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ekcanales's reviews
27 reviews
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was the perfect summer read while traveling!
The main characters, Justin and Emma, were super lovable and I felt connected to them instantly! The dual-perspective was done so well to add more insight into the characters, their actions, and motivations which I really enjoyed!
This book had a lot going on outside of the main romance plot, but I found that it was masterfully weaved in to enhance the main plot and add depth. The integration of family dynamics and childhood trauma added a relatable and realistic side to the characters.
Although the relationship felt a bit like insta-love, I enjoyed seeing it build and deepen over time! I would absolutely recommend this book, I can't wait to read more from Abby Jimenez!
The main characters, Justin and Emma, were super lovable and I felt connected to them instantly! The dual-perspective was done so well to add more insight into the characters, their actions, and motivations which I really enjoyed!
This book had a lot going on outside of the main romance plot, but I found that it was masterfully weaved in to enhance the main plot and add depth. The integration of family dynamics and childhood trauma added a relatable and realistic side to the characters.
Although the relationship felt a bit like insta-love, I enjoyed seeing it build and deepen over time! I would absolutely recommend this book, I can't wait to read more from Abby Jimenez!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident
Death and Croissants by Ian Moore
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I really wanted to love this book, but it fell flat for me in most aspects. The plot moved very slowly for me and didn't have any of the suspense or tension that I want in a murder mystery. Most of the characters were needlessly stubborn and frustrating, especially Richard! There were too many background characters and side plots to keep up with, which also really took away from the main story.
I did love the setting in the French countryside, it was very charming and hit close to home for me (since I just returned from a semester abroad in France)! That was what kept me going through this book.
I did love the setting in the French countryside, it was very charming and hit close to home for me (since I just returned from a semester abroad in France)! That was what kept me going through this book.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
I listened to One Last Stop on audiobook and LOVED it! The narrator did an amazing job of giving each character their own distinct voice and personality.
Content wise, I thought this was a really fun version of the classic romance with a sci-fi twist! But I feel like the characters are where this book really shone. I was invested and interested in each person's story and I adored the diversity and representation throughout this book! I especially loved Jane and I was eager to keep learning more about her background. At times, multiple plot lines made the story feel a bit busy, but I found that each was still wrapped up nicely by the end of the book.
Overall, I fell in love with the characters and I was intrigued by the main plot line and romance! I would definitely recommend this for anybody looking for a twist on the typical romance!
Content wise, I thought this was a really fun version of the classic romance with a sci-fi twist! But I feel like the characters are where this book really shone. I was invested and interested in each person's story and I adored the diversity and representation throughout this book! I especially loved Jane and I was eager to keep learning more about her background. At times, multiple plot lines made the story feel a bit busy, but I found that each was still wrapped up nicely by the end of the book.
Overall, I fell in love with the characters and I was intrigued by the main plot line and romance! I would definitely recommend this for anybody looking for a twist on the typical romance!
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Overall, another easy romance read with classic use of the enemies-to-lovers trope! The chemistry between Stassie and Nathan is electric and super fun to read (and the spice is HOT, definitely a very spicy read). Lots of development in the side characters that helped build the background and add more depth to the story. I'll be honest though, I liked the side characters MUCH MORE than the main couple... kept reading more for Henry than Nate and Stassie.
One note, I HATED the epilogue! It felt like this addendum at the end of the book totally disregarded the core traits of the characters and honestly tarnished the rest of the book for me. It felt extremely forced and out of character, which made me genuinely upset.
One note, I HATED the epilogue! It felt like this addendum at the end of the book totally disregarded the core traits of the characters and honestly tarnished the rest of the book for me. It felt extremely forced and out of character, which made me genuinely upset.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.25
Such a fun read that I absolutely flew through! A classic slow burn romance with lots of sexual tension and lovable characters. I especially love the deep dive into the world of academia (which is always strong in Hazelwood's books), which adds an interesting element to the story and relationships between the characters! Definitely recommend to those looking for an enjoyable and easy romance read with some spice!
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I picked up this book at the just the right time, as I was working through complicated relationships and big changes in my life. I found the prose very beautiful and the imagery was so vivid! Most of the characters felt under-developed and only had a key trait or two.
Regardless, this book resonated with me and helped me reflect on the people, places, and memories in my life! A nice short read and consisting of 4 shorter stories! I am excited to pick up the second book.
Regardless, this book resonated with me and helped me reflect on the people, places, and memories in my life! A nice short read and consisting of 4 shorter stories! I am excited to pick up the second book.
Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
This book was a power deep dive into human nature and presents a compelling argument that humans ARE inherently good! This positive point-of-view is revolutionary in today's world, but in the best way imaginable. With every chapter, anecdote, and citation, Bregman intentionally battles the popular notion of human selfishness.
Even before finishing this book, I have felt its ideas and principles spill into my daily life in the most positive way! I find myself looking for the positives and realizing the good intentions in countless daily interactions, interpersonal relationships, and even in conflict. I HIGHLY recommend Humankind to those of us who have been bogged-down and disheartened by the constant negativity of the world. This book was truly a shining light for me in a dark time in my life.
One note is that I found some chapters dry and difficult to get through. It felt like I had to force myself to keep reading and stay engaged at times, but overall this book is ABSOLUTELY worth the read and very worth your time!
Even before finishing this book, I have felt its ideas and principles spill into my daily life in the most positive way! I find myself looking for the positives and realizing the good intentions in countless daily interactions, interpersonal relationships, and even in conflict. I HIGHLY recommend Humankind to those of us who have been bogged-down and disheartened by the constant negativity of the world. This book was truly a shining light for me in a dark time in my life.
One note is that I found some chapters dry and difficult to get through. It felt like I had to force myself to keep reading and stay engaged at times, but overall this book is ABSOLUTELY worth the read and very worth your time!
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
This autobiography was a stunning revelation into the life of Jennette and many other child actors. It was refreshingly open and candid on a number of powerful topics, such as family, romantic relationships, eating disorders, and the struggles of growing up in the spotlight. The discussion of these topics also gave me room to look back and reflect on my own life and things I have experienced. I was truly touched by this book and how it provided new perspectives on the realities of celebrity.
It was especially poignant to hear this book narrated by Jennette herself in the audiobook. Her voice really shines and provides a new level of insight and depth into the stories being told.
Thank you, Jennette McCurdy, for allowing us a detailed, touching look into your life. As a young woman, this was so powerful to me!
It was especially poignant to hear this book narrated by Jennette herself in the audiobook. Her voice really shines and provides a new level of insight and depth into the stories being told.
Thank you, Jennette McCurdy, for allowing us a detailed, touching look into your life. As a young woman, this was so powerful to me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol
The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0