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simranpahwa's reviews
212 reviews
When You Ask Me Where I'm Going by Jasmin Kaur
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I don’t read much poetry but this book kind of resonated with me. The two poems I found the most touching were on page 100 & 209. This book touched on topics of grief, self love and everything in between. I loved the story of Kiran/Saharah - they deserve a book of their own which I would 100% read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another absolutely amazing novel by Ruta Sepetys. I swear everything I read from this author is so moving and just perfectly written. Her chapters are very short, which I find easier to read. Her notes are always the best and give so much insight on the real-life events that inspire her books. I have yet to read two of her books, but I am ordering them right now because I am so in love with her writing.
All of her books focus on periods of history that seem to be forgotten by the general public, especially in the Americas. As the New York Times book review noted on the back of this novel, Rita Sepetys focuses on “whole populations lost in the cracks of history” - I couldn’t agree more.
I highly recommend everyone read this book. I know many people shy away from historical fiction, but Sepetys makes it so easy to understand and read, and you truly feel immersed in the story. I flew through this book so quickly, as with all her novels (I think the short chapters really help). I’m excited to read her remaining books!
All of her books focus on periods of history that seem to be forgotten by the general public, especially in the Americas. As the New York Times book review noted on the back of this novel, Rita Sepetys focuses on “whole populations lost in the cracks of history” - I couldn’t agree more.
I highly recommend everyone read this book. I know many people shy away from historical fiction, but Sepetys makes it so easy to understand and read, and you truly feel immersed in the story. I flew through this book so quickly, as with all her novels (I think the short chapters really help). I’m excited to read her remaining books!
Penpal by Dathan Auerbach
medium-paced
4.75
This book definitely kept me on my toes! I loved that the main character told his mom mostly everything that was going on, I HATE when the child doesn’t tell their parent in fear of retaliation. Honestly L move on mom for not telling Josh’s parents but I feel like many people wouldn’t so it was understandable. Honestly pretty solid read! And the fact that this used to be a Reddit thread!! So fantastic. Congrats to this author!
Seed by Ania Ahlborn
3.5
Was it spooky? 100%. But I felt like I was waiting for something to happen the entire time. The buildup was great, but so much happened at the end, all at once. Also, Jack made me irrationally mad. Just tell your wife what the hell is going on!!? Probably could’ve solved so many of his issues. Or, I don’t know, maybe go see a priest? An exorcist? Literally anyone? Reading this book made me equally as frustrated as watching a scary movie where the main character keeps going towards the danger. That’s basically what this entire novel was.
Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi
fast-paced
4.5
This book is literally the definition of fake it till you make it LOL. Imagine lying so much to the point you end up believing your own lie. I had such a great time reading this book. It was short and I finished it in one sitting. The audiobook also had a fantastic narrator that kept me focused and engaged the whole time (I love reading and listening to audiobook at the same time).
I’m grateful that the book pointed out the misogynistic “rules” that tend to become the norm in office environments, especially those with fewer female staff (taking over admin duties, etc). It’s also funny how when someone becomes pregnant people tend to respect the person more - which makes me wonder why they aren’t as respected in the first place, as everyone should be. This book definitely makes you think.
I was a bit confused about the doctor appointments and the kicking - but I think the appointments were just her imagination and her writing out things that didn’t really happen in her diary, and the kicking was likely just a placebo effect.
Overall, this book kept me engaged and was such an easy read. I would definitely recommend it!
I’m grateful that the book pointed out the misogynistic “rules” that tend to become the norm in office environments, especially those with fewer female staff (taking over admin duties, etc). It’s also funny how when someone becomes pregnant people tend to respect the person more - which makes me wonder why they aren’t as respected in the first place, as everyone should be. This book definitely makes you think.
I was a bit confused about the doctor appointments and the kicking - but I think the appointments were just her imagination and her writing out things that didn’t really happen in her diary, and the kicking was likely just a placebo effect.
Overall, this book kept me engaged and was such an easy read. I would definitely recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough
4.0
Read this book in one sitting! This was so captivating. There were definitely some parts of the book where I just really wanted Emma to tell her husband the stuff that was going on (I genuinely hate the miscommunication trope), so that was kind of frustrating. But overall, the book was pretty decent and I would definitely recommend it to people looking for a psychological thriller.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Wow, this one definitely struck a chord. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book when I first picked it up. I’ve heard so many opposing views for this specific novel (as well as Colleen Hoover’s writing, which I agree definitely isn’t absolutely amazing, but it makes for quick reading which I can definitely appreciate).
The reviews consisted of people either loving the book or hating it. I heard lots of reviews that mentioned this book was glorifying abusive relationships and that’s lowkey the mindset I went into the book with when I picked it up. However, now that I have finished the book and it’s had time to marinate, I don’t agree with the “glorifying abusive relationships” pov. I, unfortunately, have had my own experiences with these kind of relationships, as well as experienced it from my own childhood, so this book was actually a very hard read for me. But my gosh, was it so, so accurate. I haven’t related this hard to a book in a long time (I kind of wish it wasn’t this book, but it is what it is).
I’m glad that stories like this one are able to be written and read by such a large audience. I feel like a majority of the negative reviews may be coming from a perspective that isn’t able to understand what it’s like living through or watching relationships that have gone through domestic abuse/violence, especially situations similar to those mentioned in this book. I’m glad that this book has such a wide reach so the topic of domestic violence is more widely talked about within our community. I’m also really happy that there is a movie out now so this message can hopefully reach an even wider audience.
To anyone reading this review that has in the past or is currently going through a similar situation, I just want you to know that you are strong and loved and it’s never to late to choose yourself 🫶🏼
The reviews consisted of people either loving the book or hating it. I heard lots of reviews that mentioned this book was glorifying abusive relationships and that’s lowkey the mindset I went into the book with when I picked it up. However, now that I have finished the book and it’s had time to marinate, I don’t agree with the “glorifying abusive relationships” pov. I, unfortunately, have had my own experiences with these kind of relationships, as well as experienced it from my own childhood, so this book was actually a very hard read for me. But my gosh, was it so, so accurate. I haven’t related this hard to a book in a long time (I kind of wish it wasn’t this book, but it is what it is).
I’m glad that stories like this one are able to be written and read by such a large audience. I feel like a majority of the negative reviews may be coming from a perspective that isn’t able to understand what it’s like living through or watching relationships that have gone through domestic abuse/violence, especially situations similar to those mentioned in this book. I’m glad that this book has such a wide reach so the topic of domestic violence is more widely talked about within our community. I’m also really happy that there is a movie out now so this message can hopefully reach an even wider audience.
To anyone reading this review that has in the past or is currently going through a similar situation, I just want you to know that you are strong and loved and it’s never to late to choose yourself 🫶🏼
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
As Good as Dead by Holly Jackson
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.0
Finally finished this series! There is actually a Netflix TV show out now and I’m so excited to watch it!! Honestly, the first book in the series was like literal cracked to me. I was obsessed and I believe I read it one sitting, but the following books have kind of been hit or miss. This last book in the series was just okay… honestly nothing special. I definitely think it could have been shorter. I wasn’t very fond of the ending at all. I think the whole concept of falsely imprisoning someone for a crime they didn’t commit is so messed up. I just couldn’t get behind even though the dude was horrible. I feel like it would’ve been a better storyline if they had just had him sent to prison for what he actually did through a retrial or something, it may be an even better twist to have Pip and up in prison. Idk, the ending plot definitely rubbed me the wrong way, which is why I’m rating it a 3/5 ⭐️
Ghosts of the Tsunami: Death and Life in Japan's Disaster Zone by Richard Lloyd Parry
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75
How do I even write a review for such a book? I’ve seen countless videos about the 2011 Japan tsunami but reading about it and hearing stories from individuals directly affected feels so much more intimate and real. Breaks my heart reading about what happened to the students at the Okawa elementary school and how gravely their teachers failed them. I found a few sections to be repetitive and dragging on, so that could have been improved.