ivi_reads_books's reviews
288 reviews

How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Lots of text. Wisdom packaged in long winded stories. Would have preferred it to be more concise and presented in a more scientific way
The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World by Tiffany Yu

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hopeful informative slow-paced

4.25

The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu is an insightful guide packed with reflection questions, calls to action, and resources to help you take the first steps toward allyship and advocacy.

The book draws from a wide range of activists and groups, offering a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for deeper learning. It teaches empathy while highlighting systemic issues and practical solutions—how to ask respectful questions, provide support, and take accountability for past mistakes.

Yu doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the disability community, showcasing its diversity, differing opinions, and how to navigate constructive conflict. This is a must-read for anyone looking to grow and make meaningful change. 
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James by Percival Everett

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dark emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

James by Percival Everett is a masterfully told reimagining of the Huckleberry Finn story from the perspective of a male runaway slave. Through his journey, we see the nuanced ways he has to adapt—speaking and acting differently depending on whether he’s interacting with Black or white people.

Dominic Hoffman’s narration is phenomenal, breathing life into the characters and capturing the emotional depth of the story. While the book highlights the dehumanizing realities of life as a slave before the Civil War, it doesn’t delve into graphic details. That said, it’s a story that requires the right headspace to fully engage with its weighty themes. 

Amazing book!
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Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

A book about books—what's not to love? Well, I couldn’t quite get on board with why the main characters were enemies (it felt more like a plot device than genuine tension).

That said, the sexy scenes delivered 🔥, and the romance had its moments. However, the heavy dose of family drama and trauma felt like too much for me. 
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Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Heartless Hunter is a captivating tale of blood magic, thrilling chases, and forbidden connections. The world-building is immersive, the storytelling masterful, and it’s easy to follow despite its depth.

Expect a gripping cat-and-mouse game, a hint of a love triangle, and a refreshing take on blood magic—including period blood, handled without stigma.

 I couldn’t put it down and am already counting the days until book two! 
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Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells brings us back into Murderbot’s world with new adventures and challenges! While I loved continuing Murderbot’s journey, I wasn’t a fan of the dramatization in the audiobook—the background noises where distracting for me.

That said, the story itself is just as engaging, filled with the humor, heart, and sharp insights that make this series so addictive. 
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All Systems Red by Martha Wells

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

All Systems Red is a masterclass in storytelling efficiency. It’s surprising how much the author packs into this short novella!

Murderbot is one of the most relatable protagonists I’ve encountered—a mix of dry humor, sense of duty, and a deep desire to just be left alone to binge its favorite shows.

The story dives into human-cyborg interactions and explores ethical questions about autonomy and consciousness in practice, all while delivering a gripping plot.

If you love sci-fi with heart and sharp wit, this one’s a must-read. 
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The Other March Sisters by Ally Malinenko, Linda Epstein, Liz Parker

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emotional 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? N/A

3.75

While Little Women centers on Jo’s perspective, this story shifts the focus to the three other March sisters, revealing their unique struggles and dreams. Each sister longs for a fulfilling life but feels held back by societal and financial pressures—or their own self-doubts.

Beth’s perspective was the most heartbreaking for me. Weakened by scarlet fever, which has permanently damaged her heart, she has no hope for a cure. Can she still find a way to live a meaningful life?

This is a quiet, introspective novel with little plot but rich character exploration. I especially loved the heartfelt letter writing between the sisters—it added such a personal and tender touch to their stories.

Thanks to Kensington for the advance review copy.
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Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 A spicy, occult tale that weaves BDSM and demons together.

The demons are portrayed as oh-so-dangerous yet surprisingly soft at times. While the cult aspect might sound off-putting, it wasn’t as intense as expected—they weren’t out to convert anyone, just searching for their next human sacrifice (as one does).

Despite being 500 pages, it was a surprisingly quick read. 
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Theory of Bastards by Audrey Schulman

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challenging emotional informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

What a weird and fascinating book!

The story centers on bonobo research, diving deep into how they interact and procreate, while the main character draws parallels to human behavior. Set in an unspecified future, the world features advanced body-integrated technology, natural disasters, and a society that feels eerily plausible.

The main character has endometriosis and lives with daily pain—a stark reminder that even in this futuristic world, the disease remains as misunderstood as it is today. She’s morally grey, complex, and far from perfect, which makes her all the more compelling.

I almost skipped this one because I wasn’t a fan of the cover, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before—thought-provoking, unsettling, and unforgettable. 
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