javianblawson's reviews
12 reviews

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

My, oh, my.

This book touched me in the deepest of ways, bringing out something I hadn’t felt in many years: the feeling of being seen in literature.

Though this story isn’t mine, the experience that is Phillipe’s often felt like my own. There is a particular experience that most (if not all) queer people must endure: love that cannot be. A swarming desire that must be compressed. I’ve experienced it myself.

This feeling of love, it transports me; it makes me happy. At the same time, it consumes me and makes me miserable, the way all impossible loves are miserable.

The double meaning of the translated title is genius. The nuanced characters (specifically Thomas) are so well written. Unmistakable love that could never see daylight. The mark that is left behind after such great love (and loss)… this book was so much more than I could’ve asked of it to be.

Content Warnings

Writers & Lovers by Lily King

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slow-paced

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

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

Both Carrie Soto and Taylor Jenkins Reid are eternal mothers!

Carrie Soto is an undeniable force and she will stop at nothing to get what is rightfully hers. It is so refreshing to see women be so unapologetically ambitious in literature. Carrie may be an unlikable character to most, but to me, she is the best kind there is: honest.

I love stories with a great plot and even better characters, and that’s exactly what this is. It makes me want to pick up a tennis racket when I know damn well that I can’t play.

What is greatness? What is it to be the best?

This book gave me so much joy while reading it. I was on the edge of my seat, churning through the pages. I could not wait to see what happened next. It was magnificent. That’s honestly all I can ask for in a story.

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue

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adventurous funny reflective medium-paced