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racheyohh's reviews
100 reviews
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
This book hooked me right away and I quite enjoyed it. It is a lighter mystery but has great family dynamics to add to it. The review on the back described is as Gilmore Girls but with murder, I think it kind of gives Gilmore Girls meets Veronica Mars. I like that the Grandma was the strongest detective of the family.
Reading the acknowledgments I thought it was quite cool that it was based off the author and her mother, except instead of solving mysteries together they were writing one.
Reading the acknowledgments I thought it was quite cool that it was based off the author and her mother, except instead of solving mysteries together they were writing one.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This book started off a bit slow for me but then I got quite into it as it went along. With the title I was expecting a more dramatic incident sooner in their story but it did fit in the end. My friend specifically recommended the audio book to me and I think hearing the accents elevated it.
I obviously really enjoyed her friendship with James (although how did they not have ANY other friends?) and the realistic dynamic of that age. I really liked the Irish perspective and learned a lot about the country at that time, which I think enhanced the experience for me.
Ultimately the plot and their journeys were very interesting. I related to James’s romantic struggles and the pain of Carey 1.0.Rachel did drive me crazy with how she treated Carey the 2nd time around but I’m glad the narrator was self aware about that when telling it in hindsight. Also bothered me how she treated James regarding the affair but again, glad she realized that later.
It was interesting and enjoyable how well both Rachel and James’s characters were developed since their stories were so intertwined. Glad they stayed close. Also I liked therepresentation of authentically bi men with both Fred and her brother. And I’m glad Deenie figured it (mostly) out by the end and that she found happiness
I obviously really enjoyed her friendship with James (although how did they not have ANY other friends?) and the realistic dynamic of that age. I really liked the Irish perspective and learned a lot about the country at that time, which I think enhanced the experience for me.
Ultimately the plot and their journeys were very interesting. I related to James’s romantic struggles and the pain of Carey 1.0.
It was interesting and enjoyable how well both Rachel and James’s characters were developed since their stories were so intertwined. Glad they stayed close. Also I liked the
Green Dot by Madeleine Gray
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Maybe if you’ve only ever had conventional relationships you won’t appreciate this but I think so many people can relate if you’ve ever been drawn to emotionally unavailable men or been in any complicated situation. Some people may view it as black and white but her thoughts on it felt so understandable that I was bookmarking things left and right. I especially felt the section where she’s like “why would I choose the potentiality of nothing if there’s a chance I can have something now” , sometimes we settle for less than we know we deserve because it makes us happy enough at the moment…
The humor was also great and I appreciated the pop culture references that mostly translated across continents. The beginning took a second to build up as I didn’t relate to her career thoughts and lack of ambition, but I still liked her voice from the start.
Her reaction to the baby was wild but it did seem to fit with the character. The ending felt authentic and somewhat cathartic. And I really liked her relationship with her Dad even though she did treat him unfairly at times 😢 and the realistic portrayal of her friends.
The humor was also great and I appreciated the pop culture references that mostly translated across continents. The beginning took a second to build up as I didn’t relate to her career thoughts and lack of ambition, but I still liked her voice from the start.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this! It’s a sweet feel good story about found family, love, diversity, acceptance, and standing up for your beliefs. I thought they hit the message over the head a bit at points but it’s still an important point told in an approachable way. The characters were so lovable and the sarcasm filled writing kept me laughing. It’s magical but they didn’t spend chapters explaining the world and you figured things out as you went, which made it easy to get into right away. Curious to see what the sequel holds!
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The reviews were more accurate than the marketing on the book. Maybe the adaptation is better because the book was really eh. I liked the first twist then they kept building up this big secret and it’s revealed it was really not that dramatic and the timing also didn’t make sense.
I wanted more suspense but it wasn’t really there, though definitely thought provoking at times. An interesting premise for sure.
I wanted more suspense but it wasn’t really there, though definitely thought provoking at times. An interesting premise for sure.
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I did based on the premise and the average star rating, however after finishing I noticed the majority of the written reviews on here said they had trouble getting into it too.
It did pick up more 2/3 through but the first part moved so slowly and I’m not entirely sure why. Though some might think it was a cheesy happy ending I enjoyed it and like to see characters thriving! And I enjoyed the afterword and that this was based on a real thing I didn’t know of - Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky!
I also could not stand how the POV would change between characters in the middle of the chapters and would take me a minute to sort whose perspective we were listening to. Also I feel like Beth was the most underdeveloped character of the librarians but maybe that was just me, or maybe her running out of space so I didn’t really mind that.
It did pick up more 2/3 through but the first part moved so slowly and I’m not entirely sure why. Though some might think it was a cheesy happy ending I enjoyed it and like to see characters thriving! And I enjoyed the afterword and that this was based on a real thing I didn’t know of - Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky!
I also could not stand how the POV would change between characters in the middle of the chapters and would take me a minute to sort whose perspective we were listening to. Also I feel like Beth was the most underdeveloped character of the librarians but maybe that was just me, or maybe her running out of space so I didn’t really mind that.
The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell
I was not prepared for his early death 😭😭😭 but I did appreciate the epilogue and the additional knowledge and penguin encounters.
Some parts were a bit slow (the chapter The Quest for El Dorado dragged for me) but overall it was lovely! The stories of Juan Salvado: his adorable mannerisms, his impressive intelligence, his loving attachment, and the joy he brought into everyone’s lives were so heartwarming 🥰. I did also appreciate the parts about Argentina, the culture and economy at the time. I thought it provided a nice context.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Some parts were a bit slow (the chapter The Quest for El Dorado dragged for me) but overall it was lovely! The stories of Juan Salvado: his adorable mannerisms, his impressive intelligence, his loving attachment, and the joy he brought into everyone’s lives were so heartwarming 🥰. I did also appreciate the parts about Argentina, the culture and economy at the time. I thought it provided a nice context.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
4.75
Wow. I really love historical fiction and I thought this was done very well to shine light on this group of forgotten women. The other two books I’d read by Kristin Hannah alternated character viewpoints and between the present and past but I ended up appreciating this going in chronological order, from one POV and how well we got to understand Frankie because of that.
Being someone who is anti war and military it was quite eye opening to read this story and realize that, while I would very much want to dissuade my loved ones from joining due to all the danger outlined here, one still must respect those who did it anyways. Who sacrificed their lives, health, and/or mental health in the name of others. Heroes, especially the medical personnel purely out there helping people.
I knew it was hard for veterans due to PTSD but this opened my eyes to more reasons as well. For the Vietnam Veterans how it was even worse due to the public views, for the women no one supported, understood, or took them seriously. 💔 I’m glad the book showed a realistic journey with shit hitting the fan multiple times post war. It was very interesting and clever that it focused on the post war more than the war itself.
The men.Jamie was the only true mutual love in this book and I’m so glad it ended as it did. I was hoping but wasn’t sure how many men they could bring back from the dead. They both needed time and to live out their lives first but I believe they’ll be together.
Rye sucked and was sketchy the whole time and I couldn’t believe she was that naive mixing up his lust for love. Also the proposal?! Wtf man.
Henry was a true friend but they were never a romantic match. I’m glad they ended on good terms as well. Also goes to show the age old advise that women like to spout of marrying a guy who loves you more is bullshit. He loved her but it wasn’t enough. She wasn’t happy and never would have been happy. He deserves someone who cared more equally for him and I’m glad he got it.
But most importantly The Women. I loved the strong female friendships displayed in this book and I think that isn’t always shown enough ❤️
Being someone who is anti war and military it was quite eye opening to read this story and realize that, while I would very much want to dissuade my loved ones from joining due to all the danger outlined here, one still must respect those who did it anyways. Who sacrificed their lives, health, and/or mental health in the name of others. Heroes, especially the medical personnel purely out there helping people.
I knew it was hard for veterans due to PTSD but this opened my eyes to more reasons as well. For the Vietnam Veterans how it was even worse due to the public views, for the women no one supported, understood, or took them seriously. 💔 I’m glad the book showed a realistic journey with shit hitting the fan multiple times post war. It was very interesting and clever that it focused on the post war more than the war itself.
The men.
Rye sucked and was sketchy the whole time and I couldn’t believe she was that naive mixing up his lust for love. Also the proposal?! Wtf man.
Henry was a true friend but they were never a romantic match. I’m glad they ended on good terms as well. Also goes to show the age old advise that women like to spout of marrying a guy who loves you more is bullshit. He loved her but it wasn’t enough. She wasn’t happy and never would have been happy. He deserves someone who cared more equally for him and I’m glad he got it.
But most importantly The Women. I loved the strong female friendships displayed in this book and I think that isn’t always shown enough ❤️
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.75
This was such an interesting educational book and was presented in such a human way that kept me captivated. The stories during the famine were so devastating and read like historical fiction during WWII, the fact that this could happen during a non war time and is even more unspeakable.
I learned so much about the government and daily life. I appreciated the updated afterward in my edition about what the last decade has been like and the changes with new leadership. Seems definitely different but just as horrible for the average North Korean Citizen.
I really appreciated getting know some of these true characters, all had such heartbreaking accounts of tragedy and death, but the fact that these people were so unbelievably brave, resourceful, and able to find kindness from others and now have changed their lives was incredible. I can’t imagine dealing with that pain or starting over. Also was interesting to read about the defection process and how the different countries handle it.
I was so happy how well Mrs. Song adjusted and that she was able to have this improved life after all her hardship. Mi-ran and Jun-sang’s story was reminiscent of Past Lives
I learned so much about the government and daily life. I appreciated the updated afterward in my edition about what the last decade has been like and the changes with new leadership. Seems definitely different but just as horrible for the average North Korean Citizen.
I really appreciated getting know some of these true characters, all had such heartbreaking accounts of tragedy and death, but the fact that these people were so unbelievably brave, resourceful, and able to find kindness from others and now have changed their lives was incredible. I can’t imagine dealing with that pain or starting over. Also was interesting to read about the defection process and how the different countries handle it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
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
3.0
I have very mixed opinions of this book. The premise was super interesting and I was quite captivated at the beginning and end. The middle kind of dragged and tried to delve too deeply into so many different directions: prison racial dynamics, Native American spirituality, Mexican spirituality. I get what she was trying to do but sometimes seemed too disjointed.
The fonts changes I don’t think were really necessary and looked kind of cheap. Some of the writing feels very dated and doesn’t feel PC today, I was cringing at some of the writing about the jail (especially the raps) from this white author. The meth stuff seemed very Breaking Bad, though I admit this came out first. Also in her defense, the jail aspects do help to highlight his growing desperation to be acquitted due to the horrible nature of the prison system, but the writing could have been better.
Plot issues:There’s no way her mother could be 47 like she said in trial as then she had her daughter at 15?! And he was almost twice her age? Seems like a mistake.
Also this was a case of long triangle where there didn’t seem like a clear right answer. Eric really put himself through hell for her and she seemed repeatedly ungrateful. Delia was honestly pretty messy and unfair with how she handled it and treated both of them, Idk why they’re both so in love with her .
Also why did her mom give her the spell to help her dad get acquitted while continually helping the prosecution? Did she want him locked up or not? Although I wonder if she didn’t know herself. And do we really believe that if she was SO in love with her husband she had this affair that she cared enough about to still be with 30 years later? Doesn’t add up to me
The fonts changes I don’t think were really necessary and looked kind of cheap. Some of the writing feels very dated and doesn’t feel PC today, I was cringing at some of the writing about the jail (especially the raps) from this white author. The meth stuff seemed very Breaking Bad, though I admit this came out first. Also in her defense, the jail aspects do help to highlight his growing desperation to be acquitted due to the horrible nature of the prison system, but the writing could have been better.
Plot issues:
Also this was a case of long triangle where there didn’t seem like a clear right answer. Eric really put himself through hell for her and she seemed repeatedly ungrateful. Delia was honestly pretty messy and unfair with how she handled it and treated both of them, Idk why they’re both so in love with her .
Also why did her mom give her the spell to help her dad get acquitted while continually helping the prosecution? Did she want him locked up or not? Although I wonder if she didn’t know herself. And do we really believe that if she was SO in love with her husband she had this affair that she cared enough about to still be with 30 years later? Doesn’t add up to me