shealwaysreads's reviews
842 reviews

Okay, let’s talk about More Than Just A Pretty Face! This book totally caught my attention and kept me glued to the pages. It’s a refreshing YA novel that dives into the life of Danyal, a charming high school student who’s juggling the pressures of expectations, identity, and the quest for true love. Honestly, it’s not every day you come across a YA novel told from a young male’s perspective, especially one that’s written by a male author. So, kudos to Syed M. Masood for breaking that mold! 🙌

Danyal is not just your average “pretty face.” He’s got dreams, insecurities, and the relatable struggle of trying to figure out who he really is beyond the surface. The way Masood captures the teenage experience—especially the cultural nuances and the pressures of family expectations—feels genuine and heartfelt. It’s clear that he’s poured his heart into portraying Danyal as a multi-dimensional character, and I absolutely loved that! 💖

The humor in this novel is spot on! I found myself chuckling at Danyal’s witty observations and his interactions with his friends and family. Plus, the romance is super sweet and realistic, which is always a win in my book. The side characters are also wonderfully fleshed out, adding depth and richness to the story without overshadowing our main guy. 

Overall, More Than Just A Pretty Face is a delightful read that tackles important themes like self-acceptance, cultural identity, and the importance of friendship, all while keeping it light and fun. It's one of those books that makes you smile and think at the same time. If you’re looking for a YA novel that’s a bit different from the norm, definitely give this one a try!

Hey book lovers! 📚 Let’s chat about Neal Shusterman’s latest novel, All Better Now, hitting shelves on February 4th, 2025. This one’s a wild ride through a world transformed by a virus that, get this, cures depression and anxiety. Sounds like a dream, right? But, as you’d expect, things aren’t that simple. 😅

The story follows three teens:
• Mariel Mudroch: Living in a car with her mom, she discovers she’s immune to the virus.
• Rón Escobedo: A wealthy guy battling depression who becomes an “alpha-spreader” after recovery.
• Morgan Willmon-Wu: An ambitious teen tasked with eradicating the virus after inheriting a fortune.

Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, diving deep into the societal impacts of this so-called “cure.”  

Now, let’s get real. I felt the book was a bit on the lengthy side and had moments where the pacing dragged. I did enjoyed certain characters but didn’t form strong attachments to them.  

On the flip side, I did appreciated the thought-provoking themes. The novel delves into questions like: Is unending happiness truly a gift? Does humanity need its darker emotions to maintain balance? It’s a narrative that gets your brain gears turning.  

Happy reading! 📖✨

Okay, let’s be real. The cover, title, and synopsis of All These Bodies pulled me in HARD. The eerie, blood-soaked vibe? Chef’s kiss. I thought I was in for a hauntingly unforgettable story. And while it did have its moments, it didn’t exactly live up to the hype.

First off, Kendare Blake loves giving every single character a first and last name…and repeating them. A lot. Like, I get it—names are important—but it started to feel unnatural. At times, it distracted from the flow of the story.

On the positive side, the mystery of the gruesome murders was gripping enough to keep me turning the pages. I had to know what was going on. But then we get to the ending, and…let’s just say it left me feeling empty. It’s one of those endings that makes you double-check the last page to see if you’re missing something. It wasn’t just ambiguous; it was frustrating. I wanted more resolution, more answers.

Still, I will give credit where it’s due—the atmospheric writing was top-notch, and the moral gray areas in the story kept me thinking long after I closed the book. It just didn’t quite stick the landing for me.

If you’re into slow-burn mysteries with a touch of true crime and don’t mind a less-than-satisfying conclusion, give this a go. But if you need closure in your stories? Maybe skip this one.

This book is like a warm hug on a chilly day, mixed with a sprinkle of existential crisis and a dash of magic. Seriously, if you haven’t picked it up yet, you need to add it to your reading list ASAP! 📚✨

The story revolves around Nora Seed, who finds herself in this incredible library between life and death. Each book on the shelves represents a different life she could have lived if she had made different choices. How cool (and kind of mind-blowing) is that? It’s not just a journey through alternate realities; it’s a deep dive into the beauty of life, the importance of our choices, and the struggle to find meaning in it all. It really got me thinking about my own life and the paths we take. 🌌

Haig’s writing is so relatable and poignant, making you feel like you’re sitting down with an old friend. His exploration of regret, hope, and the infinite possibilities of existence was just beautifully done. I found myself laughing, crying, and reflecting on my own “what ifs.” Plus, the characters are so well-developed that you can’t help but root for Nora as she navigates through her options. 

If you’re into stories that make you ponder life’s big questions while also delivering a dose of heartwarming moments, then The Midnight Library is definitely worth your time. It’s a reminder that every choice matters, and sometimes, the best life is simply the one you’re living. 🌈❤️

Hey book lovers! So, I just finished The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory, and I’ve got to say, it was quite the ride! Set in the tumultuous world of the Wars of the Roses, this historical fiction gem gives us a peek into the life of Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII. Gregory does a fantastic job of bringing this fierce and ambitious woman to life, and I found myself rooting for her, despite her often ruthless tactics.

What I really appreciated about this novel is how Gregory weaves historical detail into the narrative without it feeling overwhelming. You get a sense of the political intrigue and personal struggles of the time, and it’s all seen through Margaret’s eyes, which makes it feel personal and impactful. The writing flows beautifully, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. 🌙

Margaret is a complex character—she’s driven, sometimes to the point of obsession, and her determination to see her son on the throne creates a fascinating tension throughout the book. Gregory doesn’t shy away from showing her flaws, which makes her all the more relatable. Plus, the supporting characters are well-developed and add depth to the story, making the historical backdrop come alive.

That said, there were moments where I felt the plot dragged just a bit, especially during some of the political machinations. A little more action would have been nice, but overall, it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. If you’re a fan of strong female leads and rich historical settings, this book is definitely worth checking out! 

Overall, I’d give The Red Queen a solid 3.5 to 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ If you love a good historical drama with a touch of ambition and heart, you’ll want to add this one to your reading list.

Hey there, fellow readers! 🌟 So I just finished “Go Ask Alice,” and I thought I’d share my thoughts. This book is often touted as a harrowing dive into the life of a teen battling drug addiction, presented as a diary. At first, the raw emotions and experiences felt super relatable, and I could see why it’s become such a staple in discussions about substance abuse. The writing is straightforward, giving it an authentic feel, which makes the story hit home.

However, I gotta admit, I was a bit bummed to discover that it’s not actually a true diary. I went into it thinking I was reading someone’s real-life struggles, only to find out it’s a fictional story crafted to deliver a message. It definitely impacted my overall enjoyment of the book. I mean, it’s a powerful narrative for sure, but knowing it was fictional from the start might have altered my expectations and connection to the character.

The themes are heavy and can be pretty intense, and while that’s important, I felt like it sometimes leaned too much into being a cautionary tale rather than fully exploring the complexities of the main character’s life. Overall, it’s an impactful read that leaves you thinking, but it didn’t completely resonate with me as I’d hoped. So, I’d give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐

If you’re looking for a book that dives into the darker side of adolescence and addiction, this might be worth checking out. Just keep in mind the context behind its creation! 📖✨

Hey there, fellow bookworms! 📚✨ What a way to start the year, two five stars reads back to back 😌. I finished reading  In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez late last night, and let me tell you, I can already tell this novel will sticks with me long after I’ve put it down. Set in the Dominican Republic during the time of Trujillo’s dictatorship, this story revolves around the lives of the Mirabal sisters—four incredible women who become symbols of resistance and courage. 🌺✊

Alvarez does a brilliant job of weaving together the personal and the political, giving us a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the sisters. Each sister has her own unique personality and perspective, which makes their bond feel so real and relatable. You can’t help but root for them as they navigate love, loss, and the fight for freedom. The themes of sisterhood and bravery in the face of oppression are beautifully portrayed, and there are moments that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the power of standing up for what you believe in. 💖✌️

One thing I particularly loved was how Alvarez uses the metaphor of butterflies throughout the novel. It’s such a poignant symbol of transformation and resilience, and it makes the story even more impactful. The writing is lyrical and evocative, transporting you straight to the heart of the Dominican Republic. 

If you’re looking for a read that’s both heart-wrenching and inspiring, In the Time of the Butterflies is a must-add to your TBR 

Hey, book lovers! 📚✨ I finished reading The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and wow, what a ride! Set in the breathtaking yet unforgiving wilderness of Alaska during the 1970s, this novel is a powerful exploration of love, survival, and the impact of trauma. The way Hannah captures the raw beauty of the Alaskan landscape is just stunning—seriously, it’s like you can feel the chill in the air and hear the crunch of snow underfoot! ❄️🏔️

The characters are incredibly well-developed, especially the protagonist, Leni. You can’t help but root for her as she navigates the complexities of family life and the challenges of growing up in such a harsh environment. Her relationship with her parents, especially her father, is a rollercoaster of emotions. Hannah does an amazing job of portraying the struggle between love and fear, and it’s heartbreaking yet beautiful. 💔

What really blew me away was how Hannah weaves in themes of resilience and hope amidst despair. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel everything—joy, sadness, and everything in between—this is it! 

And can we talk about the ending? No spoilers, but let’s just say you’ll need some tissues handy! 😭

So if you’re in the mood for a heartfelt and gripping read, grab a cozy blanket and dive into The Great Alone. You won’t regret it!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Hey book lovers! I just finished Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, and wow, what a ride! This book is like stepping into a mesmerizing world filled with beauty, intrigue, and the heart-wrenching journey of Chiyo, who transforms into the enchanting Sayuri. 

Golden's writing is so vivid that I felt like I was wandering the cobblestone streets of Kyoto alongside Sayuri, soaking in the sights and sounds of her life as a geisha. The way he captures the delicate balance of tradition and personal ambition is just stunning. You can’t help but root for her as she navigates the complexities of love, rivalry, and her own identity. 

One of the things I loved most was how the novel delves into the art of being a geisha—not just the glamour but the sacrifices and struggles that come with it. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much work goes into crafting a persona and the stories that lie behind the painted faces. 

If you haven’t read this yet, you’re missing out on a rich tapestry of culture, emotion, and unforgettable characters. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the first page! 

Hey everyone! So, I just wrapped up Reset by Sarina Dahlan, and I’ve got to say, it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. I’m giving it a solid 2 stars. ⭐⭐

So here’s the deal—Reset has a really interesting premise, diving into themes of technology and personal identity. It’s all about this world where people can literally “reset” their lives and make different choices. Sounds cool, right? But honestly, I found the execution to be a bit lacking. The plot felt a bit all over the place, and I struggled to connect with the characters. They came off as pretty one-dimensional, which made it hard for me to really care about their journeys.

I wanted to be more invested in the story, especially with such a unique concept, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. There were moments that showed promise, but they often got lost in what felt like random twists that didn’t fully resonate or make sense.

If you’re into speculative fiction, you might still give it a shot, but I’d recommend approaching it with lower expectations. 

What about you? Have you read Reset? What did you think of the whole idea of resetting life choices? Let’s chat about it in the comments!