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luluwoohoo's reviews
473 reviews
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
☀️☀️☀️🌥️
▪️ A follow up fantasy that does improve upon several weak points from book one, but still doesn't "wow"
▪️As the middle book of a trilogy I had high expectations for greater world building, character development and better pacing with the plot progression. In regards to the first point, were unfortunately not given much more expansion of the world itself, though the stakes were raised well
▪️ Regarding character: Alina is given some turmoil that is convincing but not always captivating, unlike the introduction of Sturmhond/ Nikolai who is a joy to read and honestly the true highlight of this instalment
▪️ Initially the pacing was still a big issue for me - DRAMA 15 pages in isn't necessary in such a long game plot - but thankfully the pacing settled afterwards and we were given more time to appreciate the peaks and troughs of the rest of the book
▪️Overall this is an improvement on the first book, but still isn't a narrative I'd call compelling. I sincerely hope the final book pulls together the loose ends in a satisfying finale.
☀️☀️☀️🌥️
▪️ A follow up fantasy that does improve upon several weak points from book one, but still doesn't "wow"
▪️As the middle book of a trilogy I had high expectations for greater world building, character development and better pacing with the plot progression. In regards to the first point, were unfortunately not given much more expansion of the world itself, though the stakes were raised well
▪️ Regarding character: Alina is given some turmoil that is convincing but not always captivating, unlike the introduction of Sturmhond/ Nikolai who is a joy to read and honestly the true highlight of this instalment
▪️ Initially the pacing was still a big issue for me - DRAMA 15 pages in isn't necessary in such a long game plot - but thankfully the pacing settled afterwards and we were given more time to appreciate the peaks and troughs of the rest of the book
▪️Overall this is an improvement on the first book, but still isn't a narrative I'd call compelling. I sincerely hope the final book pulls together the loose ends in a satisfying finale.
"We're giving them hope. That's better than nothing."
"Spoken like a man who's never had nothing."
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
☀️☀️☀️
▪️A quick paced fantasy series starter that paves the way for an interesting adventure without fully realising it's potential
▪️This concept within the fantasy sphere borders on cliche. Though I liked the use of Russian folklore and mythology, much of the plot is predictable and too fast paced to really enjoy for me, and I hope the world building is fleshed out more in future installments
▪️Most of the characters aren't given adequate time to develop within the story - especially Mal - and even Alina isn't beyond the generic 'not like the other girls' trope. Her fixation on her plainness became tiresome, though I appreciated her connection with her power and her moral compass
▪️The magic system is interesting and well developed, but I often struggled to visualise the different sectors within the Darkling's army. I'm looking forward to seeing more development on this
▪️ Overall I think this series has a compelling story to tell, but the pace and lack of character development left me wanting more from all areas. If Bardugo can flesh out the characters and world better throughout the series I think I'll enjoy it more, but for this book I unfortunately found it a bit so-so.
☀️☀️☀️
▪️A quick paced fantasy series starter that paves the way for an interesting adventure without fully realising it's potential
▪️This concept within the fantasy sphere borders on cliche. Though I liked the use of Russian folklore and mythology, much of the plot is predictable and too fast paced to really enjoy for me, and I hope the world building is fleshed out more in future installments
▪️Most of the characters aren't given adequate time to develop within the story - especially Mal - and even Alina isn't beyond the generic 'not like the other girls' trope. Her fixation on her plainness became tiresome, though I appreciated her connection with her power and her moral compass
▪️The magic system is interesting and well developed, but I often struggled to visualise the different sectors within the Darkling's army. I'm looking forward to seeing more development on this
▪️ Overall I think this series has a compelling story to tell, but the pace and lack of character development left me wanting more from all areas. If Bardugo can flesh out the characters and world better throughout the series I think I'll enjoy it more, but for this book I unfortunately found it a bit so-so.
"What is infinite? The universe and the greed of men."
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️The second book in the Bright Falls romance series improved on some factors and missed on others, but it was still an enjoyable read overall
▪️Astrid as a protagonist was a great choice from Herring Blake, and it was the obvious choice after Delilah's book. I found her arc good emotionally but not necessarily in a fulfilling way. Jordan, on the other hand, felt underdeveloped in comparison and I was less interested in her chapters
▪️The pace of the romance worked much better than in the first instalment for me. I found Astrid and Jordan to have less believable chemistry despite the sex scenes being interesting and well written, which meant I wasn't as engaged in their journey as I wanted to be - but this book gets bonus points for exploring a late bloomer bisexual
▪️The renovation sub-plot was good, albeit not explored in enough depth to really enjoy, and I found the drama surrounding it in the third act a bit too unrealistic within the confines of this world - the producer is fine with faking conflict but not this? And one email from a stranger was apparently enough to derail the whole thing
▪️This was enjoyable reading at the time and something I would recommend as a simple queer romance, but I think with separation I'll unfortunately find it forgettable.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️The second book in the Bright Falls romance series improved on some factors and missed on others, but it was still an enjoyable read overall
▪️Astrid as a protagonist was a great choice from Herring Blake, and it was the obvious choice after Delilah's book. I found her arc good emotionally but not necessarily in a fulfilling way. Jordan, on the other hand, felt underdeveloped in comparison and I was less interested in her chapters
▪️The pace of the romance worked much better than in the first instalment for me. I found Astrid and Jordan to have less believable chemistry despite the sex scenes being interesting and well written, which meant I wasn't as engaged in their journey as I wanted to be - but this book gets bonus points for exploring a late bloomer bisexual
▪️The renovation sub-plot was good, albeit not explored in enough depth to really enjoy, and I found the drama surrounding it in the third act a bit too unrealistic within the confines of this world - the producer is fine with faking conflict but not this? And one email from a stranger was apparently enough to derail the whole thing
▪️This was enjoyable reading at the time and something I would recommend as a simple queer romance, but I think with separation I'll unfortunately find it forgettable.
"It was very nearly too much.
But Astrid could handle too much. She could handle anything. She had to."
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
☀️☀️☀️🌤️
▪️A cute small town romance that is a warm saphhic hug
▪️This is a book with several strong and interesting characters who have realistic flaws and baggage, though some supporting characters could have been fleshed out more to really sell the concept
▪️I found the pacing difficult between the romance itself and the wedding sub-plot. The tangent to camping was at odds with the characters themselves, and a lack of focus on the final gallery showing at the end, both took away from the individual characters Herring Blake built well
▪️ Delilah and Claire had good chemistry, but the speed of their relationship built too fast to be believable or realistic, even in this universe, due to their history
▪️ Overall I did enjoy this quick and romantic read, but it lacked a few qualities that take a good book to great.
☀️☀️☀️🌤️
▪️A cute small town romance that is a warm saphhic hug
▪️This is a book with several strong and interesting characters who have realistic flaws and baggage, though some supporting characters could have been fleshed out more to really sell the concept
▪️I found the pacing difficult between the romance itself and the wedding sub-plot. The tangent to camping was at odds with the characters themselves, and a lack of focus on the final gallery showing at the end, both took away from the individual characters Herring Blake built well
▪️ Delilah and Claire had good chemistry, but the speed of their relationship built too fast to be believable or realistic, even in this universe, due to their history
▪️ Overall I did enjoy this quick and romantic read, but it lacked a few qualities that take a good book to great.
"And Delilah had gotten through life by putting herself first, only concentrating herself with what she knew was true, because she’d learned a long time ago that she couldn’t control anyone but herself. She couldn’t change anyone’s mind, couldn’t make someone love her who had no interest in doing so, and couldn’t keep someone from leaving her if that’s what they wanted to do."
Wool by Hugh Howey
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? No
3.5
Wool by Hugh Howie
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️A dark dystopian sci-fi that proves the two sides to every story can both, in their own ways, be right
▪️This was definitely a slow burn in terms of pacing - there is a lot of action (and death) in the first third but the story felt quite disjointed until I was at least half way through. I'm glad I pushed through, and the returned integration of the storylines towards the end helped with tension, but overall I wasn't as invested as I wish I had been from the get go
▪️Howie plays throughout with the themes of right and wrong, and showcasing both sides' perspective was handled incredibly well despite our protagonists mostly coming from the side of the rebellion - as fucked up as the origin story is, you can fall for the rhetoric and rationalise terrible ideas for both stability and rebellion
▪️The key players were all decent characters and interesting to read about, though I do wish we'd seen a bit more depth/growth from Juliette over the course of the story. I was impressed how much Howie managed to make me empathize with characters like Bernard towards the end, but Lukas and Jimmy were both short changed
▪️This is a narrative with lots of potential cop outs, and while it down avoid all of them, I was pleasantly surprised with the psychological aspects of this concept. The ending itself wasn't totally satisfying, though there are two more books I might one day continue.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️A dark dystopian sci-fi that proves the two sides to every story can both, in their own ways, be right
▪️This was definitely a slow burn in terms of pacing - there is a lot of action (and death) in the first third but the story felt quite disjointed until I was at least half way through. I'm glad I pushed through, and the returned integration of the storylines towards the end helped with tension, but overall I wasn't as invested as I wish I had been from the get go
▪️Howie plays throughout with the themes of right and wrong, and showcasing both sides' perspective was handled incredibly well despite our protagonists mostly coming from the side of the rebellion - as fucked up as the origin story is, you can fall for the rhetoric and rationalise terrible ideas for both stability and rebellion
▪️The key players were all decent characters and interesting to read about, though I do wish we'd seen a bit more depth/growth from Juliette over the course of the story. I was impressed how much Howie managed to make me empathize with characters like Bernard towards the end, but Lukas and Jimmy were both short changed
▪️This is a narrative with lots of potential cop outs, and while it down avoid all of them, I was pleasantly surprised with the psychological aspects of this concept. The ending itself wasn't totally satisfying, though there are two more books I might one day continue.
"It was the same as colour. You could describe a new colour only in terms of hues previously seen. You could mix the known, but you couldn't create the strange out of nothing."
"She thought of how things could have gone so differently, how they'd had all these dreams, unrealistic perhaps, of a real change in power, an easy fix to impossible and intractable problems. Back then she'd been unfairly treated, but at least she'd been safe. There had been injustice, but she'd been in love. Did that make it okay? Which sacrifice made more sense?"
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
3.5
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (audiobook narrated by Dominic Hoffman, Dion Graham, Bahni Turpin, Fiona Hardingham, Allan Corduner, Jorjeana Marie)
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️A magical, atmospheric tale that weaves through multiple fairytale-esque narratives and timelines, though it struggled to live up to it's grandiose potential
▪️My feelings on this novel are complicated. On one hand, it is a love letter to stories and books, and its whimsy is utterly infectious. On the other hand, it felt much too long and meandering and repetitive to truly appreciate, so I wasn't totally connected to the journey by the end
▪️ Morgenstern's prose is the absolute highlight of this book. Her evocative and creative use of language really created a clear and interesting voice for this novel, though I will admit it would have been nice to get more differentiation in this voice when we weren't in Zachary's POV
▪️The interwoven tales and stories were enjoyable and relevant - and the multiple voice actors on the audiobook really helped to sell the structure for me - but they definitely hindered the pacing of the story, which was a big problem for me when you account for the book's length and it's unclear direction
▪️ Overall this is a book that I really wanted to love, because it contains so many elements that I adore and crave in stories. With some serious editing I think it could have met that potential, but in this form it was simply too much story for one story.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️A magical, atmospheric tale that weaves through multiple fairytale-esque narratives and timelines, though it struggled to live up to it's grandiose potential
▪️My feelings on this novel are complicated. On one hand, it is a love letter to stories and books, and its whimsy is utterly infectious. On the other hand, it felt much too long and meandering and repetitive to truly appreciate, so I wasn't totally connected to the journey by the end
▪️ Morgenstern's prose is the absolute highlight of this book. Her evocative and creative use of language really created a clear and interesting voice for this novel, though I will admit it would have been nice to get more differentiation in this voice when we weren't in Zachary's POV
▪️The interwoven tales and stories were enjoyable and relevant - and the multiple voice actors on the audiobook really helped to sell the structure for me - but they definitely hindered the pacing of the story, which was a big problem for me when you account for the book's length and it's unclear direction
▪️ Overall this is a book that I really wanted to love, because it contains so many elements that I adore and crave in stories. With some serious editing I think it could have met that potential, but in this form it was simply too much story for one story.
"A boy at the beginning of a story has no way of knowing that the story has begun."
"Reading a novel, he supposes, is like playing a game where all the choices have been made for you ahead of time by someone who is much better at this particular game. (Though he sometimes wishes choose-your-own-adventure novels would come back into fashion.)"
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.25
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
☀️☀️☀️☀️🌥️
▪️A captivating, fast-paced fantasy romance for the now very adult audience of previous YA powerhouses like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Harry Potter'
▪️This book, for all of its strengths, reads exactly like YA (with some sex thrown in). The plot is incredibly predictable, and the writing is simple and quick to fly through, but there is simply something about this book that was enthralling and made me not want to put it down
▪️Violet as a protagonist is written appropriately for her age by not being too shy or naive, and her physical description is refreshing in the face of other totally capable characters - her physical transformation reflects the growth she has emotionally and mentally, which was rewarding to follow along with
▪️The support characters felt a bit too simplistic at times, but they all served their purposes well within the broad world that is hastily constructed here. I actually think splitting the content of this book into two would have given more opportunities to advance both of these aspects, and pad out some missing moments, but it was a fun read regardless
▪️This booktok sensation managed to deliver on it's promise of fun, sex and dragons, and I really look forward to the second instalment being released later this year (!?)
☀️☀️☀️☀️🌥️
▪️A captivating, fast-paced fantasy romance for the now very adult audience of previous YA powerhouses like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Harry Potter'
▪️This book, for all of its strengths, reads exactly like YA (with some sex thrown in). The plot is incredibly predictable, and the writing is simple and quick to fly through, but there is simply something about this book that was enthralling and made me not want to put it down
▪️Violet as a protagonist is written appropriately for her age by not being too shy or naive, and her physical description is refreshing in the face of other totally capable characters - her physical transformation reflects the growth she has emotionally and mentally, which was rewarding to follow along with
▪️The support characters felt a bit too simplistic at times, but they all served their purposes well within the broad world that is hastily constructed here. I actually think splitting the content of this book into two would have given more opportunities to advance both of these aspects, and pad out some missing moments, but it was a fun read regardless
▪️This booktok sensation managed to deliver on it's promise of fun, sex and dragons, and I really look forward to the second instalment being released later this year (!?)
"My breath catches and my body warms, the traitorous bitch. You are not attracted to toxic men, I remind myself, and yet, here I am, getting all attracted."
Room by Emma Donoghue
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Room by Emma Donoghue
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
▪️A powerhouse book that manages to be equally harrowing and heartwarming in its entirety, highlighting the perfectly imperfect mind of a child and their resilience in the face of anything
▪️By choosing to write the story from five-year-old Jack's perspective, Donoghue gives this novel it's most powerful asset. The vocabulary and oftentimes stream of consciousness thought process enables for a completely compelling and naive point of view, challenging our perspective on their life within Room and the freedoms of life Outside
▪️The relationship between Jack and Ma is multi-layered and complex, with each relying on the other completely within Room for their survival. Ma's mental health struggles in particular, both before and after escaping, as shown through the eyes of a child were especially confronting to read but a triumph of storytelling
▪️ Examining the world as we know it with fresh eyes is difficult to comprehend, but Donoghue manages this feat with skill and humour. Jack's education out in the world and his manu observations, particularly about language and word play, felt authentic and age appropriate
▪️Despite being a book about such a horrific situation, the connection between Jack and Ma elevated the depressing reality into a magical, awe-inspiring journey of love and life that won't easily be forgotten.
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
▪️A powerhouse book that manages to be equally harrowing and heartwarming in its entirety, highlighting the perfectly imperfect mind of a child and their resilience in the face of anything
▪️By choosing to write the story from five-year-old Jack's perspective, Donoghue gives this novel it's most powerful asset. The vocabulary and oftentimes stream of consciousness thought process enables for a completely compelling and naive point of view, challenging our perspective on their life within Room and the freedoms of life Outside
▪️The relationship between Jack and Ma is multi-layered and complex, with each relying on the other completely within Room for their survival. Ma's mental health struggles in particular, both before and after escaping, as shown through the eyes of a child were especially confronting to read but a triumph of storytelling
▪️ Examining the world as we know it with fresh eyes is difficult to comprehend, but Donoghue manages this feat with skill and humour. Jack's education out in the world and his manu observations, particularly about language and word play, felt authentic and age appropriate
▪️Despite being a book about such a horrific situation, the connection between Jack and Ma elevated the depressing reality into a magical, awe-inspiring journey of love and life that won't easily be forgotten.
"When I was four I thought everything in TV was just TV, then I was five and Ma unlied about lots of it being pictures of real and Outside being totally real. Now I'm in Outside but it turns out lots of it isn't real at all."
The Vine: Messages of Hope from Around the World by Adria L. Dunn
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
The Vine by Adria L Dunn
☀️☀️☀️
▪️ This timely and uplifting series of letters from change-makers the world over is compiled into an easy to read book, written in the wake of COVID-19, as a way to reconnect and inspire. I found it overall quite enjoyable to read, especially seeing the variety of those who supplied letters and their backgrounds, though the overall effect to me became a bit muddled and repetitive rather than clarifying as I believe was intended.
▪️The brief for these letters was clear - for the various authors to write from their own perspective and experience what hope means to them in this COVID-ravaged world. Many spoke of religion, others of our relationship with nature and the planet, others of our connections to friends, family, and also complete strangers.
▪️While all 40 letters contained interesting and empowering content, my favourite letters were from activist Andrew Jackson Young, Jr., virologist Dr. Byron Martina, student Leon Rocco Feldman Birigner, consultant Prince Ermias Sale Selassie, former Mrs. Universe and entrepreneur Carol Lee, psychologist Dr. Edith Eva Eger, Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering, and environmentalist Peggy Liu
▪️I think this format is well suited to slow, occasional reading, as opposed to demolishing it in a few sittings as I did. This would likely give space and time to ruminate on the individual content better, which is ultimately the point of this sort of book.
▪️This is the sort of book I would recommend for someone struggling to emerge from the COVID haze, but take my advice and savour the reading experience for best results.
"When I look at the heritage of hope instilled in me from generations of my family passing it along, I also want hope to be a legacy I leave behind, not only within my own family but beyond. When people look at the state of the world today and feel overwhelmed by how much trouble still exists, I recall the simple phrase from my father that has become our family motto: “Don’t get mad, get smart.” - Andrew Jackson Young Jnr"
☀️☀️☀️
▪️ This timely and uplifting series of letters from change-makers the world over is compiled into an easy to read book, written in the wake of COVID-19, as a way to reconnect and inspire. I found it overall quite enjoyable to read, especially seeing the variety of those who supplied letters and their backgrounds, though the overall effect to me became a bit muddled and repetitive rather than clarifying as I believe was intended.
▪️The brief for these letters was clear - for the various authors to write from their own perspective and experience what hope means to them in this COVID-ravaged world. Many spoke of religion, others of our relationship with nature and the planet, others of our connections to friends, family, and also complete strangers.
▪️While all 40 letters contained interesting and empowering content, my favourite letters were from activist Andrew Jackson Young, Jr., virologist Dr. Byron Martina, student Leon Rocco Feldman Birigner, consultant Prince Ermias Sale Selassie, former Mrs. Universe and entrepreneur Carol Lee, psychologist Dr. Edith Eva Eger, Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering, and environmentalist Peggy Liu
▪️I think this format is well suited to slow, occasional reading, as opposed to demolishing it in a few sittings as I did. This would likely give space and time to ruminate on the individual content better, which is ultimately the point of this sort of book.
▪️This is the sort of book I would recommend for someone struggling to emerge from the COVID haze, but take my advice and savour the reading experience for best results.
"When I look at the heritage of hope instilled in me from generations of my family passing it along, I also want hope to be a legacy I leave behind, not only within my own family but beyond. When people look at the state of the world today and feel overwhelmed by how much trouble still exists, I recall the simple phrase from my father that has become our family motto: “Don’t get mad, get smart.” - Andrew Jackson Young Jnr"
It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
3.75
It's Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian
☀️☀️☀️🌤️
🌈 Happy Pride Month 🌈 all of the books I'm reading in June are proudly Pride-centric in celebration 🎉
▪️A deceptively light and fluffy story that packs an emotional punch with plenty of sexy and funny notes woven in to create an enjoyable book
▪️The main focus of the narrative is Noni's journey of happiness, pleasure and self acceptance. Her travels span many countries but the greatest work is done within herself, and I'm really grateful for the acknowledgement of mental health issues in Noni's previous behaviour
▪️For a tale focusing on pleasure, there was plenty of sex positive content, and Noni's bisexuality was explored thoroughly and respectfully, which I appreciated
▪️I found the ending particularly rushed and too easy in comparison to the rest of the novel, which never shied away from the negative parts of sex, dating or travelling. I love a happy ending, but the depth of things previously explored left me wanting Noni to find her happiness outside of a romantic relationship
▪️ Overall this is a beautiful and inspirational story that resonated deeply with me as someone also feeling a bit adrift in my 30s, and it couldn't have come into my life at a better time.
☀️☀️☀️🌤️
🌈 Happy Pride Month 🌈 all of the books I'm reading in June are proudly Pride-centric in celebration 🎉
▪️A deceptively light and fluffy story that packs an emotional punch with plenty of sexy and funny notes woven in to create an enjoyable book
▪️The main focus of the narrative is Noni's journey of happiness, pleasure and self acceptance. Her travels span many countries but the greatest work is done within herself, and I'm really grateful for the acknowledgement of mental health issues in Noni's previous behaviour
▪️For a tale focusing on pleasure, there was plenty of sex positive content, and Noni's bisexuality was explored thoroughly and respectfully, which I appreciated
▪️I found the ending particularly rushed and too easy in comparison to the rest of the novel, which never shied away from the negative parts of sex, dating or travelling. I love a happy ending, but the depth of things previously explored left me wanting Noni to find her happiness outside of a romantic relationship
▪️ Overall this is a beautiful and inspirational story that resonated deeply with me as someone also feeling a bit adrift in my 30s, and it couldn't have come into my life at a better time.
"I realise I've been using other people as my biggest pleasure centre my whole life. To validate me. And I've been letting their acceptance or rejection of me dictate my value."