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waytoomanybooks's reviews
140 reviews
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
It's so difficult to qualify Robin Sloan's work because I've never read anything written in his special and specific tone and voice. The way he describes people and feelings makes you instantly connect with the characters and their inner lives. You can see and feel almost exactly what the characters are seeing seeing feeling. The text feels like it's a living, breathing being.
As for the work itself, it only took me a few days to read it because it has everything I love to read about: libraries, bookstores, old people teaming up with young people, second leases on life, the pursuit of knowledge, historical fiction, found families, strong friend groups, and a happy ending to boot! The twists and turns are delightful, and the suspense leaves you with happy jitters.
It's such a feel-good book. I really love it! (Also, you should check out his other book, Sourdough, too!)
As for the work itself, it only took me a few days to read it because it has everything I love to read about: libraries, bookstores, old people teaming up with young people, second leases on life, the pursuit of knowledge, historical fiction, found families, strong friend groups, and a happy ending to boot! The twists and turns are delightful, and the suspense leaves you with happy jitters.
It's such a feel-good book. I really love it! (Also, you should check out his other book, Sourdough, too!)
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
I won't lie: this book was a tough read. A lot of the vocabulary that Odell used was far beyond my comprehension, and she used several references that went over my head. I'm sure that that's on me, but I felt that is worth sharing in case anyone finds themselves a bit baffled at times.
I did finish the book, however, and I do feel like I learned a lot. Such as the importance of being grounded, contributing positively to your various communities, logging off to engage with the living and breathing creatures around you, etc. It really makes you think and (re)consider your values, which is always a worthwhile exercise. It was refreshing to read perspectives I hadn't considered before, and I am always grateful to have my worldview expanded!
If any of that appeals to you, I think you will enjoy this book.
I did finish the book, however, and I do feel like I learned a lot. Such as the importance of being grounded, contributing positively to your various communities, logging off to engage with the living and breathing creatures around you, etc. It really makes you think and (re)consider your values, which is always a worthwhile exercise. It was refreshing to read perspectives I hadn't considered before, and I am always grateful to have my worldview expanded!
If any of that appeals to you, I think you will enjoy this book.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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 have loved everything I've read by Sharon Creech, and Love that Dog is no different. I knew it was going to be a fast read, but she packed so much love and tender emotion into such a small space. It warmed my heart and pulled on my heart strings. Anyone who has loved and lost a pet will be able to relate.
It is beautiful to see Jack be allowed to express himself and share his feelings in such a supported format. We can always use more books about people, especially men and boys, being allowed to feel and express their emotions. ♡
It is beautiful to see Jack be allowed to express himself and share his feelings in such a supported format. We can always use more books about people, especially men and boys, being allowed to feel and express their emotions. ♡
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
If you're an awkward young adult who has a big heart, but struggles to connect with your peer group as well as with childhood trauma, then this is the book for you. It's the good, the bad, and the ugly of recovery and self-discovery. Minor spoiler: Eleanor has a well-deserved happy ending, one of which we all deserve. ♡
This book contains nearly every possible trigger Story Graph provides. Please read with caution!
This book contains nearly every possible trigger Story Graph provides. Please read with caution!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Rape and Medical content
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was hooked from the moment I read the summary on the back, and I ended up finishing it over the course of two days!
The characters feel extremely real. They talk, look, think, and feel in the most crystal clear way I have ever read in a fiction book. The characters grow on you, even when their actions are down right cruel. You root for then when they do something right, and you keep your fingers crossed for them when they struggle.
The premise is that a group of unlikely friends become each other's found family. There is love, loss, heartbreak, romance, happiness, and healing dispersed throughout. You can tell the author really poured her soul into this book.
This book feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket with a cup of tea.
The characters feel extremely real. They talk, look, think, and feel in the most crystal clear way I have ever read in a fiction book. The characters grow on you, even when their actions are down right cruel. You root for then when they do something right, and you keep your fingers crossed for them when they struggle.
The premise is that a group of unlikely friends become each other's found family. There is love, loss, heartbreak, romance, happiness, and healing dispersed throughout. You can tell the author really poured her soul into this book.
This book feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket with a cup of tea.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is a all-too-acfurate deep dive into issues women face every day: body image, beauty standards, and self-worth. The story is about three friends who meet at fat camp the summer they turn 18 before jumping fifteen years into the future. All the women are struggling, but Emerson, we discover, is suffering the most. In the first chapter, we learn that Emerson has died due to extreme obesity. Her dying wish is that her friends, Marley and Georgia, complete a bucket list that they all wrote that one glorious summer.
The rest of the novel alternates between Marley and Georgia, and includes a few of Emerson's journal entries. The women go on a journey of self-acceptance and self-discovery. They learn how to cope with trauma and heart break. They learn how to take responsibility and when to realize that the blame isn't entirely on them. They seek balance, and, through trial and error, eventually find it.
The book is realistic, and often painful. You really feel for the characters, even when you don't agree with them. I knew I was hooked when I found myself talking back to the page and giving my advice as if they could hear me, as if they were my friends.
Though the book has some pretty heavy themes--pun not intended--it ultimately leaves the reader feeling hopeful and happy for the two women.
The rest of the novel alternates between Marley and Georgia, and includes a few of Emerson's journal entries. The women go on a journey of self-acceptance and self-discovery. They learn how to cope with trauma and heart break. They learn how to take responsibility and when to realize that the blame isn't entirely on them. They seek balance, and, through trial and error, eventually find it.
The book is realistic, and often painful. You really feel for the characters, even when you don't agree with them. I knew I was hooked when I found myself talking back to the page and giving my advice as if they could hear me, as if they were my friends.
Though the book has some pretty heavy themes--pun not intended--it ultimately leaves the reader feeling hopeful and happy for the two women.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Incest, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Mass/school shootings
Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Told through diary entries and interview excerpts, we learn about Marie Phillips-Gorman's life. She came of age in the 1920s, where she lived the flapper lifestyle...until her family and loved ones came to utterly and totally depend on her. By the time the Great Depression hit, Marie had decided to be a force for good in the world, helping people in her community the way she had not been helped. Her life was rife with tragedy, but she continued to care for and about the people who needed help the most: outcasts from society, bums, the poor, the homeless, etc. She did what she could with what she had, and her big heart, her empathy, and her sympathy were what earned her the title of saint. Surprisingly, the story is otherwise quite boring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, and Blood
Minor: Vomit
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
The story of Calpurnia Tate is relatable to anyone who is or was a bright young girl who was told she had to fit into a box. The year the book takes place in is 1899, but it very well could take place in 1999 or 2019 since gender still dictates what women and girls "can" and "cannot" do. Calpurnia wants to be a scientist. She wants to explore and ask questions and learn. She doesn't get the opportunity to do so at school, but she does when she decides to team up with her eccentric grandfather one summer. They grow quite close, and he takes the time to foster her interest in the natural world around them on the family farm. Meanwhile, her mother wants her to be a "proper lady," which Calpurnia tries and fails to be. Ultimately, being true to herself is what makes Calpurnia the happiest.
Swimming Lessons: Poems by Lili Reinhart
emotional
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
I'm not a poetry reader or writer, though I have tried to be many times. I see "Instagram poetry" get a lot of hate, and I consider that hate unwarranted.
I like the simplicity of the text. Each poem reads like a snippet of a thought I've had or an emotion I've felt. I like that her feelings are relatable and understandable. I enjoyed getting a look into someone's head about how something or someone makes them feel. I like that I didn't have to go mining to find meaning. The text was plain, sweet, and simple.
I also loved the pink pages as well as the doodle-style illustrations. The book was beautiful. I can see myself picking this up again the next time I want to read something soft and flowy.
I like the simplicity of the text. Each poem reads like a snippet of a thought I've had or an emotion I've felt. I like that her feelings are relatable and understandable. I enjoyed getting a look into someone's head about how something or someone makes them feel. I like that I didn't have to go mining to find meaning. The text was plain, sweet, and simple.
I also loved the pink pages as well as the doodle-style illustrations. The book was beautiful. I can see myself picking this up again the next time I want to read something soft and flowy.
Mercy, Unbound by Kim Antieau
challenging
hopeful
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The character's recovery comes about way too quickly, but she gets a happy ending, which I liked. I wish the author would've either leaned into magical realism or left it out entirely. It would've been great if Antieau had committed one way or the other rather than leaving it up to interpretation. That aside, I did enjoy the book. It was a fast read with a happy ending. Hard to complain about that!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Self harm
Moderate: Alcoholism, Rape, and Vomit