readingmaria's reviews
539 reviews

A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

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dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Ok, this book just dragged on way too long for me. I was really hoping for a twisty thriller, and I feel like what I got was basically one long story that was building up to nothing exciting at the end. Literally fell flat. If you’re going to try a Samantha Downing book for Fall, FOR YOUR OWN GOOD is the book to read!
If It Gets Quiet Later On, I Will Make a Display by Nick Thran

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slow-paced

2.0

This was just not for me unfortunately, it was not the vibe.
What Remains by Wendy Walker

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medium-paced

2.0

I just had to skim read the last 40 or so pages because I was so over it. The book started out good, but took FOREVER to just go anywhere. I don’t even care about what I skim read or remember any of it. All I know is that whatever hype this book gets is not worth it 😂
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

5 wonderful tear-stained stars. This book was just IT.
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

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

2.0

Wow, this book was not a great fit for the face blindness aspect of a book, OR for the miscommunication trope which I now hate. At least it was a fast read.
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

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

3.5

The story was so informative of a time that actually wasn’t that long ago when you think about it. I really liked the story for the most part, I just felt the narrative dragged a bit at times and I found the main character, Civil, to be quite self-centred at times, and I don’t see how her character grew which is what I was hoping for. Other than that, this is definitely an important book to read especially in today’s world.
Persephone's Children: A Life in Fragments by Rowan McCandless

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

5.0

This is a unique memoir that creatively details Rowan’s life before, during, and after she escapes her soul crushing domestic abuse situation. Her journey is not easy, and there were many factors of a failed system that ultimately lead her to her relationships. But her healing journey is remarkable, and I won’t ever forget this memoir.
My Murder by Katie Williams

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dark mysterious tense slow-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

4.5

This unique book perfectly blends literary fiction with thriller, suspense, and sci-fi/speculative fiction. A really quick read and cool story with a fun twist at the end. Loved!
The Dry Heart by Natalia Ginzburg

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

4.0

Really cool feminist psychological thriller that I’m sure SHOOK Italy in the ‘40s. Really great deep exploration of marriage, parenthood, and more.
A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella

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dark inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Wow, what a beautiful story of loss, grief, and learning to live through the terrible situations you’re given. Each character’s story leaves you rooting for them, and the book has so much to say about the heartbreak that comes with love (spouse, parent, child), and the beauty that that love can hold. This is a special novel that will stay with me for a while.