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sahanac's reviews
257 reviews
The Glutton by A.K. Blakemore
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
grotesque and spellbinding by turns — the descriptions of food were always disgusting, dripping with vivid twisted description, while wounds in the book were always beautifully descriptive things: a bullet through the face was flower petals opening, war wounds were opera curtains, a stomach dissection was a painted fan opening. i loved the absolute array of colors painted on each page with words. sometimes the back and forth of past and present confused me but the story was immersive enough for that not to detract from my reading
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
simple, poignant, perfect. atmospheric and compelling with a narrative that brings you along before you are even aware. lovely prose and the audiobook was perfectly voiced. a wonderful, thought provoking read.
Nicked by M.T. Anderson
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
again, merry christmas and let the spirit of good ole saint nick flow thru ya etc etc. i was excited for this one, but the writing style never quite managed to draw me in fully. it's both archaic and modern and that can be interesting, but it only really served as a stumbling block for me. i liked all the characters and their backstories as they were revealed, but again the way that things were presented didn't hook me until the very last page, at which point — i had already finished. and the love story came out of nowhere, with no build up. it's an interesting story based on a true story and the last lines make it all worth it, but still a solid 3.
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
i always enjoy my rereads and this time was no exception — perfectly timed with the wicked movie! its a wild wild world, and maguire does a good job expanding the sandbox, even if there are some...stranger beats.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
i was nervous starting this one for book club, because the book was long and there was so much lore being dumped at the very beginning. very quickly, though, i was immersed in the world, the lore, and the language of magic being spoken about here. i was a quick fan of the wit and measure of vis, and found him a compelling and likable main character, especially through his trials of training and his time at school. i've never seen a school system set up this way, but it was a cool concept and obviously fit perfectly with the magic system suggested in the story too. this book has been compared to harry potter in terms of a young boy being the chosen one, taken away from an abusive situation by a mysterious figure, and landing in a school where he's famous, and not necessarily for a good thing. unlike harry potter though, vis doesn't come with magic built into him; he actually hates the magic system here. it's a cool difference, and noticeable. interested to see what happens next in this series for sure!!
Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas by Jennifer Raff
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.5
well explained and definitely focused on being respectful to and about indigenous histories. i appreciated the author, a self-described "anthropological geneticist", using so much cultural and biological anthro theory thru this in a way that is accessible without being alienating for non science and non anthro folks. there were moments that were repetitive but overall the prevalent theme of respect for present day peoples in relation to the ancient people who were subjects of study was a delicate balance and achieved well.
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
i read this during election week, so that colored my view. im not in a place to analyze or think deeply about pacing or whether or not i feel the character development was felt or whatever.
what i do think is that this story holds up a mirror to the treatment of native american and indigenous peoples in this country. the neglect of indigenous communities financially, in terms of justice (tho our justice system is a whole other beast), and in terms of protecting, respecting, and caring for native communities, especially native women. this book shows us, through the use of drug addiction, so many major issues, but so much beauty in community and strength in community. i was especially emotional in regards to the relationships Daunis built with the Elders, and when i read the following quote: "I'm reminded that our Elders are our greatest resource, embodying our culture and community. Their stories connect us to our language, medicines, land, clans, songs, and traditions. They are a bridge between the Before and the Now, guiding those of us who will carry on in the Future."
this country has not learned from its past, but it is our responsibility to listen to and learn from our elders, who were on the forefront of fights for civil liberties and who made their lives, survived, and thrived through periods of significant and nigh-insurmountable oppression. the systems in this country fail us, but our communities are what sustain us.
what i do think is that this story holds up a mirror to the treatment of native american and indigenous peoples in this country. the neglect of indigenous communities financially, in terms of justice (tho our justice system is a whole other beast), and in terms of protecting, respecting, and caring for native communities, especially native women. this book shows us, through the use of drug addiction, so many major issues, but so much beauty in community and strength in community. i was especially emotional in regards to the relationships Daunis built with the Elders, and when i read the following quote: "I'm reminded that our Elders are our greatest resource, embodying our culture and community. Their stories connect us to our language, medicines, land, clans, songs, and traditions. They are a bridge between the Before and the Now, guiding those of us who will carry on in the Future."
this country has not learned from its past, but it is our responsibility to listen to and learn from our elders, who were on the forefront of fights for civil liberties and who made their lives, survived, and thrived through periods of significant and nigh-insurmountable oppression. the systems in this country fail us, but our communities are what sustain us.
The Warriors by Sol Yurick
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
i can completely see how this book became the movie that it did. it's absolutely cinematic in scope, partially thru it's close following of the greek trope and it's matching of pacing to the source work, anabasis. i also really appreciated the way yurick did not shy from violence, while also highlighting just how young these "men" in the book were — between 14-16, most of them. it made the whole thing a bizarre breadth of cognitive dissonance: abhorent acts of violence (particularly against women) coupled with true childhood. it's a really good read actually and thank u to lin manuel miranda for indirectly pointing me to it!
The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
5.0
this should be on required reading lists before people can discuss the war in palestine. not necessarily because i think everyone should take everything in here at face value, but rather because we have so much of the opposite perspective drilled into us through american mainstream culture. it's a necessary book and crucial perspective to have before having any comment on the past one hundred years of war.
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
it dragged for me, and i didnt find the magic/tech of the world to be explained in a way that stuck for me. cool concept, didn't love the execution