interviews to finish the project.
The result is a memoir that leaves you wanting more. I hope that we someday get a true biography, but this was a great start!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
I ADORED PRINCE! Like, my fave color is PURPLE and everything! That being said, I was delighted to find this memoir!
The author met Prince and was picked by His Royal Badness to write the memoir. Unfortunately, Prince passed away before they made much headway on the project. The author used the content of their conversations, the archives at Paisley Park and several published interviews to finish the project.
The result is a memoir that leaves you wanting more. I hope that we someday get a true biography, but this was a great start!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
The Trouble With Vampires by Lynsay Sands
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Book #40 of 2021
Confession: I am hooked on vampire mythologies and series. The Argeneau Vampires are one of my faves!
First of all, they aren’t “vampires”, they’re “immortals” (but not really). They’re descendants of citizens of Atlantis and their long lives, agelessness and strength comes from advanced nanotechnology. That’s all I’m going to say about that - read the books for more....
This is the love story of Petronella and Santo. They meet, fall in love and overcome a monstrous (seriously, a monster) situation to be together.
CAUTION: this series is kinda sexy and may not be your cup of tea!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Confession: I am hooked on vampire mythologies and series. The Argeneau Vampires are one of my faves!
First of all, they aren’t “vampires”, they’re “immortals” (but not really). They’re descendants of citizens of Atlantis and their long lives, agelessness and strength comes from advanced nanotechnology. That’s all I’m going to say about that - read the books for more....
This is the love story of Petronella and Santo. They meet, fall in love and overcome a monstrous (seriously, a monster) situation to be together.
CAUTION: this series is kinda sexy and may not be your cup of tea!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Book #39 of 2021
I love this series! I’ve seen all the movies more than a few times, but this is my first time reading all the novels. And as usual, the books are so much richer!
If you’re not familiar with the stories, this is the first novel after Voldemort returns. Dumbledore has told the world that he’s back, but the Ministry of Magic is denying the truth. The magical world is split on whether Harry is a hero or a lunatic and plenty of badness is afoot!
I got completely lost in this story and had to re-watch the movie (because, of course there were differences).
If you haven’t already done so, I highly suggest reading the novels (and watching the movies)!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
I love this series! I’ve seen all the movies more than a few times, but this is my first time reading all the novels. And as usual, the books are so much richer!
If you’re not familiar with the stories, this is the first novel after Voldemort returns. Dumbledore has told the world that he’s back, but the Ministry of Magic is denying the truth. The magical world is split on whether Harry is a hero or a lunatic and plenty of badness is afoot!
I got completely lost in this story and had to re-watch the movie (because, of course there were differences).
If you haven’t already done so, I highly suggest reading the novels (and watching the movies)!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
emotional
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
Book #38 of 2021.
This is the 3rd novel of the #Bridgerton series.
I loved this story! From the Cinderella-esque parallels to the “storybook ending” it was a delight! I cannot wait to see what Shonda Rhimes does with this one!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
This is the 3rd novel of the #Bridgerton series.
I loved this story! From the Cinderella-esque parallels to the “storybook ending” it was a delight! I cannot wait to see what Shonda Rhimes does with this one!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Night Shift by Charlaine Harris
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Book #37
This is the third book in the Midnight series. I really enjoyed this story. We learned more of how Midnight came to be; Manfred learns some of his history and Fiji FLEXES!
I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait for the next installment!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
This is the third book in the Midnight series. I really enjoyed this story. We learned more of how Midnight came to be; Manfred learns some of his history and Fiji FLEXES!
I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait for the next installment!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Book #36.
Another nonfiction selection, which I need to do more of.
This is a collection of essays read by the author. I’d never heard of him before, but an acquaintance suggested the book.
First of all, Eric is hilarious and has a keen understanding of his shortcomings. He has shared a series of essays showing what it was like for him to grow up black, Christian and gay when most around him were neither. Equal parts camp, drama and melodrama - I could not stop listening! So glad I read this one!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
Another nonfiction selection, which I need to do more of.
This is a collection of essays read by the author. I’d never heard of him before, but an acquaintance suggested the book.
First of all, Eric is hilarious and has a keen understanding of his shortcomings. He has shared a series of essays showing what it was like for him to grow up black, Christian and gay when most around him were neither. Equal parts camp, drama and melodrama - I could not stop listening! So glad I read this one!
#readsof2021 #bookworm #readingisfundamental