popothereader's reviews
189 reviews

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

4.5

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

medium-paced

5.0

As a fan of iCarly, I was really anticipating to read this book. Since the book came out last year, I was already aware of most of the content of this book but actually reading the words was still so impactful. As someone that has also struggled with disordered eating and purging, this story totally resonated with me, even though my and Jennette’s situations were not exactly the same. I love the writing style and how it evolved and became more mature as Jennette herself grew up in the story, it made the story even more immersive. Totally recommend, a must read in my opinion 

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

What a fun read during Xmas time! I really needed this type of lighthearted book to put me in the xmas mood. Friends to lovers is one of my all time faves trope and this totally delivered. THE PINIIIIIING WAS SO GOOD. Also the MCs banter was so fun to read you could feel their chemistry through the page. Was their relationship evolution a big quick and unrealistic? Sure but it’s a xmas romcom so I wasn’t expecting anything else! 

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

dark reflective sad fast-paced

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

3.0

This was such an easy read in the sense that the writing style makes it understandable and quick to go through. I also like the kind of feminist lens put on the story of Penelope. I already knew the myth from the Odyssey but we don’t get to see much of her in it so I appreciate this take. If I could make 1 critique is that, even though Penelope was a multilayered character all the other characters felt very flat which made me not care about them and it’s a bit of a shame (especially the maids who are supposed to play a big part in the ending of the book)

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

4.0

It was so great to revisit this book! I wanted to reread it before the adaptation comes out to refresh the story in my mind and oh boy do I not regret it! The greek mythology nerd in me is living for this book series, it is so immersive and funny. Percy, Annabeth and Grover are so likable, I wish they were my friends in middle school. Doesn’t get 5 stars because it is one of the weakest books in the series in my opinion

Babel by R.F. Kuang

dark emotional reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

How could I not love this book? The message is so so important, especially in the current political climate. Talks on colonialism are rising again and this book chooses to focus on the linguistic angle of it, which I feel like is not seen often. The magic system being so rooted in the story and believable, the found family aspect (with a twist ofc), the dark academia feel and as I said the messaging really are a match made in heaven in my book. Still have not stopped crying at the ending, Rebecca u owe me therapy

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

Even though I overall really enjoyed this read, I can’t say that I’m totally satisfied with it. To me, the biggest negative point about this book is that it has a pace issue. Some parts are kind of dragging and then everything happens really quickly, it made the reading experience a bit hard. Also, the plot was deeply predictable, I guessed all the twists by the first half of the book, even though there were not many hints : the story was just easy to predict and it’s a shame. I still heavily recommend it, the setting and magical aspects are very interesting and the romance pretty enjoyable as well.

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 2 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

medium-paced

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

4.0

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0