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sunsidecoast's reviews
550 reviews

The Longest Whale Song by Jacqueline Wilson

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adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Vicky Angel by Jacqueline Wilson

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad tense 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? Yes

4.0

Lily Alone by Jacqueline Wilson

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adventurous emotional sad tense 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

4.0

I was absolutely speechless reading this story. An 11-year-old child had to take care of her younger siblings for a whole week while their mother went on a trip with her boyfriend? Whatever the reason, the mother was completely selfish and irresponsible.  I was truly in awe of Lilly, so young, yet doing her best to take care of her little brother and sisters. Even though things got messy, I know I wouldn’t have been able to do any better. She was incredible. I felt so many emotions: sadness, heartbreak, frustration. I just wanted to cry and scream, Lily, just let it all out! Your mother is unbelievably cruel! But in the end, Lily was just overjoyed to see her mother return, and honestly… my heart couldn’t take it.
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

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

4.75

I found it challenging to give the book a perfect rating due to my mixed feelings.  It's truly the most amazing book I've read this month, although certain parts were slightly bothersome. (This aspect makes it difficult for me to fully embrace Murakami's works, a sentiment I believe many share.)  The interconnectedness of the plot and my subsequent research into its meaning were incredibly captivating.  Murakami's storytelling is undoubtedly mesmerizing.
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

If you are new to Murakami, this book is the right choice to understand the many layers of his works. 
After Dark by Haruki Murakami

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dark emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 This book gently draws you into the quiet, early hours of the city, creating a tranquil yet unsettling atmosphere. Beneath its calm surface, it delves into profound themes sisterhood, family expectations, and fractured relationships woven with subtlety but deep resonance. I anticipated a comforting read, yet I found myself increasingly uneasy, gripped by a lingering sense of paranoia. The writing is captivating, pulling you in and leaving you with more questions than answers. Even after finishing, I can’t stop wondering about the fate of its characters.
Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche by Haruki Murakami

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

4.5

The Worry Website by Jacqueline Wilson

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.5

Kalau kayak ginian ada di Indonesia kayaknya bakalan jadi bahan julid doang. But actually it was a good idea if it happened in the right environment though 🥹🫶
Dustbin Baby by Jacqueline Wilson

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.5

I never expected a children's book to turn out this dark. God, I can't imagine how awful and terrifying April's life must have been in reality. To discover the truth about her life—and see how she accepted it in the book—is unimaginable. She must have been so strong. If I ever had the chance to meet April, I would hug her tightly and tell her, "You truly deserve the world." :") ♡
Best Friends by Jacqueline Wilson

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I’ve had a good cry many times while reading this children’s book—it’s so emotional! But sometimes, I just want to scream out of frustration with Gem’s attitude. She’s definitely the kind of young girl that would drive every mom crazy—HAHAHA!