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baponthecob's reviews
68 reviews
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
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? No
5.0
I don't even know how to describe what this book means to me. I haven't seen that much queer Asian representation in media, so it was amazing to see that here. Especially her family's reaction to her coming out.
I think it's more heartbreaking that everyone in Lily's life who disapprove simply don't understand. They love her and just want the best for her. Her parents, her aunt. Even Shirley must have cared about her. But that doesn't change how traumatic an experience this was for Lily. She was never really heard.
I was really pissed off at Lily's mom for getting mad at her for running away. How can you make your home an unsafe space for your child and then be mad that she doesn't want to be there? I love Lily's brother for offering to beat people up for her though.
The epilogue was bittersweet to me because she's still close with her family, but to me, it's clear that they still don't like the fact that she's gay. And yet, she's found a way to keep in touch with Kath and they're together again. She can be in both worlds, but not at the same time. It's sad, but I guess I would rather see it positively: she's able to find a way to be queer, successful, and happy despite the obstacles.
I was really pissed off at Lily's mom for getting mad at her for running away. How can you make your home an unsafe space for your child and then be mad that she doesn't want to be there? I love Lily's brother for offering to beat people up for her though.
The epilogue was bittersweet to me because she's still close with her family, but to me, it's clear that they still don't like the fact that she's gay. And yet, she's found a way to keep in touch with Kath and they're together again. She can be in both worlds, but not at the same time. It's sad, but I guess I would rather see it positively: she's able to find a way to be queer, successful, and happy despite the obstacles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Sexism, Xenophobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Miscarriage, and War
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
There is absolutely nothing I would change about this book. The art is gorgeous. I fell in love with all the characters and their friendship and relationships. Elliot is the nonbinary icon I needed to see. Everyone is queer. Enough said.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Confinement, Transphobia, Violence, Murder, and Alcohol
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
There were actually a lot of things in this book that I dont usually like, but I let it slide here bc I was just enjoying the story as a whole.
There was instalove, so I didnt really understand the romance. It didnt really click for me, but the way their interactions were written were just really soft and sweet :) but yeah it was very much giving high school puppy love. Imo, at the end, Flora/Florian should have had to move on from Evelyn's death instead of joining her as a mermaid. Family was supposed to be kinda important, so I just cant see why she has just obtained a father figure and reunited with her brother only to leave them to be with a girl.
The witch arc also felt really rushed despite it being the longest part of the book. Actually all the parts just felt really fast to me?
I was also confused by the epilogue. But, overall, a fun read.
There was instalove, so I didnt really understand the romance. It didnt really click for me, but the way their interactions were written were just really soft and sweet :) but yeah it was very much giving high school puppy love. Imo, at the end,
The witch arc also felt really rushed despite it being the longest part of the book. Actually all the parts just felt really fast to me?
I was also confused by the epilogue. But, overall, a fun read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Slavery, Vomit, Trafficking, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Medical content
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
Honestly did not expect to like this book SO MUCH????? I typically like romance as a side plot, not as the main story, but wow this was amazing??? It did not feel rushed at all, which is usually my problem with romance stories.
Also, the third act conflict was NOT MISCOMMUNICATION. I never felt frustrated with the characters because everything they did was just so thought out and made so much sense given their pasts.
I will admit, Sad Puppy Face was extremely cheesy BUT EVERYTHING ELSE WAS ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE.
Also, the third act conflict was NOT MISCOMMUNICATION. I never felt frustrated with the characters because everything they did was just so thought out and made so much sense given their pasts.
I will admit, Sad Puppy Face was extremely cheesy BUT EVERYTHING ELSE WAS ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I dont hate it????
It was a little slow bc of exposition and setup and all of that, but it wasnt bad.
The way Cinder was 16 and Kai was 18 bugged me a lot so I'm just pretending that's not a thing.
To me, they vibe more as friends. I would like to see them get closer platonically and actually bond over something and get to know each other. Bc rn their entire thing is banter and flirting.
I like Kai and Cinder as individuals. They're both sarcastic little shits lol. Sometimes it was a BIT MUCH, but it added funny bits.
All the scenes with Adri made me feel really conflicted? They tugged on my heartstrings, man. There were a lot of scenes that were just painful. /pos
Also, as a reread, I can see a lot of foreshadowing and setup for future books.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised at how this holds up. I understand why 12-year-old me liked this so much.
It was a little slow bc of exposition and setup and all of that, but it wasnt bad.
The way Cinder was 16 and Kai was 18 bugged me a lot so I'm just pretending that's not a thing.
To me, they vibe more as friends. I would like to see them get closer platonically and actually bond over something and get to know each other. Bc rn their entire thing is banter and flirting.
I like Kai and Cinder as individuals. They're both sarcastic little shits lol. Sometimes it was a BIT MUCH, but it added funny bits.
All the scenes with Adri made me feel really conflicted? They tugged on my heartstrings, man. There were a lot of scenes that were just painful. /pos
Also, as a reread, I can see a lot of foreshadowing and setup for future books.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised at how this holds up. I understand why 12-year-old me liked this so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Terminal illness
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, and War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Self harm, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
The adult/minor relationship is 18 & 16
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
My brain is telling me "this book was good, but it didn't really WOW me" but also there's nothing I would change about it?
Idk I guess I was thinking that Freddy was really stupid and I was frustrated bc I couldn't relate to her. But at the same time, I know people who are like her, so the ending made me happy and hopeful for other people in my life. And the advice at the end is applicable to any kind of relationship, I think. Doesnt have to be a romantic relationship.
Idk I guess I was thinking that Freddy was really stupid and I was frustrated bc I couldn't relate to her. But at the same time, I know people who are like her, so the ending made me happy and hopeful for other people in my life. And the advice at the end is applicable to any kind of relationship, I think. Doesnt have to be a romantic relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infidelity, Abortion, and Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Alcohol
Bloom by Kevin Panetta
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Cameron can kick rocks; he's a shithead. Jake was the only one who really told him off, and Hanna never really properly apologized :( so to me, Hector forgave really quickly (multiple times)
But overall very cute and I really like how we saw Ari's family from different perspectives. And ofc we love to see supportive parents who give their kids unconditional love <3
But overall very cute and I really like how we saw Ari's family from different perspectives. And ofc we love to see supportive parents who give their kids unconditional love <3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death and Toxic relationship
Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really wasn't connected to the friend group as a whole, but as individuals, Ever was my favorite and I related the most to Maddy. I really did not care about Carter at all, and I hated Liva with a passion. Her head was so far up her own ass that she could probably taste her breakfast. I understand that she was conditioned to be that way by her parents, but at some point she is responsible for her own actions, especially when her friends wanted to help. Finn was done so dirty by her. I got tired of her classism and ableism so quick. Also transphobia??? Really out of left field. Like she is a cis straight rich white girl out here belittling her queer, trans, and disabled friends who are not as well off 😟 and then had the audacity to say she still cared about them 😟 and that they made her do what she did bc they tried to be more than they should 😟 please get some help
And after all that, we've got Ever still feeling bad. They have so much compassion for everyone else and I love them for it, but they really need to care about themself too :( and that's where the book takes us at the end. Freshly realized morals, taking one step at a time, all that cheesy shit.
Overall, I liked how this book discussed friendship and how some things may not last. The main message at the end was a little bittersweet but still hopeful. But it was just VERY in-your-face, which really took me out of the story.
And after all that, we've got Ever still feeling bad. They have so much compassion for everyone else and I love them for it, but they really need to care about themself too :( and that's where the book takes us at the end. Freshly realized morals, taking one step at a time, all that cheesy shit.
Overall, I liked how this book discussed friendship and how some things may not last. The main message at the end was a little bittersweet but still hopeful. But it was just VERY in-your-face, which really took me out of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Chronic illness, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Hate crime, Self harm, and Transphobia
Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I think RoW was a really good in-between-ish worldbuilding type beat. It was a nice change of pace compared to everything that happened in OB. I really liked the exploration of fabrial science. It was so interesting and I found myself trying to figure it out along with Navani (even though I have approximately 3 brain cells /j).
I think I found it slow because there was a lot of "behind the scenes" activity. Like sneaking around, collusion, strategy, uncovering secrets, etc. Very much thinky thoughts. There were fight scenes ofc, but I think there was more character growth happening, which I really liked !! (Ngl there were some Kaladin lines that were like very obviously ✨inspiring✨ on purpose and they were very cheesy. But I ate that shit up bc I love Kaladin.)
I did cry in part one when(TW for mention of suicide?)
Moash fucking tried to convince Kaladin to kill himself yeah my friend was amused by my pain. Then I didnt really cry again until part five when Teft fucking got murdered by Moash bc that shit ripped my heart out and then it got smashed to pieces when Kaladin was cradling his dead body yeah Brandon Sanderson will be receiving my therapy bill /j
But of course by the end it wasnt TOO devastating; there were hopeful tones despite the impending suffering that I am bracing myself for.....
To end on a good note, some random things that made me happy:
-Kaladin and Adolin. Yeah.
-That scene at the tavern or something where Veil says she likes stupid women. Canon bi character hello???
-Aspec Jasnah !!!!!!!! I called it since WoK !!!!
-Kaladin finally getting some goddamn therapy
-Last but not least, can we all agree that GAGADIN was the cutest thing to ever happen??????
I think I found it slow because there was a lot of "behind the scenes" activity. Like sneaking around, collusion, strategy, uncovering secrets, etc. Very much thinky thoughts. There were fight scenes ofc, but I think there was more character growth happening, which I really liked !! (Ngl there were some Kaladin lines that were like very obviously ✨inspiring✨ on purpose and they were very cheesy. But I ate that shit up bc I love Kaladin.)
I did cry in part one when
Moash fucking tried to convince Kaladin to kill himself
But of course by the end it wasnt TOO devastating; there were hopeful tones despite the impending suffering that I am bracing myself for.....
To end on a good note, some random things that made me happy:
-Kaladin and Adolin. Yeah.
-That scene at the tavern or something where Veil says she likes stupid women. Canon bi character hello???
-Aspec Jasnah !!!!!!!! I called it since WoK !!!!
-Kaladin finally getting some goddamn therapy
-Last but not least, can we all agree that GAGADIN was the cutest thing to ever happen??????
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, Torture, Medical content, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Addiction, Dementia, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard
Ok listen. The romance was cute. I'm aspec, so those butterflies and lightning descriptions confuse me and this book was no different. But it was still enjoyable at first. I found myself relating a lot to Steff's social anxiety.
HOWEVER. Steff became so infuriating. She was worried about the wrong goddamn things. Her communication issue was always on her mind but the real problem was that she was inconsiderate. Tem was just giving so much emotional labor to support Steff and be happy for her and ask about Rhys and Steff just doesnt give the same energy. Tem's problems basically get brushed aside for Steff to have "character development." Same with Rhys. He was always understanding, but the second he tries to communicate something to Steff, she takes it personal and blows it out of proportion???
She's such a hypocrite too. There are multiple instances where she describes a feeling she has, but when Tem and Rhys tell her they feel the same thing, she gets frustrated at them??
And when they are rightfully upset she just wallows in self-pity. They forgive her way too fast, if you ask me. I actually thought those scenes were sweet! But it was just too easy. I wouldnt have a problem with that if she would just see that her problem was not her selective mutism or social anxiety. It was how she didnt bother to ask about Tem's problems, how she was quick to anger, how she didnt think of the consequences of her actions when going on a secret trip. And in the end she doesnt receive consequences at all. The issue was boiled down to her secrecy and insecurity, but that's not all it was.
It was just wrapped up so neatly for Steff while Rhys and Tem were left hanging. Rhys sounds like he should get therapy to work through his worries. What happened to Tem and college? What is Steff's consequence for running off the Edinburgh? What about Steff's supposedly most shameful moment that didnt drive the rest of the plot at all? Tem's experience with racism was used to just make a point that Steff was a coward at the beginning. I dont like how these POC were basically used to show Steff's ignorance and bad social skills so that she could "grow" at the end except her growth wasnt even related to those instances.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
2.0
HOWEVER. Steff became so infuriating. She was worried about the wrong goddamn things. Her communication issue was always on her mind but the real problem was that she was inconsiderate. Tem was just giving so much emotional labor to support Steff and be happy for her and ask about Rhys and Steff just doesnt give the same energy. Tem's problems basically get brushed aside for Steff to have "character development." Same with Rhys. He was always understanding, but the second he tries to communicate something to Steff, she takes it personal and blows it out of proportion???
She's such a hypocrite too. There are multiple instances where she describes a feeling she has, but when Tem and Rhys tell her they feel the same thing, she gets frustrated at them??
And when they are rightfully upset she just wallows in self-pity. They forgive her way too fast, if you ask me. I actually thought those scenes were sweet! But it was just too easy. I wouldnt have a problem with that if she would just see that her problem was not her selective mutism or social anxiety. It was how she didnt bother to ask about Tem's problems, how she was quick to anger, how she didnt think of the consequences of her actions when going on a secret trip. And in the end she doesnt receive consequences at all. The issue was boiled down to her secrecy and insecurity, but that's not all it was.
It was just wrapped up so neatly for Steff while Rhys and Tem were left hanging. Rhys sounds like he should get therapy to work through his worries. What happened to Tem and college? What is Steff's consequence for running off the Edinburgh? What about Steff's supposedly most shameful moment that didnt drive the rest of the plot at all? Tem's experience with racism was used to just make a point that Steff was a coward at the beginning. I dont like how these POC were basically used to show Steff's ignorance and bad social skills so that she could "grow" at the end except her growth wasnt even related to those instances.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief
Minor: Ableism, Racism, Car accident, and Alcohol