nadia's reviews
565 reviews

Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir by Lamya H

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emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

What an absolutely brilliant memoir. I really appreciated the unique perspective of a queer Muslim woman navigating life as an immigrant. I especially liked how stories from the Quran were intertwined with Lamya's recollections. The writing was also great!
World Without End by Ken Follett

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

A super solid Kingsbridge instalment. I loved the political intrigue of this. So gripping. It took me a really long time to read the first part of the book so I really came to appreciate Follett's way of reminding you who everyone is in a relatively smooth fashion. Some of the narration and dialogue is a little clunky or cringe-y but you get used to it!
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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

A super fun read that raises some ethical/moral questions! Although some of the dialogue felt a little cheesy and there were parts that got too bogged down in the science, I really appreciated how clever this book was and how much research and attention to detail Weir put into it.
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Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs by Johann Hari

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challenging informative medium-paced

4.5

This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be — a lot more focused on Ozempic and the business and drama behind it — but I was really fascinated by what it was — a book about the history of obesity, food, the industry, and the varying cultures around it, weight loss drugs, the evolution of human biology, and more! I appreciated the mix of personal memoir, pop science, and journalism/narrative nonfiction, and I liked Hari's narration. There were a few times where I felt like the structure was a teeny bit messy and the scope of the book strayed a little, but overall very very good and it's got me realising just how much everything is set up against us when it comes to maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle!
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Earthlight by J. Michael Straczynski

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.0

Well, sound-wise, what a production this was!

It started strong, but unfortunately, I needed more unique story/plot points and meaty (instead of rather clichéd) dialogue over the action scenes! I had like zero emotional attachment to this. But the sound effects were really so well done!

If you want a real movie for your ears, this is well worth a listen!
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There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America's Biggest Catfish by Anna Akbari

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mysterious medium-paced

3.0

I was really excited to read this but the problem is the title gives the book away and so I therefore had very little patience for what was happening on all sides (which I know is very harsh on the women featured. Hindsight is a powerful thing!). I also came to really despise the voice of Ethan in the audiobook, "knowing" who he was/what he'd turn out to be.

I saw Traci Thomas's review where she said this would have been better as an article or podcast and I wholeheartedly agree!
Saga, Vol. 11 by Brian K. Vaughan

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adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.75

Something about this volume didn't pop for me. Felt a little emotionally removed, especially given some of the stuff that happened! I got to the end and felt like: "that's it??".

Looking forward to Volume 12!!
Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini

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reflective medium-paced

4.0

A solid listen! It wasn't what I was expecting when I started and I was a little bored — definitely felt like more of a standard memoir, with a lot more of a focus on relationships than I though — but then I got into it, especially in the middle, when we had more BTS re Romolini's work. I was intrigued then. I love a juicy BTS. 
Saga, Vol. 10 by Brian K. Vaughan

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Wow, so great to be back with the series! I'm so curious to see where this goes!
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright

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emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? No

3.5

Disclaimer: I read this book in one day, while exhausted, in order to finish in time before the Women's Prize 2024 Fiction Prize winner announcement.

I went into this book with low expectations based on little tidbits I'd seen and heard from others and I found myself really taking to the writing style and I (bar one time) liked the multiple POVs. I also really liked how Enright played with the concept of memory and had recurring thoughts/moments crop up across different chapters and perspectives.

However, something about the book just didn't fully click. I felt detached from the characters and the poetry parts didn't really do much for me (though, maybe they would have had more impact had I not been rushing to finish the book). I did like the idea of weaving them in though!

Final Women's Prize 2024 Fiction Shortlist rankings:

1.  Brotherless Night
2. River East, River West
3. Enter Ghost
4. Soldier Sailor
5. Restless Dolly Maunder
6. The Wren, The Wren