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laedyred's reviews
280 reviews
Animal by Lisa Taddeo
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
This is one of the best novels on the effects of generational and sexual trauma I have ever read. This is not a story of redemption or hopeful new beginnings. Joan is an utterly real person, and we see the contradiction and pain living inside her without the fluff of a character built to be a turned-hero. The first half of the book is a stream of consciousness and can drag at times. However, a piece like this is not to entertain. Its goal is not to inform or enlighten. This is an expression of pain taken at face value. Those who have not experienced what Joan describes cannot fully grasp what this text does. Although feminism is a huge motif, the modern interpretation of the "girl boss" is nowhere seen. Joan's rage mimics the violence that builds through oppression and abuse, steering her to act out. She is not a hero, but she is also not an anti-hero. She is a person, she is a woman, she is an expression of those who know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
The Year of the Hare by Arto Paasilinna
adventurous
lighthearted
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
2.0
This was a let down. The first third/half of the book I would give a solid 3/5. Paasilinna writes a dry sort of humor that entertains the reader as they ask, "what the fuck is going on." Things are random and ridiculous in a great way, almost a parody of some aspects of Finnish culture. Paasilinna's absurdist style shines. That was short lived. The rest of the book gets a 0. There's profuse misogyny and sexism, Vatanen's naive charm is replaced with asshole behavior and alcoholism, seemingly out of nowhere. A section is devoted to making fun of Americans, Swedes, and Brazilians. The book becomes horribly boring. The "grand adventures" of Vatanen turn into mundane tasks, the points of which are elusive. The last two chapters allude to this all being some great reflection on life, promoting Vatanen as a kind of hero. There's nothing to back this up. Paasilinna's point was lost, if there was one intended at all. I really wanted to like this, but I am disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Sexism, and Alcohol
The One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Not sure I have any real criticism for this one. It's simple, but in such a nice way. The art is truly gorgeous, extremely stylized and unique. Sisterhood and a parody of manly men told in the distinct voice or oral tradition.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-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
Not as solid as Cerulean Sea, but stands alone well. Klune's writing style is easy to get lost in while being creative and unique. His characters are lovable as always, putting friendship before anything even in romantic couples. At first I thought a few things were a little too good to be true in the plot that clearly had to happen to create the desired ending, but I realized I...didn't care. Yet again I was moved by a few scenes that hit close to home and felt satisfied by the ending, both for myself and for the characters. Highly recommend as a feel good pick-me-up story that still tackles some dark topics.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Evelyn is half of what we want to be, and half of what we hate. At least, it seems that thought was the intent. Identifying with Evelyn is specific on an individual level; no part of me wants anything close to her life, beauty, influence. However, TJR persuades the reader that they might anyway. Complex characterization and a strong narrative contrasts a simple writing style. Living in the head of a superstar is so far removed from most people's experiences, yet this book is accessible. I like that there is no happy ending, nor a necessarily tragic one. That's how life goes. An absolutely quotable novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
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
4.0
I blew through this and really enjoyed it. The author's humor is witty. Chloe and Red are a great role reversal of the gloomy/sunshine trope, and I like the diversity in race, class, and disability portrayed. Points for turning the stereotype on its head. I did find some of the early chapters in Red's POV a bit...gross. Like when they barely know each other and he's unsure if she even likes him, yet jacks off to her, apparently numerous times. Gross, and everyone would think this is creepy if we didn't know Chloe liked him. The basis of their relationship is speed-rocketed by pure lust, the actual romance part comes later. Felt gross again. The third act breakup also bothered me because Red is clearly in the wrong, yet lets her apologize for basically nothing. There's nuance to this I won't put in a review, but something to note. Other than these detractors, this is a fantastic read and one of the best romances I've read in terms of respect between characters. Bonus, the intimate scenes are very hot.
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Holly Black confuses me. Her writing is amateur and not very inventive, yet I do really like the world she has created. The events of this book are slow and most chapters are more about Wren's internal monologue. Oak is only half likeable. I do not understand how this trope of "promiscuous man takes advantage of virgin woman" is so popular and well received. I am inclined to read the next book and resolve the cliffhanger, but most wanted is a redemption and explanation of the message.
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
dark
funny
inspiring
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
Hilarious to the point of it feeling almost like a sitcom in some scenes, completely in a good way. The truly horrible things the men in this book do is hard to read sometimes, but the book does a good job at making the realities known while still being an enjoyable, entertaining read. My criticism is that the messages of feminism, equality, female friendship, etc are most often explicitly stated, and they began to cheapen from the blatant repetition.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches - Bonus Epilogue by Sangu Mandanna
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The perfect little wrap-up to one of my new favorites.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I have no big notes. This book was exactly what I needed right now. Mika is endearing and struck a chord with my heart. The stereotypical grumpy-sunshine romance is embraced and almost poked fun at. It's a purely feel-good story with adorable characters and I wish there was a way to continue living in their world. One of my new favorites.