yogaxsquid's reviews
107 reviews

I picked up this book as a quick read to mark off a prompt on a reading challenge I'm participating in, and I'm so glad I did. The plot structure is similar to that of a collection of short stories, which took a little getting used to and could be confusing at times. However, it really allows the reader to appreciate the diverse yet shared experiences of Venezuelan immigrants in Spain. It created a really unique sense of community while still honoring each characters' individual journey. The narrative was captivating - well worth the read!

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I cannot stress how much I loved this book. You get to see the main character grow from a boy to a young man while coming to terms with his homosexuality and falling in love, all while navigating a political climate that is unaccepting of and hostile to the LGBTQ+ community (among others). The story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and did not let go until the end. I saw myself in the main character and was reminded of my own experiences growing up as a closeted lesbian. This book is going to be on my mind for a while.

A Million Aunties by Alecia McKenzie

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emotional lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

This book was a bit challenging to follow due to each chapter presenting a different character's perspective, making it occasionally unclear who was speaking, especially in the audiobook format (the print format may have made this more clear). However, this was a great way to understand the main characters in a different light. I loved getting swept away in the vivid descriptions and Jamaican culture, but the plot felt a bit flat to me…though, maybe that was intentional. A good choice if you’re into art history, or are wanting something introspective or nostalgic.

The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-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

5.0

I could hardly put this book down. It hooked me right from the beginning, and just when I thought I had the plot all figured out, there’d be a surprising twist. The writing was witty and immersive, and the author did a great job of weaving in important social commentary on transphobia and misogyny. If you need a book about powerful women being powerful, you can't go wrong with this one!

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yogaxsquid's reviews 107 reviews

yogaxsquid's reviews
107 reviews