bahareads's Reviews (1.09k)

The ending made up for the dragging beginning. I love love loved the romance and the tension. I picked up the book off and on so it was hard for me to get connected deeply to the world, and I appreciated the fact that were good maps in the book. The world-building was amazing, props to Maas. I wanted to know about the history of the world, and how these things came into being. I would love a prequel book because the glimpses of history only whet my appetite. I really really loved the side characters. I wanted more from Bryce though, I felt like I did not get the best impression of her as a person. I questioned a lot of the choices she made. The ending of the book did make me want to pick up the next book though.

I REALLY enjoyed the historical aspect of the plot. It was interesting to learn more about Nannerl as a person. I enjoy stories where you can imagine what the historical actor did with their life and time while learning about what it was like to live in that time. Nannerl was not my favourite character, but I adored the sibling relationship. Family relationships in books are some of my favourite things in plots. The fantasy aspect of the plot added suspense. It was a great mix of historical and fantasy. 

A unique world with a glimpse of the potential future of the world. I enjoyed all the side characters and I thought they were fleshed out well. Hideo and Emika were ugh, I enjoyed listening to all their scenes together. I loved the tension. I enjoyed the plotlines, Marie Lu took us, readers, through some interesting twists. 

The Unfortunates was a good book; I just don't think it was the book for me. Chukwu deals with some hard issues (trigger warnings) - things like suicide, suicide idealization, self-harming, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, racism, and classism. The synopsis paints this novel as a mystery, which it is not. It is more of a book of self-discovery. Sahara is struggling with all of these things while dealing with immigrant family expectations which just adds another struggle.

I know from personal experience that being the first daughter in a family is not easy (at all). I'm so thankful for the real relationships that Sahara had in this book - her best friend specifically. Professors who ACTUALLY care for their students are a blessing; it was great for Chukwu to show the range of professors' care in college. Some of them do not give a shit about you but others will make space for you and give allowances. Thank God for professors who actually care.

College is already stressful and being at institutions that do not support you, and have barely any people of colour is TOUGH. Feeling unsupported and having imposter syndrome is so so real. I laughed out loud at a White man being the head of the Black Student Union, like HOW?!? Chukwu has a range of Black personalities and people here. The one at stuck out was the rich Whitewashed Black person. She was shown in an awful light. She was shallow, an enabler, and not even someone I would not call a friend in any respect. While Chukwu does a great job of showing how Sahara was supported by her people. I wish there were even more exposition on the relationships. A lot of characters were in here and it felt like we did not get to see the depth of some of the relationships.

The art in here was intriguing. A lot of the pages have some visual element on them. JK Chukwu is a visual artist and I think that makes her work stand out. The fact that she uses her skills as both a writer and artist in combination is beautiful.

I see why this is a beloved series. I was annoyed with Harry and his single-mindedness in this book. However, I had to remember he's a 16-17-year-old boy and it all made more sense. The hatred for Snape is somewhat understandable but also overplayed. The scene with Dumbledore HURT. I was hurt for the characters. 

I enjoyed seeing Day, June, and Eden again in this world. The dual POV of Day and Eden was great. I didn't like Day's narrator as much as Edens. I probably wouldn't have read this book if it wasn't an audiobook though. 

Dial A for Aunties should be a TV series. I could not stop laughing or finding the humour in EVERYTHING the family did. The chaotic plot was reminiscent of classic comedy movies. The way Meddy had to juggle family expectations and her own desires resonated with me. The complicated family dynamic was something I lived for. All the aunties create a lighthearted experience that you won't forget. Everything was a tad unrealistic but I did not care. I LOVED the unexpected romance aspect of this novel. I cried about the situation with Meddy and Nathan. The surprising aspect of what happened at the wedding me shook. I was interested in how Meddy was able to pick out the feelings of the best friend. I enjoyed Dial A for Aunties a lot. I haven't been reading many standouts lately but this perked my reading heart. 

A Peace of Mind A Piece of Mine is an inspirational book; Colebrooke bares himself for his readers. He lays out all his struggles mentally and emotionally. The book is a mix of metaphors, poems, raps and short stories. I think this book lacked good narrative structure (for me) though. It was floating around everywhere, and hard to keep track of at times. The stories were good though but I wish it had been fleshed out more.

Thanks to Colebrooke for sending me a copy of his book!

Rowling's writing is so very readable. I am annoyed though that each book has an arc for only the school year then all of a sudden during the summer everything is mum (I know we're seeing all this from Harry's POV but I want more). I love seeing Ginney as a more fleshed-out character, and I love seeing Hermione become more of a rebel. 

grad school reads - no thoughts just vibes.