quiteliterary's reviews
124 reviews

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If men suffer in silence, then why am I reading about it?

However, I actually enjoyed this. I never really care to know a man’s perspective on anything but this was written by a woman so I thought I should give it a try. Turns out I definitely did see the hype. It was funny, and exactly how I thought a man’s perspective on a break up would be. 

I can see why some people would dislike this, and even DNF. Andy is annoying, whiny and insecure but I think D.A made that intentional. Everything was a hit on the nail. It is easier to read this if you read this as something satirical with its moments here and there. 

The last chapter though, which was Jen’s perspective, was the cherry on top. Chef’s kiss. Everything she said was little too close to home. If this book had came out when 10 years ago, I’d probably have processed my break up better. 
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Go to review page

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

Some parts made me feel annoyed (while I got their dilemma, all they had to do was talk and not run away at every chance they get) and uncomfortable (no verbal consent during one of their rated scenes)

I didn’t like Michael pressuring her to agree to his proposal. As if he wasn’t always facing his own dilemma. His bursts of anger were odd too. I don’t think we even got a proper explanation. We don’t get to see John as much as we do with Michael, but John was definitely a better man. 

I really loved the moments between Francesca with all the women. Especially the ones with the Bridgerton ladies. Hyacinth was hilarious. Book Francesca and show Francesca are pretty similar so it was easy to picture the actress while reading this. 

P.S the scene at John’s grave made me cry tho. So there’s that. 🥲

Better Left Unsent by Lia Louis

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Very slow and boring.
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.0

This is the first Bridgerton book I’ve ever read because I’ve been anticipating for Benedict’s season which Shonda skipped this time. 

You can expect a typical Cinderella story so there is nothing to dissect or analyse. It is a fun and easy read. But try not to be disappointed with Benedict’s characterisation if you are coming in here as a fan of the Netflix show.

While I adored show Ben, book Ben was infuriating and gave me the ick most of the time. But I had been familiar with that prior to reading this. So I already knew what I was jumping into. 

I was mostly looking forward to meeting Sophie, whom was easy to love. I am excited to see who will portray her in the show and how much of the plot Shonda is going tweak for their season! 

The Life of the Mind by Christine Smallwood

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
So much was said. So little mattered. 
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
I didn’t like Cleopatra and Frankenstein which I’ve picked up twice, DNF both times. But I really wanted to like this one because I love stories about sisters. But this spoke nothing of their sisterhood. Except for the fact that two of them can’t stand each other. One is dead. The other is just there, who is kind of the only one I cared about. 

Similarly with C&F, the writing in this one felt very flat. Avery and Lucky have personality traits that you can’t miss while reading but somehow they still felt one dimensional. I feel like the audience only got to dip their toes into Bonnie’s POVs which is odd because wasn’t she the sister closest to Nicky? At least that’s what I got from reading the different POVs.  

I’ve concluded that maybe Coco Mellors’ writing style just doesn’t work for me. She has pretty book covers tho. 
Better by Far by Hazel Hayes

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

I have mixed feelings about this one in a way that I don’t know if this made want to cry out of despair or relief. 

I’ve read Out Of Love and honestly, this one was slightly heavier and somehow darker..? So heed the warnings. While both books surround a break-up, Better By Far broadly spoke of grief beyond a failed relationship. It was about grief for the life and people one could have had. 

It starts off a little slow and I almost DNF but I really did not want to because I remember loving Hazel Hayes’s debut. Needless to say, it got better at around 30% until the end. 
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Starts off heavy very quickly. It felt dreadful to continue. 
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

Go to review page

emotional funny 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

5.0

A sensational debut that deserves 5 stars doubled. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am a library girlie so I rarely buy books but I had been anticipating for this one to be released as soon as I found out the premises of it. Best $18 spent ever. 

I was already locked in just 2% into the book. I love how Natalie Sue humanised each one of the characters. They were so well written. Every page was incredibly funny that I caught myself quite literally laughing out loud. I also did not expect for some parts to make you tear up but here we are. 

This book does a great job at reminding you that a lot of these companies we work for really do not give a crap about us. How easily disposable we all are. It sucks, but it is true. 

This was an absolutely joy for me. So relatable, funny and raw. It’s the kind of book that makes you wish you’ve forgotten every emotion you felt while reading it just so you could experience it all over again. 
Territory of Light by Yūko Tsushima

Go to review page

sad fast-paced
This was depressing. Some parts were okay, some parts were boring.