fflur's reviews
48 reviews

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Lolita is a beautifully written novel,  filled with poetic prose. The French phrases intertwined with the English enriches the text, and the rapid pace mimics the way H.H.'s thoughts flow in and out of his mind. 

I originally wanted to rate this book incredibly low, given the topic being disturbing and violently horrific. However, upon reflection, I must appreciate the author's ability to evoke such repulsion, along with a host of other negative emotions. 

While the majority of the book focused on Humbert, towards the end I found myself more focused on Dolores (aka Lolita) and her life, or what her life could have been. The description of the emptiness behind her eyes left me experiencing a hollowness, sympathy for a life stolen from her, and for a childhood unfulfilled. 

Before reading this book, potential readers should check the content warnings. The pages upon pages of descriptions of 'nymphets' and his attraction to them left me feeling physically ill. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, Pedophilia, and Sexual violence

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Power Systems: Conversations on Global Democratic Uprisings and the New Challenges to U.S. Empire by Noam Chomsky

challenging informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Between Two Moons by Aisha Abdel Gawad

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Neurocomic by Hana Ros

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

This was a very cute comic with excellent information for those without prior knowledge in neuroscience. As someone who already knows the basics of the subject, the only new information I learned were some tidbits about some of the scientists mentioned. However, it was a very fun, quick read with a very meta ending. Highly recommend for younger learners or those just getting into neuroscience/psychology! 

The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud

informative reflective slow-paced

3.0

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

challenging emotional inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I normally don't go for verse novels, but I loved this one. It contained so much heart that I thought it was an autobiographical book for a large part of it. It was such a good read, full of emotions, that I read it in one sitting. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Mental illness, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Racism