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cath_reads_books's reviews
25 reviews
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
give this a solid 3 of 5 stars. The characters in the book are fully developed, but honestly some of them are a little insufferable. I found myself questioning through the entire book whether Daisy was actually a good friend to Aza. Oftentimes Daisy was just straight up mean; as someone who claims to understand how Aza’s mind works and to be accommodating of that, she sure wasn’t at times. Re-framing this story as coming from the perspectives of children rather than mini-adults did help some.
In addition to being a coming of age novel, this book was also a portrait of grief. It showed how people don’t ever really move on from a loss, it just fits into their life in a different way as time goes by. The grief in this book didn’t absolutely rip my heart out like The Fault In Our Stars did, but it did make me feel things. I think I also have a better idea of what it’s like to live with chronic anxiety now; I love when books have something to teach me.
Overall a decent book, but not my favorite by John Green. He’s written better in my opinion.
In addition to being a coming of age novel, this book was also a portrait of grief. It showed how people don’t ever really move on from a loss, it just fits into their life in a different way as time goes by. The grief in this book didn’t absolutely rip my heart out like The Fault In Our Stars did, but it did make me feel things. I think I also have a better idea of what it’s like to live with chronic anxiety now; I love when books have something to teach me.
Overall a decent book, but not my favorite by John Green. He’s written better in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, and Death of parent
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I wanted to like this book; unfortunately it was not meant to be.
The world building leaves a lot to be desired. I found myself constantly confused when new terms or creatures were introduced. This continued throughout the book and new creatures were even introduced in the last 30 pages, in a way that makes it seem as if you should have understood what they were the entire time.
The concepts of oppression, misogyny, and colorism are heavy throughout the novel, which is what originally drew me to it. The characters and relationships in the novel, unfortunately, are not developed enough to do these concepts justice. Each character seemed extremely one-dimensional, as if they were only there as plot devices. There’s a forced almost-romance.The main character has an epiphany near the end of the novel that is not at all in line with her thinking or development throughout the book. Loyalty is given and friendships are formed without any shared experience to base them on. The lack of character development contributed to the hollowing-out of important concepts, resulting in this feeling like a book without purpose.
There’s also a LOT of plot holes. Why are women not allowed to touch sharp objects if their monthly menses can reveal impurity just as clearly as a cut? Why are girls impure from their first period if menstruation is supposed to start the process of the blood becoming impure, not finish it?How did Umu fake her death so convincingly? She is said to be truly “gone”, but if all alaki come back as deathshrieks, why didn’t she? How did Fatu escape imprisonment and then convince her same captors, who KNEW she was dangerous and not to be trusted, to put her back in a position of power where she could overthrow them? The list goes on.
Overall, not impressed with this book. Kinda shocked it’s been made into a series when it absolutely didn’t have to be. Will not be reading the others.
The world building leaves a lot to be desired. I found myself constantly confused when new terms or creatures were introduced. This continued throughout the book and new creatures were even introduced in the last 30 pages, in a way that makes it seem as if you should have understood what they were the entire time.
The concepts of oppression, misogyny, and colorism are heavy throughout the novel, which is what originally drew me to it. The characters and relationships in the novel, unfortunately, are not developed enough to do these concepts justice. Each character seemed extremely one-dimensional, as if they were only there as plot devices. There’s a forced almost-romance.
There’s also a LOT of plot holes. Why are women not allowed to touch sharp objects if their monthly menses can reveal impurity just as clearly as a cut? Why are girls impure from their first period if menstruation is supposed to start the process of the blood becoming impure, not finish it?
Overall, not impressed with this book. Kinda shocked it’s been made into a series when it absolutely didn’t have to be. Will not be reading the others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and War
Minor: Forced institutionalization
Pretty Boys Are Poisonous: Poems by Megan Fox
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
This collection of poems is full of vitriol and feminine rage. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. There were so many poems that really hit hard. And the titles?!?! “You’d be so much more handsome if you’d get an exorcism”. WOW.
I didn’t know Megan Fox could write like this. Honestly want a copy of this collection for my home library.
Also, as a heads up, the last two poems on the collection will emotionally destroy you. I was sobbing.
I didn’t know Megan Fox could write like this. Honestly want a copy of this collection for my home library.
Also, as a heads up, the last two poems on the collection will emotionally destroy you. I was sobbing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Finding Perfect by Colleen Hoover
hopeful
fast-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
1.75
Short and unbelievably trite novella. This book tackled some very adult concepts in a juvenile, surface-level way. I’m glad I’m done with this series and will never have to come back to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Pregnancy
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4/5 stars; now to explain why lol.
A lot of people told me they didn’t like this book. After reading it, I can understand why they might not; it’s a different kind of book when compared to the series. This one (at least in my opinion) was meant to show the softer side of some characters as well as shed light on their mental health struggles. It wasn’t meant to be a fantasy novel. It wasn’t meant to be about a huge buildup, conflict, and resolution. It was meant to show that even fantastical character have struggles. Even High Fae have to deal with the mundane/boring parts of life. The novel was meant to humanize the series, not continue to storyline.
I truly enjoyed getting to know each beloved character better. Everybody’s personality quirks really got their moment to shine! Relationships between a lot of the characters were deepened, some rifts widened in heartbreaking ways, and ALL the characters were addressing some heavy feelings/emotions. A huge thank you to SJM for taking the time to acknowledge, complicated emotions and concepts like grief, guilt, PTSD, and self esteem.
So, 4 of 5 stars for the book this is, not for the series people want it to fit into.
A lot of people told me they didn’t like this book. After reading it, I can understand why they might not; it’s a different kind of book when compared to the series. This one (at least in my opinion) was meant to show the softer side of some characters as well as shed light on their mental health struggles. It wasn’t meant to be a fantasy novel. It wasn’t meant to be about a huge buildup, conflict, and resolution. It was meant to show that even fantastical character have struggles. Even High Fae have to deal with the mundane/boring parts of life. The novel was meant to humanize the series, not continue to storyline.
I truly enjoyed getting to know each beloved character better. Everybody’s personality quirks really got their moment to shine! Relationships between a lot of the characters were deepened, some rifts widened in heartbreaking ways, and ALL the characters were addressing some heavy feelings/emotions. A huge thank you to SJM for taking the time to acknowledge, complicated emotions and concepts like grief, guilt, PTSD, and self esteem.
So, 4 of 5 stars for the book this is, not for the series people want it to fit into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Solid book; 3 of 5 stars. I had previously read Darcy Coates’ Gravekeeper series and decided to give her one-off books a shot as well.
Addy, upon inheriting her great-aunt Edith’s house, moves to Ashburn in the small town of Ipson. She has some difficulties making friends in the neighborhood and also quickly discovers Ashburn’s haunted, murderous history. Addy believes for most of the story that it’s Edith who’s haunting the property, but it turns out the malevolent presence is Edith’s twin sister Eleanor. Edith was the only thing stopping Eleanor from rising again, and now that she’s gone Addy must take on Eleanor herself.
I found this book to be a fun, engaging read. The pacing was a little slower than what I anticipated, but it didn’t end up being a problem as the slower bits explained the history of the house, the family and the town. Everything mentioned in the book had a purpose and was involved in the final payoff at the end. I couldn’t predict every twist, though I could predict quite a few things from even the beginning of the novel. Overall, recommend this book to anyone looking to dip a toe into the horror/haunting genre. It wasn’t too scary but also had some chilling moments. Perfect for beginners.
I found this book to be a fun, engaging read. The pacing was a little slower than what I anticipated, but it didn’t end up being a problem as the slower bits explained the history of the house, the family and the town. Everything mentioned in the book had a purpose and was involved in the final payoff at the end. I couldn’t predict every twist, though I could predict quite a few things from even the beginning of the novel. Overall, recommend this book to anyone looking to dip a toe into the horror/haunting genre. It wasn’t too scary but also had some chilling moments. Perfect for beginners.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Gore and Car accident
All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I give this book 2.25 out of five stars. Though I feel this is the least toxic, trauma-bonded relationship to be displayed in this particular Colleen Hoover series thus far, the individuals themselves are still practicing toxic behaviors, feed into trauma bonding, and are unbelievably poor communicators. Instead of communicating, they repeatedly hurt their partner.
I am starting to wonder if CoHo has written about any healthy relationships.
I am starting to wonder if CoHo has written about any healthy relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, and Grief
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up. SJM has done it again!
I over-caffeinated myself to stay up reading this and I have not a single regret lmao. It was AMAZING.I cannot tell you how many times this book ripped my heart out, stomped it to pieces on the floor, then put it back together again. An emotional roller coaster in the best of ways!
There’s nothing else I can say that hasn’t already been said. Well done SJM; well done!
I over-caffeinated myself to stay up reading this and I have not a single regret lmao. It was AMAZING.
There’s nothing else I can say that hasn’t already been said. Well done SJM; well done!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
The downward spiral of toxicity into trauma-bonded hell continues. On to the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover
Holy Batman; this book was TERRIBLE. I thought Sky/Hope and Holder’s relationship was a toxic, trauma-bonded mess to begin with. After reading Holder’s POV, I think he might legitimately have a personality disorder. Nobody in their right mind would treat Sky/Hope the way he did and think that’s okay. Manipulation, abuse, dishonesty… ugh.
Three more books left in this series. I have legit removed most of the other Colleen Hoover books from my TBR at this point.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Three more books left in this series. I have legit removed most of the other Colleen Hoover books from my TBR at this point.