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anchovysaurus's reviews
241 reviews
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Flipped subtly touched on themes related to personal growth at any age, like how comparison leads to insecurity, wrestling with the realisation that a parent you've idolised isn't a good person, and how parents' opinions shape their children's opinions.
I appreciate thatJuli and Bryce don't end up together. Instead, there's the implication that they should get to know each other first. By the end, however, Bryce still has a long way to go in terms of his sexism, fatphobia, and emotional immaturity. Also, when Juli's confused about Bryce trying to kiss her without her consent , her mom throws the "just give him a chance" argument at her.
I appreciate that
Kindling by Traci Chee
Kindlings are child soldiers trained to wield magic in battle. This novel follows seven [seven povs + one interlude] of these former soldiers as they head into one final battle.
This haunting story touches on so many aspects of a war's aftermath, including learned prejudice, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the residual itch for a fight. There is excellent growth for all the characters and the final battle offers an electrifying climax. The characters are distinct, if shallow [none more so than the antagonist]. However, this makes it easy to trace their growth. The biggest quirk is that the entire novel uses second-person narration, which we quickly learn is the voices of the deceased soldiers speaking to the characters.
adventurous
emotional
sad
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
4.75
“To be a kindling was to be a corpse.”
Kindlings are child soldiers trained to wield magic in battle. This novel follows seven [seven povs + one interlude] of these former soldiers as they head into one final battle.
This haunting story touches on so many aspects of a war's aftermath, including learned prejudice, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the residual itch for a fight. There is excellent growth for all the characters and the final battle offers an electrifying climax. The characters are distinct, if shallow [none more so than the antagonist]. However, this makes it easy to trace their growth. The biggest quirk is that the entire novel uses second-person narration, which we quickly learn is the voices of the deceased soldiers speaking to the characters.
Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire
It also seems that the audiobook narrator isn't Russian; she's from the US and put on a Russian accent. This stood out to me because I think some of the Eastern European names may have been mispronounced ["Vasyl" in particular].
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
The commentary about disability, adoption, and US missionaries was intriguing and the highlight of this novella.
Belyrreka's an interesting world, but there are holes in the worldbuilding:
Belyrreka's an interesting world, but there are holes in the worldbuilding:
- Except for the giant turtles, the citizens live similarly to people in our world, including making fires and baking under water. One could argue that this is simply whimsical and "magical", but that seems insufficient. I think it would've been better to fully embrace this water world. Even if the author created an underwater geyser as a source of heat, that could've made more sense than a fire.
- The fox warns Nadya that the river doesn't give gifts, only obligations. However, the river seemingly gives Nadya a
water-based hand [thereby undoing the commentary about her being whole with her disability] and asword , without any obligations. She does end upgoing back through the door soon after the sword gift , but that seems more like a consequence than an "obligation".
It also seems that the audiobook narrator isn't Russian; she's from the US and put on a Russian accent. This stood out to me because I think some of the Eastern European names may have been mispronounced ["Vasyl" in particular].
Feminism for the 99%: A Manifesto by Cinzia Arruzza, Nancy Fraser, Tithi Bhattacharya
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
This manifesto's a good summary of contemporary feminist concerns. It argues that feminists should join up with other movements, like climate activism, to effect true societal change for all women of all races, classes, etc.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really define or explain certain economic and political concepts, so you may need some prior knowledge going in. It also blames capitalism and neoliberalism for practically all feminist problems, but many of these problems [particularly the way men believe they are superior to women] were probably present before capitalism came into being.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really define or explain certain economic and political concepts, so you may need some prior knowledge going in. It also blames capitalism and neoliberalism for practically all feminist problems, but many of these problems [particularly the way men believe they are superior to women] were probably present before capitalism came into being.
Dehiscent by Ashley Deng
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
The climate-ravaged dystopia and the flora inside the Zhu house were striking. However, the first quarter of the book is essentially a description of the world's state; the worldbuilding isn't woven gently into the story. The secret of how the house provides was also predictable. Nevertheless, I appreciate that the story ends on a hopeful note.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling, Newt Scamander
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
4.0
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.75