dannithach's reviews
27 reviews

Heart Songs and Other Stories by Annie Proulx

challenging reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

2.5

i’m not saying this book is bad, it’s just not for me. the writing of this book is very descriptive with tons of difficult words, both things i do not enjoy. the theme of the stories, which mostly dealt with rural life and nature, also was not something i can relate to much. lastly, i just don’t think i’m into short stories collections since i barely have time to connect with the characters and settings.

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

a very quick and easy read that is perfect for getting out of a reading slump. more books need to add illustrations like this one.

Evil Eye by Etaf Rum

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.5

I really like Etaf Rum’s first novel so I came in this with high expectations. However, I was kinda let down by how similar it was to her first novel but just not as good. In her first novel, the story is kept interesting by switching between two timelines, while this one we follow the same protagonist the whole time but in a quite slow pace. Not saying the book was bad but it just seem repetitive from her first work and it takes a long time for the story to progress.

Một thoáng ta rực rỡ ở nhân gian by Ocean Vuong

challenging emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.25

I really wanted to like this book since i have been wanting to read it for so long and plus i love a Vietnamese author got some mainstream recognition. but the nonlinear storytelling combined with poetic writing made me so confused most of the time. i appreciate the uniqueness of this novel but i don’t think it’s for me. 

Glitterland by Alexis Hall

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

i don’t read fluff romance a lot but i do find this enjoyable through and through. it’s predictable at times and nothing groundbreaking but i do think the author gives a nuanced insight on mental health and how it affects relationships. it’s overall lighthearted so it’s nice as an in-between read

The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen

emotional informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

although all of the stories were consistent in quality, some interested me more than others. as a vietnamese immigrant myself, to read so many stories relating to myself is very comforting. but nevertheless i don’t think short stories collection is for me, cause i didn’t feel as invested in the story and the characters due to the short length 

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

Behind one of the most iconic musicians of all time, is a woman who has been prevented from living out her own womanhood. Britney was extremely candid and honest in her writing, in a way that does not try to sensationalize the trauma she been in, but just showcases brutal honesty of what she has been through. I can feel all the rage, sadness she had went through but fortunately I can also feel her joy now that she is free to become who she wants to be.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Mental illness

One Puzzling Afternoon by Emily Critchley
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

i was blown away reading the first chapter since i can see so much of myself in it and the writing is so charming. but by the time i got to chapter 3 it becomes a bit too repetitive since i felt like the same pattern was repeated without anything new. but then i started realizing since chapter 4 how all the characters are connected to each other and that made it fun again. overall a light read that made me feel warm and hopeful inside 

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

emotional 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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism and Violence

Minor: Transphobia