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staceen's reviews
99 reviews
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
In a sliding doors scenario, a woman’s life splits off into two timelines. I really liked it. I especially liked the fact that none of the characters were evil or bad (except one) Mark
Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton
informative
fast-paced
3.0
I am not a particular fan of Paris’s, but I loved The Simple Life, and who doesn’t love Stars Are Blind? I really picked this up because I’m interested in her experience with the “troubled teen industry.” Those chapters didn’t disappoint. I just wish she didn’t feel that she has to prove everyone wrong about her, like that she’s smart and good at business. Overall still good and interesting though. Audiobook could have used an edit.
Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Didn't realize this was number 3 in the series. I hate reading series books out of order, even when they can stand alone. I didn't like it well enough to start from #1.
Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
In my experience celebrity memoirs go one of two ways: packed with juicy details, name-dropping, and behind-the-scenes stories or an attempt to prove that the author is more than what they seem and they have depth. I initially thought this was going to be the latter, but ended up being a nice mix of both, dreamy and thoughtful, the author kind of puts the reader in a hazy trance. I would have loved a bit more name-dropping, but Pam really is too evolved for that. I recommend the audiobook.
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
You’ve Got Mail for the kids!! Super cute! I like how Emma Lord’s books are about confident, smart teens in the city. It adds a layer of depth that elevates them beyond your average YA. Pepper and Jack are classmates who are talking anonymously on an app Jack made for their high school. They also don’t know they’re Twitter rivals, pawns in their family businesses’ feud. Really fun.
Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A Bachelor-esque reality show with a pseudo-celebrity and all his exes where one contestant goes to seek revenge but finds love with another contestant along the way. Cute enough. I would have preferred this as an adult romance but the premise was fun.
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A girl grows up in the last days of Florida before climate change forever changes life as we know it. Really nicely written with well developed characters, it just didn’t feel altogether whole for me. I wish more came of Wanda’s light. I think I wanted more from the plot in general. The setting and the characters were enough for 4 stars for me anyway.
If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ok this took me a long time to read, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up on it. The short stories weave together around a Jamaican family who has immigrated to Miami and how life isn’t what they expected. Excellent writing, a bit sad, well worth your time.
They're Going to Love You by Meg Howrey
emotional
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A beautiful, emotional, and sad book about family, love, and things left unsaid. Ballet, New York City, gay men in the AIDS crisis, fathers and daughters. So rich, so much depth. I cried.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Barbara Kingsolver’s writing is superb as usual. She really gets in the head of this character and makes the reader care deeply for him. Have I read David Copperfield? Maybe? I don’t remember it. Was this book so bleak at times I couldn’t pick it up? Absolutely. Was it a skosh too long? In my opinion. I didn’t care about Demon’s high school jock sexual exploits. Otherwise nearly flawless for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use