kaitlyncookies's reviews
39 reviews
The Eighth Life, by Nino Haratischwili
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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
A one-of-a-kind reading experience, truly an epic read. I have never read a book anywhere near this long, but completing this was immensely rewarding. This type of story could only be achieved in 900+ pages and I’m so glad I didn’t let the size scare me away. The story and the characters were incredibly captivating from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Abortion
Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying and War
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began, by Art Spiegelman
challenging
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Without a doubt, the best and most memorable Holocaust story I’ve ever encountered. Read it to remember the horror of how humans have treated (and continue to treat) other humans, and to witness what it means to be a survivor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, War, and Antisemitism
I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
An incredibly insightful memoir of a child actor that does not shy away from sharing the details of the many unfortunate results of being in the spotlight from a young age. I also loved McCurdy’s dark humour, her voice really comes out in the book.
Also really loved the short chapters, it made the book fly by.
Also really loved the short chapters, it made the book fly by.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Terminal illness and Grief
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Call Me by Your Name, by André Aciman
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn’t enjoy this book per se, but I can’t deny that it’s extremely well written. I think the thing that bothered me most were all of the intellectual conversations and references I didn’t understand. The intensity of the relationship depicted definitely surpasses any of the other romantic relationships I’ve come across in movies or novels, and that is what made the story memorable.
Listening to this as an audiobook, there were definitely a number of scenes that felt *intense (most fitting adjective I can think of to describe the whole book) to be listening to on the casual commute into work. There are also some sexual scenes that I can’t unread and were a bit too much for me, although I applaud the author’s creativity and willingness to “go there” I suppose. Other than that, Armie Hammer’s narration was 👌🏽.
Listening to this as an audiobook, there were definitely a number of scenes that felt *intense (most fitting adjective I can think of to describe the whole book) to be listening to on the casual commute into work. There are also some sexual scenes that I can’t unread and were a bit too much for me, although I applaud the author’s creativity and willingness to “go there” I suppose. Other than that, Armie Hammer’s narration was 👌🏽.
The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This is a memoir that gives you a glimpse into the very challenging childhood of Jeanette Walls and her siblings. Many of the situations they face are heartbreaking and described in vivid detail. It took me a while to get used to Walls’ reading style but in the end I really enjoyed the audiobook and looked forward to listening to what came next for the Walls family. This is one of those memoirs that will really make you appreciate your life and your family. The story will definitely stay with me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History, by Art Spiegelman
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Gripping, haunting & essential reading.
Snug: A Collection of Comics about Dating Your Best Friend, by Catana Chetwynd
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.75
An absolutely adorable comic that will give you warm fuzzies!
Heartstopper, Volume Four, by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.5
In Heartstopper volume 4 Oseman handles the topic of mental illness in a refreshing and honest way. They also show how Charlie & Nick’s relationship matures over time & I loved it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Self harm
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, by Elle Cosimano
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I enjoyed the unique premise of this book and overall it was a fun read. I did find at times there was over-explanation and long inner monologues from the main character. I understand these passages were necessary to ensure the reader understood critical plot points, but sometimes it just felt like too much information - for example the many passages about how function.
My other criticism is that some of the characters other than Findlay felt like they were based on stereotypes, like Ramón, a Latino character with experience hot-wiring cars, and the.
Spoiler
garage doorsMy other criticism is that some of the characters other than Findlay felt like they were based on stereotypes, like Ramón, a Latino character with experience hot-wiring cars, and the
Spoiler
Russian mob characters
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Murder, Car accident, and Death
The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A beautiful book about mothers and daughters. Tan’s novel, which reads like a short story collection, sounded very similar in tone to Alice Munro’s work, so if you like Munro’s stories you will enjoy these as well. While the pace felt slower the second half of the novel, I still deeply enjoyed Tan’s prose. The stories are all captivating and heartbreaking, and all of the characters feel completely real. I wouldn’t exactly call it a fun read, but would be great if you’re in the mood for a reflective multigenerational story. It really made me reflect on the relationship I have with my parents.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Death of parent, Rape, and War