jitterbugsnap's reviews
97 reviews

Flux by Jinwoo Chong

2.5

I wanted to read this book for almost a year before finally checking it out from the library, so I probably over-hyped it to myself, but in the end the book itself did not live up to the summary. It took a long time to really get rolling (and though I understand why it was necessary, I could do with fewer episode recaps of a TV show). I got excited when it finally started the time loop section -- time loops and time travel are some of my favorite things to read -- but the time travel system itself did not feel very well thought out or explained. It also had one of my LEAST favorite things to read

a time jump that skips over important relationship development and suddenly I'm supposed to care about some kid who wasn't in 90% of the book

. I think this book would benefit from a reread, but I'm probably not going to do that.  

Dawn by Octavia E. Butler

4.0

A really compelling book, though the pacing sort of dragged in the middle when it needed to rapidly introduce a whole host of new characters. Butler builds a fascinating and terrifying world and honestly I'm glad I've read this for a book club because there is So much to discuss. It's a juicy one. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

The main character is a bit insufferable, and I could not have cared less about her breakup from 10 years ago, but as with all Ruth Ware novels, I did end up getting sucked in and ended up finishing the second half of the book in one sitting, so I can't complain too much haha. 

vague spoiler for ruth ware's catalogue more than this specific book

but I can't believe she just COMPLETELY reused the end of this one in a later book!!

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

4.0

i love friendship

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

2.75

This book had a lot of heart, but I really did not enjoy the writing style. 

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this read! Nothing life changing, but quick and fun with some quotes that really hit me. 

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

dark emotional hopeful medium-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

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay

I feel weird rating memoirs, but this was a quick and culturally important read. 

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

• 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

5.0

I can't remember the last time I ran to read a sequel so fast. 

It does a great job of building up the rules of the world so that you know enough to be taken aback when people start breaking them. A really interesting world, compelling characters, and great writing. 

American Hippo by Sarah Gailey

2.0

Must a book be "good"? Is it not enough to simply be queer? ...turns out, it is not. 

Great premise, but the writing/development fell flat.