riahsade's reviews
162 reviews

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It was sweet. It was supernatural, which I wasn't expecting. I was fully thinking Ricki was talking to a ghost until I remembered he said he was the fifth or sixth, but then it turned out it was the same man. I liked that it connected the world of Eva Mercy from Seven Days in June. That was a nice check in. I liked the mystery of romance, more than their romance itself. I wish the historical side, Ezra's story, was more involved than it was. 1928 Ezra had like four chapters, and it would have been nice to experience him living in the other decades versus having 2024 Ezra talk about it to Ricki in a few paragraphs. I saw Mrs. Della's sacrifice coming when she told Ricki Felice was her mom, and Ricki told her Ezra's story. It was a very Madame Zeroni from Holes moment.

Overall, I enjoyed the book! It was a lovely read.

James by Percival Everett

Go to review page

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No

2.5

It was okay, and I liked it enough. The one line I liked the most was "maybe you won't be a slave but you won't be free." Now that was powerful, and spoke to me on a personal level.

I don't think James was for me, but I definitely plan on reading some of Percival Everett's other books.

Single Player by Tara Tai

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense slow-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

4.0

I enjoyed this! It made me reflect on my own upbringing. Because if my childhood had gone a hair differently, as it wouldn't have taken much, or even if a little more attention was taken, I'd have a lot more in common with Demon. Beautiful and heartbreaking story, but one that's worth reading. Highly recommend!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I think I read this at the best time in my life, and for that I am thankful.

Content Warnings

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A lovely five stars. This was a community story through and through. Heartwarming is all I can think of right now.

There was one side character that I thought would have a bigger part towards the end. Maybe he is in some way a representation of the "silent bigoted American". I don't know, that could be a reach...but I'm keeping it at a 5/5. Great read! I'd recommend it highly!

Content Warnings