bookishdaylight's reviews
286 reviews

True Beauty, Volume One by Yaongyi

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

favorite k-drama show so I had to read it! 
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

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reflective slow-paced

3.0

The characterization is all I needed.  The complexity of it is what added to their flawed character which makes this book more compelling. A character-driven story is mostly a hit or miss for me but surprisingly I liked this.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

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mysterious slow-paced

4.0

 “In short: I felt my existence was tainted, in some subtle but essential way.” 

This was so pretentious, and the complexity of all the characters and how they can be seen as regal and arrogant but underneath it there is a deceiving kind of horror to them. The interesting thing about this is that they are insufferable characters, their mannerisms, obsession, and peculiarness but together they are all the loathed character traits combined which is perfect in a dark way. 
 
Wildfire by Hannah Grace

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

3.0

There is something about a book that has a healthy relationship with using communication as a plot that I really like. Even though there are instances they wanted to self-sabotage the relationship by the mc trying to miscommunicate, the other mc makes an effort to break that barrier by communicating.

This was cute, fun, and healing and I am here for the wholesome friend group even though I do not remember half of them. I know I read the first book but I can barely remember the book itself. Also, I don't understand why people hate this series because this series has one of the healthiest relationships that revolves around college. 
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

3.0

Plot wise it’s very interesting and every time Ali publishes a new book, her writing style gets better.

Sadly, the thing that bothered me was that there was no redemption arc for Rue’s brother. I get that he is aggressive and mentally unwell but I don’t think Rue should’ve just disregard him like. I get where his behavior stems from because they both had those traumas and he had to grow up knowing that her older sister left him with his problematic mother. A seven year old child had to depend on her 10 year old sister and growing up, he then realized there was only him. No save haven, no escape, no livelihood. It’s sad really but she should’ve at least sent him to therapy and they could’ve mended their relationship. In the end they were both traumatized and they should’ve healed together. I think that’s literally a plot hole in this story.
May Day Eve and Other Stories by Nick Joaquín

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reflective fast-paced

3.0

I had to read this for a class. It’s interesting but it didn’t really made an impact. 
Aphorisms on Love and Hate by Friedrich Nietzsche

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reflective fast-paced

3.0

This was so directly to the point and I’m here for it.
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

The academic validation is so real. I’ve never related to a character’s personality, background and aspirations like this one. 
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

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mysterious fast-paced

2.75

A gothic mysterious story in an academic setting with a bit of fantasy and that’s it. 

To say I was underwhelmed is an understatement, I was thoroughly disappointed, bored and confused. I was expecting more of a  backstory to the gothic fantasy elements presented throughout the story but it was more on telling than showing. In which case, it makes it more difficult to not only understand but also follow the flow of the story itself. The concept is interesting but apparently that isn’t enough for me and the execution is very bland. 

Honestly, this felt more like a draft than a complete finished book because if only this was longer and it has more depth towards the characters, setting, the complexity of difference between the characters and their beliefs, I would’ve like this. 
Nightbane by Alex Aster

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2.5

The irony that the only reason grimshaw decided to declare a war against lightlark was to save her and she’s like hell no, I would rather die.

Grimshaw is definitely dedicated and I’m laughing because she doesn’t even care nor remembers!