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tracithomas's reviews
935 reviews
Habitations by Sheila Sundar
reflective
slow-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
So this is very much not my kind of book -- slow, character driven, slice of life type book. I read it because of an event, and never would have read it without that, but I actually was really impressed by it. This is a very strong debut novel. I felt connected to the characters and liked the story enough. Sundar had a lot to say (without being preachy) around immigration, home, family, and building a life. Again, this one isn't my thing (not a lot of plot) but it is so successful at what it set out to do. So if you like a vibey story this might be one for you.
Jazz by Toni Morrison
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Best first paragraph of any book I've read. I love Morrison's writing here and also felt very much like I am not sure I understood the book. The dialogue, the scenes, all amazing. The plot, lost me a bit. I still really liked reading it and felt on the edge of my seat most of the time.
First in the Family: A Story of Survival, Recovery, and the American Dream by Jessica Hoppe
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
I liked the idea of this book more than the execution. I loved seeing the representation of a Latine person in alcoholic space talking about her experiences and the racism therein. I found the many threads to be too choppy. There is memoir, family history, and research, but it didn't come together in a way that felt compelling for me or that made the story richer.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
Overall I really liked this book. It is a mystery with a lot going on and a literary sensibility. The way Moore weaves timelines and POVs is so so so good. It really works for this book and she is totally in control. Thankfully, because if this was done wrong it could've been really bad. I couldn't predict the end but also didn't feel like it came too far out of left field (I hate that). The book is very much white people problems, and I loved that escape. This book isn't trying to do more than it should/can. It knows what it is and I appreciate that. That being said, it is a really well written and engaging book with great plot and character development. My biggest complaint was the book went on too long, at almost 500 pages I would find myself totally invested and then zoning out in certain parts. But overall this is a big yes from me.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was underwhelmed with this book. The idea was there but I found the pacing was so off I couldn't get into the book at all. At half the length the plot would've worked for me. This book was trying to hit on some questions of autonomy and family, but because of the pacing and lack of character development, I never felt like it got there. There were a lot of cliff hangers to try and make the reader care, but none of them paid off because the character's motivations made little sense. I needed more in the form of details and less in the form of vibes.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I had never read this and understand why it is beloved. I really enjoyed the book a lot. I think it is inventive and the pacing is excellent. I appreciated the world building and roll out of all that was going on in Gilead. The ending was so annoying that it went from being a top tier read to a solid book. I just couldn't get down with the way Atwood had to show her work for the last 10 pages. It was no needed and took away from what she had accomplished with the first 300 pages.
Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes by Laci Mosley
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I was surprised by how strong the writing and structure of this book was. I liked that it was memoir and famous scams plus some personal scams Laci has been involved with. It feels additive to the podcast and not just a rehashing of the show.
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I found the writing in this book to be extremely strong, though I didn't have a very resonant emotional experience with this book. It was an interesting and curious story that I am glad I read, but I am not sure it will stick with me.
The Other Olympians: Fascism, Queerness, and the Making of Modern Sports by Michael Waters
informative
medium-paced
5.0
A super well written and researched history book about sports history I knew nothing about. Waters writes a very clear and compelling narrative about a complicated topic and includes so many facets. If you like sports, Nazi history, queer history, or stories for "hidden" figures this books does all of that and more.
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Overall I really liked this especially for a first novel. I liked the writing and how it shifted from interior and exterior. I liked how the book is organized. I liked the ideas around girlhood, competition, and also the male gaze. My biggest issue with the book is that it started so strong but not a lot happens and so the uniqueness of the style/structure wears off and there isn't an emotional payoff for the reader, I felt like I wanted to be left with more.