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debthebee13's reviews
450 reviews
Babel by R.F. Kuang
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-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? No
5.0
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I knew this book was going to be dreamlike, but it was weird and great and eventually, also heartwarming and emotional.
It's difficult to put into words the plot itself both because it's so fuzzy and because it would be a pity to spoil it for upcoming readers.
The main character is naively beautiful, the prose like a dream, and the reading experience completely unique. Even if odd, you should take the risk and give it a try to see if you'll love it. Give it at least 30% to decide whether you'll stick around.
It's difficult to put into words the plot itself both because it's so fuzzy and because it would be a pity to spoil it for upcoming readers.
The main character is naively beautiful, the prose like a dream, and the reading experience completely unique. Even if odd, you should take the risk and give it a try to see if you'll love it. Give it at least 30% to decide whether you'll stick around.
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a book full of opposites, a beautifully writen prose that portrays ugly horrors and abuse, and a story of mysoginy paired with the fear of female power.
The writing, apart from a few action moments and jokes is quite descriptive and dry, so it took me some time to warm up to the characters and their fate, but even from the start, clever moves by our Lady Macbeth kept me pinned until I learn what's next.
This is the first story I read by Ava Reid and I assume she has some works that are more popular, but this book reminded me of Slewfoot, and that's another witchy story I enjoyed.
The writing, apart from a few action moments and jokes is quite descriptive and dry, so it took me some time to warm up to the characters and their fate, but even from the start, clever moves by our Lady Macbeth kept me pinned until I learn what's next.
This is the first story I read by Ava Reid and I assume she has some works that are more popular, but this book reminded me of Slewfoot, and that's another witchy story I enjoyed.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
By rule, as a story that made me emotional, this gets 5 stars without a doubt.
All My Rage is a non-linear story that spans two generations and it's more than just a love story between high schoolers, it covers death, loss, grief, rage, poverty, abuse, discrimination, and lastly, forgiveness. Sal and Noor are at the center of it, but largely affected by their family's past, Sal growing up with an alcoholic father who has difficulties dealing with hardships in life and mom suffering from kidney disease, and Noor living with an ever angry uncle who remained as her only relative after everyone else in their family died. They are childhood friends growing closer and further apart, going through immense hardships for their age.
This is a must read fit for everyone. It's a beautifully written yet realistic story that describes common immigrant experiences in America. It's so important to have awareness and empathy for the additional challenges that minority groups like theirs face lifelong.
All My Rage is a non-linear story that spans two generations and it's more than just a love story between high schoolers, it covers death, loss, grief, rage, poverty, abuse, discrimination, and lastly, forgiveness. Sal and Noor are at the center of it, but largely affected by their family's past, Sal growing up with an alcoholic father who has difficulties dealing with hardships in life and mom suffering from kidney disease, and Noor living with an ever angry uncle who remained as her only relative after everyone else in their family died. They are childhood friends growing closer and further apart, going through immense hardships for their age.
This is a must read fit for everyone. It's a beautifully written yet realistic story that describes common immigrant experiences in America. It's so important to have awareness and empathy for the additional challenges that minority groups like theirs face lifelong.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This has been somewhat of a frustrating read that was difficult to warm up to, but honestly, I've been warned.
The relationship between Connell and Marienne is presented in a non-linear timeline and it is full of unsaid things, misunderstandings, class differences and it covers tough topics of abuse and suicidal tendencies. So go into this with only if you're sure these trigger warnings won't be a problem for you.
Also, it might be that I have grown up in a protective environment, but some of the thoughts and experiences in this book have been a bit too strong. I do understand that the point was to make the reader sense how these things, even if odd, might be part of someone's everyday life.
The relationship between Connell and Marienne is presented in a non-linear timeline and it is full of unsaid things, misunderstandings, class differences and it covers tough topics of abuse and suicidal tendencies. So go into this with only if you're sure these trigger warnings won't be a problem for you.
Also, it might be that I have grown up in a protective environment, but some of the thoughts and experiences in this book have been a bit too strong. I do understand that the point was to make the reader sense how these things, even if odd, might be part of someone's everyday life.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
I'll come back to write a longer review, but I might have found my top book of 2025 already 😍
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-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? No
4.0
This sequel maintained the quality of story and writing, and it included more character growth, good dialogues, at least one good plot twist, and lots of action. This is a well written YA story with diverse characters and main characters that promote amazing values without dumbing things down for the audience. I might have enjoyed the first book a bit more just because I was new to Mexican mythology and more engaged through learning, but this brings a well planned ending to an adventure that was worth experiencing.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was drawn to this book because of the clever and funny dialogues I've seen shared from the TV series adaptation shared on social media. Knowing it was based on a book, I decided to read the book first, but I was then additionally motivated by this book being listed for the 2025 Goodreads Era Explorer Challenge.
Elizabeth Zott it an interesting character for me, a woman with progressive thinking stuck in a time and surrounding that was not ready for her strong values and fight against prejudice and inequality. She's a great role model and inspiration, written with a balanced dose or realism and humor, while the story covers topics of motherhood, grief, finding yourself and justice, as well as a cast of characters with depth and an unexpected plot twist at one point.
I really enjoyed the writing of Bonnie Garmus and I'm happy that she was not discouraged by her age and persevered in becoming an author.
Elizabeth Zott it an interesting character for me, a woman with progressive thinking stuck in a time and surrounding that was not ready for her strong values and fight against prejudice and inequality. She's a great role model and inspiration, written with a balanced dose or realism and humor, while the story covers topics of motherhood, grief, finding yourself and justice, as well as a cast of characters with depth and an unexpected plot twist at one point.
I really enjoyed the writing of Bonnie Garmus and I'm happy that she was not discouraged by her age and persevered in becoming an author.
Tokijski gul 11 by Sui Ishida
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this volume and it reignited my desire to continue reading this manga. There were a couple of volumes where there was more focus on the investigators while I still did not connect with them enough and not enough development of the story on the ghoul side, but this volume was perfectly balanced in terms of time given to each important character and action.