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rpweber15's reviews
260 reviews
The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
4.0
You should go into this book knowing nothing beyond the basic description on the dust jacket because wowee, it's a bit of a ride and it's good if you don't know what's coming. I loved Mars, the gender-fluid MC, and really appreciated the depth with which the author wrote him. The body horror is definitely intense. I don't want to say anything else about the characters or the plot, but I will say the book is beautifully written. This book doesn't quite make it to 5 stars for me, only because ~90% of the book is a slow burn (a very enjoyable one) and then everything is kind of crammed in at the end. I'll definitely be checking out this author's other books!
Fugitives and Refugees: A Walk in Portland, Oregon by Chuck Palahniuk
3.0
I moved to PDX in April 2021; I’d only visited the city once, probably around 2005, and it was only for a rainy afternoon. The book gave some insight into just how weird the city was during a time that is practically a lifetime ago. It’s outdated and most things mentioned in the book have closed. Even the language is outdated and at times, unacceptable. But there were a few gems that made me really wonder what my new home was like 25-30 years ago. I’m not sure the book did the city any service since it focused, somewhat repetitively on the seedier side of life. But I’m still glad I read it…and now I can return to really getting to know the real Portland as it exists now.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
4.5
I loved this book, despite not being a video game person at all. The writing is exceptional and the characters are very real…which is to say, flawed. At times, Sam and Sadie both fell a little flat and repetitive, and were somewhat 2D, which is why this isn’t quite a 5 ⭐️ read. The best characters are Sam’s grandfather and Marx. I’d read entire novels centered around those two.
Hide by Kiersten White
2.0
This book could have been good, great even. But yikes, it was not. Too many POV. Too many poorly developed characters who were mostly caricatures. A backstory that really doesn’t make sense. A monster that isn’t really terrifying. Humans that suck. The last part of the book feels like a completely different book. The setting and the idea behind the story get the two stars. I’m so disappointed by this book.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! It was kind of fun to transport myself into Old Hollywood, despite most characters being somewhat unlikeable. I’ll definitely read the author’s other books!
Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
4.25
The problem with novellas is they leave you wanting more. A novella about a bunch of queer, anti-fascist librarians is perfect for this month of Pride!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
4.25
Perhaps a bit predictable and far from unique, but a really enjoyable and charming book. I spent the whole time rooting for all the island inhabitants and Linus; the kids, in particular, are so endearing and loveable. The book was a little stiff and slow to start, but once it picked up steam, there was incredible momentum. This would make for a really cool movie!
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
5.0
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read it again someday!