sourcucumbers's reviews
18 reviews
Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
I just don't think this book is for me. The whole, "i'm so tiny i could fly away when the wind blows" heroine and big burly love interest is not my thing I fear.
Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- 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
3.75
I went into this book a little blind and was surprised by how much I liked this book! I'm so surprised that this is Michelle Quach's debut novel. It's been a while since I feel like I've really enjoyed a YA novel, and this one was really good.
I really liked the build up between Eliza and Len’s relationship. It was really believable, and I liked that the romance wasn’t thrown in our face. This book isn’t really a feminist book, but it is a book discussing the topic of feminism. The attempt at discussing feminist topic felt shallow and was the weakest part of the book, which sucked because it was a really big theme but doesn’t soil my enjoyment.
Contrary to other reviews, I really like how unlikeable Eliza is. For me, she was never that unlikeable, she just stands her ground, but she is definitely NOT like other girls (she is worse). This gave her the opportunity to grow at the end of the novel, and it felt really natural which made it the best part of the book for me. Serena is my favorite character. She really was the epitome of don’t ask what you can do for misogyny but what misogyny can do for you.
Spoiler
I was really enamored by the relationship that I didn’t expect that twist to be honest!
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An absolutely captivating book that will leave you confused until a second read. This book is short enough for another read through and will leave you hunting for clues, but is so worth it! It has become a comfort read for me. I love how poetic the book is.
Do not come into this book intimidated by or searching for sci-fi/fantasy. It's netiher a focus on the characters red and blue nor is it a world building science fantasy. I would say the focus of this book is about the relationship between red and blue's love with a sff background.
Read this book if you love the concept of love and falling in love. It's a quintissential enemies to lover book for me!
Do not come into this book intimidated by or searching for sci-fi/fantasy. It's netiher a focus on the characters red and blue nor is it a world building science fantasy. I would say the focus of this book is about the relationship between red and blue's love with a sff background.
Read this book if you love the concept of love and falling in love. It's a quintissential enemies to lover book for me!
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
It was really like an okay read. There was nothing spectacular about this book, but the drama is entertaining. If you like coming-of-age easily projectable main character, then this is the book!
I think my biggest gripe of this book is the attempt to make the “Asian American experience” synonymous to “East Asian.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes every time the author wrote something trying to encapsulate the “Asian American experience” when it is only relatable to the larger East Asian community in America.
The rest of my review will be in spoilers, but in general, my feelings around this book can be summarized as: it’s not that good, but it’s not that bad. This book went on for way too long and some parts felt dragged out.
Spoiler
okay where do I even begin? I felt like the author forgot she was trying to write a love triangle and threw in Xavier at the last minute? We all knew it was Rick, right? Yeah, that was obvious, but his cheating justified because the girl is,, depressed (??) and because he’s cheating on his gf with our main character? I don’t get what’s wrong with Jenna. It just sucks that Jenna’s whole character is main guy’s gf who gets in the way of the “main couple” it was so annoying to read through.Spoiler
ALSO why was Ever and Xavier drama a thing?? He was on the page for a whole 2 minutes. I don’t get why Rick or Xavier liked her? There were so many parts of this book that I didn’t get. Like why was there a car accident subplot that lasted for 5 pages and then Ever danced on stage with a DISLOCATED SHOULDER AND INJURED ANKLE?Spoiler
I can’t even wrap my brain around Sophie or her backstory, not excusing the revenge porn, but she’s my favorite character.There was too much going on and not enough at the same time. It feels like a random marble of ideas that weren’t too fleshed out. There were so many topics in this book, almost as if the author threw a dart at each pressing teen topic at random and included it into the book. I thought that Ever was the only character who was fleshed out, but I wish Ever and her mom had a moment of understanding, but whatever.
This book wasn't all bad by all means, just a little disappointing.
This book wasn't all bad by all means, just a little disappointing.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Though I've seen others say that Ocean Vuong's writing is pretentious, I find his prose comforting. I love the way he strings together sentences and describes small details so intimately. It really feels like I am there watching the characters with my own eyes.
I say that this book is a love letter to every queer southeast asian person who has had a complicated realtionship with belonging in a country that ceases to be our own and a family history that is fragmented. It was really hard for me to read through this book, but that is because it feels like I am seeing my own story told to the public. If you're queer and southeast asian, please read through all the trigger warnings before reading.
I don't think I can reread this book, just because each page was just me crying profusely, but it has easily become one of my favorite books. I can't wait to read more of Ocean's work.
I say that this book is a love letter to every queer southeast asian person who has had a complicated realtionship with belonging in a country that ceases to be our own and a family history that is fragmented. It was really hard for me to read through this book, but that is because it feels like I am seeing my own story told to the public. If you're queer and southeast asian, please read through all the trigger warnings before reading.
I don't think I can reread this book, just because each page was just me crying profusely, but it has easily become one of my favorite books. I can't wait to read more of Ocean's work.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
emotional
sad
medium-paced
It feels illegal to rate this because of how personal the book is! I started this book because Jbrekkie is one of my favorite artists, but it offered me so much more than an intimate insight to one of my fave artists. I find that the most relatable parts of the book is when she describes her emotions surrounding her mother's death and her relationship with her mother.
I think this is definitely a book to pick up if you either love Jbrekkie, have a complicated relationship but loving relationship with your mother, and/or dealt with grieving someone.
I think this is definitely a book to pick up if you either love Jbrekkie, have a complicated relationship but loving relationship with your mother, and/or dealt with grieving someone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Cancer
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
don’t be fooled by the cute cover. overall still really good but not for everyone!
at its core, the book examines how “misfits” navigate the world and poses interesting questions about bodily autonomy but goes about it in a very unique and dark way. there are a ton of taboo topics and be sure to be aware of all trigger warnings before reading
at its core, the book examines how “misfits” navigate the world and poses interesting questions about bodily autonomy but goes about it in a very unique and dark way. there are a ton of taboo topics and be sure to be aware of all trigger warnings before reading
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Incest, Gore, Cannibalism, Child abuse, and Pedophilia
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is the most unique concept for a book I have ever read. I never expected the book itself to be a character and to have such profound thoughts. I really liked how Ozeki was able to incorporate some of her buddhism in this work, and it was a really sad but eventually heartwarming read.
At the bare bones, this book is a conversation between Benny (our protagonist) and the Book (who is a character). Benny is dealing with a lot for a kid, from his dead dad to hearing the thoughts of inanimate objects. He's really just trying to live life, but there are so many obstacles that stop him from doing so. The book switches perspectives from Benny and the Book, and it was never hard to follow which is which and who is who.
Firstly, I did not like the conversation about Annabelle and her weight gain. From my understanding, she's always had weight issues, and because of Kenji's death, she really "put on weight" but overall, it seemed like this would be the least of her worry with Benny's issues and work stuff. I don't know, it seemed like the book had too much emphasis on this when it could've just been, not as prevalent. I'm just tired of seeing books that use weight gain as a negative outcome or consequence, and how it was written, Annabelle being a "slob" and a hoarder really plays into fat stereotypes.
Secondly, Aleph (Alice) is Benny's manic pixie dream girl, and her only characterization was to drive his plot forward. I can't believe that Cory (the librarian) had much better characterization and she was hardly in the book at all. I wish to know more about Aleph and I get that this is Benny's story, but there were other ways to handle her that didn't base her entire character solely on being the object of Benny's affection.
Lastly, the "protest" (if you can even call it that) scene with Benny was a hot mess altogether. It was so unrealistic and was badly written, as if it was recounted by someone who never attended a protest and have only written an idealized version of it. This really broke the immersion for me and is the reason why this book is not 5 stars.
At the bare bones, this book is a conversation between Benny (our protagonist) and the Book (who is a character). Benny is dealing with a lot for a kid, from his dead dad to hearing the thoughts of inanimate objects. He's really just trying to live life, but there are so many obstacles that stop him from doing so. The book switches perspectives from Benny and the Book, and it was never hard to follow which is which and who is who.
Spoiler
I really liked how this book handles the conversation around PTSD and triggers etc. I can tell that Ruth Ozeki did a lot of research prior. Although I think this book is great, there were aspects of it that really broke me out of the immersion.Firstly, I did not like the conversation about Annabelle and her weight gain. From my understanding, she's always had weight issues, and because of Kenji's death, she really "put on weight" but overall, it seemed like this would be the least of her worry with Benny's issues and work stuff. I don't know, it seemed like the book had too much emphasis on this when it could've just been, not as prevalent. I'm just tired of seeing books that use weight gain as a negative outcome or consequence, and how it was written, Annabelle being a "slob" and a hoarder really plays into fat stereotypes.
Secondly, Aleph (Alice) is Benny's manic pixie dream girl, and her only characterization was to drive his plot forward. I can't believe that Cory (the librarian) had much better characterization and she was hardly in the book at all. I wish to know more about Aleph and I get that this is Benny's story, but there were other ways to handle her that didn't base her entire character solely on being the object of Benny's affection.
Lastly, the "protest" (if you can even call it that) scene with Benny was a hot mess altogether. It was so unrealistic and was badly written, as if it was recounted by someone who never attended a protest and have only written an idealized version of it. This really broke the immersion for me and is the reason why this book is not 5 stars.
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Things Aren’t Always as They Seem
The beginning of the book was really hard to follow and I almost dropped it, but I’m glad I was able to power through the first part! At times, it felt very conversational and I was immersed in the story telling but other times I felt so confused in trying to decipher what Carmen was trying to say.
tl;dr great book! the first half may seem slow but power through it and i promise it have insightful commentary. the ending was a bit anticlimactic but for what it’s worth, it needed to be.
The beginning of the book was really hard to follow and I almost dropped it, but I’m glad I was able to power through the first part! At times, it felt very conversational and I was immersed in the story telling but other times I felt so confused in trying to decipher what Carmen was trying to say.
Spoiler
Carmen does a great job using footnotes. I loved how it contributed to the larger conversation of the book. Also mind-blowing how it turned into a mini choose your own adventure with a twist! I really enjoyed those parts mosttl;dr great book! the first half may seem slow but power through it and i promise it have insightful commentary. the ending was a bit anticlimactic but for what it’s worth, it needed to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Commentary on Patriarchy and Bodily Autonomy in a Unique Concept
There isn't too much I can say about this book that doesn't head into spoiler territory. At the crux of it, this book explores the relationship between patriarchy and the way it affects a woman's bodily autonomy. I find that it tackles and explores many topics relating to mental illness (specifically depression) and abuse. The book is more open ended and up to the reader's interpretation, which some may find frustrating and if you're more into plot driven books, you might want to skip this one.
The length of this book is pretty short, so if you're up for trying a more contemporary genre with philosophical topics, I would highly recommend it, but be sure to check all trigger warnings and other spoiler free reviews. I would recommend a second or third reread to really get the core message.
TL;DR: 4.25/5 stars, mostly because I couldn't stand the men in the book, but that's my personal rating. It was a quick read, but it can get confusing at times.
There isn't too much I can say about this book that doesn't head into spoiler territory. At the crux of it, this book explores the relationship between patriarchy and the way it affects a woman's bodily autonomy. I find that it tackles and explores many topics relating to mental illness (specifically depression) and abuse. The book is more open ended and up to the reader's interpretation, which some may find frustrating and if you're more into plot driven books, you might want to skip this one.
The length of this book is pretty short, so if you're up for trying a more contemporary genre with philosophical topics, I would highly recommend it, but be sure to check all trigger warnings and other spoiler free reviews. I would recommend a second or third reread to really get the core message.
TL;DR: 4.25/5 stars, mostly because I couldn't stand the men in the book, but that's my personal rating. It was a quick read, but it can get confusing at times.
Spoiler
On the topic of men, jail time for all the men in this book. all are awful, but needed in a way to highlight the abuse faced by the women in the book. I find that all the men in the book are of the same in the way that they view women in their lives as objects, whether it be sex objects etc. The way that this book handles the perspective of yeong-hye's husband and in-hye's husband was genius, in my opinion, in that in-hye's husband was supposedly the "good guy" but he's no different from yeong-hye's scumbag husband.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Infidelity, Child abuse, Misogyny, and Mental illness
Moderate: Animal death