whatchareadingheather's reviews
707 reviews

The Gift by Freida McFadden

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

 Like, I understand that it's completely unfair to judge an author based on a short story but this was just an ok retelling of 'The Gift of the Magi.' I'm gonna give a full-length work a chance, but so far I'm feeling like TikTok is leading me astray with the popularity of this author.  
Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

A summary of my thoughts in 3 points:
1. Why are men?
2. Why are white women?
3. I wish she sang the songs during her narration

Please make this required reading for music courses. K thanks!
You Brought Me the Ocean by Alex Sanchez

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

4.75

An absolutely wonderful way to teach younger people (and also late bloomers) about how to deal with coming into their sexuality. You can tell that this was inspired by personal experiences not just from the storytelling, but by its stunning artwork. This honestly could have worked without being under the DC umbrella, but I think having the brand recognition could be beneficial for getting people to pick up this book.
Oh. What. Fun. by Chandler Baker

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Dear Netflix,

Please make this into a movie. 

K thanks, bye!
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

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

2.0

This 1000% benefitted from having a tv adaptation and now I'm mad that Starz cancelled the show after 2 seasons.
How Chefs Holiday by Dana Cowin

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informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

It's always interesting seeing what inspires chefs, but the added layer of them talking about the holiday related foods and experiences that they hold to their hearts is definitely an extra treat. I honestly wish this was a whole series or a full-length book. 
The Clown Hunt: An Extreme Horror Novel by Judith Sonnet

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Listen, I'm not an extreme horror girlie, but I will honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this despite how disgusting it is. Every single bit of violence made sense. I adored our final boy. And the twist is so utterly fucked up but also scarily believable when you take into consideration our current political and socioeconomical climate.
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

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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? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Extra half star for the Gabra Zackman's narration because they expertly played both mother and daughter impeccably but also every other side character just as impressively. I kind of enjoyed 'The Perfect Child' by Lucinda Berry a bit more than this one (I only compare because they're very similar), but I'm definitely intrigued to read Stage's 'Dear Hanna' to see the developments after this leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Bliss by Sean Lewis

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

4.5

An incredible work that showcases the effects and stages of addiction while also showcasing the hard reality of sobriety, and how much American culture would rather blame the person for their addiction (or former addiction) instead of calling out the higher
powers that cause and do nothing for those struggling with addiction. I think anyone who is looking to learn more about how someone deals with a current or former addiction should use this as a learning tool for themselves.
Zero Days by Ruth Ware

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • 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

3.5

TBH, I wanted more of a full revenge plot than a not quite finished story just to have it wrapped up with a happy ending. But this is my first technology focused mystery thriller and I WILL say that I’m a fan of the genre and want to find more.