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redvelveting's reviews
46 reviews
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Light, fun little read (especially given that it is a murder mystery) with references to Filipino culture (specifically that of a Filipino American) that I could relate to. I do have to mention, however, that the writing felt juvenile and fanfic-like. It’s a little corny, but overall was entertaining enough that I’d read the next book (not top of the to-read list, but still on there).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Murder, and Gaslighting
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Violence, Grief, Lesbophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I happened to pick this book up for free and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Faith’s detailed and well-articulated recounting of her life with the Family is uncomfortable and very difficult to swallow but also inspiring to see how she gradually comes to terms with the truth and finds her voice. There were definitely moments where I needed to put the book down to process what had just happened. It is not an easy read at all, even less so depending on your own life experiences. But while there were many moments of discomfort, I was desperate to hear that things worked out for her, and hence found myself wanting to read more every night.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while and I’m happy I finally got the chance to. It’s upsetting to read what Jeanette had to go through in her life (and child stars often in general), especially as someone who watched her growing up, but her sense of humour helps make her reflections enjoyable. The fast pace of this particular memoir helped make it a book I didn’t want to put down, as I always wanted to see what happened next. It’s nice to see she’s in a happier place now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Pedophilia, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
How to (Almost) Make Friends on the Internet by Michael Cunningham
lighthearted
fast-paced
1.0
It was really just a compilation of screenshots. Some were funny enough to get me to do that thing where you breathe out your nose.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
5.0
Having read this twice now, I still stand by that the book is a million times more entertaining than any other medium this story has been adapted to . Percy Jackson is still as charming as ever and super easy to read. Rick does a great job emulating 12-year olds and retelling Greek mythology in a way that is digestible and appropriate for his target demographic (although with a few swaps for the Roman mythology but since they were for story purposes I suppose I can forgive) . I give this 5 stars not because it’s perfect in every aspect but rather because it’s something I can read over and over again without being bored :)
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
While Sea of Monsters isn’t my favourite Riordan entry, it’s a quick, easy, and enjoyable read with great additions to Percy’s journey. I’ve always loved Riordan’s retellings of Ancient Greek mythology and Sea of Monsters is a prime example of his lighthearted, modern takes, introducing young readers to bits and pieces of the Argonauts and the Odyssey .
And if you liked those little bits and pieces, Madeline Miller’s Circe is an approachable read with many of these “sea of monsters” encounters in greater detail :)