paperbackportals's reviews
698 reviews

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

Go to review page

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

John Green’s essays about humanity are beautifully crafted with many moments that I wanted to underline as I listened to him read. In my physical copy I will be revisiting the essays and expressions that I’ve found to be “tiny lifeboats” for where I’m at after the pandemic. 

I give The Anthropocene Reviewed five stars. 
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

Go to review page

adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I thoroughly enjoyed Daughter of the Moon Goddess, but I did not enjoy the second book as much. I found it difficult to get into and the plot a bit frustrating - it seemed predictable and a bit slow and the love triangle less intriguing than previously. That being said, I do still love and highly recommend the duology. The writing is beautiful and descriptive, and the celestial kingdom is imaginative - I would love to explore it with Xingyin. I just would have preferred the first as a standalone. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Love and Latkes by Stacey Agdern

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Christmas by the Book is a lovely holiday story about the power and importance of community. Highly recommend. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss

Go to review page

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
I wasn’t really drawn into the story. I don’t tend to like infidelity trope so that didn’t help but it’s just not the right fit for me at this time. I love Kristin Hannah though, so this is just an anomaly. 
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a fun holiday read about a chance meeting and budding romance. 
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Honestly, I was bored. It started out well, but then it was dragging. I thought I might skim until I was more invested but now I don’t know why I’m doing that. I know a lot of people loved it but it wasn’t for me. 
A Cat Cafe Christmas by Codi Gary

Go to review page

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Romance+cats+Christmas = a feel good, purrfectly delightful holiday read.
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Amari Peters is may have immediately become one of my favourite fictional characters. Amari and The Night Brothers is a fantastic middle grade novel with a ton of magic intertwined with important lessons and truth. Honestly, I don’t have the words, but I  recommend this read to anyone who loves fantasy. If you’ve got a middle grader in your life, gift this book to them asap. 

A fantastic pick for readers of all ages who have read and loved Legendborn or the Chronicles of Narnia.