afostinis's reviews
11 reviews

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

A tense psychological thriller with a strong twist at the end of the tale. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm and Murder

Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Violence, and Death of parent

We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir by Raja Shehadeh

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

An insight into the relationship between father and son. Aziz Shehadeh's relentless efforts as a lawyer and activist are explored and shine a light on the insidious colonialism perpetuated by the British and subsequently the Israelis in Falasteen. A tragic memoir and a story of loss and heartbreak. 

Free 🍉

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Racism, and Colonisation

Moderate: Violence and Death of parent

Strangers by Taichi Yamada

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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

3.75

A sad, melancholy but beautiful read with elements of mystery and the supernatural.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Death of parent

Let's Talk: How to Have Better Conversations by NIHAL. ARTHANAYAKE

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Tackles the topic of conversation through a range of examples and interviews with an interesting array of people. Thoughtful, easy to read and a great reminder to listen and be curious. 

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

A haunting, reflective read in which a group of women are trapped in a cage in a dystopian land without knowing why. The narrator takes us on a journey of curiosity, introspection and the gradual acceptance of her circumstances. The book will stay with me for a long time. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark funny informative reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.25

An entertaining look at the world of publishing and the character's descent into unscrupulous and manipulative behaviour.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death and Death

Moderate: Child abuse and Violence

Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.25

A really enjoyable and funny read which gets even stronger towards the last few chapters of the book. It really captures the obsessive and self-pitying stages of break-ups brilliantly. 

The Magic Border by Arlo Parks

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

4.0

A lovely collection of lyrics, poetry and photography. If you love Arlo's music you'll enjoy this collection. 

The Sweetness of Doing Nothing: Living Life the Italian Way with Dolce Far Niente by Sophie Minchilli

funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

Beautiful photos of Italy and lovely reflection about what matters in life. There are also some great recipes in the book. Huge fan of the author's instagram account, too.