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gvstyris's reviews
66 reviews
Love, Simon: Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’m now trying to walk the line between respecting that this book was incredibly important to my 12 year old self, and criticizing it for being kind of lackluster…
I forgot how much Simon’s friends lowkey suck. What’s Leah’s deal, seriously 😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I have a lot of research to do after that marathon, but man Sonya and Dunya have my heart 🫶🏻
Also, Oliver Ready is a real one for his notes 😅
Also, Oliver Ready is a real one for his notes 😅
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Sexual assault
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Very unsure about how to rate this book. Rebecca has been on my mental TBR for years, primarily because of its enduring influence on other media I love (Gone Girl, even various Taylor Swift songs hahah), so my expectations were probably unfairly high.
And, in many ways, they were met. I loved the Gothic setting and eerie tone, as well as the slow build of tension -- although I totally get where it'll bug other readers, given how long it takes to reach any action. Manderley is almost a character in-and-of-itself, which was super compelling, and du Maurier's prose really is gorgeous. I also really admired the shift in the narrator's voice throughout the novel as she lost her youthful naivety and grew into her role of 'Mrs de Winter.'
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I wondered how many people there were in the world who suffered, and continued to suffer, because they could not break out from their own web of shyness and reserve, and in their blindness and folly built up a great distorted wall in front of them that hid the truth.
Very unsure about how to rate this book. Rebecca has been on my mental TBR for years, primarily because of its enduring influence on other media I love (Gone Girl, even various Taylor Swift songs hahah), so my expectations were probably unfairly high.
And, in many ways, they were met. I loved the Gothic setting and eerie tone, as well as the slow build of tension -- although I totally get where it'll bug other readers, given how long it takes to reach any action. Manderley is almost a character in-and-of-itself, which was super compelling, and du Maurier's prose really is gorgeous. I also really admired the shift in the narrator's voice throughout the novel as she lost her youthful naivety and grew into her role of 'Mrs de Winter.'
Docking my rating over a couple things. I'm pretty unobservant and honestly really bad at guessing plot twists, but even I didn't find the main reveals in this novel particularly shocking or compelling. That's probably in part because Rebecca helped pioneer specific thriller tropes, and has influenced many more creative thrillers, but it still made for an underwhelming conclusion. I'm also not sure how I feel about the social commentary of the main reveals... Maxim comes across a bit too favourably in the end, and Rebecca a bit cartoonish. It definitely reminded me a bit of my misogynistic undertone qualms with Gone Girl.
I am glad it cannot happen twice, the fever of first love. For it is a fever, and a burden, too, whatever the poets may say.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Moderate: Incest and Classism
Minor: Cancer, Infertility, Suicide, and Terminal illness
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitely a tougher read than Fellowship, primarily because of long passages with little action. Tolkien’s nature descriptions remain beautiful, though, and I really enjoyed learning about Rohan. The last chapter in particular was such a highlight — I have a newfound appreciation for Sam from the novels.
Honestly, from a reader’s POV, I would argue that this volume in particular is hindered by its structure: Aragorn/Legolas/Gimli follow a relatively archetypical adventure arc in Towers, which is definitely more ‘engaging’ than Sam/Frodo’s emotional journey. The adaptation is pretty aware of this juxtaposition and wisely changed the sequencing.
Also, side note, but I was surprised to find this Treebeard much more endearing (and bearable 😭) than his film counterpart. Same goes for Pippin and Merry, Peter Jackson really did them dirty.
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I wonder if people will ever say, "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring." And they'll say, "Yes, that's one of my favorite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn't he, Dad?" "Yes, m'boy, the most famousest of hobbits. And that's saying a lot.”
Definitely a tougher read than Fellowship, primarily because of long passages with little action. Tolkien’s nature descriptions remain beautiful, though, and I really enjoyed learning about Rohan. The last chapter in particular was such a highlight — I have a newfound appreciation for Sam from the novels.
Honestly, from a reader’s POV, I would argue that this volume in particular is hindered by its structure: Aragorn/Legolas/Gimli follow a relatively archetypical adventure arc in Towers, which is definitely more ‘engaging’ than Sam/Frodo’s emotional journey. The adaptation is pretty aware of this juxtaposition and wisely changed the sequencing.
Also, side note, but I was surprised to find this Treebeard much more endearing (and bearable 😭) than his film counterpart. Same goes for Pippin and Merry, Peter Jackson really did them dirty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Death, Racism, Torture, Xenophobia, and Grief
Minor: Alcohol
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
I reckon Imma read Mere Christianity next, because I need Jesus after that.
A couple main issues here:
- the glorification of teen pregnancy
- the glorification of pregnancy in general
- the unnecessary borderline incest?
- the weird overprotective (and violent) brother
- the obsession with pilots??
- the writing style. please someone take the centre spacing and italics keys away from CoHo’s keyboard.
- the anti-choice undertones
and a generally emotionally abusive relationship. oh man.
At least I finally put my CoHo money where my mouth is…
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
We both laugh at our son’s big balls.
I reckon Imma read Mere Christianity next, because I need Jesus after that.
A couple main issues here:
- the glorification of teen pregnancy
- the glorification of pregnancy in general
- the unnecessary borderline incest?
- the weird overprotective (and violent) brother
- the obsession with pilots??
- the writing style. please someone take the centre spacing and italics keys away from CoHo’s keyboard.
- the anti-choice undertones
and a generally emotionally abusive relationship. oh man.
At least I finally put my CoHo money where my mouth is…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Sexual assault, Grief, Car accident, and Pregnancy
Minor: Physical abuse
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Vomit, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
A sensitive, multi-faceted insight into the relationship between black America and religion. Each character is affected pretty differently by Christianity, and each story was well-executed and fascinating. Ultimately, I'd argue that Baldwin presents religion both as a guiding force and a tool that encourages black Americans to endure their oppression.
Go Tell It on the Mountain is absolutely deserving of its place in the literary canon, but was at times painful to parse through because of its religious jargon and (mostly) young narrator. That being said, I really liked the contrast between the sea and fire imagery, and am constantly in awe of Baldwin's female characters.
Honestly, I probably just wasn't in the right head space for this book, but am excited to continue diving into Baldwin's works.
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-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? Yes
3.5
There was not, after all, a great difference between the world of the North and that of the South which she had fled; there was only this difference: the North promised more. And this similarity: what it promised it did not give, and what it gave, at length and grudgingly with one hand, it took back with the other.
A sensitive, multi-faceted insight into the relationship between black America and religion. Each character is affected pretty differently by Christianity, and each story was well-executed and fascinating. Ultimately, I'd argue that Baldwin presents religion both as a guiding force and a tool that encourages black Americans to endure their oppression.
Go Tell It on the Mountain is absolutely deserving of its place in the literary canon, but was at times painful to parse through because of its religious jargon and (mostly) young narrator. That being said, I really liked the contrast between the sea and fire imagery, and am constantly in awe of Baldwin's female characters.
Honestly, I probably just wasn't in the right head space for this book, but am excited to continue diving into Baldwin's works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, and Rape
Minor: Slavery and Police brutality
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Honestly, this novel has altered both my brain chemistry and my perception of early 19th century British literature. I'm not sure I have much to add to the conversation that hasn't already been said, but I will say that I think it's best to view Pride and Prejudice as a window into the lives of white upper-class regency period English women (lol), rather than as a broader commentary on human nature. It's kind of like white feminism in a novel and, within that framework, it really worked for me.
Austen's wit is such a highlight, and I'm excited to check out more of her work as well as rewatch the 2005 adaptation. I really loved Jane and Elizabeth's relationship, and am embarrassed by how much I looked forward to Darcy's appearances lmaoo. I've been amusing myself by imagining Austen's take on 2024 BookTok tropes. I mean, Elizabeth and Darcy are the original enemies-to-lovers...
That being said, there are many beautiful lines in here:
emotional
funny
slow-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
4.5
For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn?
Honestly, this novel has altered both my brain chemistry and my perception of early 19th century British literature. I'm not sure I have much to add to the conversation that hasn't already been said, but I will say that I think it's best to view Pride and Prejudice as a window into the lives of white upper-class regency period English women (lol), rather than as a broader commentary on human nature. It's kind of like white feminism in a novel and, within that framework, it really worked for me.
Austen's wit is such a highlight, and I'm excited to check out more of her work as well as rewatch the 2005 adaptation. I really loved Jane and Elizabeth's relationship, and am embarrassed by how much I looked forward to Darcy's appearances lmaoo. I've been amusing myself by imagining Austen's take on 2024 BookTok tropes. I mean, Elizabeth and Darcy are the original enemies-to-lovers...
That being said, there are many beautiful lines in here:
Loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable - that one false step involves her in endless ruin - that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful - and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Misogyny, and Classism
Minor: Incest
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
An insightful novel, and one I will definitely be recommending to white friends and family going forward. Learning about British involvement in the slave trade and its history of police brutality was eye-opening and very worthwhile, so I'm glad I finally got around to giving this a read.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This is the difference between racism and prejudice. There is an unattributed definition of racism that defines it as prejudice plus power.
An insightful novel, and one I will definitely be recommending to white friends and family going forward. Learning about British involvement in the slave trade and its history of police brutality was eye-opening and very worthwhile, so I'm glad I finally got around to giving this a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Colonisation, and Classism
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
I was surprised by how nostalgic I felt reading this first LOTR volume, which I’ve never read before — the ‘epic’ sense of adventure reminded me a little of reading Percy Jackson and Harry Potter as a child.
I’m rooting for Aragorn and Sam, always <3 (but can’t believe Arwen is so much less present here than the films!)
But yeah, if we’re being honest, there’s a lot of slightly dull walking around various parts of the wilderness that require patience to get through.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
And that is another reason why the Ring should be destroyed: as long as it is in the world it will be a danger even to the Wise. For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.
I was surprised by how nostalgic I felt reading this first LOTR volume, which I’ve never read before — the ‘epic’ sense of adventure reminded me a little of reading Percy Jackson and Harry Potter as a child.
I’m rooting for Aragorn and Sam, always <3 (but can’t believe Arwen is so much less present here than the films!)
But yeah, if we’re being honest, there’s a lot of slightly dull walking around various parts of the wilderness that require patience to get through.
Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Xenophobia and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death