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charliechorlie's reviews
16 reviews
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
funny
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Ruined me forever but will always live rent free in my head
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
The Autism FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know about Diagnosis and Autistic Life by Joe Biel
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide for LGBTQIA+ Teens on the Spectrum by Erin Ekins
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Looking After Your Autistic Self: A Personalised Self-Care Approach to Managing Your Sensory and Emotional Well-Being by Niamh Garvey
informative
slow-paced
3.25
Different, Not Less: A Neurodivergent's Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Your Happily Ever After by Chloé Hayden
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
4.0
Probably my favourite Trent Dalton book. Delicately humanises and characterises the complexities of houselessness, its different forms and factors, in the distinctly Australian scene-setting Dalton is best at. However, I found the angle taken with regards to policing of the houseless community of Brisbane quite confusing- Lola’s relationship with the officers involved becomes a positive force in her life, whilst the scenes of police moving along the houseless population feel almost sanitised in order to set up the relationship development between Lola and Topping later on and position Brisbane police as politically neutral, ethically correct institution.
Beyond that, I hold so much empathy for Lola and her voice is incredibly strong and consistent throughout. The illustrations complement the way she is written in a way I rarely find with illustrations in novels. Whilst the ending to her story does feel idealistic (between Danny and no one asking questions when she pays thousands up front for art school), I can’t help but want things to stay that perfect for her, so I can’t really be mad about it.
Beyond that, I hold so much empathy for Lola and her voice is incredibly strong and consistent throughout. The illustrations complement the way she is written in a way I rarely find with illustrations in novels. Whilst the ending to her story does feel idealistic (between Danny and no one asking questions when she pays thousands up front for art school), I can’t help but want things to stay that perfect for her, so I can’t really be mad about it.