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ivi_reads_books's reviews
300 reviews
A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler
emotional
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
2.0
This novel presents a quiet, slow-burning romance set against the backdrop of the U.S. Midwest. However, the portrayal of a character with Down syndrome raises concerns. The character, a daughter given up for adoption, seems to be used as a plot device to create drama and to avoid having the biological parents deal with the consequences of giving her up for adoption. The fact that everyone, except the daughter herself, knows her 'auntie' is actually her biological mother feels contrived.
The treatment of the character, Jessie, often feels infantilizing, as she is consistently portrayed in a way that diminishes her agency. The subtext suggests that her biological parents avoid facing the emotional complexities of their decision to give her up for adoption, seemingly because the author implies she isn’t capable of understanding. This portrayal not only oversimplifies the character's experience but also allows the biological father to emerge as a hero for accepting his daughter without having to confront the more difficult emotions and consequences of his past actions.
The lack of depth in addressing these issues left me regretting picking up the book.
The treatment of the character, Jessie, often feels infantilizing, as she is consistently portrayed in a way that diminishes her agency. The subtext suggests that her biological parents avoid facing the emotional complexities of their decision to give her up for adoption, seemingly because the author implies she isn’t capable of understanding. This portrayal not only oversimplifies the character's experience but also allows the biological father to emerge as a hero for accepting his daughter without having to confront the more difficult emotions and consequences of his past actions.
The lack of depth in addressing these issues left me regretting picking up the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol
Moderate: Ableism, Violence, Car accident, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
The concept of a podcast unintentionally uncovering a crime is intriguing and adds a fresh twist to the story. However, while the premise is compelling, the ending feels somewhat predictable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Death, Pedophilia, Medical content, Stalking, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the cocktail-mixing aspect of this book, even though I'm not a drinker! If you’re into exploring power dynamics within a polyamorous setting, go for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Violence
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
dark
emotional
funny
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
3.25
This book presents a compelling narrative centered around a wealthy, adventurous businessman whose life takes a dramatic turn after a car accident leaves him quadriplegic. Struggling to accept the limitations of his new reality, he grapples with finding joy and purpose in life. In contrast, his able-bodied caretaker is hesitant to step outside her comfort zone and fully embrace life. As they challenge each other to see the world through the other's eyes, the story explores the complexities of their emotional journeys.
The book delves into the daily struggles of living with chronic pain and the myriad medical complications that often accompany quadriplegia. While it offers a thoughtful portrayal of one person’s experience with disability, it’s important to note that it doesn’t aim to represent the experiences of all individuals with special needs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical content, Car accident, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death, Infidelity, Rape, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello
emotional
funny
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? No
3.0
The story follows a stand-up comedian returning home to New Jersey, where he reconnects with family and an old flame. However, the blend of comedy and romance didn’t quite work for me. The banter felt forced and didn’t align with my sense of humor. The audiobook narrator nailed the Jersey accent of the protagonist’s family members, and I would have loved to dive deeper into the family drama
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Great smut
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life by Justin J. Lehmiller
informative
medium-paced
3.0
The book offers valuable insights into various fantasies and explores potential reasons behind them, all supported by data. It is very accessible and engaging, making it an excellent read for non-scientists.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia and Rape
Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crosley
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.25
The book leans more towards a memoir than a collection of essays.
The focus on the author’s interactions with the people around her didn’t appeal to me, especially since these issues are rarely addressed directly. Additionally, there are some inconsistencies in the descriptions, such as the author’s claim of being a planner, contrasted with an account of climbing Cotopaxi without prior preparation or experience.
I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book, but I completed it as part of a book club reading.
The focus on the author’s interactions with the people around her didn’t appeal to me, especially since these issues are rarely addressed directly. Additionally, there are some inconsistencies in the descriptions, such as the author’s claim of being a planner, contrasted with an account of climbing Cotopaxi without prior preparation or experience.
I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book, but I completed it as part of a book club reading.
The Book of George by Kate Greathead
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The author managed to portray all main characters as unlikeable. Even though the protagonist consistently let me down, I kept reading, which perfectly mirrors the book’s engaging central theme of being disappointed by someone and yet hoping they would change for the better. This is a true testament to her fantastic writing style.
Thanks to Henry Holt and Co. for this advanced reader copy.
Thanks to Henry Holt and Co. for this advanced reader copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
A heartwarming story filled with hilarious side characters! While the main characters navigate quite a bit of childhood and family drama, their slowly building romance is absolutely captivating and a joy to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Vomit, Medical content, and Abandonment
Minor: Mental illness and Grief