itsmejbird's reviews
77 reviews

Bunny by Mona Awad
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.

I was somewhat interested in the book until the author casually dropped the r-word out of nowhere. It was  unnecessary to the story and character, and seemed like ignorance or worse from the author. I checked the content warnings on StoryGraph and discovered more slurs would follow so decided not to finish. This book was published in 2019. Come on, use your head. You’re not edgy or interesting by using offensive slurs. If it doesn’t have anything to do with the story or characters, just don’t. 

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Ableism and Racial slurs

Last Breath by Karin Slaughter

fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

adventurous funny medium-paced

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

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

5.0

A Carnival of Snackery: Diaries 2003-2020 by David Sedaris

funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

The Dry by Jane Harper

medium-paced

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

Verity by Colleen Hoover

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

2.0

Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

Collins writes an awful lot for not actually saying anything. I don’t understand the rave reviews for this collection. It consists of pretentious non-observations, presented without rhythm or meaning. It’s the kind of poetry that’s made fun of for taking itself too seriously. I didn’t feel anything. 

There There by Tommy Orange

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a really interesting and enjoyable book. Tommy Orange expertly wove multiple storylines together that led each of the characters up to one main event. Despite the fact that Orange focuses on so many character storylines, they each had their own voice, thoughts and motivations. I will admit it was a little difficult to keep some of the 12 characters straight. But overall, this is an important book and I hope it only continues to grow in popularity.