marywjensen's reviews
637 reviews

Writing with Pleasure by Helen Sword, Selina Tusitala Marsh

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informative reflective

3.0

I liked the idea of SPACE and the aesthetics of writing. Book is more geared to academic writing.  I enjoyed some of the anecdotes and examples from students, but I felt they were too frequent.
Happy Place by Emily Henry

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emotional hopeful 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

4.0

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

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adventurous emotional 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

5.0

This was a delightful queer romance,  with a surprising fairytale twist. Great chemistry and a lot of tension. These characters do not have it easy, but do find love so all is worth it in the end. I really enjoyed that the prince had a full and realistic family with a great sibling dynamic. 
Orange World and Other Stories by Karen Russell

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adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced

4.0

The definition of weird fiction. Most of these are normal world with one element of the strange, whether that be ghosts, tree spirit parasites, or bargains with the devil. All the characters and worlds felt real. Very creative stories.
Nothing Special, Volume 2 by Katie Cook

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

So good! More please. Already preordered volume 3.
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Really enjoyed listening to Lauren Graham talk about her life and time with Gilmore Girls. Makes me want to rewatch the show! I will also be checking out her novel.
The Final Case by David Guterson

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challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? No

2.0

Long winding texts that didn't seem to have a purpose. I mean sentences and paragraphs that filled entire pages, one character or thought rambling. More about the relationship between father and son than the actual case.
A short book but a long read.
Through the Elder Woods by Katie Cook

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adventurous funny lighthearted
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This is a fantastic book. Love the art, the characters. A quirky, loveable crew. Read the entire book in one sitting. 
Barnaby Unboxed! by Eric Fan, Terry Fan, The Fan Brothers, Devin Fan

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adventurous hopeful sad

5.0

Poor Barnaby got replaced by the new shiny thing. But all things need love and he finds unexpected friends. Love the Fan brothers' books as always.
The Mermaid Atlas: Merfolk of the World by Anna Claybourne

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informative

5.0

Very informative look at mermaids and other water spirits from around the world. Lots of pictures and great descriptions. I learned a lot.