crustbuckette's reviews
25 reviews

In Pieces by Sally Field

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

4.25

I listened to the audiobook. It was great to hear Sally's biography in her own voice. It was a unflinching reflection on her life and the ups and downs of stardom. At times, it was deeply emotional and challenging to get through - I cried more than once! Her bravery in sharing her experiences with sexual abuse should be commended.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

adventurous emotional fast-paced

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

2.0

I found the pacing of the story to be frustrating. The most interesting plot points and challenges were overcome with minimal effort. The characters didn't evolve or change from the trials they faced. There was very little character development. I lost interest in the story because it became clear that none of the characters were ever really at risk.

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-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

4.75

I really liked the style of writing and the development of the characters. Many of the characters are flawed but, that only makes them more loveable. I found the characters very realistic and relatable.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-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

4.5

A very sweet read, reflective and emotional. I recently completed training to volunteer at a hospice and, I found the way that death and dying was explored in the book to be really helpful. I would highly recommend!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death and Suicide

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

I'm not a big fan of first-person narrative so, it took me a while to get into the flow of the book.

All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-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

3.0

I found the main character to be really unbelievable as a lawyer. I was extremely frustrated with the main character's choices.

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.

The book was very depressing and dealt with subjects I found difficult to read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, and Death of parent

The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher by E.M. Anderson

adventurous emotional 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? Yes

4.0

An easy read, a cast of loveable characters. I enjoyed reading this book :)

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Medical trauma, Murder, and War

Spare by Prince Harry

dark emotional medium-paced

3.5

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

My first time reading a gothic novel. Read as part of my book club. I found the pacing REALLY slow. Didn't finish it.