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claudia_juliet_reads's reviews
34 reviews
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
challenging
dark
reflective
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
4.0
I really recommend the audiobook for this, it felt so compelling and I think engaged me a lot more than me trying to read it myself, as it can get quite dense and confusing. I watched the film before the book and it actually made me enjoy the book more- yes the ending wasn’t quite as shocking but it meant that I kinda “read it backwards” as the book suggests. Plus there are so many interesting differences between the two versions it was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, unsure where it was going to go next. Very sad, I’m in a sad place rn and that might be why I enjoyed it so much.
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Adorable, funny, nostalgic, comforting- everything I wanted from this book! The main character really resonated with me and her happy ending has made me feel so inspired. Was like a warm hug to read and perfect way to start my September.
Fangs by Sarah Andersen
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
So adorable! Love the imagery of supernatural beings living in the modern age, and the juxtaposition of their characters is so fun
Takeaway: Stories From a Childhood Behind the Counter by Angela Hui
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Very informative, personal discussion on the life of an immigrant family. Explores how to navigate different identities at odds with each other and beautifully explains that accepting both is a fantastically unique and liberating choice for girl who grew up in a Chinese takeaway in Wales. Love the revised and all made me very hungry. Food is such a personal lens to use for a via graphs but it beiges culture gaps so beautifully and brings people together like nothing else. Love the fact the end of the book includes a reading list I will be attempting to make my way through.
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such a whimsical magical tale- a quintessential fantasy book with very amusing characters. After watching the studio ghibli adaptation, I was quite put out when I realised howl would have a welsh accent, however he has far more depth as the flawed character in this book than the film, and Sophie is much grumpier which made it far more charming. I may read this every year to cheer myself up
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
Never read a book that has made me this hungry! This book has had a profound affect on me and how I perceive womanhood. Sometimes books come into your life at just the right time and it feels like fate when you read them- butter was one of those rare books for me. The discussions of weight, feminist and what it means to be a woman in modern society were all nuanced and complicated, it felt like I knew a lot of what was being said already I had just never read it in such to the point and emotive language that resonated with me entirely. The book changes mood often, with the intense obsession at the start with food and Kaji making me want to start eating butter straight out of the fridge. It allows you to feel decadent and luxurious without guilt, and then as the book progresses you learn life is unsustainable that way- the concept of “a good amount” is a strong one and something I will be taking with me to shape my life into something I want it to be. I know I will reread this book numerous times and will get something new out of it during each re-read.
Weird Fucks by Lynne Tillman
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Not enough weird fucks for me- devoured in one sitting, was super fun and easy to read but just didn’t say a lot or surprise me
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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
4.25
Incredible book with the worst protagonist possible. The prose is as beautiful as Humbert is warped and disgusting. Whilst I found some sections confusing because of humberts love of pet names, I struggled to put this book down. Possibly one of the most misjudged books ever written due to the insane marketing choices of the publishing industry and the ill judged film adaptations. I am glad to have read it to finally understand Delores’ plight and how narrative voice can try and justify even the worst crimes. However, no matter how intelligent and interesting the book is, I don’t think I have it in me ever read this disturbingly brilliant book again.
Crush by Richard Siken
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
“If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can warm me, I know that it is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that it is poetry. These are the only ways I know it. Is there any other way?”- Emily Dickinson.
This poetry collection affected me in a more physical way than any other poetry I have read - the deep yearning and passion that Siken infused into his poems is second to none. I had a visceral reaction to so many of his fantastically beautiful and brutal words. I am dan of the romantics at heart, but something about the obsessive, blunt and hungry tone evoked feelings within me I didn’t know poetry was capable of. Will be rereading this collection for the rest of my life.
This poetry collection affected me in a more physical way than any other poetry I have read - the deep yearning and passion that Siken infused into his poems is second to none. I had a visceral reaction to so many of his fantastically beautiful and brutal words. I am dan of the romantics at heart, but something about the obsessive, blunt and hungry tone evoked feelings within me I didn’t know poetry was capable of. Will be rereading this collection for the rest of my life.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Read this in just over a day- I could not put it down! The relationship Michelle has with her mum is so relatable and upsetting yet beautiful. Getting glimpses of Korean culture and the importance of sharing food and engaging with your heritage is an experience I felt priceless to share. Michelle is a fantastic writer and explains the confusing and intense relationship shared between mothers and daughters- no one can love each other as much or hurt each other as much. Be warned- you will sob and you will get hungry!