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bookobsessednow's reviews
18 reviews
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I saw a fan edit of Elizabeth and Calvin for the TV show adaptation. I fell in love with it and found out it was from a book. The story switches povs and gives insight on how all the characters are involved, especially surrounding Calvin and of course Elizabeth. Through Elizabeth eyes and the women in the story, we see how women were underestimated and was expected to be within certain traditional societal roles. It is kinda funny as Elizabeth agrees to cook for the tv show and a man STILLS calls the shot even though "being in the kitchen is supposed to a woman's job". The women also partook in the misogynistic ideals, almost to the point bullying (Ms Mudd, i hate you. How sad for a full grown adult to go after a literal child) Sadly there are segsual harassment and assault mentioned, where the women spoke of it happening to them. This also occurred where the perpetrators was men in power or simply the next door husband. There are also themes of abuse, work discrimination, and everything we know of society back in 1950s-1960s. It definitely doesn't give us full on reparations and the ending we want, especially for Elizabeth and Madeline. Besides from them, we also get a glimpse into Calvin's past and how even he had his rough childhood. I just wanted him to get the childhood and parents he wanted and deserved (tbh literally any child). At least we see that Madeline gets to know his mom
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I saw a fan edit of Elizabeth and Calvin for the TV show adaptation. I fell in love with it and found out it was from a book. The story switches povs and gives insight on how all the characters are involved, especially surrounding Calvin and of course Elizabeth. Through Elizabeth eyes and the women in the story, we see how women were underestimated and was expected to be within certain traditional societal roles. It is kinda funny as Elizabeth agrees to cook for the tv show and a man STILLS calls the shot even though "being in the kitchen is supposed to a woman's job". The women also partook in the misogynistic ideals, almost to the point bullying (Ms Mudd, i hate you. How sad for a full grown adult to go after a literal child) Sadly there are segsual harassment and assault mentioned, where the women spoke of it happening to them. This also occurred where the perpetrators was men in power or simply the next door husband. There are also themes of abuse, work discrimination, and everything we know of society back in 1950s-1960s. It definitely doesn't give us full on reparations and the ending we want, especially for Elizabeth and Madeline. Besides from them, we also get a glimpse into Calvin's past and how even he had his rough childhood. I just wanted him to get the childhood and parents he wanted and deserved (tbh literally any child). At least we see that Madeline gets to know his mom
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
3.5
I found the ending to be rushed, although I like how Alex tried redeem himself over a year.
Hooked by Emily McIntire
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I expected more honestly, so I'm a bit let down. You know for how many times James a.k.a Hook stated that loyalty was a very important thing to him, well... that didn't seem true since so many people practically stabbed him in the back. For a gangleader, I expected him to do/have done background checks on those closest to him, or even his workers. I mean his fuck buddy even backstabbed him💀
And also I didn't expect the sex fantasies of blood play, that really got me there and I felt icky about it. But I do love the surprises. especially at the end when Peter said that Jon wasn't his son, but was his wife and James' fathers affair baby. So this confused me because isn't Wendy and James related or is that okay?
I understand this is considered a dark retelling but in a way I expected MORE because of how it was hyped up
And also I didn't expect the sex fantasies of blood play, that really got me there and I felt icky about it. But I do love the surprises. especially at the end when Peter said that Jon wasn't his son, but was his wife and James' fathers affair baby. So this confused me because isn't Wendy and James related or is that okay?
I understand this is considered a dark retelling but in a way I expected MORE because of how it was hyped up
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Blood, Kidnapping, and Grief
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love how Aurora and Rhodes did not immediately jump into sleeping or being in a relationship. Aurora took time to be on her own after being that douche bag of an ex, while Rhodes slowly began to trust her. Not to mention how they both praised and supported Ams singing abilities and written songs. Lastly, I'm glad Aurora and her sisters had found out what happened to the mother, they definitely needed that closure.
A Risk on Forever by N.S. Perkins
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a tear-breaker. The ending had me crying, not to mention how things went between Matthew and Addy. Thank you to a twitter buddy who suggested this to meðŸ˜ðŸ’”
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wished there would've been more moments Wilson and Jane sharing their thoughts and feelings towards each other, or even Wilson trying to build a bridge with his children. However I really loved the ending, it was such a sweet and romantic thing.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Reading this helped me understand more how society has such harsh expectations of women, and most especially in Korean society as this takes place in South Korea. It also made me more aware of how toxic male dominated workplaces can be, I mean reading the part where Jiyoung's old company tried to sweep the hidden cameras in the restroom part under the rug made me so mad knowing that some companies will try to bury similar cases in order to keep the reputation. Dont get me started on the backhanded comments ughh.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Emma by Jane Austen
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read Emma after watching the 2020 film adaptation with Anya-Taylor Joy, and I loved it so much. Although the 2020 version focused more on the humor, I still enjoyed the book. But there were times I really got annoyed with Emma
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism