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moonspire's reviews
176 reviews
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual assault
4:48 by 秦墨北
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
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We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is a story that reminds us that we belong, that home is where your heart is, therefore, home is with the people you love. This book felt like coming home, like a blanket that envelopes my shivering, longing, being. I love how the author used metaphors of Filipino folklores and Deities to share her story to her children.
It was very comforting and nostalgic for me to read from a perspective of a women who grew up with the same mythologies and songs as me.
It was very comforting and nostalgic for me to read from a perspective of a women who grew up with the same mythologies and songs as me.
The Devil Makes Three by Tori Bovalino
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I expected more depth in the mystery premise of the story but it wasn't that engaging. The climax was underwhelming for me, but the overall concept of the story was interesting–just wasn't executed well. I like the relationship between Tess and Eliot but their dynamic didn't fully capture me, there was something missing to completely make it work for me. I empathize with Tess though, her struggles as a sister who have to be strong and reliable for her younger sister. That made me invested in her character. I'll definitely subscribe to future stories from Tori Bovalino!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Death
The Bayou by Arden Powell
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I have a profound admiration for literary fiction. I love how words are stringed together to create a manifestation of human emotions; a testimony of the life that we lived through. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, is a letter written by a son to his illiterate mother, an attempt to reach out in the way he knows best–language.
“I am writing you from inside a body that used to be yours. Which is to say, I am writing as a son.”
Ocean Vuong crafted a narrative that is deeply rooted in his personal experiences as a son, a grandson, an immigrant, and a lover which bleeds through the writing of this novel. He has managed to put into words emotions and sensations that I could not convey in such clarity. I had seen an interview where Ocean explained why the narrator was named Little Dog by his mother. He said that in their village in Vietnam it is tradition to name a child after, particularly, the smallest, weakest child, after the most despicable things. It is a way to deter evil spirits who come hunting for children, in a way, a name “becomes a cloak, becomes a shield”.
After knowing that I looked back to this particular quote from the book:
“To love something, then, is to name it after something so worthless it might be left untouched—and alive. A name, thin as air, can also be a shield.”
I was stunned, and filled with astonishment, to find out that such power lies behind a name. Language is the thread that interweaves different elements of life–culture, race, and belief. This novel is an astounding exploration of discovering self-identity, that sheds light on narratives that are never often talked about such as the consequences of war on women, and its aftermath.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Racism, and War
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Abortion
Burning Roses by S.L. Huang
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After reading sad books back to back You Should See Me in a Crown is a breath of fresh air. Liz's story about being comfortable in her own skin, her relationships with different people in her life, and her authenticity, put a smile on my face. It takes me back to my high school memories, where I met some of the best people in my life. Highly recommended if your looking for a light-hearted, feel-good book!
I also recommend listening to the audiobook (that's what I did). It's available on Spotify, and it's such a good listen.
I also recommend listening to the audiobook (that's what I did). It's available on Spotify, and it's such a good listen.
White Ivy by Susie Yang
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The story didn't grip me as much as i thought it would, but the plot twists really took me by surprise. Inever expected ivy was capable of going to that extent just to remove any turbulent in her well desired peace and stability.
I really resonated with some of the values that's represented in this book, especially about family and the experience of growing up in an Asian household. Ivy's narrative is also very well written, you can understand why she did what she did. I understand that this book is very centered on her journey, maybe that's why I never really cared much for the other characters. I would have love to hear more from them.
Overall, White Ivy was a rollercoaster ride, full of turns that will eventually leave you catching your breath.
I really resonated with some of the values that's represented in this book, especially about family and the experience of growing up in an Asian household. Ivy's narrative is also very well written, you can understand why she did what she did. I understand that this book is very centered on her journey, maybe that's why I never really cared much for the other characters. I would have love to hear more from them.
Overall, White Ivy was a rollercoaster ride, full of turns that will eventually leave you catching your breath.