emswantree's reviews
1221 reviews

Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris

3.75

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

hopeful informative reflective sad slow-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

4.25

I loved so much about this book. It was extremely engaging until about 2/3 into it. Then it stalled a bit. It did pick back up and was absolutely worth the read. The ending was beautiful. 

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

4.5

The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

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

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. It brought up so many amazing gifts the world gives us in small moments and big moments. It struck so well at the heart of small business ownership and legacy. It helped me remember core memories from life that I need to hold closer.  The character of Jack was lovely and complex in a way that made it all feel real. This book was just a gem.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, and Mental illness

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

dark sad tense fast-paced

4.0

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

5.0

On its surface this is a mystery with missing children, rich families, suspicious actions which makes it all compelling. But ultimately this is a book about and for women.  It is about men who keep us entangled in our minds, our bodies, our self- worth, their egos and rules constraining our lives in so many ways.  The women in this book are the ones that save each other and themselves. It is absolutely powerful and a stunning book. All the hype is well deserved.

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

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

3.5

This was a sweet book that I really did enjoy.  A little predictable but still a lovely read. 

Run Towards the Danger: Confrontations with a Body of Memory by Sarah Polley

5.0