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emmirosereads's reviews
390 reviews
Napkins and Other Distractions by M.A. Wardell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Didn't like the writing style
The Ride of Her Life by Jennifer Dugan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Not vibing with the book unfortunately
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I was afraid I wasn't going to like this as much as Legends & Lattes and I definitely preferred the first just a little bit more but I still absolutely adored this book! This compliments the first book so well and I adored getting to know this younger Viv. I loved seeing the development of Viv and her relationship with the other characters. The epilogue of this made me so happy!
Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemore
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
I have never read the original The Great Gatsby so I can't speak on how well of a remix this was but as a story and book on its own, it was beautiful and lovely. The eventual romance between Jay and Nick was so sweet and tender and the underlying messages throughout the novel really hit emotionally. I think my one complaint was that it was a little slow in some areas but that didn't take away too much from the story for me, cause it was really about the characters.
A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.0
I struggled a lot to get through this book but I don't think it was any fault of the book or the author. I just took too long between reading the other three books and this one. With all that being said I can see objectively how well done and written this book was. So many beautiful passages and likes and despite me being disconnected from the characters, many moments still hit me. I was also really happy with the ending. Despite more loss and pain I felt like everything wrapped up really nicely.
Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States by Samantha Allen
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I'm not typically a non fiction reader but I absolutely loved this. It was informative and hopeful and so beautifully written. The way Samantha Allen describes her setting and the people she meets is wonderful.
As a queer person who grew up in the south and loves so much about southern culture this was a really moving and important book for me.
As a queer person who grew up in the south and loves so much about southern culture this was a really moving and important book for me.
The Companion by E.E. Ottoman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
A delightful, cozy, trans, and poly love story! This was a quick read, and while I struggled a little in the beginning, I ended up enjoying this one. It was a tad insta-lovey but once I got past that I enjoyed seeing the development of the characters and their relationship with each other. They were all delightfully different but in the end, meshed so well. Also, I'm so down for the beautiful clear communication throughout this whole book.
The Palace of Eros by Caro De Robertis
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy of this book for an honest review.
I finished this book a day ago and I still cannot fully wrap my head around my true feelings for this book, especially with the myth of Eros and Psyche meaning so much to me. I was so excited to see a sapphic retelling. There were some parts that I loved and that moved me. While other parts felt like they dragged on far too long.
I will say, the author's writing is lyrical and beautiful. There were many moving passages in this book. This book read very much like an original myth. Whether that particular part was a good thing for me or not is hard to tell. Despite being less than 300 pages it felt like it dragged on and could have been shortened.
The discussion of gender and being nonbinary was also very moving. That first conversation Eros had with Psyche about it struck me and was so beautiful. However, I wish it wasn't halfway through the book with almost zero references to Eros' identity in the first half. I didn't mind and quite liked the discussion of gender and the fluidity of it for Eros until the part about the deal made with Zeus about having to watch Eros have sex nine times in the male form before she was free to shift however much she wanted. I get this is Greek mythology and weird shit like this is common but in a modern retelling this just felt gross and unneeded. I feel like the story would have just as much impact without it.l
The differences and creative liberties taken within this retelling, for the most part, felt honest and true to the original myth and the original characters in the myth (besides what was mentioned in spoilers above.). Even though I'm not a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, I do think there was good value in adding it to this story. I think it gives Psyche a much more valid reason for betraying Eros that makes sense.
Ultimately, while I did struggle through chunks of this book, I think it's worth the read and I don't regret picking it up. I think it was wrapped up beautifully.
I finished this book a day ago and I still cannot fully wrap my head around my true feelings for this book, especially with the myth of Eros and Psyche meaning so much to me. I was so excited to see a sapphic retelling. There were some parts that I loved and that moved me. While other parts felt like they dragged on far too long.
I will say, the author's writing is lyrical and beautiful. There were many moving passages in this book. This book read very much like an original myth. Whether that particular part was a good thing for me or not is hard to tell. Despite being less than 300 pages it felt like it dragged on and could have been shortened.
The discussion of gender and being nonbinary was also very moving. That first conversation Eros had with Psyche about it struck me and was so beautiful. However, I wish it wasn't halfway through the book with almost zero references to Eros' identity in the first half.
The differences and creative liberties taken within this retelling, for the most part, felt honest and true to the original myth and the original characters in the myth (besides what was mentioned in spoilers above.).
Ultimately, while I did struggle through chunks of this book, I think it's worth the read and I don't regret picking it up. I think it was wrapped up beautifully.
Exodus 20:3 by Freydís Moon
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
I think I have to sit on this one to fully form my thoughts but I enjoyed it! Freydis Moon is an absolutely stunning writer. I think my biggest complaint was that it was a little too short, making it hard to fully get into but regardless I enjoyed.
Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was a little slow for me in the beginning but I loved it! The tension between all the characters was so fun to read and it's been awhile since I've been shocked by a plot twist. I love seeing the relationship between Tessa and Corrick develope and the banter between Corrick and the captain was incredible. I'm also so happy to read more about Harristan and get his POV this book. I'm so excited to read the third and final book and see what happens!