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seleni_mama's reviews
55 reviews
Rainbow Black by Maggie Thrash
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The first two sections of this novel were addictive, fast-paced, and intriguing. Thrash’s narrative was witty and propulsive, and I figured the entire book would be a rollercoaster.
Unfortunately, the last third was unlike the first two, in that it was slower and it meandered. Many scenes felt unnecessary and ultimately the book dragged. I almost loved this book. I’ll read Maggie Thrash’s next work for sure.
Unfortunately, the last third was unlike the first two, in that it was slower and it meandered. Many scenes felt unnecessary and ultimately the book dragged. I almost loved this book. I’ll read Maggie Thrash’s next work for sure.
Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection by Junji Ito
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
2.75
I’m a HUGE Junji Ito fan, but this collection was far from his best. My favorite stories were “Bronze Statue,” “Floaters,” and “The Bloody Story of Shirosuna.”
Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Wow! Certain Dark Things is now one of my favorite Silvia Moreno-Garcia novels, only second to Velvet Was the Night. The dialogue and atmosphere in Certain Dark Things were truly superb. I hope this gets made into a TV show or film.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
The Weird Sister Collection by Marisa Crawford
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Although I didn’t fall in love with this anthology, I found it quite informative and fun. The essays that most resonated with me were 1) “A Witch’s Reading Report” by Grace Kredell 2) Sister Souljah’s The Coldest Winter Ever: A Coming of Age Tale and Hip-Hop Opera by Vanessa Willoughby 3) On Being Unreasonable by Jennif(f)er Tamayo 4) Yi-Fen Chou and the Man Who Wore Her by Soleil Ho 5)All the Cathy de la Cruz pieces and 6) My Guns N’ Roses Death Wish by Neelanjana Banerjee.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
I love S.A. Cosby’s writing and this might be my favorite novel of his, though I really enjoyed All the Sinners Bleed. My only quibble about this novel is that the women characters could have been stronger or more developed. Otherwise, it was a very satisfying story.
Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell
informative
medium-paced
4.0