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Fierce Fragile Hearts Book Review

Author: Sara Barnard
Rating: 5/5
I’m not generally a fan of contemporary YA novels as series. I think stand-alone’s are far more satisfying, and far less drawn out. So you can see why I was reluctant to pick up a sequel to a book I loved (Beautiful Broken Things review here) which I thought would be unnecessary at best, a waste of time at worst.
I was so wrong. This book was beautiful. It focusses in a girl named Suzanne, who was a victim of child abuse and, at the beginning of the novel, is in the foster care system. We follow Suzanne as she gains her independence in a very big and very complex world which is moving on faster than her. Whilst I’m not an abuse survivor, I find Barnard’s narration endlessly relatable; the way Suzanne reflects on the concept of death, her description of feeling you’re on the edge and being too tired to do anything about it, and so many other moments.
The relationships between Suzanne and her friends are so raw and real. Caddy and Rosie are far more developed than in the first instalment, and I love the different directions that Barnard took these three in. That said, my favourite relationship is between Suzanne and her retired musician neighbour, Dilys. Dilys is the perfect example of the good in this world that Suzanne had been so deprived of, and their friendship was pure and benevolent.
Finally, I want to talk about Suzanne’s family. Her brother plays a complicated role in her life, having never been a victim of their father’s wrath. It’s both heart-wrenching and disgusting how his childhood was so opposite to Suzanne’s, and how that affects their sibling relationship. Her mother is also beyond complicated, and this book gave me an insight into why child abuse is so rarely reported by family members. It’s so much more difficult than I could ever imagine, having such a loving and supportive family myself.
So, as if you couldn’t tell, I loved this book. I loved it more than Beautiful Broken Things. One of my new favourites for sure.
#books#reader#reading#read#bookworm#book review#book reviews#sara barnard#YA contemporary#ya lit#fierce fragile hearts#fierce fragile hearts review#beautiful broken things
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Some recs from my main account x
LGBTQ+ Book Recs
In honour of Pride Month, here’s all my fav LGBTQ+ books:
LGBTQ+ Central, books which are focussed on LGBTQ+ themes:
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera - A boy considers his sexuality as a new kid moves in, and what does this have to do with the plot holes he keeps finding in his life? Shocking and heartbreaking, and takes place in a world where a medical procedure can remove memories.
If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo - Amanda moves to a new school using her new name and pronouns. Nobody knows she’s trans and nobody will, not after her Dad’s reaction. I loved the focus on post-transition life, and the PoV of Amanda’s parents is... controversial.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman - A coming-of-age romance set it Northern Italy. WAY better than the film. André Aciman has a beautiful tone to his writing which feels like sun rays on my skin.
PROUD (anthology) - A collection of short stories and artwork around LGBTQ+ themes and characters. You’ll be laughing, then crying, then feeling all warm and cosy with happiness.
Non-LGBTQ+ central, books that feature LGBTQ+ characters without their gender/sexuality being the main plot:
Seven Ways We Lie by Riley Redgate - Features pansexual and asexual main characters. Each of the 7 main characters is based on a deadly sin, and a mystery is surrounding their school.
I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson - Twins, one of whom is coming out, slowly drift away after their family starts breaking down. Their joint love of art and the world is holding them together.
The Magnus Chase Series by Rick Riordan - Magnus, a kid who’s ended up living on the streets, is caught in a mythological mess between Norse Gods. Features a genderfluid main character and another non-labelled queer character, and whilst their sexualities/genders are talked about and explored, they’re not the focal points of the books.
The Darkest Part Of The Forest by Holly Black - Takes place in the modern world, but one in which faeries lurk in shadowy corners. A brother and sister are both longing for the mysterious fae boy asleep in the glass coffin in the woods, hoping for a excitement whilst avoiding certain death.
Hope you all enjoy!
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Beautiful Broken Things Book Review

Author: Sara Barnard
Rating: 4.5/5
Until the ending, this book was very so-so. Developed enough characters, advancing plot, very readable writing style. I solid 3-4 star read. BUT WAIT. I cannot tell you how perfect the ending was. I was crying in my library! That lifted it to 4.5 for me. Overall, I had problems with ALL of the characters, but that doesn’t mean thy were badly written. Caddy (the narrator) was ungrateful and spoilt - and pitied herself for it. And whilst this was annoying, I think it was meant to be. I see Caddy in so many people I know - people who are jealous of others’ trauma because it’s more exciting than their boring life. And, if you are inexperienced in how ruining and scarring trauma can be, you might see where she’s coming from. Rosie was more difficult to dissect; she doesn’t take anyone’s bull, but she’s also judgmental and controlling. Finally, Suzanne. I think she could represent how some people deal with their abusive past, but I don’t think in the slightest that she represents the majority - and that’s why her characterisation could be considered “damaging” to some reviewers. I think you were meant to have your own opinion on the character’s actions, and that’s why they were so frustrating. Bernard creates a chasmic ironic gap in which the reader can fully understand situations the narrator can’t, which is difficult to do well. As I’ve said, the ending truly made this book for me. For that alone, I would recommend Beautiful Broken Things.
#books#reader#reading#read#sara barnard#beautiful broken things#YA contemporary#ya lit#mental health recs
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This Is Going To Hurt Book Review

Author: Adam Kay
Rating: 4.5/5
I’VE NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD WHILST READING. This book was frickin hilarious. I love when an author can blend their story with their personality, unafraid to make their writing colloquial.
*FOR MY NON-UK FOLLOWERS* This book is a junior doctor’s diary of his life, troubles and triumphs working for the NHS. Whilst the NHS and the free healthcare it provides us is an absolute blessing, it’s not without its many issues. The reason this book become such a hit is because it shines a light on the stress and exhaustion that doctor’s are put under.
Adam is a fantastic narrator; his voice is unpolished and genuine, yet he still succeeds at having readers hang off his every word. He doesn’t sugar-coat anything, which can be hilarious and/or very uncomfortable. His narration feels like you’re talking to a friend, it’s intimate and compassionate (perfect for such a heart-warming and heart-breaking story).
Some of the anecdotes are utterly unforgettable. I will never not laugh at the thought of “Prince Albert’s Revenge”, or not cry at the thought of his friendship with Simon. This Is Going To Hurt has a clever way of sticking to your thoughts.
Overall, a must-read! Especially for wanna-be doctors.
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Snow Like Ashes Book Review

Author: Sara Raasch
Rating: 4.5/5
For someone who isn't big on high fantasy, I really enjoyed Snow Like Ashes! Fabulous main character, interesting world and brilliant development. I knew absolutely nothing about this series going into this, and I'm kinda glad I didn't. It made this read so much more surprising! The world centres around 4 Rhythm kingdoms and 4 Season kingdoms. It gave me a lot of ACOTAR vibes (or vice versa since this was actually published first), which is a good thing. Now, what I'm not good at when it comes to high fantasy is the array of magical creatures and their homelands which I have to keep up with. What I LOVED about this universe is everyone is utterly human. Yes, there is magic (with a fascinating magic system), but the magic is held by these humans who are, without magic, utterly powerless. It gives the story a power complex which is reminiscent of one in our world - some people crave power and others think it's poison. The characters were fabulous. For me, characters are the pinacol of a YA novel and when they aren't engaging, neither is the book. But I adored Meira and her narration, as well as the main side characters with many diverse personalities. But what I loved most about Meira was her history. Generically, you get a random girl in her place, but Meira's past links her into the story quietly throughout the book - and then hits you like a wrecking ball. Feminism is a prominent theme is Snow Like Ashes. Meira is constantly trying to prove herself as a soldier but she is frequently told to get off the battlefield and into the cleaning tents. The equality theme links with fate and destiny too, and whether Meira's life is really hers if she is devoted to make a difference to her kingdom. A surprisingly good read, definitely one to check out even if you aren't into high fantasy. Can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy!
#books#reader#reading#read#snow like ashes#sla#ice like fire#snow like ashes series#ya fantasy#high fantasy#meira#mather#theron#angra#sara raasch
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The Drawing Of Three Book Review

Author: Stephen King
Rating: 5/5
Stephen King is like the Smashing Pumpkins of story-telling: he isn’t afraid to sit back and explore his ideas, grow them and develop them, before he has to move on. He draws on other perspectives, tells the same moment from multiple characters, twists the timeline and takes the time to express a scenario completely. Yet, he does it effortlessly, without chunks of exposition or idle rambling (which isn’t uncommon for high fantasies).
This book came and went so so fast - and nothing except for everything has changed. It’s gonna be spoilers from here onwards, so for non-spoilery thoughts check out my review of The Gunslinger.
*SPOILERS FROM HERE ONWARDS*
Eddie Dean - what an unlikely hero. He came from misfortune and his brother cultivated until it was all he knew. Enter Roland, and he gets an odd redemption. One thing I loved was his brilliant reaction to this quest. His denial and despair was understandable and heart-breaking, until he reaches acceptance. I loved his relationship with Roland, and I’m hoping Roland becomes the older brother Eddie never had, someone to guide and nurture him.
Odetta was a curious case, and definitely someone I’m excited to see develop in this moved on world. Her becoming was... confusing for me - but I’m accepting it. Her story comes full circle, even if some parts of the circle were completed before others!
I hope we get to hear more of Jake in future instalments. Roland’s attachment to him is too precious of a character arc to drop!
#books#reader#reading#book review#book reviews#the dark tower#dark tower#stephen king#the gunslinger#gunslinger#Roland of Gilead#eddie dean#the dark tower series#fantasy#the drawing of three#the drawing of three review
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Something’s Not Right Book Review

Author: Yves
Rating: 5/5
This is the biggest surprise of my reading year so far! All I knew about Something's Not Right was that it's a collection of magical realism/speculative fiction short stories. What amazed me the most is actually how short these short stories were! Some were less than 3 pages but still packed such emotional and narrative substance. The first story had me utterly hooked into this writer's imagination - I wish I could take a journey inside their mind just to be able to see the world how they do.
I cannot commend this author enough. Even though we only witness snapshots into these characters, I became so quickly attached to them! They were expertly and genuinely crafted. The voices and grammatical persons were suited to each story, with a mix of 1st, 2nd and 3rd persons as well as just colloquial dialogue. Some authors struggle to write in one voice, let alone dozens! Finally, the world-building for each story was so smooth and natural that I hadn't noticed how much information I'd swallowed since it was so seamlessly embedded.
Of course, I had some favourites. don't feel guilty was so deliciously obscure and ominous; I loved the narrators voice here especially since it was so natural and real, yet still decorative. theoretical robots and the dynamic of love also sticks out in my mind for its exploration of emotion. It had a nostalgic and bitter-sweet ending, which I loved. Another gem was gold-based offerings; I loved the narrator and the cunning cheek of the love interest. My ultimate favourite had to be the butcher, but I can't explain why! Maybe it was the combination of beauty and darkness.
So if you couldn't tell already, I loved this book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
#books#reader#reading#book review#book reviews#books and libraries#short stories#speculative fiction#magical realism#fantasy#urban fantasy
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Mini review of Grace Williams Says It Loud by Emma Henderson.
Synopsis: Grace Williams was sent to a mental institution when she was 11. Through the pain, abuse and torment, she meets debonair Daniel - and together they find little ways of not only surviving in this life, but truly living.
#books#book reviews#reader#book review#reading#books and libraries#bookworm#book#mental health#grace williams#grace williams says it loud#adult fiction
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Kingdom Of Ash Book Review

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 3.5/5
So don’t kill me. This is the lowest official rating I’ve ever given an SJM book, but if I had my blog when I read Crown Of Midnight that may have been lower. To give you some context, I LOVED Throne Of Glass, HATED Crown Of Midnight, and gradually came to love the series again as it continued. But KoA, whilst being an epic end to this ambitious saga, was just too much. Where did the brave and snarky prisoner and her contest to be the king’s assassin go?? As much as I admire SJM’s world building and her ambition, I can’t deal with high fantasy novels with this much stuff. That is just a personal preference, and I can see why some people would die for this series - but for me, it’s become too Game Of Thrones.
*SPOILERS FROM HERE ONWARDS*
Props to SJM for the emotional rollercoaster! My eyes were watering the whole time, but there were two moments which made me bawl: Dorian reuniting with Chaol and Aelin, and ofc the Thirteen all Yielding to save Manon and the rest of the court. This series feeds off tragedy and sacrifice experienced by its characters, but it used to keep hope at the forefront too. I think this is what separates Kingdom Of Ash from the other instalments - the characters have lost hope completely and still keep fighting.
Unfortunately for me, the war and politics kind of fell flat. I don’t care for the battle strategy and endless fighting, and I know this is personal taste but I prefer books which focus on a smaller group of characters rather than multiple continents worth. I kept getting confused and I’d completely forgotten characters like Borte, Fenrys, Gavriel, Falkan, Nox Owen, Darrow, Rhiannon Crochan and quite a few more.
However, there were multiple moments that had me in awe of the beauty that SJM has produced from this novel:
Evangeline and Darrow - Her fate as a lady of Terresan warms my heart because if anyone deserves the world, it’s Evangeline. The way that Darrow admires her had me tearing up and it shows how even the most experienced people can learn from someone with a kind soul.
Elide riding into the battlefield to find Lorcan - Not only does this show how much these two truly mean to each other, it shines a much needed spotlight on the brave, reckless and strong-hearted nature of Elide. It reminds us that she will not be broken by her past, and would die for her friends to have a bright future.
Fenrys breaking the blood oath - Firstly, Fenrys and Aelin’s relationship whilst she was trapped was perfect. They were each other’s reason not to break, and this can be relevant to anyone with any kind of struggle in our world. When Fenrys sacrificed his life to save Aelin, he truly demonstrated how much they’ve grown together and because of each other.
There are more, but these are definitely my top three.
Overall, very mixed feelings about this novel. I think it was too long, too dense, and too ambitious, but it was also full of beautiful, heart-warming and heart-breaking moments. It might just be down to whether or not you enjoy high fantasy, politics-and-war-centric series or smaller, more character-driven stories.
#books#reader#reading#tog#throne of glass#kingdom of ash#koa#sjm#sarah j maas#book review#book reviews#koa review#kingdom of ash review#aelin ashryver#aelin galathynius#rowan whitethorn#dorian havilliard#manon blackbeak#aedion ashryver#lysandra#chaol westfall#yrene towers#fenrys#gavriel#anti sjm#anti tog
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Queen Of Air And Darkness Book Review

Author: Our lady and saviour Cassandra Clare
Rating: 5/5 (what did you expect??)
DON’T MIND ME CRYING IN THE BACK! Honestly, the emotional capacity of this novel superseded all expectations. Cassie’s ability to make me care more about her characters than anyone irl is inspiring and terrifying.
I honestly believe that Queen Of Air And Darkness is CC’s most sophisticated and advanced work yet; she seems to improve with every instalment of The Shadowhunter Chronicles. Her writing bridges the seemingly immense gap between maturity and humour - keeping her style relatable and funny whilst also being artistic and well-developed. Her 3rd person narration adopts the nature of the character she describes - Julian’s sections are compassionate and tortured, Mark’s whimsical and longing, Diana’s brave and believing. I can’t deny her talent.
I have to dedicate an entire paragraph to Ty Blackthorn because... I mean he is just everything I needed from 21st century media representation. Cassie doesn’t sugar-coat the less ‘quirky’ side of autism: the struggles, the confusion, the isolation. But, more importantly, she showcased all the wonderful things about it, my favourite scene being Ty and the starfish. As an autistic person, this means the world to me, especially since fans of the series love Ty despite/because of his nature.
That’s the end of my spoiler-free section! I’m not going to say this book is perfect (see spoilery section for details) but generally, adored this finale (if you can call it that) and I recommend it to anyone. To non-TMI fans, TDA is 10 times better than TMI, if you didn’t like TMI you might love this series anyway.
*SPOILERS AHEAD DUDES*
Right, I did have a couple of problems with this book. First of all, Cassie’s unstoppable need to pair up every single character into a relationship. I could have done without the Diego/Divya scene at the end, Cameron/Livia in Thule seemed forced, and Kieran/Mark/Cristina felt empty by the end. I did LOVE Kierarktina for the most part, just the ending felt a bit limp. Secondly, Thule didn’t really do it for me. It was the only trope that CC hadn’t fallen victim to, and I just thought it was unnecessary? I understood why it happened and if you liked it, I’m glad! It just wasn’t for me. Also, the parabatai bond just... went? They turned into massive giants and...just...what???
Rant over. Now, the good bits! Drusilla Blackthorn guys! She deserves the world, I love her character development and the complex relationship between her, Ty and Kit. I love that we got to see more of Helen and Aline, too. They’re each other’s foils in a way - Helen being soft and steady, Aline sparky and exciting. Their dynamic was brilliant. And the wedding?!?! I wasn’t expecting that man I was crying. Alec’s little speech was beautiful and I’m over the moon that he was elected as Consul.Cassie knows how to indulge her fans almost as well as she knows how to break them.
This is probably my favourite instalment of the Shadowhunter Chronicles so far!
#books#reader#reading#read#books and libraries#qoaad#queen of air and darkness#Cassandra clare#tda#the dark artifices#emma carstairs#julian blackthorn#ty blackthorn#kit herondale#drusilla blackthorn#dru blackthorn#shadowhunters#tsc#the shadowhunter chronicles#shadowhunter chronicles#diana wrayburn#Kieran kingson#mark blackthorn#cristina rosales#kierarktine#jemma#kitty#diego rosales#jaime rosales#helen blackthorn
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IT Book Review

Author: Stephen King (but y’all knew that)
Rating: 5/5
Buy: Amazon US
Amazon UK
Even thinking about this book makes me way too emotional. Not with grief or sadness, noooo… but with complete awe and admiration. Okay fine, maybe a little bit of grief and sadness but that’s to be expected. IT is an epic that none other than King could pull off in a single novel without the reader needing a break. I inhaled this book like the air I breathe and couldn’t help but feel a little choked when it was over.
One thing that stood out to me about IT is the effortless complexity that King can weave over the different timelines. I had no trouble understanding the sequence of events (which is unusual given my tendency to confuse myself) and there was no timeline I preferred over the over.
STEPHEN KING’S CHARACTERS MAKE HIM MORE THAN JUST A HORROR WRITER!! Horror writers stereotypically thrive off plot and shock-factor, but IT’s characters show how sophisticated of a craftsman King is. He values having 3-Dimensional characters as much as a 3-Dimensional plot, and it’s amazing that a lot authors don’t understand how much the plot relies on the characters. I would die for every. single. one. of the losers. My favourite has to be Richie, I love the inappropriate and important humour he possesses even when the world is falling apart (weelll, apart from that one time but let’s not talk about that).
As a villain, It is fascinating. King gives the harrowing, deep-seated horror of JK Rowling’s dementors a face and a sick, disturbing personality that’s almost human. It itself blurs the line between supernatural, symbolism, and the evil in humanity in a mix which was terrifying, unreal and still completely relevant.
Basically, it’s a new favourite and definitely worth the commitment of the 1,200 pages!! I might do an extended, spoiler-filled analysis of my favourite and the most controversial scenes, but we’ll see.
#it#it 2017#it book#Stephen king#books#reader#reading#books and libraries#book review#book reviews#bill denbrough#beverly marsh#richie tozier#eddie kaspbrak#ben hanscom#mike hanlon#stan uris#horror#fantasy
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A similar message for my reviews blog - I’m back bitches and I have a ton of opinions lined up to share!! Love, Beth xx
Okay here’s my pledge:
I hereby pledge to bring this blog back to it’s 50-new-followers-a-day glory! I have missed discovering new ways to talk to new people, sharing content that makes people comment ‘true’ or ‘IM CRYING’ or ‘love this’, and I miss the feeling of connecting to other people like me. I mean the book nerds, the aspies, the introverts, the fangirls/boys and everyone in between! So, I want to keep going. Tumblr brings me joy and since I’ve slowed down both on this blog and in my mental state, I want to use this mission to give me purpose.
I love every single one of the 12,500 of my followers and I hope you enjoy whatever new stuff I have in store! Love, Beth xx
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The Graveyard Book Review

Author: Neil Gaiman
Rating: 5/5
Buy: Amazon US
Amazon UK
Okay wow. I was not expected such an emotional rollercoaster from this spoopy middle grade! I loved every moment, and why oh why hasn’t Tim Burton made this into a movie yet?!
Let’s first talk about Bod. Lil’ Nobody Owens. What a fabulous name??? I’m living for his character arc and his relationships and his morals and his outlook on life. You’d think growing up in a graveyard would break a person - well not Bod! He has this beautiful desire to learn and to adapt, and he values friendship and knowledge more than any possession.
The layout of The Graveyard Book is pretty masterful to be honest. It’s amazing that Gaiman can carry an overall plot through 16 years as well as have multiple sub-plots and including entire story arcs in single chapters. I can’t get over how well-crafted this book is!
Overall, a fabulous and sweet Halloween read - definitely one to go for between a lot of hardcore horror.
PS that’s my dog in the pic xD
#books#read#reader#reading#the graveyard book#neil gaiman#nobody owens#bod owens#Halloween#halloween books#halloween reads#spooky#spoopy#books and libraries#book review#book reviews
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The Darkest Part Of The Forest Books Review

Author: Holly Black
Rating: 5/5
Buy: Amazon US
Amazon UK
Definitely a new favourite!! Oh my god this book is a craft of creative and literary genius! I want to crawl inside the author's mind because only the most beautiful brain could create this deft and whimsical story.
The Darkest Part Of The Forest showcases a take on faeries unlike any other I've seen. In a town called Fairfold, the citizens are aware that creatures haunt their forests...but there isn't much to be done about it. The fae take their children and murder their tourists, and in the woods there is a faerie boy who lies in an eternal sleep within a glass casket. Siblings Hazel and Ben are mortals of Fairfold, dreamers and wanderers who yearn for the adventure of the fae and they end up whisked into this treacherous quest that threatens the lives of everyone they hold dear. In this novel, faeries are illustrated as shockingly beautiful and with many species - but they all have mischief in common. The addictive wonder of the fae is what's so captivating about this book, and you can see why the characters submit to their allure. The descriptions of characters and settings are lush and visual; I would love a colouring book based on this story! The characters are just as 3-dimensional as the visuals. Hazel is fascinating in her stubborn and veiled nature, both a contrast and a compliment to Ben's vulnerability and compassion. Severin, oh my god don't get me started...another new favourite. There's something so captivating about the way he talks and acts, and his character arc is stunning! The relationships in this book are absolutely on point. Both Hazel and Ben have the most raw and real views on love. But what I value most in The Darkest Part Of The Forest is the highlight on sibling relationships. Hazel and Ben have the most complex partnership - their unconditional love, reliance on each other and desire to keep secrets are both poisonous and beautiful. However, the romantic relationships are also stunning! Ben's final relationship has the most amazing progression and I adored it, and Hazel's is slow burning and sumptuous. I'm sorry this review has just been me blabbing about everything I loved in this book and I know it's a bit repetitive... But I really don't care. Go and read this book.
#books#reader#reading#book#books and libraries#the darkest part of the forest#darkest part of the forest#holly black#severin#hazel evans#ben evans#fae#faeries#fantasy#urban fatnasy#book review#book reviews
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I Was Born For This Book Review

Author: Alice Oseman
Rating: 4.5/5
Buy: Amazon US
Amazon UK
Such an interesting read! I picked up this book based on the plot: it follows our two main characters, Angel and Jimmy. Angel’s life revolves around a band called The Ark who have become her life. They have given her all of her internet friends, a purpose in life, and hope that love exists. Jimmy is the lead singer; he has severe anxiety and paranoia and is deeply insecure in his profession. He loves music, but hates fame. The story revolves around their own growth and change, as well as how their paths meet.
As a huge member of the bandom, it was fascinating and shocking to see the effect that fans have on their idols. It’s opened my eyes to the pressure of being so depended on by millions of people who don’t even know who you really are. But, as someone who has been kept alive by the music of twenty one pilots, Pierce The Veil and the like, it breaks my heart that some musicians are overcome by fear and hatred of their fandom. I never thought about how stressful it must be, having all these strangers fawn mindlessly over them (or the strangers’ image of them, which is worse). For that reason, I’m thankful that this book has given me the chance to be more mindful of my irrevocable adoration of bands and their members.
Saying that, it was also scary how much of myself I saw in Angel. She puts The Ark before everything else in her life and, as someone who would willingly die for Brendon Urie, I can now see how distressing that is. There are fans who are nothing except the people they idolise, and I now see that I can be a fan without selling my soul.
Disclaimer: I FULLY respect anyone who’s life revolves around a band/tv show/celebrity if it gives you happiness. My opinions are only as a response to my own personality, and the fact that it was beginning to cause me unhappiness.
Subject matter aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this novel. It had the perfect conversationalist tone for a YA contemporary without being cheesy or cliched. There was a lot of emotional impact, especially in the scenes in which Jimmy had a panic attack, as well as the shock of the finale. The pacing was perfect, even though what I thought was going to be the main event happened quite far into the book (it worked brilliantly).
Also, amazing diversity! A male main character with anxiety, a Muslim main character, a trans main character, a gay main character and a bisexual main character!!
The only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because I hated one of the characters with a deep-seated, fiery passion. But that’s okay, since I knew he was supposed to be the object of readers’ hatred anyway.
#books#reader#reading#books and libraries#YA contemporary#ya lit#I was born for this#book review#book reviews
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The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Book Review

Author: Stieg Larsson
Rating: 5/5
Buy: Amazon US
Amazon UK
I have no idea how to review this book. It was brutal, sickening and raw - yet completely and all-consumingly brilliant. Everything about the plot is crafted with precision and eloquence. The crimes are horrifying. The action is exhilarating. The characters are visionary. I can’t explain to you how utterly masterful The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is.
I’m just gonna stick a vital trigger warning for rape/sexual assault right here, because even as someone who has had no experience with such awful things, I was struck with abject horror at those scenes.
Let’s talk about the girl herself: Lisbeth Salander is an absolute warrior. She’s definitely not your typical female heroin, and I loved her for her slightly psychopathic ways. Without spoiling anything, there’s a scene in which she gets revenge on someone who abused her - and it’s grimly delightful. Everything about her character is fascinating, and she’s definitely up there with my all time favourites!
But it’s not just Lisbeth who’s characteristics are fascinating. In a kind of sick way, I loved discovering about each of the members of the Vanger family (the family being investigated). I’m one for psycho-analysis, so if you’d read this book you can see why it’s my dream come true.
The writing of this book is not something that stuck out originally for me, but the further I got in, the more I realised how much I was relishing it. From the inner workings of Salander’s head, to the descriptions of Hebedy and the island, to the twisted shock of Mikeal at the plot twist - Larsson has more than a talent. His has millions of people wrapped around his fingers.
Definitely not one for the faint of heart! But if you deem yourself safe from too much vicarious experience, do not hesitate to pick this up!
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Hi! I’m a new blog starting out. I was sorta bored one day and was like, hey! a summer project! And here I am. Any suggestions for a new comer?
Hey there! Welcome to tumblr 😄 Advice from me would just be to have fun! Do what you wanna do, be yourself and enjoy 💜 Good luck my friend!
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