thelulibrary's reviews
51 reviews

The Appeal by Janice Hallett

dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

I've got chills! Wow. I love the way it's written entirely through correspondence. It looks some getting used to at first but so glad I stuck it out. The plot thickens and the twists and turns! And the creepy ending! Recommend for Agatha Christie and mystery lovers! 

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

fast-paced

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

5.0

My only regret is not reading this sooner. I started the show then grabbed the book and lucky hadn't finished the show before reading the book. Even if I had I still would have gone to the book for every last detail. It is so well written it's like watching a documentary. It is full of unedited emotion and rock and roll. Will definitely be reading again in the future. 

People From My Neighbourhood by Hiromi Kawakami

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

I love short stories. They are so much easier to digest than a novel but this collection reads very similar to a novel. It is the first book I've read by this author but I will definitely be coming back for more from Hiromi Kawakami. A great book to bring with you throughout your day as it is small and has lots of quick stopping points. 

Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

I don't really enjoy romance books but this one surprised me. As much as it is first and foremost a rather graphic at times love story, it is beautiful. I do appreciate the pop culture references and jokes. I'd def recommend to romance readers! 

Asumi-chan Is Interested In Lesbian Brothels Vol.1 by Kuro Itsuki

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

It's exactly what you'd expect a manga like this to be but hey I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum. It's got an interesting story and I'll def be reading the rest for the volumes as the come out. 

Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.0

The second instalment to Before The Coffee Gets Cold follows the same pattern as the first and does nothing short of pulling at the heart strings just the same. The stories are intriguing and tie in to the lives of those people who work and visited the cafe before. 

I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love by Minta Suzumaru

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? Yes

3.0

I don't really read Manga or this type of manga I should say. But it was a cute story and wildly sexual. But I also enjoyed reading the story of a younger more experienced man and his less experienced older lover. It's not for everyone but it was an enjoyable read. 

The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

It's a satisfying finale for sure but I wish there was more of certain characters. After spending so long with the other students I felt like they weren't as important in this final book. Still worth reading if you enjoyed the first two. 

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

emotional funny reflective sad 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

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. It took me a long time to get into it but once I got to part two I was hooked and finished it in about a day. It was very compelling and I loved the pop culture and literally references throughout the novel. I'm def not a gamer but I understood most of the game references and it totally made me appreciate video games a lot more. 

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense slow-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

4.5

While I found the beginning to be a bit slow and a bit too much like a bridge book, the last 50 pages tore my heart out of my chest, stabbed it, threw it on the floor and stomped on it then set it on fire and threw it into the deepest depths of Tartarus. Needless to say I loved this book. The development Annabeth and Leo go through in this book alone. And the way the relationship of Percy and Nico ebbes and flows is like being caught in a rip current.