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joyfulfoodie's reviews
324 reviews
As You Walk On By by Julian Winters
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
I really appreciated the wealth of representation in this story, and how no one was really One dimensional. Everyone got to have depth and growth. It also did a great job of tackling big issues; both an important insight/lesson for those that can’t relate (hello, I’m white, cis female) and important “hey that’s me, I feel seen” for those that can relate.
Reads like it would be friendly for middle to high school, but highly enjoyable for me as an adult also.
Reads like it would be friendly for middle to high school, but highly enjoyable for me as an adult also.
The Autumn Queen Protocol by Patrick Ashe
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
5.0
I really love the intersection of modern problems (like Covid 19 conspiracy reactions) with the classic zombie feeling. This book expands on new areas of the zombie experience in neat ways, and is a very satisfying fast paced read. The style moves you forward smoothly and ties in neatly. There may be a few points along the way where you question “does ___ point really work?” but by the end you’ve been reassured and the world feels complete. Great story, looking forward to the next one.
Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
I loved this book as much as the first one. The author has nailed world building and the expansions on themes are just delightful. You could easily read this one on its own but I think it benefits from knowing the world building accomplished in the first book.
Some reviewers complained that the previous book - Winter’s Orbit - wasn’t a romance and they had expected a romance novel set in space. I feel like WO was a romance like Star Wars is a romance - Leia and Han are not the whole point of it but you get some sweet moments. Ocean’s Echo edges closer to the romance line, but without stumbling over into any of the tropes of the genre. If you are looking for graphic and overtly steamy look elsewhere, but if you want high quality sci-fi with good character development, non-token secondary characters, and a sweet slow burn match, then Everina Maxwell may be your new favorite author.
I stand by my assessment at all he end of Winter’s Orbit; I will read anything Maxwell publishes.
Some reviewers complained that the previous book - Winter’s Orbit - wasn’t a romance and they had expected a romance novel set in space. I feel like WO was a romance like Star Wars is a romance - Leia and Han are not the whole point of it but you get some sweet moments. Ocean’s Echo edges closer to the romance line, but without stumbling over into any of the tropes of the genre. If you are looking for graphic and overtly steamy look elsewhere, but if you want high quality sci-fi with good character development, non-token secondary characters, and a sweet slow burn match, then Everina Maxwell may be your new favorite author.
I stand by my assessment at all he end of Winter’s Orbit; I will read anything Maxwell publishes.
Dyscalculia: A Love Story of Epic Miscalculation by Camonghne Felix
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This book was not at all what I thought it would be. It is a wild ride of trauma and healing, I feel like I understand a piece of humanity better for having read it, but I was glad it was a short read. I don’t think if I’d fully understood it I would have picked it up, but with the short length and the fast readability it only made sense to finish it and I’m glad I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Abortion, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
A Soft Place to Land by Janae Marks
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.25
This is a great little read to help kids see someone in their situations and how they overcome their struggles. Most of the problems the kids face are very common, and seeing someone else process them can be so helpful - both for not feeling alone and for guidance on what to do themselves.
Problems covered:
Parent being laid off/fired
Moving to a new home
Financial insecurity (low grade, never food shortage levels)
New school
Strong face for younger sibling
Parents fighting/arguing
First job
Lying to family
Keeping secrets
Lost dogs
Working for something you care about
Apologizing
Fear of parental divorce
Problems covered:
Parent being laid off/fired
Moving to a new home
Financial insecurity (low grade, never food shortage levels)
New school
Strong face for younger sibling
Parents fighting/arguing
First job
Lying to family
Keeping secrets
Lost dogs
Working for something you care about
Apologizing
Fear of parental divorce
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? Yes
5.0
An amazing conclusion to the trilogy! Exactly the high quality I’ve come to expect when I see N.K. Jemisin on the cover. The fantastic world building begun in the first two books is continued and it all comes to a very satisfying conclusion.
In this book I saw comparisons between the societies of this world with our real world, especially in discussions of oppression of races. This was skillfully done; not heavy handed but unmistakable.
In this book I saw comparisons between the societies of this world with our real world, especially in discussions of oppression of races. This was skillfully done; not heavy handed but unmistakable.
Wade in the Water by Nyani Nkrumah
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.25
This is a beautiful book. The descriptions are vivid and artistically painted. The characters have a complex depth that develops throughout the story. The race relations of the 60s and 80s are so painful, as our history actually is, and you hurt with the people as their story unfolds. There is hope and growth but also many challenging dark moments. I expect I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Police brutality, and Alcohol
Minor: Antisemitism
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Having lived recently in Puerto Rico with Dominican neighbors I really got a lot out of this book. The characters felt so similar to what I’ve experienced there. I loved the way the main character Cara’s English is presented, her use of Spanish words mixed in. I was pleased at how much I understood and loved reading this digitally where I could hover on words to translate if it was slang I didn’t know yet, fun new adult words, or phrases I just haven’t mastered yet. Great learning opportunity both in another life experience and some language enrichment. I found the format (one side - Cara’s - of the interview each week for job placement help) to really work and be endearing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Homophobia, and Classism
Minor: Cursing, Death, Fatphobia, and Miscarriage
The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freedland
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
4.75
Most of what I have learned about the holocaust previously has been from a German or Danish perspective. I have read and seen very little from southern regions or directly from Jewish experience. I spent most of this book feeling like I was learning it all fresh for the first time. It is deeply horrifying - the details, dates, near misses, disbelief, apathy, and inaction.
A critical viewpoint and masterfully presented history, this reads as both narrative and textbook. It flows steadily and easily; though by no means easy content it is easy to lose yourself in it and read extensively… I finished it in 5 days.
If you have any interest in biographies, Jewish history, or understanding the events of the holocaust, then this is a must read.
A critical viewpoint and masterfully presented history, this reads as both narrative and textbook. It flows steadily and easily; though by no means easy content it is easy to lose yourself in it and read extensively… I finished it in 5 days.
If you have any interest in biographies, Jewish history, or understanding the events of the holocaust, then this is a must read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Antisemitism, Death of parent, War, Classism, and Deportation
Moderate: Cancer, Suicide, Excrement, Vomit, Abortion, and Injury/Injury detail
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Shockingly, this is my first Jim Butcher book. My husband downloaded the audiobook for us to listen to together in the car on a long road trip. I have enjoyed it immensely. The world building is terrific. I especially love the depiction of cats. I can’t believe book two isn’t out yet. 🤦🏼♀️