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xonicielizabeth's reviews
364 reviews
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another really amazing read.
This novel hit slightly different than my previous read but only slightly.
There is a theme of people trying to figure out what is next for them after major losses with people, jobs, etc. looking for a way to find that it is okay to not exactly want what society expects so that they can be truly happy instead of living just a mundane existence.
I cannot believe it’s taken me so long to read books in translation as I am having the absolute best time with these
This novel hit slightly different than my previous read but only slightly.
There is a theme of people trying to figure out what is next for them after major losses with people, jobs, etc. looking for a way to find that it is okay to not exactly want what society expects so that they can be truly happy instead of living just a mundane existence.
I cannot believe it’s taken me so long to read books in translation as I am having the absolute best time with these
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This novel was so timely in my life in that I have gone through and currently going through many of the same situations, thoughts and feelings that Yeongju experienced prior to opening the bookshop.
Full of insightful questions and even some answers I did not realize I was looking for. Not to mention each of the characters that we meet feel so real! They each experienced growth at their own pace. Putting life on like a perfectly worn in and cozy hoodie after far too many days in a suit and tie that was strangling all happiness from them.
Another thing the book accomplishes for me are the ideas surrounding dreams and what success may look like, as well as how different both happiness and success are packaged and sold to us compared to what we are actually desiring in our lives.
This novel immediately took me in and held me tight. Gave me voice and a shoulder. Opened my eyes to new ways of thinking of all the feelings and thoughts I’ve not been able to express aloud.
I dare say, here and now that this novel is one of my all time favorites I’ve read in my entire life. I will without a shadow of a doubt be picking up any translated work I can get my hands on by this author.
Full of insightful questions and even some answers I did not realize I was looking for. Not to mention each of the characters that we meet feel so real! They each experienced growth at their own pace. Putting life on like a perfectly worn in and cozy hoodie after far too many days in a suit and tie that was strangling all happiness from them.
Another thing the book accomplishes for me are the ideas surrounding dreams and what success may look like, as well as how different both happiness and success are packaged and sold to us compared to what we are actually desiring in our lives.
This novel immediately took me in and held me tight. Gave me voice and a shoulder. Opened my eyes to new ways of thinking of all the feelings and thoughts I’ve not been able to express aloud.
I dare say, here and now that this novel is one of my all time favorites I’ve read in my entire life. I will without a shadow of a doubt be picking up any translated work I can get my hands on by this author.
Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I really enjoyed this story so much, as heartbreaking of a story as it is.
The writing style was very different than what I normally get into and I can see why it isn’t for everyone, you’ll also likely guess the plot twist pretty quickly, however I beg of and implore you to stick with the story for the deeper message within.
This meant simply a mystery surrounding the various women in and around Red Pine Reservation but a call to understanding that Native women, girls, and yes even boys are going missing at alarming rates and have for many hundreds of years.
We need to ask why this is being allowed to happen and grasp that something needs to be healed and shored up when it comes to the fight over jurisdiction between Tribal police, local, and federal agents particularly when it involves missing Natives.
This isn’t simply a store but another cry for people to care and through their voices behind the issue; to raise awareness and do something to stop the human trafficking that is quite literally happening in front of our eyes without a second thought.
Oh this one will stay with me. My heart, tears and soul go out to every single family who has lost a loved one in these horrific ways. Even IF they’re found alive, their souls are forever altered in ways that nobody deserves.
Go into this novel with an open heart and with understanding. If you are receptive to the underlying message, you will not be the same after reading it.
The writing style was very different than what I normally get into and I can see why it isn’t for everyone, you’ll also likely guess the plot twist pretty quickly, however I beg of and implore you to stick with the story for the deeper message within.
This meant simply a mystery surrounding the various women in and around Red Pine Reservation but a call to understanding that Native women, girls, and yes even boys are going missing at alarming rates and have for many hundreds of years.
We need to ask why this is being allowed to happen and grasp that something needs to be healed and shored up when it comes to the fight over jurisdiction between Tribal police, local, and federal agents particularly when it involves missing Natives.
This isn’t simply a store but another cry for people to care and through their voices behind the issue; to raise awareness and do something to stop the human trafficking that is quite literally happening in front of our eyes without a second thought.
Oh this one will stay with me. My heart, tears and soul go out to every single family who has lost a loved one in these horrific ways. Even IF they’re found alive, their souls are forever altered in ways that nobody deserves.
Go into this novel with an open heart and with understanding. If you are receptive to the underlying message, you will not be the same after reading it.
A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
3.75
This cozy fantasy was a wonderful escape. Going into this for the vibes is the best thing to do and may not be one most will enjoy going into blind if they’re newer to cozy fantasy.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
4.0
This was a trust the process read for me as I do not read much in terms of lit fic at all.
I did enjoy what was essentially a character study of the residents who reside in Chicken Hill.
Please do not go into this book thinking that it will stick with the plot of who, what, where, when, and why with the body that was found at the building site and instead pop on the audio and immerse yourself into the eccentrics of the residents.
I did enjoy what was essentially a character study of the residents who reside in Chicken Hill.
Please do not go into this book thinking that it will stick with the plot of who, what, where, when, and why with the body that was found at the building site and instead pop on the audio and immerse yourself into the eccentrics of the residents.
Hexed by Emily McIntire
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
5.0
am not an audio girlie but I loved this audio so much!
I hate Aria (even more so than Dorothy and I thought she took the cake in this series).
Love Gio, Enzo, and Venesa so much. The three musketeers.
Emily killed the twists and turns once again and fulfilled my need for this twisted romance to be told.
I hate Aria (even more so than Dorothy and I thought she took the cake in this series).
Love Gio, Enzo, and Venesa so much. The three musketeers.
Emily killed the twists and turns once again and fulfilled my need for this twisted romance to be told.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
Really just not into this world even though I did enjoy Fourth Wing
Tryst Six Venom by Penelope Douglas
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was not sure I was going to end up liking this one due to the bully aspect but I put it down for a few weeks and picked back up later only to devour the rest of it in one sitting.
Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow