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ivi_reads_books's reviews
300 reviews
A Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome by Ariel Henley
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
The author and her twin sister endured a lifetime of pain due to numerous surgeries necessary throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Alongside relentless bullying, the author shares how she eventually found a supportive community and came to terms with her appearance.
The narrative is interwoven with reflections on art, beauty, and symmetry, offering a deeper perspective on how we perceive beauty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Blood, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I’ll stick to Abby Jimenez’s newer books, as it’s clear she has grown significantly as an author. The main characters in this earlier work come across as immature, reckless, and objectify each other. Not my kind of read
The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.25
The book felt as though modern-day characters were dropped into 19th century Ireland. In nearly every chapter, the author repeatedly emphasizes that men hate women, and overall, the modern themes are handled in a heavy-handed manner.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual assault
The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
A gripping tale inspired by the legend of Mulan with a touch of Fourth Wing, this story follows a fierce female warrior who disguises herself as a man and becomes entangled in war and intrigue. As she navigates the dangers around her, she must balance her hidden femininity with her male persona. At its core, the book explores themes of independence, loyalty, power, and a sizzling love triangle that adds even more intensity to the plot
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Violence, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny, Slavery, Torture, Vomit, Medical content, and Murder
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Two exes have a contest to see who can sleep with the most people while eating and drinking their way through Europe.
It's not my kind of humor, and the vocal fry and uptalk of the narrator drove me crazy
It's not my kind of humor, and the vocal fry and uptalk of the narrator drove me crazy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Disability Intimacy: Essays on Love, Care, and Desire by Alice Wong
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
This collection of essays, poetry, and interviews shines a light on what intimacy means for people with disabilities, while also exploring the unique challenges they face in an able-bodied world. With a range of intersectional voices, each writer brings their own unique perspective, showcasing their strengths and experiences.
A key focus is how the COVID pandemic impacted the disabled community.
Two standouts for me were Maria Town's moving 'This Is My Solemn Vow' and Elliot Kukla’s insightful 'The Most Valuable Thing I Can Teach My Kids Is How To Be Lazy.'
A key focus is how the COVID pandemic impacted the disabled community.
Two standouts for me were Maria Town's moving 'This Is My Solemn Vow' and Elliot Kukla’s insightful 'The Most Valuable Thing I Can Teach My Kids Is How To Be Lazy.'
Thicker Than Water: A Memoir by Kerry Washington
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.25
Kerry Washington’s memoir is a candid journey through her life, where she opens up about her upbringing and the challenges she faced due to family secrets. While much of the book focuses on her childhood, her adult years receive less focus. Despite this, it’s fascinating to learn about how she honed her craft and chooses her projects.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Infertility, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Minor: Eating disorder, Racism, and Alcohol
Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book presents a fascinating concept: the idea of renting a person for various events or simply to have someone to talk to. The story delves into the profound impact that such a "rental" arrangement can have, not only on the person doing the renting but also on those around them, particularly when the business relationship spans several years. The narrative raises thought-provoking moral questions, leaving the reader to form their own judgments.
The character of the rental is portrayed as emotionally detached and isolated, with no apparent friends. This made him come across as both a somber and unlikable figure to me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicide, and Blood
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.0
I had so much fun reading this book! A couple of athletes taking tips from romance novels to improve their relationships? Sign me up! And don’t worry if sports aren’t your thing—the focus is all on the relationships, so you’ll still enjoy it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content