dontforgetthelights's reviews
140 reviews

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

inspiring fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Read for shits and gigs as it's kind of a meme in my circles and whilst I can see it's place in Christian primary schools or similar I found myself at odds with some elements of this book - namely in the belief that excellence must be sought for a meaningful life and also the apparent ignorance towards the biological need for female seagulls. Anyways I could see similarities in its short form existence to children's books that I've loved, e.g. the little prince or the alchemist, but this didn't do it for me

Dinner with the Schnabels by Toni Jordan

slow-paced

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

3.5

I liked the last day (friday-saturday) but didn't really enjoy reading the rest of the novel, can't stand being annoyed with MCs lol
Toni Jordan's voice definitely rings through though having read Nine Days and Our Tiny Useless Hearts in all of its Australian glory and got me through the story about a guy down in the dumps after lockdown

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

emotional hopeful reflective 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? No

3.75

Super engaging novel about this afterlife idea - kind of feels like a response to one of those old Tumblr prompts explored. I enjoyed the read an loved the last couple of chapters, I do with the novel delved into these years a bit further but maybe that would remove the magic of the time lapsing. 

The Floating Theatre by Martha Conway

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Such a unique mc and plotline especially for the subject matter of slavery in the early USA and wow does it work

Something about May's unapologetic forthrightness and ingenue character navigating the border dividing North and South makes for such a compelling read, she has such a way of exposing her acquaintances opinions and priorities, as well as a talent for getting well tangled in the schemes of others - though rightly so

Also love love loveee me a super sub plot of romance 

ALSO why were the last 70ish pages soooo tense wowow I literally meant to only read one chapter I swear but finished the whole thing when I *know* I have to get up but I just had to know how it would play out

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

slow-paced

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

2.75

I'm confused because normally I like gossipy and I liked pride and prejudice but this was just too heavy on character evaluations for me - even considering the author :(
Got more interesting about halfway through when things finally picked up I lowkey was not that invested especially considering readers miss out on all of Edward and Elinor's apparent attachment like I get that it's kinda the point but I never like it ANYWAYS would be a good book to write essays on but not a totally enjoyable read

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-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? No

4.75

I think this was a really cute book made for people who love cute books, similar vibes to The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin with the whole grumpy bookseller in an intimate little town trope ANYWHO good vibes and a little bit of magic and good conversation - only not five stars because the 'woe is me I'm judged for being a romance reader' thing didn't quite hit right *THOUGH* some excellent points were made

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins

adventurous fast-paced

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

3.75

Enjoyed but don't think it added much to the first of the series, which stood out for its unique take on youth adventure/fantasy

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed the retelling - only docked a star because it felt inconclusive ? Like more of an exploration and elaboration of these women than a novel about the women's stories. Still very beautiful though and I enjoyed the parallels drawn throughout between the sisters and women of Greece.

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

Very inheritance games esque