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mirandalikesbooks's reviews
40 reviews
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A quick and easy read! Would be great for a flight or a rainy day.
I thought I was settling in for something a little meatier. In my opinion, the story introduced the conflict right away and didn't do much to surprise the reader throughout.
However, I did like Millie's role in the plot - she was more clever than people wanted to give her credit for. I also liked the battle of wills between Jack and Grace. The "who will win" of it all kept me reading.
I thought I was settling in for something a little meatier. In my opinion, the story introduced the conflict right away and didn't do much to surprise the reader throughout.
However, I did like Millie's role in the plot - she was more clever than people wanted to give her credit for. I also liked the battle of wills between Jack and Grace. The "who will win" of it all kept me reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Infertility and Forced institutionalization
Beach Read by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Emily Henry always makes great things happen. I knew this would be good before I even opened it. I think this book is a relatable exploration of living and falling in love even through grief and brokenness.
I will say some of the true romance of this novel felt a little over the top for me to the point that I didn't resonate with this one nearly as much as the last couple Henry books I read. Still good and worth reading though!
I will say some of the true romance of this novel felt a little over the top for me to the point that I didn't resonate with this one nearly as much as the last couple Henry books I read. Still good and worth reading though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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
The author of this book did such an incredible job weaving together facts about our current industrial prison system and details about the prison system of this universe. So much so that it definitely feels like real corporate Amerikkka could make the decision to move in this direction.
This undeniable parallel to the real world that was interspersed with real laws and real instances of police brutality didn't detract from the fact that this was absolutely beautiful fiction. The characters were so rich. I was fully invested in Loretta & Hamara's relationship - their circumstances made me feel real emotions. And the stories of prisoners who were tortured or controlled to the extent that this gladiator fighting became their only option kept me riveted as well.
I was convinced at the beginning, because it's sometimes hard for me to sink into fiction that requires a ton of world building, that this would land as a 4 for me. By the end I was smashing that 5 star button HARD.
No notes. Everyone should read this.
This undeniable parallel to the real world that was interspersed with real laws and real instances of police brutality didn't detract from the fact that this was absolutely beautiful fiction. The characters were so rich. I was fully invested in Loretta & Hamara's relationship - their circumstances made me feel real emotions. And the stories of prisoners who were tortured or controlled to the extent that this gladiator fighting became their only option kept me riveted as well.
I was convinced at the beginning, because it's sometimes hard for me to sink into fiction that requires a ton of world building, that this would land as a 4 for me. By the end I was smashing that 5 star button HARD.
No notes. Everyone should read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Classism
The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
In terms of my actual enjoyment of the book, my rating could probably be lower. Every thing that happens in the plot was gratingly convenient. The characters are more caricatures than characters with depth. Huge things would happen like the main character more or less trying to die or a woman walking away from her abusive husband and the plot would continue like, "Ahh, we're glad that's over."
However, I read this with friends and lots of them loved this. If you go in with the mindset that everything wraps up happily in the fairytale of a world where every problem can be solved with a plan and a book, you might like it too.
However, I read this with friends and lots of them loved this. If you go in with the mindset that everything wraps up happily in the fairytale of a world where every problem can be solved with a plan and a book, you might like it too.
The September House by Carissa Orlando
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fun twist on a haunted house story for sure. I walked into the book expecting a good cozy horror mystery. I walked out of it feeling like I got my fill of a good haunted house tale AND a thoughtful exploration into how our lives and the people in them can shape the decisions we make.
Margaret was a character that you couldn't help but root for.
Margaret was a character that you couldn't help but root for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture, Violence, and Vomit
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
This was one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.
The thing that sets this book apart is the way it was written. The tone feels like poetry while equally being digestible and readable. The switch between first and second person was such an interesting way to tell a story. The "I" was disconnected from the "you" but still told told a cohesive account of Machado's story. The you chapters invited the reader in to examine the parts of their reality that they are disconnected from too.
This perspective on domestic abuse intersected with queer culture intersected with fat culture and with religious trauma is engaging and terrible and inspiring.
A wonderful read.
The thing that sets this book apart is the way it was written. The tone feels like poetry while equally being digestible and readable. The switch between first and second person was such an interesting way to tell a story. The "I" was disconnected from the "you" but still told told a cohesive account of Machado's story. The you chapters invited the reader in to examine the parts of their reality that they are disconnected from too.
This perspective on domestic abuse intersected with queer culture intersected with fat culture and with religious trauma is engaging and terrible and inspiring.
A wonderful read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Minor: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Paladin's Strength by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.0
Loved it!!! Again another great romance that isn't focused on the stereotypical 20 something heroine. It seems like a running theme in this series is that all people deserve love. Loved Clara's level headedness and confidence in her self. Loved Istvhan's levity and genuine, good nature. They made a compelling pair.
This might not count as a spoiler but:Also I love bears so this is a win.
now that the smooth man storyline is over, i wonder where they'll go next??
This might not count as a spoiler but:
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
This is my second Emily Henry read of the year, and I'm positive I'll tear through everything she's ever written very soon.
Like the other novel I read by her, the dialouge is just so witty and wonderful. I love how well rounded and complex Nora and Charlie are. I was fully part of their world. They made me want to write books that they could tear apart and curate to perfection with their incredibly capable hands.
Making the city girl, the career woman, the ice queen bitch who exercises when anxious (if only 😮💨) the main character of a romance is a fun twist for a genre where twists are kinda hard to produce. And making this boss of a woman so relatable and likeable is truly one of Henry's many talents.
It's so good go read it!!!!
Like the other novel I read by her, the dialouge is just so witty and wonderful. I love how well rounded and complex Nora and Charlie are. I was fully part of their world. They made me want to write books that they could tear apart and curate to perfection with their incredibly capable hands.
Making the city girl, the career woman, the ice queen bitch who exercises when anxious (if only 😮💨) the main character of a romance is a fun twist for a genre where twists are kinda hard to produce. And making this boss of a woman so relatable and likeable is truly one of Henry's many talents.
It's so good go read it!!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The topic of climate change and the fact that we as a species are irrevocably harming the earth and other species is something that already feeds my existential dread. So this book was a tough read for me.
That being said I found myself rooting for Franny even with all her self destructive behavior. The impulse to be wildly free and to ignore problems and to grapple with internal guilt are all very relatable feelings for me.
In some ways I feel like this book was speaking directly to me.
I'd recommend it if you like a book with a journey and a slew of complicated characters.
That being said I found myself rooting for Franny even with all her self destructive behavior. The impulse to be wildly free and to ignore problems and to grapple with internal guilt are all very relatable feelings for me.
In some ways I feel like this book was speaking directly to me.
I'd recommend it if you like a book with a journey and a slew of complicated characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Animal death, Miscarriage, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A wonderful, funny, sweet start to the series. I loved both of the main characters. Stephen has a sturdy practicality that was laced with genuine kindness. And Grace is so unique and intelligent and caring. The vulnerability of both characters made you love them. The thread of their romance - aka the main point of the novel - was my favorite part of the book. And the fact that both characters were in their 30s was refreshing! I love a book that shows that life isn't over when you leave your 20s.
The things that kept this from a 4 star read for me are just some simple style choices. The inner monologue, while oftentimes funny, sometimes was a bit too much talking to themselves. Also the poisoning plot and the beheading plot together felt like a lot going on.
Kingfisher drops lots of breadcrumbs for the rest of the series, and I'm excited to get to it.
The things that kept this from a 4 star read for me are just some simple style choices. The inner monologue, while oftentimes funny, sometimes was a bit too much talking to themselves. Also the poisoning plot and the beheading plot together felt like a lot going on.
Kingfisher drops lots of breadcrumbs for the rest of the series, and I'm excited to get to it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Gaslighting, and Alcohol