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bookswithgrets's reviews
75 reviews
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Run Time by Catherine Ryan Howard
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
The Holiday by T.M. Logan
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Alcohol
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
You Don't Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Russia Ukraine, Putin Zelenskyy: Your Essential Uncensored Guide to the Russia-Ukraine History and War by Valentine Green
informative
fast-paced
3.75
This book does what it says on the cover - it’s an ‘essential’ guide to understanding this war, the historical background as well as the impacts this has had. I felt at times that the author jumped back and forth between dates which impacted the flow of the chapter which made it slightly confusing at times. I think some parts of it could have been reworked so that it flowed better, making it a bit easier to follow in terms of timeline. Despite this, I did learn more around this topic area than I knew previously. If your looking for a place to start to understand the war in Ukraine I would say this is a great starting place but I would definitely recommend people explore further the historical background of the Soviet Union and the impact that had on Eastern Europe. It vital to explore as it gives you a new perspective and deeper understanding of the Eastern European people’s pain, trauma and oppression at the hands of Russia. The more you understand of that, the more you’ll understand the current situations going on.