The Review Post I've been skidding around
Hey there :) So it appears I've a lot of time on my hands recently (or I'm completely ignoring the tottering workload from Uni and work) and I remembered quite a few people asked me for book recommendations. Now I really am no expert, considering the fact that I like reading what's familiar over what's foreign and that tends to be a specific, repetitive genre for a while until I get absolutely bored with it (keep reading and you'll get what I mean). Quarantine, however, did absolute wonders and smashed my TBR list to the ground. I can now say I've read all the books I've wanted to read for a long time and that, my friends, sparks joy. Not to worry, however, I still have a few books I'd like to read this year and I'm leaving them for after Ramadan.
I think I've spewed enough gibberish to create a sorta standard introductory paragraph so off I go to the reviews. I'll be rating them on a 5 star basis where 1= really wish I hadn't read this one, 2 = my curiosity is satisfied but I'm still mad at most of the book, 3 = A good book with questionable content, 4 = A Great book but sth's missing, ya feel? 5 = Stop reading this review and go read this book ASAP.
1. The Mortal Instruments Series 4/5 (because Simon deserves better) ★★★★✩
Let's be honest: this series isn't for everyone. I am not a fan of fantasy and adventure stories don't really help my overriding anxiety so I like mellow, gripping stories? the Mortal instrument series is in no way mellow but it was gripping and it included a few things I've always been extremely fascinated by: runes and Dante's writing. If you enjoy learning grueling details about angels and demons and are fascinated with Dante's writing, Mortal instruments is slathered with gracious amounts of it, but it's not overwhelming : it's mixed in with a lot of relatable teenage anguish. Also Simon's great and deserved so much more than the half-witted storyline which I will not spoil, except you should know I would vouch for Simon any day.
2. Harry Potter 4/5 (because Snape was over glorified) ★★★★✩
Harry Potter was my childhood and rereading it in 2020 was a wild rollercoaster ride of the fuzziest set of emotions I've ever let myself feel. I suppose there were quite a few things about it that I questioned as a child but understand better now, almost as many things as I question now despite overlooking it as a child. I still stand firm in my love for it though, it was what made writing and reading such a thrilling experience to begin with. And yes, I don't like Snape. I don't think I'll ever understand why everyone loves him, but to each his own.
3. Twilight 2/5 (there was little to no plot) ★★✩✩✩
Let's take a moment to process that I picked this series up UNPROMPTED, might I add, and read the entire thing. It was an... experience to say in the least? As someone who's genuinely fascinated by Vampires as a myth, I mean I thought I would hate it a lot more than I actually do. Twilight does have some good points to it - yes, you read that right. One of which is it's no-funny-business approach to sticking to a 'somewhat' realistic portrayal of vampires. But Meyers writing,, well, that's hurdle number one: if you're not fond of repetitive description and similes that are entirely questionable, her writing may not be for you. I do genuinely think that had the plot been less cringe and more believable, the characters would have stood out more, rather than existing for the convenience of a nonsensical plot :)
My favourite thing about this series was the unhinged manner in which Bella does things? Like she really does not have a rational bone in her body. I respect that.
4. The Selection Series 3/5 (I hate love triangles) ★★★✩✩
I'm a major, and I MEAN MAJOR, fan of royal fanfare. Give me books with kings and queens and knights and castles and I will devour them. Except of course no such books exist without the literal headache-inducing love triangles. Can we please, PLEASE, get rid of them already? Love triangles don't make me happy or excited, they make me anxious and I read to find PEACE. Okay sorry I might sound like a whiny child but I really don't see the need for so much heartbreak and devastation when you could just have... had an OTP that everyone ships and enjoys reading about? Was the love triangle my only pet peeve with this book? No, I actually had a lot more to complain about but it's been so long since I read the book and we're already in a second lockdown so no I'll stop here.
5. Six of Crows duology 5/5 (JUST READ IT ALREADY) ★★★★★
There are so many lovely things about this series that I have so much respect and love for, including the fact that a literal villain is the protagonist. It's not everyday that you see so much meaningful representation in a book and I'm not just talking about the bad guy perspective. I can't really say much about the book without inevitably spoiling it for you so I recommend you go read it to find out. Inej is my favourite character in the series and I genuinely don't think any other character compares.
6. Turtles All the way down 4/5 (I want more of it) ★★★★✩
I remember reading this in one go and having so many little reflections pass through my mind, realizing how everything I know and everything I love are also the things others know and love. This book widens your perspective on a lot of things but a fair warning: it isn't for the faint hearted. Because it discusses OCD in gruesome details, it's not an easy read but it's a really informative and well-rounded book that I genuinely enjoyed and recommend.
7. The Hurt U Give 4/5 (GIVE ME MORE) ★★★★✩
Ironically enough, the Hate U give focuses on racial injustice, police brutality and the use of free speech to raise awareness, which have all been timely to 2020's Black Lives Matter protests held globally in response to the brutality shown to George Floyd. You'll understand when you read :)
P.s. the movie's not half as terrible as I thought it would be but I still prefer the book.
8. I'll give you the Sun 4/5 (My head hurt after reading this one) ★★★★✩
Firstly, I did not read a single review on this. I simply dived in based entirely on how fond I was of the title. And it did not disappoint. I was taken aback by some of the content, considering homosexuality is highlighted through the book. In a way, this book drained me. It took a lot for me to complete it and even after I did, I couldn't really piece how I felt about it. All I know is that if you enjoy first person narratives and unhinged teenage reality, you'll enjoy this one. But be warned, I wouldn't read it a second time.
9. Holding Up The Universe 3/5 (I kept comparing it to All The Bright Places) ★★★✩✩
For a book written by one of my favourite authors, I had high expectations and maybe, that was wrong on my part. Not saying this was a bad read: it was nice. But it didn't really make me feel very fulfilled. Eating disorders are touchy topics for many of us and fat-shaming is a problem we tend to have to deal with on a regular basis, but the way this book handled it was quite, anticlimactic? Wouldn't mind seeing a movie of it though, it might just be one of those stories better visualized than read.
10. The Perks of being a Wallflower 5/5 (READ. IT.) ★★★★★
Everything you have ever felt in your high school years is about to come flooding into your mind with every page you read. Epistolary novels are phenomenal, because they draw you in like no other. The mystery seeps through every page, leaving you at the edge of your seat for most, if not all, of the book. Definitely something to remember. I chose the movie based on this book for an assignment at Uni and it wasn't as overwhelming as the book, but it was a nice watch.
11. Wonder 5/5 (Innocence was portrayed so beautifully) ★★★★★
I had seen and heard of this book for years before I finally sat down to read it and everything in it hit me like a bullet from every angle. Coming from a family where disability is perceived to be 'normal', I related to the characters in Wonder far more than I can truly iterate. If anything, I didn't want to stop reading. It's bitter-sweet and beautiful.
12. Throne of Glass 3/5 (I didn't feel very engaged?) ★★★✩✩
I've been asked to read this book by three of my closest friends who are all equally obsessed with the series and I was always afraid I wouldn't like it as much as they do. and what do you know, I was right. I didn't enjoy reading this as much as I would have liked to but it was a good read. I love everything about the royalty described and the idea of a female assassin reigning, but it wasn't something I felt much reading.
BONUS: Radio Silence (an interesting perspective and some really great characters) ★★★★★
Where friendship and family were more important than grades and love. I can't say much without ruining the experience for you, but do expect some simple twists and a beautifully heartbreaking family.
Update from future me: I'm back to the torturous cycle of work-uni-sleep-work-uni-sleep and I miss reading a whole lot. I did read a lot after Ramadhan and I decided to add them below as well, following the same star-rating method because why not.
13. This is Where it ends (Crafted so well it genuinely hurt to finish this book) ★★★★★
School shooting and violence are topics that can be triggering to many so I'd advice you against reading this if you're faint-hearted. The truth is brutally portrayed in this multi-perspective story where you don't really know much until the very end. Gripping and painful, I would definitely reread it when I get the chance to.
14. Eleanor and Park ( What was the point of this book?) ★✩✩✩✩
Initially, I had high hopes for this book because it began with an interesting perspective. But the more I read, the more I realized the author had relied entirely on stereotypes to portray her characters, rather than trying to be original and destigmatizing in any way. It was disappointing, to watch some good writing describe extremely overplayed roles.
15. Refuge (Crushing, beautiful and enough to keep you going) ★★★★★
The last book I read was Refuge, by Sajla Anees who is an absolute blessing. Reading Refuge was experiencing war through the eyes of one of the most humane characters. Noora's hope, despite everything happening, was a grueling reminder of how little gratitude we hold for the abundance we are blessed with. There is so much we don't know about the world, but it is books like these that serve as a reminder that Allah is with us, even when the world isn't.
That's about it for now :) I've received a lovely long list of book recommendations from the lovely folks on Instagram so maybe I'll comeback with a part two of reviews in 2021.
Stay safe and Stay blessed!-N
I think I've spewed enough gibberish to create a sorta standard introductory paragraph so off I go to the reviews. I'll be rating them on a 5 star basis where 1= really wish I hadn't read this one, 2 = my curiosity is satisfied but I'm still mad at most of the book, 3 = A good book with questionable content, 4 = A Great book but sth's missing, ya feel? 5 = Stop reading this review and go read this book ASAP.
1. The Mortal Instruments Series 4/5 (because Simon deserves better) ★★★★✩
Let's be honest: this series isn't for everyone. I am not a fan of fantasy and adventure stories don't really help my overriding anxiety so I like mellow, gripping stories? the Mortal instrument series is in no way mellow but it was gripping and it included a few things I've always been extremely fascinated by: runes and Dante's writing. If you enjoy learning grueling details about angels and demons and are fascinated with Dante's writing, Mortal instruments is slathered with gracious amounts of it, but it's not overwhelming : it's mixed in with a lot of relatable teenage anguish. Also Simon's great and deserved so much more than the half-witted storyline which I will not spoil, except you should know I would vouch for Simon any day.
2. Harry Potter 4/5 (because Snape was over glorified) ★★★★✩
Harry Potter was my childhood and rereading it in 2020 was a wild rollercoaster ride of the fuzziest set of emotions I've ever let myself feel. I suppose there were quite a few things about it that I questioned as a child but understand better now, almost as many things as I question now despite overlooking it as a child. I still stand firm in my love for it though, it was what made writing and reading such a thrilling experience to begin with. And yes, I don't like Snape. I don't think I'll ever understand why everyone loves him, but to each his own.
3. Twilight 2/5 (there was little to no plot) ★★✩✩✩
Let's take a moment to process that I picked this series up UNPROMPTED, might I add, and read the entire thing. It was an... experience to say in the least? As someone who's genuinely fascinated by Vampires as a myth, I mean I thought I would hate it a lot more than I actually do. Twilight does have some good points to it - yes, you read that right. One of which is it's no-funny-business approach to sticking to a 'somewhat' realistic portrayal of vampires. But Meyers writing,, well, that's hurdle number one: if you're not fond of repetitive description and similes that are entirely questionable, her writing may not be for you. I do genuinely think that had the plot been less cringe and more believable, the characters would have stood out more, rather than existing for the convenience of a nonsensical plot :)
My favourite thing about this series was the unhinged manner in which Bella does things? Like she really does not have a rational bone in her body. I respect that.
4. The Selection Series 3/5 (I hate love triangles) ★★★✩✩
I'm a major, and I MEAN MAJOR, fan of royal fanfare. Give me books with kings and queens and knights and castles and I will devour them. Except of course no such books exist without the literal headache-inducing love triangles. Can we please, PLEASE, get rid of them already? Love triangles don't make me happy or excited, they make me anxious and I read to find PEACE. Okay sorry I might sound like a whiny child but I really don't see the need for so much heartbreak and devastation when you could just have... had an OTP that everyone ships and enjoys reading about? Was the love triangle my only pet peeve with this book? No, I actually had a lot more to complain about but it's been so long since I read the book and we're already in a second lockdown so no I'll stop here.
5. Six of Crows duology 5/5 (JUST READ IT ALREADY) ★★★★★
There are so many lovely things about this series that I have so much respect and love for, including the fact that a literal villain is the protagonist. It's not everyday that you see so much meaningful representation in a book and I'm not just talking about the bad guy perspective. I can't really say much about the book without inevitably spoiling it for you so I recommend you go read it to find out. Inej is my favourite character in the series and I genuinely don't think any other character compares.
6. Turtles All the way down 4/5 (I want more of it) ★★★★✩
I remember reading this in one go and having so many little reflections pass through my mind, realizing how everything I know and everything I love are also the things others know and love. This book widens your perspective on a lot of things but a fair warning: it isn't for the faint hearted. Because it discusses OCD in gruesome details, it's not an easy read but it's a really informative and well-rounded book that I genuinely enjoyed and recommend.
7. The Hurt U Give 4/5 (GIVE ME MORE) ★★★★✩
Ironically enough, the Hate U give focuses on racial injustice, police brutality and the use of free speech to raise awareness, which have all been timely to 2020's Black Lives Matter protests held globally in response to the brutality shown to George Floyd. You'll understand when you read :)
P.s. the movie's not half as terrible as I thought it would be but I still prefer the book.
8. I'll give you the Sun 4/5 (My head hurt after reading this one) ★★★★✩
Firstly, I did not read a single review on this. I simply dived in based entirely on how fond I was of the title. And it did not disappoint. I was taken aback by some of the content, considering homosexuality is highlighted through the book. In a way, this book drained me. It took a lot for me to complete it and even after I did, I couldn't really piece how I felt about it. All I know is that if you enjoy first person narratives and unhinged teenage reality, you'll enjoy this one. But be warned, I wouldn't read it a second time.
9. Holding Up The Universe 3/5 (I kept comparing it to All The Bright Places) ★★★✩✩
For a book written by one of my favourite authors, I had high expectations and maybe, that was wrong on my part. Not saying this was a bad read: it was nice. But it didn't really make me feel very fulfilled. Eating disorders are touchy topics for many of us and fat-shaming is a problem we tend to have to deal with on a regular basis, but the way this book handled it was quite, anticlimactic? Wouldn't mind seeing a movie of it though, it might just be one of those stories better visualized than read.
10. The Perks of being a Wallflower 5/5 (READ. IT.) ★★★★★
Everything you have ever felt in your high school years is about to come flooding into your mind with every page you read. Epistolary novels are phenomenal, because they draw you in like no other. The mystery seeps through every page, leaving you at the edge of your seat for most, if not all, of the book. Definitely something to remember. I chose the movie based on this book for an assignment at Uni and it wasn't as overwhelming as the book, but it was a nice watch.
11. Wonder 5/5 (Innocence was portrayed so beautifully) ★★★★★
I had seen and heard of this book for years before I finally sat down to read it and everything in it hit me like a bullet from every angle. Coming from a family where disability is perceived to be 'normal', I related to the characters in Wonder far more than I can truly iterate. If anything, I didn't want to stop reading. It's bitter-sweet and beautiful.
12. Throne of Glass 3/5 (I didn't feel very engaged?) ★★★✩✩
I've been asked to read this book by three of my closest friends who are all equally obsessed with the series and I was always afraid I wouldn't like it as much as they do. and what do you know, I was right. I didn't enjoy reading this as much as I would have liked to but it was a good read. I love everything about the royalty described and the idea of a female assassin reigning, but it wasn't something I felt much reading.
BONUS: Radio Silence (an interesting perspective and some really great characters) ★★★★★
Where friendship and family were more important than grades and love. I can't say much without ruining the experience for you, but do expect some simple twists and a beautifully heartbreaking family.
Update from future me: I'm back to the torturous cycle of work-uni-sleep-work-uni-sleep and I miss reading a whole lot. I did read a lot after Ramadhan and I decided to add them below as well, following the same star-rating method because why not.
13. This is Where it ends (Crafted so well it genuinely hurt to finish this book) ★★★★★
School shooting and violence are topics that can be triggering to many so I'd advice you against reading this if you're faint-hearted. The truth is brutally portrayed in this multi-perspective story where you don't really know much until the very end. Gripping and painful, I would definitely reread it when I get the chance to.
14. Eleanor and Park ( What was the point of this book?) ★✩✩✩✩
Initially, I had high hopes for this book because it began with an interesting perspective. But the more I read, the more I realized the author had relied entirely on stereotypes to portray her characters, rather than trying to be original and destigmatizing in any way. It was disappointing, to watch some good writing describe extremely overplayed roles.
15. Refuge (Crushing, beautiful and enough to keep you going) ★★★★★
The last book I read was Refuge, by Sajla Anees who is an absolute blessing. Reading Refuge was experiencing war through the eyes of one of the most humane characters. Noora's hope, despite everything happening, was a grueling reminder of how little gratitude we hold for the abundance we are blessed with. There is so much we don't know about the world, but it is books like these that serve as a reminder that Allah is with us, even when the world isn't.
That's about it for now :) I've received a lovely long list of book recommendations from the lovely folks on Instagram so maybe I'll comeback with a part two of reviews in 2021.
Stay safe and Stay blessed!-N
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