Scan barcode
dasaniaaliyah's reviews
52 reviews
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Poor Things by Alasdair Gray
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Bella is a woman constantly yearning for a history and memory of her own, after being given a new life to navigate with the brain of an infant (unbeknownst to her).
A “feminist" novel from the perspective of several men is obviously something to be cautious about, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I do agree with the critique that artists often make it seem as though the most feminist thing a woman can do is have sex. However, a woman having sex *is* inherently political so I don’t loathe media that depicts that. Especially such a surprisingly nuanced perspective where the sex isn’t just as a means for pleasure, but distraction as well. I also think Bella’s character is too unique for that mold. She is blunt, scientific, clever, and her character represents an overall in polluted lust for freedom, not sex. So while I wont champion Gray or McCandless as feminist writers, I do think the character Bella is a great triumph. The story itself is packed with poignant social critique that is delivered alongside hilariously clever quips that made it impossible for me to not enjoy.
Sidenote: Some of the dialogue can be really drawn out, cramming words in, but that may accurately depict learned people of this period. I highly recommend reading this with the audiobook to hear the proper pronunciation of names, old English medical terms, and some of Bella’s infant speak where vowels are missing.
A “feminist" novel from the perspective of several men is obviously something to be cautious about, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I do agree with the critique that artists often make it seem as though the most feminist thing a woman can do is have sex. However, a woman having sex *is* inherently political so I don’t loathe media that depicts that. Especially such a surprisingly nuanced perspective where the sex isn’t just as a means for pleasure, but distraction as well. I also think Bella’s character is too unique for that mold. She is blunt, scientific, clever, and her character represents an overall in polluted lust for freedom, not sex. So while I wont champion Gray or McCandless as feminist writers, I do think the character Bella is a great triumph. The story itself is packed with poignant social critique that is delivered alongside hilariously clever quips that made it impossible for me to not enjoy.
Sidenote: Some of the dialogue can be really drawn out, cramming words in, but that may accurately depict learned people of this period. I highly recommend reading this with the audiobook to hear the proper pronunciation of names, old English medical terms, and some of Bella’s infant speak where vowels are missing.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
Minor: Body shaming
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
adventurous
dark
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
4.75
Room 417 by Z. Olivia
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes