dyanavelz's reviews
252 reviews

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

It left a stronger impression on me compared to the first. While the difference may not be dramatic, I found this 18 y.o. Pip to resonate with me on a deeper level. This second book thoughtfully explores how circumstances and one's environment can profoundly alter an individual. The narrative powerfully conveys the idea that, in a harsh world filled with wrongdoings, our best course of action is to strive for survival while minimising harm to others. This book skillfully illustrates the concept that causing harm to others ultimately has a way of returning to haunt the one responsible. An engaging and thought-provoking read for young adults that I highly recommend.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? No

5.0

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing fast-paced

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

5.0

I watched the movie a few times before and I loved it, it was quite a while ago, and I am not sure if it enhanced the experience with this book, which actually is not merely a book, it is a journey. A journey through the labyrinthine corridors of creativity, a journey through the symphony of emotions, and a journey that reminds us that we are but threads woven into the fabric of a magnificent, ever-ticking world-machine.

Selznick's peculiar creativity shines like a beacon through the very pages of this book. Much like the intricate cogs of a clockwork mechanism, the illustrations seamlessly blend with the narrative, invoking an almost cinematic experience.

My favourite quotes:

"I like to imagine that the world is one big machine. You know, machines never have any extra parts. They have the exact number and type of parts they need. So I figure if the entire world is a big machine, I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason, too."

"Time can play all sorts of tricks on you. In the blink of an eye, babies appear in carriages, coffins disappear into the ground, wars are won and lost, and children transform, like butterflies, into adults."

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

mysterious 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? No

3.75

Upon finishing this delightful tome, I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly the words flowed, leading me to wish it had lasted longer. Though it may have been akin to a captivating thriller for those of a gentler disposition, its simplicity bore a charm that evoked fond memories of my younger years. Undoubtedly, had I encountered this as a blossoming adolescent, I would have been enamoured with its enchanting mystery. Now, as a more seasoned reader, I found it to be a heartwarming respite, but I what made me keep reading were the lovely characters. Among them, Pip stands tall as an epitome of endearment, and Ravi, ever the charmer, tugged at my heartstrings.

While the book may not beckon me to traverse its pages again, the allure of the subsequent books beckons with an irresistible pull. Indeed, this is a story that remains etched in the annals of curiosity, beckoning one to continue the journey alongside these beloved characters.

How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

I really enjoyed it, and motivated me a lot as a student interested in neurosciences. It is a wonderful and interesting perspective on emotions, with challenging conventional beliefs and she invites us to rethink how we understand and experience our emotional lives. I'm following her new works, and I am absolutely re-reading this book in particular.

Los dragones del Edén by Rafael Andreu, Carl Sagan

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

It was very thought-provoking, I want to read it again, it is not like properly scientific but still it is so enjoyable  to think about human brain's evolution and the complexities of human intelligence.

Circe by Madeline Miller

inspiring 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

4.0

The slow pace allowed me to savor every word.
Circe's ability to love and seek goodness is truly admirable, considering how harsh was her world. 
I can't wait to revisit this beautifully written book with a physical copy.

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Unfortunate events indeed, I need to continue the story.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

I dislike self-help books, but this one is making/inspiring me to helping/improving myself and I really enjoyed it. It could be just common sense (or logic) but it is nice to be reminded by someone admirable, who explains things quite clearly. I might like to read it again.

El imperturbable Hans by Helen Grant

4.0