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katsbooks's reviews
537 reviews
This Winter by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Priest by Sierra Simone
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
“Science is not the truth. Science is finding the truth. When science changes its opinion, it didn’t lie to you. It learned more.”
“Avoidance will make you feel less vulnerable in the short run, but it will never make you less afraid.”
“I am responsible for holding you accountable in a respectful and productive way. I’m not responsible for your emotional reaction to that accountability”
This was a really powerful book for me. I've never read anything from Brene Brown but the content and format of this really intrigued me. I liked the format because it feels like something I could absolutely reference again in the future. Some of the work I've been doing in therapy for the last 2+ years has revolved around learning how to articulate what I'm feeling. I've spent a lot of my life intellectualizing what I feel so that I stop feeling it. So, reading this book and really getting into so many different emotions and how they manifest was perfect for where I'm at in that journey. It has made me want to print off a list of emotions to keep on my desk in order to keep working on my goal.
This book was also very easily readable. Since the format was broken down into sections, it made it easy to pause and reflect between sections and within them. Each chapter was broken into emotions we experience in certain situations. (For example, Places We Go When We're Hurting). Then each chapter went into more in-depth subsections for each emotion. It makes it easy to use it as a reference guide. There were a few times when Brown articulated emotions that I didn't even have words for. I may have even teared up once or twice. There is something so powerful about finding words for emotions you've felt for your entire life.
I'm definitely going to be referencing this book in the future. I might even bring it to therapy with me!
“Avoidance will make you feel less vulnerable in the short run, but it will never make you less afraid.”
“I am responsible for holding you accountable in a respectful and productive way. I’m not responsible for your emotional reaction to that accountability”
This was a really powerful book for me. I've never read anything from Brene Brown but the content and format of this really intrigued me. I liked the format because it feels like something I could absolutely reference again in the future. Some of the work I've been doing in therapy for the last 2+ years has revolved around learning how to articulate what I'm feeling. I've spent a lot of my life intellectualizing what I feel so that I stop feeling it. So, reading this book and really getting into so many different emotions and how they manifest was perfect for where I'm at in that journey. It has made me want to print off a list of emotions to keep on my desk in order to keep working on my goal.
This book was also very easily readable. Since the format was broken down into sections, it made it easy to pause and reflect between sections and within them. Each chapter was broken into emotions we experience in certain situations. (For example, Places We Go When We're Hurting). Then each chapter went into more in-depth subsections for each emotion. It makes it easy to use it as a reference guide. There were a few times when Brown articulated emotions that I didn't even have words for. I may have even teared up once or twice. There is something so powerful about finding words for emotions you've felt for your entire life.
I'm definitely going to be referencing this book in the future. I might even bring it to therapy with me!
Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“Because these words I write down are the only proof I have that I'm still alive”
“Light a candle for me"
I haven't started the final book in the original trilogy but I can tell that these novellas give really good insight into Warner and Adam's characters.
In Shatter Me, I didn't fully trust Adam because he seemed too good to be true. His novella really showed how true that is. He is absolutely holding Juliette back and his inner monologue shows just how wrong he is for Juliette.
As for Warner, I understand why so many readers love him. His novella shows so much more depth than we see in the first two novels. However, I'm a little concerned about how Juliette's and Warner's respective traumas will interplay with each other. This feels like it could easily start romanticizing abuse. I think it's important to be careful of this, especially since this is a young adult novel.
Overall, the drama was fun and interesting. Both stories were pretty fast-paced and easy to read. I had a good time reading them!
“Light a candle for me"
I haven't started the final book in the original trilogy but I can tell that these novellas give really good insight into Warner and Adam's characters.
In Shatter Me, I didn't fully trust Adam because he seemed too good to be true. His novella really showed how true that is. He is absolutely holding Juliette back and his inner monologue shows just how wrong he is for Juliette.
As for Warner, I understand why so many readers love him. His novella shows so much more depth than we see in the first two novels. However, I'm a little concerned about how Juliette's and Warner's respective traumas will interplay with each other. This feels like it could easily start romanticizing abuse. I think it's important to be careful of this, especially since this is a young adult novel.
Overall, the drama was fun and interesting. Both stories were pretty fast-paced and easy to read. I had a good time reading them!
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
“I am the rock against which the surf crashes.”
“I cannot survive without reading.”
“Keep reaching out your hand.”
Okay, okay, I get the Nesta hype!! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book. I was so intimidated by it before I started reading that I read the first few chapters and then set it down for two months before picking it back up! 😂
I think what resonated with me the most was Nesta's trauma journey. I can't forgive her deplorable actions in previous books but, as a reader, I couldn't help but feel everything she was going through. I think her emotional arc has really hit home for a lot of readers and I entirely understand why. It really makes you believe in your own ability to redeem yourself and come to terms with your shame.
In real life, I think Feyre would be my favorite sister. She's a badass that has still kept her kindness and warmth despite the utter bullshit she's been through. However, from a story perspective, Nesta's plot had so much more emotional depth. I really can't wait to see how Elain finds happiness.
The politics and magic took a backseat to the romance (as have the rest of the books) but I still enjoyed the world and court intrigue. The competing courts and kingdoms add a level of suspense and urgency that keeps the plot moving forward. I am also morbidly fascinated by what's going on with Tamlin. I hope we get to hear more about him when we get Elain's story.
I'm really glad I've read this series and, at this point, I'll definitely be pre-ordering every book SJM writes.
“I cannot survive without reading.”
“Keep reaching out your hand.”
Okay, okay, I get the Nesta hype!! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book. I was so intimidated by it before I started reading that I read the first few chapters and then set it down for two months before picking it back up! 😂
I think what resonated with me the most was Nesta's trauma journey. I can't forgive her deplorable actions in previous books but, as a reader, I couldn't help but feel everything she was going through. I think her emotional arc has really hit home for a lot of readers and I entirely understand why. It really makes you believe in your own ability to redeem yourself and come to terms with your shame.
In real life, I think Feyre would be my favorite sister. She's a badass that has still kept her kindness and warmth despite the utter bullshit she's been through. However, from a story perspective, Nesta's plot had so much more emotional depth. I really can't wait to see how Elain finds happiness.
The politics and magic took a backseat to the romance (as have the rest of the books) but I still enjoyed the world and court intrigue. The competing courts and kingdoms add a level of suspense and urgency that keeps the plot moving forward. I am also morbidly fascinated by what's going on with Tamlin. I hope we get to hear more about him when we get Elain's story.
I'm really glad I've read this series and, at this point, I'll definitely be pre-ordering every book SJM writes.
A Man and His Cat, Volume 2 by Umi Sakurai
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was just as adorable as the first volume. The vignettes are so cute and heartwarming. It was sweet to learn more about Kanda and his life. I was kind of hoping for more of a plot this time but I think that the little vignettes might be a part of its charm. It, honestly, feels like a nice filler between other larger books. I don't know if I'll feel inclined to pick up the rest of the series, but it is genuinely so sweet.
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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
3.5
“Books are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them.”
“Time goes on even when we do not.”
“Sticks and stones keep breaking my bones but these words, these words will kill me.”
This was a fun follow up to Shatter Me. I enjoyed learning more about the world. I definitely get the Warner hype now. I was convinced at the end of the first book that there was absolutely no way I'd love him but I do. I really hope we get to see more of his redemption arc in the third book.
I have a love/hate relationship with Mafi's writing. On the one hand, it's very visual and descriptive. Mafi can really paint an emotional picture. You understand *exactly* how Juliette is feeling at any given moment. On the other hand, it is entirely possible to skip entire paragraphs because the writing does nothing to push the plot forward for sections of the book.
I also have a love/hate relationship with Juliette as a character. On the one hand, she feels like a realistic teenager. On the other hand, talk about dramatic and selfish. I oscillate between loving her character and being completely annoyed by her.
Overall, I'm really glad that I'm reading these books with my niece. They're a fun time. They're definitely easy to read. I think this book, honestly, helped get me out of a reading slump. I look forward to book three!
“Time goes on even when we do not.”
“Sticks and stones keep breaking my bones but these words, these words will kill me.”
This was a fun follow up to Shatter Me. I enjoyed learning more about the world. I definitely get the Warner hype now. I was convinced at the end of the first book that there was absolutely no way I'd love him but I do. I really hope we get to see more of his redemption arc in the third book.
I have a love/hate relationship with Mafi's writing. On the one hand, it's very visual and descriptive. Mafi can really paint an emotional picture. You understand *exactly* how Juliette is feeling at any given moment. On the other hand, it is entirely possible to skip entire paragraphs because the writing does nothing to push the plot forward for sections of the book.
I also have a love/hate relationship with Juliette as a character. On the one hand, she feels like a realistic teenager. On the other hand, talk about dramatic and selfish. I oscillate between loving her character and being completely annoyed by her.
Overall, I'm really glad that I'm reading these books with my niece. They're a fun time. They're definitely easy to read. I think this book, honestly, helped get me out of a reading slump. I look forward to book three!
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America by Ibi Zoboi, Coe Booth, Tracey Baptiste
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
“Your grandma used to always tell me that just because something is over doesn't mean it wasn't successful. All things end at some point.”
“Being in a shadow is never just as simple as stepping out of it. Shadows can camouflage a lot of things.”
“Blackness is indeed a social construct. Within the context of American racial politics, there can be no Black without white. No racism without race. But the prevalence of culture is undeniable.”
I really enjoyed this anthology. I've read from Ibi Zoboi before and loved her work. I've also read from a handful of these authors before and haven't had anything bad to say about them either.
Like a lot of anthologies, some of the stories were more forgettable than others but some were absolutely fantastic. I think some of my favorites were Out of Silence, The Trouble with Drowning, Black Enough and Wild Horses, Wild Hearts.
I really liked how these stories really showed the breadth of what it's like to be a young, black person in the United States. There were immigrant stories, queer stories, stories about colorism and a whole lot more. I'm sure some perspectives were left out but I, ultimately, think Zoboi did a good job of representing as many different voices as she could. My book club picked this out and I'm really glad we did. We focus on picks that are diverse so we've read quite a few books about the black experience. While individual stories can carry a lot of nuance and multiple perspectives, anthologies always make really good picks because you get so many more perspectives.
I listened to a lot of this and I would absolutely recommend it as a physical book or an audiobook. The narration of each of the stories was done so well. Each of the stories was a good length, not too long or too short. I'd honestly love to put it in my classroom.
“Being in a shadow is never just as simple as stepping out of it. Shadows can camouflage a lot of things.”
“Blackness is indeed a social construct. Within the context of American racial politics, there can be no Black without white. No racism without race. But the prevalence of culture is undeniable.”
I really enjoyed this anthology. I've read from Ibi Zoboi before and loved her work. I've also read from a handful of these authors before and haven't had anything bad to say about them either.
Like a lot of anthologies, some of the stories were more forgettable than others but some were absolutely fantastic. I think some of my favorites were Out of Silence, The Trouble with Drowning, Black Enough and Wild Horses, Wild Hearts.
I really liked how these stories really showed the breadth of what it's like to be a young, black person in the United States. There were immigrant stories, queer stories, stories about colorism and a whole lot more. I'm sure some perspectives were left out but I, ultimately, think Zoboi did a good job of representing as many different voices as she could. My book club picked this out and I'm really glad we did. We focus on picks that are diverse so we've read quite a few books about the black experience. While individual stories can carry a lot of nuance and multiple perspectives, anthologies always make really good picks because you get so many more perspectives.
I listened to a lot of this and I would absolutely recommend it as a physical book or an audiobook. The narration of each of the stories was done so well. Each of the stories was a good length, not too long or too short. I'd honestly love to put it in my classroom.