shawshaff's reviews
22 reviews

Life of the Party: Poems by Olivia Gatwood

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

we are all teenage girls 🥹

The Humans by Matt Haig

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark tense fast-paced

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

4.75

DERANGED 

Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan

emotional funny reflective sad

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

3.5

my god - Ava was insufferable. This was such a slow read for me (partly because I had so much going on) due to the fact Ava's inner turmoil was difficult to consume. many times I had to pause because I was cringing. which I understand is the point, Ava is all our worst selves when we're operating out of insecurity and past hurts. 


the writing style was well done, I loved how it was the first person with third person intertwined. all the discussion on language was right up my alley, felt like I was in grad school again analyzing clauses. so fun! that was the saving grace for me. 

Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

unfortunately related to this character a little too much ! I found her dejected, anxious thoughts somewhat comforting, it felt less lonely to read such similar thought processes I myself have experienced. I really enjoyed this book, though I would handle with care! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Religious bigotry

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

emotional reflective sad 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

4.75

the way Ann depicts sisterhood is so lovely, I found myself relating so much to the relationship dynamics of the sisters. beautiful story telling.

How does it feel? by Jeneane O'Riley

adventurous dark fast-paced

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

2.0

To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

adventurous dark hopeful fast-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

5.0

What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

4.25