megansoetaert's reviews
445 reviews

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty

funny informative medium-paced

4.5

such a good read reflecting on death, the way we treat it in the united states, and the funerary practices and industry of present. 

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

dark tense fast-paced

4.5

let me at those motherfuckers!!!!!!! i read the second half of this book in one day. i needed to know what was going on! 

the ending wasn’t as satisfying as i’d hoped, but it’s more realistic 🙃

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Misogyny, and Grief

Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Murder, and Lesbophobia

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

this book was decadent, y’all. it’s luscious, full of food and wine, sensual in so many ways, and, frankly, perfect for anyone who never got over studying abroad ;) i loved it. loved it!!!! 

The Membranes by Chi Ta-wei

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.75

this is so good 😭 i couldn’t have expected Momo’s truth, and i love how the author set up the discoveries of her history. a very, very well done character-driven sci-fi. i loved this.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

this was so cute and good and made me cry!!!!! 😭 i love u emily henry!

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

such a beautiful book situated in place and in emotion. you feel there with Ludwik, experiencing as he does, and it feels very tender and real

Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa

emotional funny fast-paced

4.25

The Rainbow Troops by Andrea Hirata

inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I love an autobiographical novel, and The Rainbow Troops is no different. Hirata writes such a clear picture of his childhood, his village on Belitong island, and how amazing (and funny) his friends and teachers were.

Tomorrow They Won't Dare to Murder Us by Joseph Andras

dark fast-paced

4.25

an inventive way to tell someone’s story—Andras keeps readers a little bit confused, jumping from character to character, putting you in the confusion and stress of the subject. Andras tells the story of Fernand Iveton, Algeria on the eve of independence, and colonial France.

Imago by Octavia E. Butler

medium-paced

4.25

i liked Imago more than Adulthood Rites—but it was interesting to see how the main characters in each book related more to their human side or oankali side. i liked the development of relationships in this book, but still think Dawn did it best!!