araowl's reviews
47 reviews

Accordion Eulogies by Noé Álvarez
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

Nothing against this book, I just think I'm more in the mood for a more atmospheric story right now than a memoir. The writing also didn't really draw me in, but that could just be my mood right now.

On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College, Career, and Life by Jonathan Brennan, Skip Downing

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

Bunny by Mona Awad

I'm just not in the mood for this right now. I may pick it up again in the future

Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

3.0

'Certain Dark Things' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a unique take on the vampire story, following a diverse cast of vampires and humans living in crime-filled Mexico City. We are first introduced to Domingo, a 17-year-old garbage collector who happens to meet Atl, a young vampire woman from a subspecies of vampires descended from Aztecs. Romance, violence and an atmosphere of crime noir ensue. I felt this book succeeded in its goal of being an entertaining, thrilling, and unique take on a vampire story, but lacked a compelling layer of emotional weight. I didn't find the romance between Atl and Domingo to be that well-developed or something I wanted to root for, but that could be my preference. I also found the story lacked satisfying character development, and I found it hard to suspend my disbelief while reading, as the worldbuilding felt slightly shallow and forced. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a thrilling, diverse take on a vampire story, but caution those who are looking for something with more emotional weight or character development.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional 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

The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker

adventurous emotional reflective slow-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

4.5

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris

dark mysterious 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

4.25

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

emotional hopeful sad medium-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

5.0

I am so impressed that this is the author's debut novel. It was beautifully written and such an eye-opening look at what's going on in Syria. I loved that the author didn't shy away from the brutality and darkness, yet also added so much light and hope. The portrayal of PTSD was also beautifully done. I did not see the plot twist coming. 

Overall, 5/5 stars. Definitely one of my favorites of 2024! I will be sure to be on the lookout for Katouh's future work. 

Praying with Jane Eyre: Reflections on Reading as a Sacred Practice by Vanessa Zoltan

inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

4.0