flowerbinsh's reviews
190 reviews

The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare

emotional funny fast-paced

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

3.75

Read for my Shakespeare class. 

This play was so entertaining and had so much depth. I heard that this was one of his first ever comedies, and the amount of beautiful poetry in this play is so astounding for such an early work. Seeing how Shakespeare took his source play and flipped it on its head was so interesting. I can't wait to discuss this play more!

Menaechmi: The Menaechmus Brothers by Plautus, David Christenson

funny fast-paced

3.25

Read for my early Shakespeare class. 

We read this as a source play to Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, and I can really see the influence PLautus had on him! While I haven't read Comedy of Errors yet, I can see Plautus' influence even in Shakespeare's later works, like Twelfth Night. The humor drawing from mistaken identities is always quite a fun theme, especially with all the drama that comes with it. This makes me excited to read more Shakespeare!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Misogyny

Minor: Homophobia

Stealing Harry by copperbadge

adventurous lighthearted tense medium-paced

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A Wizard's Misgivings by jilliancares

funny lighthearted fast-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

Misplaced by jilliancares

emotional funny fast-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Eating disorder

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

Edinburgh by Alexander Chee
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

This book was so so so beautiful, but it hits way too close to home. I cannot continue to read this without damaging my mental health.

The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I really just don’t really care to read about Roz protecting her island from climate change. I feel like it doesn’t have to the same heart-warming energy as the first two books, so I won’t be continuing with the series. 

The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

I have to say, I didn’t love this sequel as much as I did the first installment, but, with that being said, it was still just as touching and beautiful. I really enjoyed learning about Roz’s development and personal philosophies. Same as the first novel, it was hard to put this book down once I started. Each chapter had me gripping the edge of my seat. 

I think what took me back from making this a 4.5 ⭐️ was probably the lack of interaction between Roz and the rest of the world, which, obviously, is the point, but I just love her interactions with other animals. It’s probably what made me fall in love with the series in the first place.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

adventurous emotional lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

This book was an amazing way to start my winter break. It was beautiful from the start to the end. I cannot believe I was crying over a baby goose and a robot. I just fell in love with every single character, and not continuing the series to know how it ends would absolutely leave me too emotional to continue. I love Roz like she is a real person, and maybe she is a real person. She thinks, she feels, she loves. What separates her from us? I have so many questions and so many revelations for such a short, middle-grade novel. I don’t think I will ever have the words to describe how perfect this novel was.

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

Wow, this was such a nostalgic trip. I first read this book when I was around 10, maybe? And I read it every single year after that until middle school. I felt like I shouldn't be reading it because, objectively, there are some problems with this novel. The characters don't act natural, Alexis is unbearable at times, there are holes in the plot, characters disappear, just general inaccuracies written as fact. 

BUT I had a craving to read it again over the spooky season, and I'm so glad that I got it. Yes, it's objectively bad, but I can see why I loved it so much as a kid. I really resonated with Alexis, and I have to admit that the plot is gripping, even when I already knew everything that was to happen. The romance in here is also sweet, despite its slight pretentiousness.

Of course, I can admit this book has a plethora of flaws, as mentioned before

(because WHY does the dad practically disappear after the car wreck????)

, but it just has such a beauty to it that I cannot explain, possibly due to nostalgia for me. I can't wait to eventually reread the other two books. I remember them being almost better than this one!!