islayfraser's reviews
333 reviews
Sphinx by Anne Garréta
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Une demie étoile pour la réussite de ne jamais genrer les deux personnages principaux, ni dans les adjectifs, ni dans les accords, ni dans les pronoms, un grand défi en français.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Violence, Death, and Drug abuse
The Overstory by Richard Powers
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
I don't even know how to review this book. I don't know if I'll ever fully process it. Just—the incredible world of trees. Activism. The complex and intertwining stories of eight people. Just read it.
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.75
This is the closest I've ever come to reading about my own experience. Obviously, it's different for everyone, but I relate to so much of this book. The nuances of online discourse are so well-explained, difficult and complex topics are dealt with in a sensitive way, and there's just so much truth in here. I've never read a book that deals with these particular issues or this particular queer experience. Also, Lili is definitely my favourite character.
The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Incredible world-building. Lots of philosophy, and plenty to think about in regards to physics and politics. Super interesting revolutionary ideas, utopia-in-progress, and perspectives on capitalism and anarchism.
Nettleblack by Nat Reeve
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
This is one of the most well-written books I have ever read. One of the best books I have ever read, actually. The characters are so wonderfully diverse, unique, and lovable, each with their own distinct voice. The world is so well-imagined that I felt as though I were falling into it every time I opened the book. I laughed out loud many, many times at the clever wordplay, fun alliteration, and just simply the characters' way of phrasing things! Lots of action, but light-hearted and amusing all the way through. I was intrigued and enthralled throughout it all, and I am absolutely in love.
Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Racism, Death, War, Homophobia, Murder, Hate crime, and Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury