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potatokao's reviews
18 reviews
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
the premise of this book was intriguing to begin with and once i settled into reading, i ate it up. you survive a boat disaster in a raft with others and 3 days later come across another survivor. you say thank god we found you and he replies i am god. the only way you survive is if everyone believes in him, do you believe?
the structure is back and forth btwn land and sea, past and present. it works really well without confusion. the writing is simple and easy to follow, it does lead you to a lot of surprises and chilling responses.
i will say, depending on your relationship with your beliefs, the way you view this book may vary widely. i am not a religious person by any means, though i consider myself spiritual. i took the book as could be any god higher being, not christian. the mysterious and suspense really pulled me in, i wanted to know the what was real. the book is not exactly what you think it is and makes you wonder what faith could be for you. it'll end up in a different place than where it started.
i left the book thinking wow. wow. thoroughly enjoyed!
the structure is back and forth btwn land and sea, past and present. it works really well without confusion. the writing is simple and easy to follow, it does lead you to a lot of surprises and chilling responses.
i will say, depending on your relationship with your beliefs, the way you view this book may vary widely. i am not a religious person by any means, though i consider myself spiritual. i took the book as could be any god higher being, not christian. the mysterious and suspense really pulled me in, i wanted to know the what was real. the book is not exactly what you think it is and makes you wonder what faith could be for you. it'll end up in a different place than where it started.
i left the book thinking wow. wow. thoroughly enjoyed!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
for me, the book can be split into thirds. tender boyhood love, we are going to war, death.
the beginning third i enjoyed, the love btwn patroclus and achilles was soft and warm. the middle had an active plot with hurt and compromise. the last was all ego and in my mind avoidable. i completely understand that this is a modern adaptation of the iliad and the plot can't change but as a standalone work i did not enjoy it.
the writing didn't do much for me, fell flat in the way it was formal avoiding contractions. though there were pretty phrases and descriptions. the main thing for me was the way the author wrote about women was awful. i think there's a way to write that women are undervalued in society without throwing such disdain and pity at them. so many of them unnamed and so many of them suffered. named and they are pitied. one single woman of depth and character and she said ill be your second.
the war dragged out and ego was the fatal flaw. in my eyes, if achilles is a natural fighter, he would've charged forward no matter his prophecy.
i know so many people love these books, but unfortunately it wasnt for me
the beginning third i enjoyed, the love btwn patroclus and achilles was soft and warm. the middle had an active plot with hurt and compromise. the last was all ego and in my mind avoidable. i completely understand that this is a modern adaptation of the iliad and the plot can't change but as a standalone work i did not enjoy it.
the writing didn't do much for me, fell flat in the way it was formal avoiding contractions. though there were pretty phrases and descriptions. the main thing for me was the way the author wrote about women was awful. i think there's a way to write that women are undervalued in society without throwing such disdain and pity at them. so many of them unnamed and so many of them suffered. named and they are pitied. one single woman of depth and character and she said ill be your second.
the war dragged out and ego was the fatal flaw. in my eyes, if achilles is a natural fighter, he would've charged forward no matter his prophecy.
i know so many people love these books, but unfortunately it wasnt for me
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.0
i read this book while i had interpersonal conflict. the characters reminded me of people in my life as well as those ive met in the past. in that way, the book was very reflective for me. the feeling of the book does give off cmbyn but rainy
4 main characters. francis as insecure and unsure of herself. it's hard to read about her bc i just want her to like herself. the relationship btwn francis and bobbi has too much history with an odd power dynamic, i dont think it's a healthy friendship between the two of them. not necessarily that one has power over the other but that there's tension filled with comparison and envy.
nick is passive to a fault, that acts as both his shield and sword. he can do no wrong bc he's not committing but his lack of commitment hurts himself and others. melissa, i dont have too much to say.
it's easy to judge them and their decisions but i dont think that's what this book is about. they aren't good or bad people to me. they're just trying to get through each day.
a book about interpersonal relationships rather than plot. idk if there's growth but they're walking forward and i'd like to follow them to a space they feel more certain of themselves and their decisions
4 main characters. francis as insecure and unsure of herself. it's hard to read about her bc i just want her to like herself. the relationship btwn francis and bobbi has too much history with an odd power dynamic, i dont think it's a healthy friendship between the two of them. not necessarily that one has power over the other but that there's tension filled with comparison and envy.
nick is passive to a fault, that acts as both his shield and sword. he can do no wrong bc he's not committing but his lack of commitment hurts himself and others. melissa, i dont have too much to say.
it's easy to judge them and their decisions but i dont think that's what this book is about. they aren't good or bad people to me. they're just trying to get through each day.
a book about interpersonal relationships rather than plot. idk if there's growth but they're walking forward and i'd like to follow them to a space they feel more certain of themselves and their decisions
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
i feel like im being critical bc it has so much potential and i didn't like the writing or the structure of the plot. the writing really threw me off with too many "i live in modern times, this is 100% definitely 2019" references. i didn't think i would get through the book but halfway through that cools down and i get to enjoy the back and forth present day relationship of eva and shane.
to me the plot just felt like, attention grabbing opener, somethings gonna happen, omg he's back i dont want him here, i love him i need him, i dont care about my past hurt at all, i care about my past hurt in this sudden moment mid-hug, what truth?, one single (1) phone call, truth revealed, back to loving you, things are great, unnecessary tragedy, we dont belong together, there's an epilogue, we belong together.
a destructive codependent week that easily fall back into one another 15 years later with no strain at all. i feel like there wasn't much reconciliation of the past besides a phone call. is it really that simple? even present day, shane says yeah i idealize you then and now, i have a hard time rooting for them with not clear reconciliation of the past, knowing how toxic the start was even though i like their rhythm in present day.
not to mention, things are going great and then youkill off ty?? shane was so good about keeping in contact with his kids, it just doesn't sound believable that he wouldn't answer multiple calls from him, i dont understand why with 80 pages left ty had to die. to teach shane a lesson? there was no need at that point.
i loved when audre became a more active character, i think eva could be more angry with lizette, and it would've felt stronger breaking generational curses but that fell flat for me.
i really like the idea of seven days in june, then and now, but i didnt see enough reconciliation to get on board with the couple.
to me the plot just felt like, attention grabbing opener, somethings gonna happen, omg he's back i dont want him here, i love him i need him, i dont care about my past hurt at all, i care about my past hurt in this sudden moment mid-hug, what truth?, one single (1) phone call, truth revealed, back to loving you, things are great, unnecessary tragedy, we dont belong together, there's an epilogue, we belong together.
a destructive codependent week that easily fall back into one another 15 years later with no strain at all. i feel like there wasn't much reconciliation of the past besides a phone call. is it really that simple? even present day, shane says yeah i idealize you then and now, i have a hard time rooting for them with not clear reconciliation of the past, knowing how toxic the start was even though i like their rhythm in present day.
not to mention, things are going great and then you
i loved when audre became a more active character, i think eva could be more angry with lizette, and it would've felt stronger breaking generational curses but that fell flat for me.
i really like the idea of seven days in june, then and now, but i didnt see enough reconciliation to get on board with the couple.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
i didnt know much going into the book and i really do prefer it that way. the story was paced and structured really well, i love that each section header is husband-at-the-time's names. just when i thought the story found its path and got steady, it took me for a turn with unannounced drama. the intrigue! honestly the perfect setting and time period too.
evelyn is a very confident, self assured woman, her unwavering strength comes across really well in her present day character and in her past, she is very determined to get what she wants and she's smart with it. but even strong smart women can end up in tricky situations with men and in her career, no fault of hers imo.
there is so much love in this book, familial (born family via monique, chosen family via evelyn), platonic (harry), and romantic. i'm so glad i didnt know going in who her true love wasbut the tension in that one scene made it so clear to me, i loved the way it was written. the way bisexuality was represented was also beautiful, chefs kiss. it's not that there was something in her that couldn't be satisfied while dating a woman. it's that she didn't know when to stop prioritizing herself and her career, even when she had stability and other options. i really do believe her love for celia was whole and pure. and her love for harry, god i wept.
her life experience, what she's lived through without regret, gives her so much wisdom. i feel like i learned a lot about intimacy, trust, sex, and sexuality.
evelyn is a very confident, self assured woman, her unwavering strength comes across really well in her present day character and in her past, she is very determined to get what she wants and she's smart with it. but even strong smart women can end up in tricky situations with men and in her career, no fault of hers imo.
there is so much love in this book, familial (born family via monique, chosen family via evelyn), platonic (harry), and romantic. i'm so glad i didnt know going in who her true love was
her life experience, what she's lived through without regret, gives her so much wisdom. i feel like i learned a lot about intimacy, trust, sex, and sexuality.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Car accident
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Suicide, Grief, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abortion
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
funny
lighthearted
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
3.0
my lighthearted reads continue. i liked the premise of the book, reverse hallmark. the beginning was better than the end. by the end, it was predictable and hallmark.
the reverse hallmark is a fun story and super meta with them being literary agents and editors. i like the banter btwn nora and charlie, probably what made the book for me. i felt like a teen reading ya romcom again lol so that was fun and silly. i don’t particularly like plots that rely on lack of communication, esp btwn sisters, that was a bit frustrating. towards the end, the outcome was predictable so i was less invested but still a sweet simple ending.
some of the writing seemed applicable to my own life. with the end of an era and not being afraid to want and go after something new. i took those pieces, a folded piece of paper in my pocket.
overall a fun simple book, not cringey like the last i read.
the reverse hallmark is a fun story and super meta with them being literary agents and editors. i like the banter btwn nora and charlie, probably what made the book for me. i felt like a teen reading ya romcom again lol so that was fun and silly. i don’t particularly like plots that rely on lack of communication, esp btwn sisters, that was a bit frustrating. towards the end, the outcome was predictable so i was less invested but still a sweet simple ending.
some of the writing seemed applicable to my own life. with the end of an era and not being afraid to want and go after something new. i took those pieces, a folded piece of paper in my pocket.
overall a fun simple book, not cringey like the last i read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content and Pregnancy
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-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? No
2.5
my switch to lighthearted book, the characters are silly and fun, the dialogue feels forced to be hip n cool, sometimes bordering cringey. the plot got pretty wacky, it’s part scifi. the mystery was something i wanted to see thru, solved. lighthearted easy read. seems teen oriented. the subway sex is honestly disgusting though like 😭
i wouldn't say it consumed me but it was a nice time. i enjoyed the acknowledgements page too :)
i wouldn't say it consumed me but it was a nice time. i enjoyed the acknowledgements page too :)
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
i still think it’s weird to rate a memoir, like rating their life experience, but i mean moreso in reading experience.
blunt, dry humor offsetting the physical emotional mental abuse that jennette lived through. her writing is honest, easy to read, descriptive, gets you involved. i listened to the audiobook, which makes each anecdotes much more intimate hearing it from her. you can hear the emotion behind her voice in certain parts of the book, it weighs heavy on my heart. the audiobook made it easier to finish the book, im not sure i could’ve finished reading it. her raw honesty and thoughts throughout the book feels very vulnerable. she tells you when she’s irritated, jealous, bitter, characteristics most people wouldn’t want to admit but what makes the book that much more compelling. it feels like a tender bruise.
im still not sure how to describe how i feel about the book. i enjoyed the listening experience and the writing, which feels wrong knowing the content is so heavy.
i think what saddens me is that i dont find any of it surprising. i wish i did but i can see why she was forced into the role of actor and family breadwinner and eating disorder patient, with a narcissistic mother and the toxicity of the child acting industry. i dont find it surprising but it breaks my heart picturing a little jennette no bigger than 6 years old being robbed of her childhood. i feel like the only good person in her life was her grandpa and i wish he had the strength in him to help her.
a book with countless trigger warnings so be careful. the worst part for me was thebulimia. that was an especially hard piece of the book to get through.
otherwise, i enjoyed the audiobook, her honesty, her bluntness, her dry humor, her vulnerability, her strength, her voice speaking for herself and only herself.
blunt, dry humor offsetting the physical emotional mental abuse that jennette lived through. her writing is honest, easy to read, descriptive, gets you involved. i listened to the audiobook, which makes each anecdotes much more intimate hearing it from her. you can hear the emotion behind her voice in certain parts of the book, it weighs heavy on my heart. the audiobook made it easier to finish the book, im not sure i could’ve finished reading it. her raw honesty and thoughts throughout the book feels very vulnerable. she tells you when she’s irritated, jealous, bitter, characteristics most people wouldn’t want to admit but what makes the book that much more compelling. it feels like a tender bruise.
im still not sure how to describe how i feel about the book. i enjoyed the listening experience and the writing, which feels wrong knowing the content is so heavy.
i think what saddens me is that i dont find any of it surprising. i wish i did but i can see why she was forced into the role of actor and family breadwinner and eating disorder patient, with a narcissistic mother and the toxicity of the child acting industry. i dont find it surprising but it breaks my heart picturing a little jennette no bigger than 6 years old being robbed of her childhood. i feel like the only good person in her life was her grandpa and i wish he had the strength in him to help her.
a book with countless trigger warnings so be careful. the worst part for me was the
otherwise, i enjoyed the audiobook, her honesty, her bluntness, her dry humor, her vulnerability, her strength, her voice speaking for herself and only herself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
an intimate look into each of the women’s lives ranging in their 20s, living in seoul. the way it was written with perspective changes shows their raw and honest thoughts about their individual struggles and responses to their environment. things you wouldnt want to say out loud. it makes the characters more whole, neither good nor bad, a product of their upbringing. heavy themes of friendship, family, in laws, women in society.
at first i felt like the pace and setting the author set made it so that the girls were only suffering and not able to enjoy anything in life and it made me sad to get into the book. maybe halfway when the plot seems to progress a little more, the characters become more active and living.
the connections between all the girls is what makes the book. i love how intertwined they are. they judge each other, they love each other, they get annoyed, they care, they go through life together. not the best of friends, but clearly helped by each other’s company. not family, but all they have for some of them. people who are important to them and people they can be honest with.
i only wish i didnt have to wait half way into the book to see that and there are some parts of their past that are never fully explained. but i understand it’s hard to develop individual characters AND their relationship with one another. once all the characters and their backgrounds are in place, it is well worth it to get to know them.
the ending of the book is what makes it for me. this gradual warmth and hope, like spring air has blown in. it could have ended in any way but this warm ending is what makes me feel that their connection is so full of love and care. life isnt going to suddenly be better but i hope they stay together and work through life together. sending hugs to the girls.
at first i felt like the pace and setting the author set made it so that the girls were only suffering and not able to enjoy anything in life and it made me sad to get into the book. maybe halfway when the plot seems to progress a little more, the characters become more active and living.
the connections between all the girls is what makes the book. i love how intertwined they are. they judge each other, they love each other, they get annoyed, they care, they go through life together. not the best of friends, but clearly helped by each other’s company. not family, but all they have for some of them. people who are important to them and people they can be honest with.
i only wish i didnt have to wait half way into the book to see that and there are some parts of their past that are never fully explained. but i understand it’s hard to develop individual characters AND their relationship with one another. once all the characters and their backgrounds are in place, it is well worth it to get to know them.
the ending of the book is what makes it for me. this gradual warmth and hope, like spring air has blown in. it could have ended in any way but this warm ending is what makes me feel that their connection is so full of love and care. life isnt going to suddenly be better but i hope they stay together and work through life together. sending hugs to the girls.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Violence
Moderate: Death, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Sexism, Sexual content, Medical content, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Rape and Suicide
Severance by Ling Ma
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
the writing was beautiful and illustrative. i underlined in every chapter a sentence i needed to read. the back n forth between past and present was seamless, like a rocking chair. (rating especially writing over plot)
my original expectation was simply “zombie novel,” that’s all i had really heard. because of that, i felt the book was slow paced as i was waiting for adventure to happen.
however, once i realized what the book was about, i wept. her identity, her relationships, her family. i didnt expect to cry but her relationship with her mother was everything to me and i want to know more. i want to hear candace’s active voice on who she is, who she is in relation to her mother, and who she will become as a mother. even her tender moments with her father had me in pain.
candace is a passive character stuck on routine but i want nothing more than her to actively participate. if not now, then when.
there were moments where i felt underwhelmed from how passive candace was but i understand this is who she is. i wish she’ll grow more from here, away from our gaze.
my original expectation was simply “zombie novel,” that’s all i had really heard. because of that, i felt the book was slow paced as i was waiting for adventure to happen.
however, once i realized what the book was about, i wept. her identity, her relationships, her family. i didnt expect to cry but her relationship with her mother was everything to me and i want to know more. i want to hear candace’s active voice on who she is, who she is in relation to her mother
candace is a passive character stuck on routine but i want nothing more than her to actively participate. if not now, then when.
there were moments where i felt underwhelmed from how passive candace was but i understand this is who she is. i wish she’ll grow more from here, away from our gaze.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Gore
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Xenophobia