ivi_reads_books's reviews
204 reviews

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

3.75

 A charming romance woven into a web of family dynamics, with just a hint of steam. 
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The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

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dark emotional informative sad
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

This novel presents 20th-century Iranian history through the perspectives of two girls, and later women, who respond very differently to the political upheavals that shape their country. I found their complex friendship fascinating, and I learned a great deal about Iran’s history along the way. 
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The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A quirky blend of academic intrigue and a thrilling space heist
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This murder mystery is filled with unlikable characters, each driven by their own motivations. I enjoyed the ending which I didn't see coming. 

Julia Whelan, as always, delivers an excellent performance as the audiobook narrator. 
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A Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome by Ariel Henley

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emotional informative sad medium-paced

4.0

The author and her twin sister endured a lifetime of pain due to numerous surgeries necessary throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Alongside relentless bullying, the author shares how she eventually found a supportive community and came to terms with her appearance.

The narrative is interwoven with reflections on art, beauty, and symmetry, offering a deeper perspective on how we perceive beauty. 
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The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I’ll stick to Abby Jimenez’s newer books, as it’s clear she has grown significantly as an author. The main characters in this earlier work come across as immature, reckless, and objectify each other. Not my kind of read 
The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson

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emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.25

The book felt as though modern-day characters were dropped into 19th century Ireland. In nearly every chapter, the author repeatedly emphasizes that men hate women, and overall, the modern themes are handled in a heavy-handed manner. 
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The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

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adventurous emotional 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? N/A

4.5

A gripping tale inspired by the legend of Mulan with a touch of Fourth Wing, this story follows a fierce female warrior who disguises herself as a man and becomes entangled in war and intrigue. As she navigates the dangers around her, she must balance her hidden femininity with her male persona. At its core, the book explores themes of independence, loyalty, power, and a sizzling love triangle that adds even more intensity to the plot 
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The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

Two exes have a contest to see who can sleep with the most people while eating and drinking their way through Europe.
It's not my kind of humor, and the vocal fry and uptalk of the narrator drove me crazy 
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Disability Intimacy: Essays on Love, Care, and Desire by Alice Wong

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emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

This collection of essays, poetry, and interviews shines a light on what intimacy means for people with disabilities, while also exploring the unique challenges they face in an able-bodied world. With a range of intersectional voices, each writer brings their own unique perspective, showcasing their strengths and experiences.

A key focus is how the COVID pandemic impacted the disabled community.

Two standouts for me were Maria Town's moving 'This Is My Solemn Vow' and Elliot Kukla’s insightful 'The Most Valuable Thing I Can Teach My Kids Is How To Be Lazy.'