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literaryk's reviews
464 reviews
Queen Takes Rose by Katee Robert
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
Classic, spicy Robert story
Don't Let Them Bury My Story: The Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Massacre in Her Own Words by Viola Ford Fletcher, Ike Howard
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
Mother Fletcher's story is a tragic and unfair one, but her voice of resilience and hope is a reminder of what we are capable of. As infuriating as it is to know there is STILL no justice in regards to the Tulsa Race Massacre, having her story acknowledged and printed is a ray of hope that justice will arrive one day.
Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
hopeful
reflective
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? No
4.0
A sweet story of a boy grappling with grief, moving, and bullying, but finding solace in the library and poetry.
The Rose That Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Such a beautiful and raw collection of poems from Tupac's youth.
Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour
dark
emotional
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
3.75
I feel like LaCour reads better when you're in a sad/depressive state already. Her voice is a haunting murmur, which was perfect for her take at a ghost story. I appreciated her metaphor for trauma, grief, and healing.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
My first Octavia Butler book! Very interesting plot, and a welcomed challenge to think about the antebellum south and the people that could be find in it.
Tumble by Celia C. Pérez
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
I LOVED this book. It was such a sweet story, and the plot didn't follow the usual "spend a whole book looking for my dad when family has been here the whole time" course. I was especially impressed with the subtle social commentary--I appreciate any book that brings up race and feminism while still focusing on the plot.
Bad Girls Never Say Die by Jennifer Mathieu
adventurous
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
This book is advertised as a feminine Outsiders, and I would agree that people who loved the Outsiders would love this book. There are some elements and call backs to the original story, but the plot and perspective on the gender and economic issues of the 70s are fresh.
The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'm always down for a Holly Black novel
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
adventurous
lighthearted
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
Beautiful graphic novel that would be a great summer YA read. Steady plot, nothing too dramatic, but still engaging and sweet.