I missed these books as they came out when I was in college. but I enjoyed the movies and feel like love with four. so I thought I'd read them.

if I had read these as a teen I bet I would have eaten them up. it doesn't hit as well as an adult but still enjoyable.

the dystopian world and concept I liked. it did keep me entertained and wanting to read more.

there were some religious themes that as a non-religious person were a bit much. but did not mess up the plot for me. I do think the way sex is discussed is... interesting? it's not bad but it does feel a bit awkward. and maybe that's how it's supposed to feel? I just can't really tell the author's meaning there. four's personality in the movies is a bit better in my opinion. my last gripe is how strong tris will seem but then she cries or is about to cry constantly. I felt they balanced this. better the in the movie.

 I thought there were good nuggets in this book. I agree with her overall premise and points. I love love and love the idea of it being our guiding force.

however it felt very hetero. the explanations sometimes felt like the victim was to blame and ignored the larger system at play that makes it hard to focus on love when you dont have your basic needs met. 

this book was fine. I am from MD so that was cool to hear about in the beginning. it was a little spooky but not too creepy, though I know he was trying. quite a few gross animal scenes. I did feel like I could predict where it was going each time a new bit of information was released. 

 I felt less engaged and connected this book than I have in previous. it also felt like a lot of fluff and not as much progress through the plot.

you've got mail meets studio ghibli. a unique and macabre romance book in a fantasy world. I liked part of it but there was so little time where they were actually together. the enemies to lovers part did not feel as satisfying as I've had in other books. but I did enjoy the character building and the ending.

for people who enjoy reading memoirs about childhood, coming of age, and family struggles. check trigger warnings.

the writing has some really beautiful moments. her struggles felt relatable even if I hadn't been through the same exact scenarios. her internal monologue was very powerful.

I liked this. it was a really nice cozy read. a sweet little escape.

I don't think the time was quite obvious, and I kept wondering why they hadn't heard of coffee or cinnamon rolls. the characters were sweet without nuch development. I do wish that some things had more details. I didn't know what a hob was for example.

not much happens but I don't mind the easiness and low stakes.

I didn't think this lived up to the hype. it was good but for me I just wasnt a fan of the second half of the story being in the war zone and battlefields.  I'm not sure if I'll read book 2.

I did like the mythology in it.

I wanted to finish this before the new season of queer eye comes out.

I love karamo on the show so much, but his written words do not flow as nicely as his spoken word. I think he is able to just have that much more oomph and connection in person.  I was glad to read this book and hear his insights. his story is an interesting one.

my big takeaway is people "don't have the language for that" as he said this many times throughout the book. whether about himself or others. true I'm sure.

I really liked this book. I would not have picked it for myself because of the controversy with his other book. 

it was emotional and sweet. as someone who just lost a pet they loved dearly I'm not sure if this book came at the right or wrong time but it definitely had me crying. 

it was also so good at breaking up the heavy topics with laughter and banter. I was chuckling through the tears.