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ivi_reads_books's reviews
299 reviews
The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
emotional
informative
medium-paced
3.75
The plot might sound unusual at first, but the author writes beautifully about how a snail, brought in by her caregiver, becomes a comforting companion during her months of being bed-bound by a mysterious illness.
By the end, you'll know a surprising amount about snails and gain insight into the author's experience with dysautonomia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
By the end, you'll know a surprising amount about snails and gain insight into the author's experience with dysautonomia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
It's also a quick read—I finished the entire book in one sitting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness and Medical content
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
dark
emotional
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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Infidelity, and Alcohol
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
dark
emotional
medium-paced
3.75
It took me a while to get into this book, largely due to its lyrical style—which makes sense, given that the author is a poet.
I found it incredibly informative about Jamaican history and the Rastafarian movement, offering insights I hadn’t encountered before. While the abuse the author endured as a child and young adult was difficult to read about, her story of resilience and self-determination is inspiring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Infertility, Infidelity, Racism, Slavery, and Pregnancy
Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters
funny
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
3.5
I enjoyed the adorable romance, the strong family bonds, and the witty writing style. However, the frequent disdain for Christmas became a bit repetitive.
Thanks to Atria books for this advance reader copy.
Thanks to Atria books for this advance reader copy.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
I enjoyed the witty banter between the main characters and the clash of classes. Unlike books focused solely on “rich people problems” (like Pineapple Street), this story adds depth and perspective beyond that.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
This book focused more on themes of legacy, duty, and the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship than on romance.
The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne
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? No
3.0
One for All by Lillie Lainoff
emotional
slow-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
2.75
This book feels as though a group of modern characters were dropped into 17th-century France, which isn’t quite to my taste. Plus, not a lot happened plot-wise. However, I did appreciate the representation of chronic illness.