danadoesbooks's Reviews (954)

Part historical fiction, part romance, and part espionage novel, When We Left Cuba has a little something for everyone. Beatriz is forced to flee Havana with her family when Fidel Castro gains power. She will do anything to return to Cuba and restore her country. Beatriz is full of passion for her family, Cuba, and the man she loves.

This novel was such a fun read. However, there was one thing that I didn't care for. There is a chapter that jumps forward into the future and reveals that a character is safe before you even know they are in trouble. It decreases the tension in that part of the story because you already know the outcome. Aside from this one part, I still recommend this book and I look forward to reading Next Year in Havana!

Nic Stone's sophomore novel, Dear Justyce, is phenomenal. I really like Dear Martin, but Dear Justyce is powerful.

Quan's story is told through a mix of present moments, flashbacks, and letters. Unlike his friend Justyce, Quan doesn't go to a fancy prep school. A few wrong decisions eventually lead him to a juvenile detention center. Quan feels hopeless and isolated so he begins writing letters to Justyce.

The varied types of narrative that are used to tell Quan's story help to fully understand him as a character. As the present plot progresses, you are able to see important moments of his life through the flashbacks and learn about his feelings through his letters to Justyce. Quan is such a dynamic character that you get sucked into his story. I read this book in three days and I cannot recommend it enough!

The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters living in France during the Nazi occupation of WWII. Vianne tries to stay strong for her daughter as her husband is drafted into the French army. Isabelle fights for the France she believes in anyway that is available to her.

I had heard so many good things about The Nightingale that I had been putting it off because there was no way it could be as good as everyone said it was! Thankfully, it lived up to the hype! I loved Isabelle from the beginning, but Vianne's character growth is amazing. This novel has one of the best final chapters I have ever read. If you haven't read The Nightingale yet, you need to!

Because I knew that The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was going to be about Snow before reading it, my expectations were low when I started it. I actually really enjoyed the first two parts of the novel and learning more about the evolution of the games. I didn't find Snow to be a very captivating character but I liked how his journey mirrored the reverse of Katniss's. I also felt his relationship with Lucy Gray was unnecessary. Overall, I found this book too predictable from having already read the trilogy. However, I would still read another prequel if it centered around Haymitch or Finnick!

In the sequel to Caraval, the stakes get even higher. With a switch in narration, Caraval takes place twice in one year. This has never happened before in the history of Caraval and it may be more dangerous the second time around.

I loved the magic and the world of Caraval so Legendary was somewhat of a letdown for me. I don't know if it was the shift in point of view or the repetition of the Caraval event, but I wasn't as invested in the game as much as the first one. Despite this, I am going to finish listening to the series.

The Black Flamingo is a beautifully written novel told in verse about Michael/Mike defining his identity. I could not put this book down and will definitely be rereading it. Although there are fewer words on the page to describe Michael's emotions, the word choice makes the feelings he experiences more raw. The Black Flamingo is a must-read!

Amber has found her perfect man. Jackson Parrish is handsome, rich, and a doting husband. The only obstacle standing in the way of Amber and Jackson's happy future together is his wife, Daphne.

I debated posting about this book. The Last Mrs. Parrish is tagged as a thriller, but to me, it didn't really read like one. I was uncomfortable listening to the first half of the book, which primarily focuses on Amber and how she manipulates the people around her.

In the second half of the book, the point of view switches between Amber and Daphne. This perspective shift makes the book more of an engaging read.

Looking back on it as a whole, I can appreciate how the book was structured and how the truth was revealed. Overall, it just wasn't for me.

Station Eleven is told in alternating timelines, one before the flu and one after. The spread of the flu is fast and deadly. It eventually wipes out civilization as we know it.

I love the fluidity of the storytelling. The focus jumps to different characters and around time. It was definitely an experience listening to it now with everything going on. I would recommend waiting to pick this one up until 2020 is over.

There are not a lot of options for a girl living in France in the 1700s. When Addie LaRue is being forced to marry, she makes a deal with darkness instead. Addie wants to belong to nobody but herself. However, this means that no one remembers her. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue jumps between the beginning of Addie's curse in the 1700s and New York City in 2014 to tell her story.

I have seen nothing but good things about it. I'm so glad it lived up to the hype! I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said, but this book is beautiful and deserves all the popularity that it has acquired!

I heard this book was written in a documentary style but I didn't realize it was only written in that format. I ended up really liking it! I could clearly see each person as they talked. Each character had their own voice in my head. I feel like because their actions weren't described to me, I was able to picture them more clearly. I can't wait to see the TV show and read more Taylor Jenkins Reid!