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katie_11's reviews
67 reviews
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Gendered Brain: The New Neuroscience That Shatters the Myth of the Female Brain by Gina Rippon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Too much like a textbook.
Summer Fishing in Lapland by Juhani Karila
adventurous
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.75
Thanks to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy!
I loved this book! It follows the story of Elina who has to fish for a magical pike every year to stay alive, surrounded by the threats of lapland's magic and curses. The supporting characters are lovable and the magical folklore weaving through the storyline is glorious.
To me, this was classic Pushkin Press - brilliantly written, whimsical, absolutely bonkers at some parts and compelling. Would recommend!
I loved this book! It follows the story of Elina who has to fish for a magical pike every year to stay alive, surrounded by the threats of lapland's magic and curses. The supporting characters are lovable and the magical folklore weaving through the storyline is glorious.
To me, this was classic Pushkin Press - brilliantly written, whimsical, absolutely bonkers at some parts and compelling. Would recommend!
When the Dust Settles: Stories of Love, Loss and Hope from an Expert in Disaster by Lucy Easthope
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Rosewater by Liv Little
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.25
I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved the queer representation throughout and the evolution of Elsie's storyline through the focus on poetry to her relationship with Juliet. The style of writing had parallels for me of Caleb Azumah Nelson's Open Water - lyrical and soulful. I'd highly recommend if you're looking for a black queer love story to get lost in.
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
4.75
I loved this book! As queer fiction set against the backdrop of WWI goes, there was so much hope and love to be found in the writing. It is as much a love story as it is about the war, and personally I loved that it didn't focus too heavily on homophobia or what I feel may have been slightly unrealistic attitudes to gay relationships at that time in British history. I also thought the ending was perfect and tragic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism and Suicide
Minor: Homophobia, Antisemitism, and Colonisation
Enchantment: Reawakening Wonder in an Exhausted Age by Katherine May
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Thanks to Faber and Faber, and Netgalley for the ARC!
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Wintering last year I was really excited to get my hands on Katherine May's new book. Sadly, I was a little disappointed. I found that the book was lacking a narrative. It was split up into 4 different sections - earth, water, fire and air - but I struggled to find the meaning in the book as a whole. Nevertheless, I do still appreciate the topic of find magic in the little things, and did enjoy the reminders and anecdotes of slowing down and finding beauty in the mundane.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Wintering last year I was really excited to get my hands on Katherine May's new book. Sadly, I was a little disappointed. I found that the book was lacking a narrative. It was split up into 4 different sections - earth, water, fire and air - but I struggled to find the meaning in the book as a whole. Nevertheless, I do still appreciate the topic of find magic in the little things, and did enjoy the reminders and anecdotes of slowing down and finding beauty in the mundane.
All Else Failed: The Unlikely Volunteers at the Heart of the Migrant Aid Crisis by Dana Sachs
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Thanks to Footnote Press for the advanced reader copy!
It feels jarring to call this book a triumph when it covers such a harrowing subject, but it is truly brilliant storytelling.
Documenting the story of the migrant aid crisis centred around Greece in 2015, this book weaves the storylines of seven individuals/families together from all corners of the world. It is expansive and impressive in its scope; extensively researched and places both the refugees and volunteers (of which some are both) at the centre of this story. As expected, it is both heart-breaking and inspiring, and the ease of reading is a testament to the quality of the writing. Would recommend to everyone.
It feels jarring to call this book a triumph when it covers such a harrowing subject, but it is truly brilliant storytelling.
Documenting the story of the migrant aid crisis centred around Greece in 2015, this book weaves the storylines of seven individuals/families together from all corners of the world. It is expansive and impressive in its scope; extensively researched and places both the refugees and volunteers (of which some are both) at the centre of this story. As expected, it is both heart-breaking and inspiring, and the ease of reading is a testament to the quality of the writing. Would recommend to everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Drug use, Mental illness, and Rape
When the Apricots Bloom by Gina Wilkinson
challenging
informative
inspiring
fast-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? Yes
4.5
I loved this book - the writing made the read very easy and the characters were compelling. I gained a real appreciation for the experiences of many iraqi's under Saddam Hussein's rule by reading this book, and respect that this came from first hand experience of the author.