peppersbookpicks's reviews
223 reviews

Killers of the Flower Moon: Oil, Money, Murder and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

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dark informative slow-paced

3.0

I probably would have enjoyed this more in a different format, but it was very informative and interesting. 
Mood Swings by Frankie Barnet

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Always a bummer when a story has so much potential, starts off strong, and then just fizzles out.
Visions of Flesh and Blood: A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium by Rayvn Salvador, Jennifer L. Armentrout

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informative slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

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lighthearted 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? Yes

3.0

A really cute love story that felt familiar but new at the same time — for obvious reasons, I highly recommend the audio format. 
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

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adventurous 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? Yes

4.25

Okay this was definitely better than I expected going into it, and the ending left me dying for more!! I was surprised by the plot twists and really enjoyed the magic and world building. Very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
Ocean of Sin and Starlight by Karina Halle

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

3.0

Enjoyed this read, but the first book was significantly better.
When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders by Howard Blum

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reflective tense medium-paced

3.0

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

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informative slow-paced

3.0

Cults cannot exist without language - this fact alone is what led me to pick up this book. Amanda Montell definitely gave some food for thought here, but it was very MEH, especially toward the end. My excitement for this topic slowly faded as the book went on and became more of a conversation about cult experiences, rather than focusing only on the actual use of language specifically. Didn't give me what I hoped for, but was still interesting.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

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emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I'm glad I was able to experience this book before the movie trailers and everything spoiled the story for me. This was more of a tear-jerker than I expected going into it, but I did enjoy the book and its message to readers. The main characters had a beautiful start to their love story, so I was honestly stunned when things started to shift. It was upsetting and hard to continue reading, but I think that was the point, because I imagine that feeling is a lot like the way Lily probably felt through that experience. 

So... because of that, despite my mixed feelings about the lack of trigger warnings, I can see why the author chose to present the story the way she did. I think all stories are important to tell, some are just harder to hear than others. I'm thankful I heard this one.
Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo

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funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Drew is most widely known for her crusade against misogynistic men via the internet, but this book was so much more than that. It was so well done! Loud was more of a self-help book about breaking down those familiar patriarchal ideals rather than a memoir of the author. Drew's voice was vulnerable and honest, and she spoke her truth about experiences all women can relate to. Her witty commentary made me laugh, and her personal stories and experiences made me cry. 

I'd recommend this book to literally anyone - but especially all women. It never hurts to be reminded of your worth, and remember that you deserve good things just as much as anyone else! 

I can't wait to highlight all of my favorite quotes in the officially published version that releases! Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an ARC copy of this book.