josiemi's reviews
70 reviews

Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert

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

2.5

I wanted to like this book, but I found the character and plot development to be on the weaker side. I like the premise of a complicated mother daughter relationship tied in with witchcraft, however, I didn't feel particularly invested in any of the relationships. All of the characters felt somewhat surface level and unmotivated. I really enjoyed the darkness of this book and the overall plot, however, the chapter povs were confusing at times, and it was unclear to me that the book took place in Chicago until around halfway through. I would have loved more context of the world of witchcraft this book lives in and I see the potential for a series considering the vague ending. 
Crumb: The Baking Book by Ruby Tandoh

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informative medium-paced

4.25

I really enjoyed Ruby Tandoh’s voice in this cookbook and what each recipe meant to her. I found the instructions easy to follow, accessible, and adaptable to circumstances, different kitchens, and whatever I had in the cupboard.
My Name Is Rachel Corrie by Rachel Corrie

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emotional inspiring sad medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

This play is so beautifully tragic. There’s something about hearing words directly from someone’s own journal and notes on life that give us insight to them in no other way and understand how they see the world and it maybe spurs a change in how we see it.
99 Histories by Julia Cho

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challenging emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

4.75

Some really beautiful buds, roses, and thorns of love. Cho has written an astounding piece on the complexities of love, motherhood, relationships and Chung 정.
Bfe by Julia Cho

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

3.5

This isn’t my favorite Julia Cho play, however, I thinks it’s quick, witty, dark, and makes some really great points about loneliness, adolescence, etc.
Glee & Me by Stuart Slade

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funny hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced

5.0

This play is stunning. I feel Lola every second in a way that I mourn her, but it’s not precious, she simply lives all her life at once.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

This book is so beloved for a reason and I didn’t want it to end
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Fang Runin is somehow so unlikable and yet I can’t help root for her through and through. This book is longer than the first, it got a bit tedious at times and I wish Rin’s inner conflicts had a stronger voice over her sheer rage, but also understand that rage and vengeance is what she always comes back to. I just find that some of her humanity is diminished by the constant external conflict… maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be. 🤷🏻‍♀️
The Chinese Lady by Lloyd Suh

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challenging emotional funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

SLUT: The Play by Katie Cappiello, Jamia Wilson

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challenging emotional sad tense fast-paced

4.5

This play is so well crafted, extremely poignant and all too real. My only complaint is that some of the references, for example, “Facebook,” felt dated.