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titalindaslibrary's reviews
559 reviews
Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
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
4.5
An excellent thriller that keeps its cause (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) at the heart of the plot. Despite having several POVs, they were distinct and I liked how each viewpoint also presented a different facet of struggles faced by Indigenous communities. I listened to this on audio and highly recommend! The multiple narrators did a fantastic job.
Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Soft-DNF. I'm just not in the mood for this read and find I'm getting confused reading this on audio. Will try again with a physical copy once it publishes
Releasing Maladek by Victoria Aveline
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Yeah, I mean, it’s a cute lil novella in this world. I did enjoy reading more of Maladek’s backstory and finding out how he came to be on Fejo’s ship.
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I feel rather meh about this book by the end, but the beginning through the middle held such promise!
Honestly I quite enjoyed most of my time reading this and believe those looking for more cozy fantasy books will enjoy The Phoenix Keeper.
My main quibble comes down to the predictability of the plot (we already KNOW this male love interest won’t be endgame from the start, making it easy to guess the twist later on). I also, sadly, grew a bit annoyed with our FMC as the plot dragged on. Her severe anxiety made me sympathetic to her, but it also became a driving issue for her self centeredness. Her friend was constantly coming to her rescue and it was just unreal how oblivious she was to the strain this caused. And the lack of understanding to how unsupported Taryn felt in return??
I did enjoy several scenes though (I audibly laughed aloud at some interactions) and overall a very cozy feeling book. It certainly succeeded at its genre! I do wish the world was a bit more magical-based outside of just the animals though.
Honestly I quite enjoyed most of my time reading this and believe those looking for more cozy fantasy books will enjoy The Phoenix Keeper.
My main quibble comes down to the predictability of the plot (we already KNOW this male love interest won’t be endgame from the start, making it easy to guess the twist later on). I also, sadly, grew a bit annoyed with our FMC as the plot dragged on. Her severe anxiety made me sympathetic to her, but it also became a driving issue for her self centeredness. Her friend was constantly coming to her rescue and it was just unreal how oblivious she was to the strain this caused. And the lack of understanding to how unsupported Taryn felt in return??
I did enjoy several scenes though (I audibly laughed aloud at some interactions) and overall a very cozy feeling book. It certainly succeeded at its genre! I do wish the world was a bit more magical-based outside of just the animals though.
True Love and Other Impossible Odds by Christina Li
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Oh this was so lovely, I absolutely adored this coming-of-age and coming out story! It started off a bit slow, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. The emotional complexity and resolution was done so tenderly. I loved the perspective of coming from a strict immigrant family - it was done so well and truly depicted the way those high expectations can crush your sense of self. These characters felt so real, and I’m proud of Grace and all the ways she grows by the end.
Also this lowkey made me nostalgic for my college days?? 😭
Also this lowkey made me nostalgic for my college days?? 😭
Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
I love Drew, and this cements that fact! It really felt like you're just sitting down with an older sis who's looking out for you. If you've read any intersectional feminist work, what she's saying isn't new. However I find it refreshing to hear these perspectives coming from a huge Internet personality. This book showcases another side to Drew, one that's reflective, wise, and loving (and a sprinkling of some of the brash online persona she utilizes hehe). And if this book gets picked up by an audience (especially a younger one) that isn't as likely to be reading Angela Davis or bell hooks, then it's a win to me.
On a personal note, I really appreciated Drew's chapter on choosing to remain child-free. It spoke very closely to my own experiences with coming to that decision. It felt validating to read these words from another woman who's in a happy, committed relationship with a man as well.
On a personal note, I really appreciated Drew's chapter on choosing to remain child-free. It spoke very closely to my own experiences with coming to that decision. It felt validating to read these words from another woman who's in a happy, committed relationship with a man as well.
Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
These books are always a quick read for me, and they never fail to make me hungry. I so wish I lived near a Filipino restaurant or my aunties - it's so much work to make most of these dishes that constantly appear!
I did find my annoyance with some of the main characters flaring up again, especially with how apparent it became that Lila primarily views all of her relationships as resources for information. I did like that she got some pushback on it from that one couple, but it was so quick and barely present. With all the problems that came up with the Calendar Crew's chismis, I thought perhaps we'd get to see some character growth from these nosy aunties. But alas, hardly anyone sees any development whatsoever. Also, with Jae becoming the MC's love interest, I'm left wondering why. There's absolutely no chemistry between them, and I'd honestly prefer it if Lila were single.
Ugh, okay, now that I've typed out all of that I wonder if it's time I set this series down. The more I read the less charming it's become and my annoyance starts to overwhelm the delight. I'd love to find another cozy FilAm series, because the mix of food, culture, and low stakes is great!
I did find my annoyance with some of the main characters flaring up again, especially with how apparent it became that Lila primarily views all of her relationships as resources for information. I did like that she got some pushback on it from that one couple, but it was so quick and barely present. With all the problems that came up with the Calendar Crew's chismis, I thought perhaps we'd get to see some character growth from these nosy aunties. But alas, hardly anyone sees any development whatsoever. Also, with Jae becoming the MC's love interest, I'm left wondering why. There's absolutely no chemistry between them, and I'd honestly prefer it if Lila were single.
Ugh, okay, now that I've typed out all of that I wonder if it's time I set this series down. The more I read the less charming it's become and my annoyance starts to overwhelm the delight. I'd love to find another cozy FilAm series, because the mix of food, culture, and low stakes is great!
The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Soft-DNF, I am just not in the mood for this type of book right now and it feels like a chore to pick it up every night
Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
My personal attachment to the subject of this story may drive this rating up higher, but I don’t care. This was such a warm and loving hug to the religiously traumatized teen in me. While thankfully I was never subjected to the same level of extremism Val was, I certainly knew peers who were, and I was close to circles who thought like this cult.
The one thing I found unbelievable was how FAST Val deconstructed. While there are some references that let you know it was thanks to reading books and articles, we’re barely shown any of that, so it feels like an overnight transformation. One day she’s bumbling along through sermons trying to be obedient and the next she’s scathingly criticizing this cult for their racist and pedophilic teachings. Like DAMN that happened FAST. And all while she’s homeschooled and under her parents’ thumb? It’s impressive but feels far too convenient. Many of my deconstructed pals had to undergo some serious soul searching and uproot so much of these tenants we were indoctrinated with, and it was a painful process. We conveniently sweep past this in the book, and while I’m happy Val gets such a neat and tidy ending, it feels unearned. But perhaps that my Evangelical roots speaking lmao
I wish I had come across a book like this as a teen though. As someone who escaped through fantasy books and was a regular at the library, I can’t help seeing a bit of myself in Val. And I wonder if it could’ve helped me unravel the harmful teachings I was brought up with sooner.
The one thing I found unbelievable was how FAST Val deconstructed. While there are some references that let you know it was thanks to reading books and articles, we’re barely shown any of that, so it feels like an overnight transformation. One day she’s bumbling along through sermons trying to be obedient and the next she’s scathingly criticizing this cult for their racist and pedophilic teachings. Like DAMN that happened FAST. And all while she’s homeschooled and under her parents’ thumb? It’s impressive but feels far too convenient. Many of my deconstructed pals had to undergo some serious soul searching and uproot so much of these tenants we were indoctrinated with, and it was a painful process. We conveniently sweep past this in the book, and while I’m happy Val gets such a neat and tidy ending, it feels unearned. But perhaps that my Evangelical roots speaking lmao
I wish I had come across a book like this as a teen though. As someone who escaped through fantasy books and was a regular at the library, I can’t help seeing a bit of myself in Val. And I wonder if it could’ve helped me unravel the harmful teachings I was brought up with sooner.