alltheradreads's Reviews (1.9k)

I loved every single thing about this book. It’s perfect. I devoured it. I didn’t see the storylines coming. I was surprised by it. I was so drawn into it. I loved the characters. I loved the parallel points of view. I found it poignant but not heavy handed, lovely and not long winded, compelling and captivating and clever. There’s mystery, there’s drama, there’s romance... this book has it all. Best fiction I have read in A LONG TIME.

This essay collection from Patrice Gopo is beautifully crafted — all about identity, race, culture, labels and how to live well in a world where so much overlaps and isn’t clear. One of my favorite things about my #radreadswomenandpoc goal this year is how I’ve been able to step into the shoes of people whose life experiences have been vastly different from my own— I’ve learned so much, found myself empathizing and understanding better, and embraced a wider circle of stories and wisdom that has added so much to my own life. I’m grateful for honest and brave voices like Patrice’s. (I received this one from #booklookbloggers in exchange for my review!)

Saw the Crazy Rich Asians movie this week so I’m diving into books #2 and 3... but honestly, I’m not loving them! I never EVER think movies are better than books but I definitely liked the CRA movie better... these books just feel super long and all over the place without a ton of real action. I’m invested into Nick and Rachel now and will definitely read the next book to see where they end up, but i wish these books were half as long and twice as action-packed!

This has jumped to the top of my “everyone in America needs to read this book ASAP” list and I cannot rave about it enough. Austin has so powerfully and honestly told her story in a way that has opened my eyes even more and changed me in ways I won’t forget. This is just simply a must-read. It’s incredible and I’m grateful for her voice and work in a world that has so, so far to go

I have had this one from Tyndale for FOREVER and finally got to it... blown away by this story. I knew this iconic photo of the girl fleeing the napalm attacks in Vietnam, but had no idea about her story, and it is POWERFUL. This memoir was beautifully written and an incredibly moving story of forgiveness, faith, family, and healing... I couldn’t put it down and am in awe of her bravery and graciousness toward her enemies. Phew, what a great read.

Okay, this one redeemed the trilogy for me after the second one almost lost me! I still think these books could lose 50-100 pages and be even better, but this one had a lot more action, drama, and interesting character development that kept me hooked. Overall, a fun series, but I stand by my belief that the movie was better than the books!

This book is short but stunning, brief and beautiful, poignant and purposeful and poetic. It brought tears to my eyes as it told a story of refugees... a must read for kids and adults and anyone in between.

This one surprised me. I haven’t read anything by her before and didn’t know what to expect, but was so moved by her reflections on body image, self worth and confidence, healing from trauma and abuse, and taking up space in the world. Watch out for trigger warnings about eating, sexual abuse, etc. This was a bit hard for me to get through! It’s powerful and beautiful though and I resonated so much with her story. Highly recommend this one.