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teeclecticreads's reviews
277 reviews
One of a Kind by Jane Lovering
“'It's rubbish, by the way. And I have ADHD. I thought you knew.'
'I thought that was for kids, I said, feeling my brain expanding with the possibilities.“ like…
Saying “ I really did not want to have to come face to face with someone who might start swinging at us with any work equipment he had to hand.” about someone implied to have Bipolar Disorder is just nasty.
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I’m very disappointed in the way this story played out. The plot line felt very underdeveloped and got more confusing as the chapters went on. I hated the portrayal of Cress as a love-sick FMC left to the whim of Ivo.
I also was so offended by the portrayal of disability in the novel. Thinking that ADHD is just for children or the person is on drugs, and assuming that someone with mental health disorders is violent was not only hurtful to the disabled community, but also upsetting in its ignorance. I think for the future the author needs to be mindful of the way that they tell disabled stories.
I also was so offended by the portrayal of disability in the novel. Thinking that ADHD is just for children or the person is on drugs, and assuming that someone with mental health disorders is violent was not only hurtful to the disabled community, but also upsetting in its ignorance. I think for the future the author needs to be mindful of the way that they tell disabled stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Kidnapping, and Abandonment
Moderate: Murder
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
funny
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
3.0
I really liked that this was a story about diverse relationships because we don’t often see that in novels. The characters were all unique individuals that found harmony with each other and also provided humour along the way. However, where this fell short for me was the fact that Mel kept using her insecurity and lack of knowledge to get in the way of her agreement. It didn’t make sense to me that she kept asking questions that seemed unnecessary to me since everything was outlined and agreed upon by all three of them. I found myself wanting Mel to act more confident and assured in her decision, instead of constantly seeing herself as encroaching on Bebe and Kade’s relationship.
Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
funny
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
5.0
This was such a funny, sweet, well-executed book. I knew from the first couple of pages that I would love it. Jolene was an unlikeable FMC but I really enjoyed that and found myself being so amused by her personality and actions.
Cliff being the sunshine to her grumpy was also enjoyable to read. Their relationship had good pacing from beginning to end. It felt realistic and I supported all the decisions that were made by them both towards their futures.
I cackled throughout the story but I also liked the tender moments that arose as more was revealed about each character. The novel showed that people are really dynamic beings and we never really know what goes on behind the scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Better Left Unsent by Lia Louis
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was my first time ever reading Alice in Wonderland after hearing little snippets and summaries about it over the years. I really liked the narration that Audrey provided and the guides were definitely informative and cool.
However as a story I thought it was just ok. The fantasy didn’t appeal to me much and Alice was a little too clueless for me (as an adult).
However as a story I thought it was just ok. The fantasy didn’t appeal to me much and Alice was a little too clueless for me (as an adult).
Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking
adventurous
hopeful
sad
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? N/A
3.5
Thank you to Megan Reinking for sending me an ARC of this book. All these opinions expressed are my own.
I think this book was pretty good and I really appreciated how depression was portrayed, because most people believe that to be depressed you have to be stuck in bed all day and unable to do anything. While this is true for a lot of people, others experience high functioning depression where on the outside they may seem like they are okay and active, but on the inside they really are wrestling with negative thoughts and emotions.
The romance between Blair and Graham developed beautifully and I think it was really important that Graham emphasised how much of the work Blair did herself and that he was not the reason why Blair was able to fight through her depression. It’s important that people remember that as much as someone on the side may be able to help, a lot of the work comes from within.
My only critique is that there didn’t seem to be as much of a buildup in relation to the climax of the story. The conflict didn’t really feel like much of a conflict because of how easily things were resolved, and it felt like there were subplots that got thrown away at the end like Sydney not wanting to visit their mom and Graham and his dad dealing with her Alzheimer’s . Regardless, it’s still a good read.
I think this book was pretty good and I really appreciated how depression was portrayed, because most people believe that to be depressed you have to be stuck in bed all day and unable to do anything. While this is true for a lot of people, others experience high functioning depression where on the outside they may seem like they are okay and active, but on the inside they really are wrestling with negative thoughts and emotions.
The romance between Blair and Graham developed beautifully and I think it was really important that Graham emphasised how much of the work Blair did herself and that he was not the reason why Blair was able to fight through her depression. It’s important that people remember that as much as someone on the side may be able to help, a lot of the work comes from within.
My only critique is that there didn’t seem to be as much of a buildup in relation to the climax of the story. The conflict didn’t really feel like much of a conflict because of how easily things were resolved, and it felt like there were subplots that got thrown away at the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping: Interpreting the Language of Our Fathers Without Repeating Their Stories by Lisa-Jo Baker
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This novel has been added to my top books of 2024. It was that good. Lisa-Jo is an immaculate storyteller and I was so deeply invested in this story about family trauma and reconciliation, new experiences, historical injustices and self-discovery all wrapped into a memoir.
Being born white in South Africa during apartheid while dealing with her mother’s death and father’s vitriol was clearly a painful yet eye-opening experience for her. Yet still, the beauty of love, friendship and forgiveness shone brightly. I don’t even know what more I can say except go read this, but please read the content warnings before you do.
Being born white in South Africa during apartheid while dealing with her mother’s death and father’s vitriol was clearly a painful yet eye-opening experience for her. Yet still, the beauty of love, friendship and forgiveness shone brightly. I don’t even know what more I can say except go read this, but please read the content warnings before you do.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie by Jackie Lau
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
I received an ARC for this on NetGalley, but I’m 25% in and it still hasn’t intrigued me. The MMC doesn’t seem to have a personality I can see yet and just mindlessly goes along with whatever the FMC says, and Emily, the FMC feels more like 13 than 33 with how she behaves. Her mother’s meddling in her relationship and the overall way she handled things was annoying. Unfortunately I can’t get into it.