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anima_vestaa's reviews
42 reviews
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Definitely a 5 star read. The style is original and beautiful, the story captivating. A real page-turner that will leave Zhou contemplating about so many important things. Eugenides is brutally talented and insightful. Will definitely read it again at some point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Interesting points raised on mental health, reality, psychosis and everything in between. A compelling critique of psychiatric procedures, stigma as well as overall system. Personally, I feel like the text lacks a cohesive story to tie it together and turn it into a concrete novel. However, the book is not a work of fiction, but rather an assembly of memoir fragments and should be read and appreciated as such. A brave statement of personal experience and though-provoking meditation on freedom and individualism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Violence, and Xenophobia
Almost nothing like the movie btw
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book broke me and has been living rent free in my head eversince
A touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Made me mad in all the best ways
Unterwerfung by Michel Houellebecq, Norma Cassau, Bernd Wilczek
sad
1.0
Islamophobic and misogynist af
One star because for some damned reason it actually holds your attention and the main character is ironically a vibe (so f-ed up that it’s funny)
One star because for some damned reason it actually holds your attention and the main character is ironically a vibe (so f-ed up that it’s funny)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and War
Moderate: Rape
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
challenging
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Interesting takes on life and super intriguing thoughts. Sexist and sometimes lowkey racist undertones tho just ruin the tone. Unexpected gay scenes and many queer characters going on so at the end of the day I’m just confused.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
Animal by Lisa Taddeo
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Murder
Really f***** up but unbelievably gripping. Don’t get attached to the characters and read in symbolism. Disturbing but somehow beautiful.
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Cute story about remembering, love and what it means to matter. It doesn’t seem like a big topic book on the surface but John’s amazing way of thinking is already showing here a bit.
I found the characters very loveable and real and the attempt to show the mind of a child prodigy is very interesting. I enjoyed looking into Colin’s observations and thoughts, very witty.
Some stuff did not age well. So as a slight trigger warning: they is some stuff that may be seen as insensitive to say rn.
I found the characters very loveable and real and the attempt to show the mind of a child prodigy is very interesting. I enjoyed looking into Colin’s observations and thoughts, very witty.
Some stuff did not age well. So as a slight trigger warning: they is some stuff that may be seen as insensitive to say rn.
No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Very difficult to tell. It’s irritating that the book never lets you really get close, like the writing never really opens up till the very end which makes me mad but it does make sense. If you ignore the heightened millennial angst, it’s an interesting reflection on the internet and human connection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Abortion