castle_samj's reviews
40 reviews

The Companion by E.E. Ottoman

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Dawn by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

It's a complicated read at this point in history (2024) - I recognize the inspirational value of this series, and the social commentary that Butler was going for, yet I'm still left feeling a bit dirty, icky; like unfortunately and consistently reminded of imperfection in the human condition.

The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

emotional inspiring medium-paced

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

3.5

I like that I read most of the book NOT expecting it to be a romance story. Basically the romance was a factor, not exclusively the plot.

Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil

informative reflective slow-paced

3.75

I appreciate the spotlight on large-scale systems that impact the livelihood of common people. My largest takeaway is to increase my considerations for other people and groups whrn writing future algorithms - every choice makes a difference to someone. But wow this book makes it seem almost impossible to right these wrongs. Maybe if enough coders and engineers make it their goal to reduce WMDs, we will see a more equitable use of maths and sciences.

The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. Le Guin

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

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

3.5

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

challenging emotional informative 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? No

4.25

I got to laugh at some parts and cry at some parts. I read this for a local library bookclub, and so glad I did. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing and Transphobia

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Stalking, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Dysphoria

Minor: Body shaming

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

challenging informative fast-paced

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

3.25

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0