readingmaria's reviews
539 reviews

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee

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reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

A really insightful book about a Korean woman’s recorded therapy sessions, which she attends because she’s kinda depressed? But we find out she has anxiety and self-esteem issues, the root of her problems.

I couldn’t put this book down, it was easily digestible while also making you feel you were sitting down in your own therapy session. I really loved the collection of short essays at the end of the book, I thought it was a really nice touch to end this off.
Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

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challenging dark funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Equal parts sad, funny, and mournful, Jonny Appleseed leaves a lot to think about as you digest Jonny’s life as a cyber sex worker and what lead to it. 

But that’s not all - it’s about being 2S/ Indigiqueer in a place that’s not always receptive to “different”. It’s about the love between a young child and his beloved kokum, who accepts him in all his glitter glory.

This book leaves a lot to think about when you turn the last page. Beautiful narrative, beautiful writing, and beautiful story.
Ghost Forest by Pik-Shuen Fung

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reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Really great writing style, and I loved that we get sort of little snapshots of the unnamed narrators life. If you’re looking for books written in a unique style, I highly recommend this!

It’s one of those books that will just sit quietly in your mind for a while after reading, as you think about the story and the journey of the main character. Very intriguing, and I can’t wait for more from this author! 
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

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adventurous emotional 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

4.5

I really love how the author explores grief and mental health in this book. It felt so real, and I cried multiple times. I can appreciate the journey each and every character went on. Believe all the hype about this book - it’s SO GOOD!
Dandelion by Jamie Chai Yun Liew

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Such an underrated read that deserves all the stars!

This book has such beautiful writing, and a really sad story that focuses on mother-daughter relationships, displacement, isolation, belonging, yearning, immigration, racism, statelessness, and so much more.

This book is told in 3 parts - the first part is the “Before” Lily’s mother leaves her as a child. The second part is the “Now”, where Lily is a new mother and questioning again why her mother never came back, what advice would she give, etc. and the third part takes place mostly with Lily on her way to find the answers she needs.

I really felt for all the characters in this book, and how one person can impact so many lives, both good and bad. I really urge everyone to read this book, and get a new perspective on things.
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

I enjoyed the story and the spy missions, and all the bad assery from our main characters! I did feel a little lost in the middle, and this book could’ve been shorter. 

Was it the best writing? No, but it kept me reading! It’s just not something special, or unlike anything I’ve ever read before. 
How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan

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funny lighthearted

3.0

This book was fine. Nothing mind blowing or spectacular, and it was the decent palette cleanser I needed. Lots of editorial mistakes, and I just don’t think closed-door romances are for me.

If you’re after something light and easy, this would be one to consider reading! 
The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

I basically felt like I was reading a Criminal Minds episode. I also really loved that we knew who the killer was right from the beginning, I thought that was a cool perspective.

I was a little lost with some of the plot reveals near the end, and the connection wasn’t made in the cleanest way possible. But hey, it was still extremely entertaining , and that’s why I’ll recommend this - if you’re looking for a quick and gory thriller, pick this up!
Bleeding Darkness by Brenda Chapman

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

5.0

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

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emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

4.5

Such a wonderful book about mental health, family, and being brave. I really loved this book, and everyone should read it.