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ellemaddy's reviews
1094 reviews
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
funny
relaxing
medium-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
society failed this woman, like if she feels happy and safe working as a convenience store employee and she’s not really bothering other people then why is it such a big deal that it’s a dead-end part time job, anyway? justice for keiko!
Worry by Alexandra Tanner
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
you ever just read a book and you quietly think to yourself “hm that sounds awfully familiar” and then you turn to another page and you’re like “now.. wait a minute”. like this feeling of being known, a big gotcha, like you’ve never in your entire life experienced anything unique or original ever and it just makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger and sad at the same time because oh the universe is big and people are experiencing the same thing so you’re not actually alone in this and also we’re all fucking idiots and our lives are terrible, shallow, and stupid and oh actually you are alone in this because shared experiences doesn’t mean shit, you’re still struggling and you’re still suffering and there’s no escape?????? anyway yeah this is that book.
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.0
It was quite predictable but I did also ate it up because I love it when creepy men get their comeuppance.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
Not sure how to rate this just yet, or to review it even. I feel like I didn't fully lock in and understand it, hence I have to reread.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
Reading this and was just so pissed off at Rufus, I wanted him DEAD the whole time.
Anyway, the writing’s super immersive and well done, all the characters felt so realistic. An amazing read!
Anyway, the writing’s super immersive and well done, all the characters felt so realistic. An amazing read!
How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
the way that last sentence correspond with the title goes so hard.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
challenging
informative
reflective
4.75
"Color is not a human or a personal reality; it is a political reality. But this is a distinction so extremely hard to make that the West has not been able to make it yet."
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
4.0
Fascinating book. Very atmospheric for such a short story. That introduction by Zadie Smith is also very thought provoking, I wouldn’t have gotten all that just from reading the story alone myself (because i’m dumb). But yes, I’m interested to read more Toni Morrison, I thought I should start with a short one this year.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.75
This was a rough read in the beginning due to the topics. Heavy TW on rape & abuse.
But I really appreciate the writing here, I thought the contrast between Celie's letters to God and then to Nettie and Nettie's letter to Celie was really well done. The character development of Celie as she becomes empowered in her life is wonderful to see. In the beginning Celie was very powerless, she was very passive as a character after repeated abuse by her father, but then she began to grow and change after she met with other women like Sofia and Shug who showed her that there are other ways that you can be as a woman. I really love the relationship that Celie has with Shug especially. I think Shug is a complex character. In fact, most of the female characters in this book are all so unique and different in their strength.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This story was definitely very heartbreaking, but it is a story about finding love for other people, for yourself, for your life and for your belief and I think it was very beautiful and heartwarming. I'll definitely check out the movie next!
But I really appreciate the writing here, I thought the contrast between Celie's letters to God and then to Nettie and Nettie's letter to Celie was really well done. The character development of Celie as she becomes empowered in her life is wonderful to see. In the beginning Celie was very powerless, she was very passive as a character after repeated abuse by her father, but then she began to grow and change after she met with other women like Sofia and Shug who showed her that there are other ways that you can be as a woman. I really love the relationship that Celie has with Shug especially. I think Shug is a complex character. In fact, most of the female characters in this book are all so unique and different in their strength.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This story was definitely very heartbreaking, but it is a story about finding love for other people, for yourself, for your life and for your belief and I think it was very beautiful and heartwarming. I'll definitely check out the movie next!