jensen1's reviews
428 reviews

Devil House by John Darnielle

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
So so boring
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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dark reflective sad tense fast-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

 It’s hard to completely talk myself out of the opinion I had of this book back in high school - I remembered correctly how abhorrent each character really is- but I actually do think the writing and the themes are much more fascinating than I did then!! 

Fitzgerald’s portrayal of women was truly grating, especially considering he was treating his own wife terribly at the time… but what can we expect from 1924?

Still not convinced this is THE great American novel, but I did enjoy it nonetheless.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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

2.0

Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes

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adventurous funny hopeful mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

3.5

Maame by Jessica George

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.5

I’d give it a 4.5. The relationships Maddie experienced with her family felt so raw and beautiful. I loved that she saw their flaws but still loved them while learning about herself. 

The romantic relationships didn’t add as much to the story as I would’ve guessed for the all the pages dedicated to them - but still enjoyable. 
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted mysterious slow-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

3.0

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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? No

4.0

After the Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian is a relief. Back to good storytelling!! 
Cold Moon Over Babylon by Michael McDowell

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

4.0

No one does it quite like Michael McDowell. McDowell is to Deep South as king is to Maine. 

Though Blackwater remains my favorite, this has an awesome dose of vengeance more than the others I’ve read 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25