safsaf118's reviews
264 reviews

Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

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challenging dark tense 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

I was so invested in this story and just on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was so interesting to see the story through the perspective of someone who is a little bit lost on what's actually happening, and then try to piece together from between the lines. This is such a genuinely gripping read, and I recommend it so often. 
A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson

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mysterious sad tense 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

4.0

A really good take on telling a family tragedy through the eyes of a younger sibling. It's such a heart-warming story and I really loved how the small-town attitude was reflected in the changing narratives. Despite the pretty tense backdrop, it's actually really sweet. 
Vicious by V.E. Schwab

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challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Wow, this is pretty much exactly what I thought it would be but was also somehow so much better than I could have anticipated. You can feel the sheer resentment through the pages and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I'm a little bit stressed about reading the next book and the conflicts that will likely arrive I think I'll leave it for now.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller

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dark hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I genuinely was so blown away by this book - there was so much about the Brock Turner case that I didn’t know about, and to hear it from Chanel firsthand was super powerful. The anger and frustration that I felt is hard to describe. But it was also so inspiring to read about all the people who supported her along the way — starting with the Swedes who stepped in. Everybody should read this. 
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Finally we have some more Helene up in here. Elias and Laia are being idiots as per usual, but plot wise I really liked this and was on the edge of my seat a couple of times. I’ll eventually get around to the third one!! 
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

4.0

It’s super interesting to get a look behind the world of Nickelodeon and child fame but the main focus of the book is really on the relationship between Jeanette and her mom. It was a really interesting read — but also super sad at times. You can feel the desperation and the pressure, but it’s also funny and sweet. 
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

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dark sad tense 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? Yes

1.0

Hated every second of it. Just too depressing and graphic and weird. The bullying they experience is traumatizing and it just got tiring hearing about it over and over. 
French Milk by Lucy Knisley

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funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced

3.5

Part travel diary, part sketchbook. It was mostly just a recounting of her and her mom’s time in Paris and her occasional emotional meltdowns. Enjoyed it because I was basically living vicariously through her. My coworker lent me this book and told me her other works are stronger, but I wanted to start at the beginning . 
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

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hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

Okay, clearly there is something wrong with me because this is the second Joan Didion book that I read and it failed to move me like I thought it would. People have genuinely talked about how this book changed their life so I had high expectations. Don't get me wrong, her writing is obviously super strong and she details her terrible year while also reflecting on her past memories in a really powerful way. But it wasn't quite what I was expecting, I guess? 
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue

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dark hopeful tense 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

I could feel the world closing in on me as I read it. Tense and grim but Bridie was a breath of fresh air.