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shereadytoread's Reviews (824)
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
informative
I thought this was a well-written biography which was able to follow a complex and rich history of an individual with great detail. I loved that there was no attempt to cast her as a perfect hero or villain and addressed how she made progressive and kind choices while at times being calculating and even cruel (by todays standards). Madame Restell was able to do what few women ever could during the time she was alive and by far managed to do it better than almost every other person that attempted something similar. While it was clearly an economic choice, her commitment to these services had a specific impact on many people’s abilities to safely continue their lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Medical content, Abortion, Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Medical trauma
Minor: Rape, Suicide
informative
I thought this was excellent overview of the history of VHS tapes and the current community of VHS collectors. The only thing that knocked it down for me was the author took a short detour in discussing perceptions of misogyny in horror movies in the 80s/90s and patently decided it was not a thing while only addressing number of women/men killed in horror films and that both men and women were shirtless (as if the perception of that in society is equal *eyeroll*)
informative
reflective
This book is an interesting introduction piece to narratives of history and how they were defined. I think this is a good starting point to further explore concepts presents and the book includes a bibliography of a good number of more in depth pieces of the topics discussed.
One of my favorite parts of this book is that it veers into literal stories and addresses written media and films, which is about the last 20% of the book. While I didn't agree with all the author's statements, overall I think this is well-written, well-researched and definitely worth the read.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from the publisher.
One of my favorite parts of this book is that it veers into literal stories and addresses written media and films, which is about the last 20% of the book. While I didn't agree with all the author's statements, overall I think this is well-written, well-researched and definitely worth the read.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from the publisher.
slow-paced
Didn't love it, didn't hate it. It dragged a bit.
emotional
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was excellent overall. Overall, the only think that I disliked was the time-jumping because it didn't clearly (imo) establish the original time so when we go back and forth in time it is a bit disorienting and I had to reengage with the story.
Characters: The 2MCs are both well-written and foil each other with differing relationships with their mother and unexplained opposition between the two of them. The supporting characters felt a bit forced in at some points, but necessary and the interconnected relationships they all form works well for the plot
Themes: Grief, Trauma, Loss, Dysfunctional Family Systems, Mental Health, Friendship, Parenting, Personal Growth
Plot: I really enjoyed the plot. I thought framing the story with each (almost) kiss served as a good device, and gives you mini stories within the main arc.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted ARC.
Characters: The 2MCs are both well-written and foil each other with differing relationships with their mother and unexplained opposition between the two of them. The supporting characters felt a bit forced in at some points, but necessary and the interconnected relationships they all form works well for the plot
Themes: Grief, Trauma, Loss, Dysfunctional Family Systems, Mental Health, Friendship, Parenting, Personal Growth
Plot: I really enjoyed the plot. I thought framing the story with each (almost) kiss served as a good device, and gives you mini stories within the main arc.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted ARC.
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this book is an example of excellent writing and plot, but it wasn't my favorite. Our title "Black Queen" is not who this book is really about, but more of a who-dun-it tag team of a friend of the deceased and their worst enemy.
I loved the mystery elements. I thought the plot had great pacing, was well-layered, and the MCs each have complex full lives. I think if you are interested in this book it is definitely worth your time to read.
However, where this book fell flat for me is the centering of a wealthy white girl in the story of the death of a black girl. I understand why the two MCs work together, but it feels like the "plot twists" and the active choices are all related to the white MC rather than both characters having a balanced presence. That is not to say that I didn't like the book, but it wasn't the story I was looking for.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted finished copy.
I loved the mystery elements. I thought the plot had great pacing, was well-layered, and the MCs each have complex full lives. I think if you are interested in this book it is definitely worth your time to read.
However, where this book fell flat for me is the centering of a wealthy white girl in the story of the death of a black girl. I understand why the two MCs work together, but it feels like the "plot twists" and the active choices are all related to the white MC rather than both characters having a balanced presence. That is not to say that I didn't like the book, but it wasn't the story I was looking for.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Police brutality
challenging
informative
reflective
This was a well-written review of a long-standing study. Overall it presents the data in a way that is easily understood. The study definitely has limitations, which the author details and indicates what concepts need further research. This study is wide reaching, studying not only the women who had the abortion, but outcomes of their children (both those conceived before and subsequent to the abortion). It is a bit odd reading back when they are discussing Roe v Wade and the potential outcomes of the change in the court.
Many of the detracting statements I've seen say it is flawed because they only looked at women who wanted an abortion. That is explained multiple times in the book, and comparing the outcomes of women who wanted an abortion but were unable to have them with women who never wanted an abortion and didn't get one, tells us nothing about outcomes, as their wants and needs were different.
Many of the detracting statements I've seen say it is flawed because they only looked at women who wanted an abortion. That is explained multiple times in the book, and comparing the outcomes of women who wanted an abortion but were unable to have them with women who never wanted an abortion and didn't get one, tells us nothing about outcomes, as their wants and needs were different.
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
This is a thrilling story told in an unconventional way. It mirrors actual society in which we get multiple perspectives from lots of individuals in the community, both related and unrelated to the event. The three main “Promise Boys” are all students with different friend groups, personalities and motives for the murder. But who is the killer?
I think this is a great YA which manages to mirror the real world, use technology in a way that isn’t dating to the book, and provide some misdirects that work!
I think this is a great YA which manages to mirror the real world, use technology in a way that isn’t dating to the book, and provide some misdirects that work!