#petrawrites

[petrareads]

mini review: gilded

ignore how I said in my mid-year book tag that i had no 2022 book anticipations because I just finished Gilded by Marissa Meyer and now Cursed is for sure my most anticipated read of 2022! Here are my thoughts:

Gilded was predictable and kinda repetitive BUT

for some reason it was very addicting?? once I got into it I wanted to know how everything would play out

I also liked how the idea of the chosen one/gifted one was played with.  Serilda (the main character) was all into the idea of adventure and stories and dark mysteries until she realized the reality of it. Often I feel ‘chosen ones’ hate being the chosen one and then grow to love adventure? but I felt it was the opposite here which was a nice twist.

very vivid world building!! super gorgeous old timey village fairy tale vibes!

a range of lovely characters! I especially enjoyed the emphasis on children because they are often left out of YA and fantasy novels which is kinda strange cause children are always about ya know?

super unique magical creatures! even though I struggled to remember any of the names, they were super cool

an intriguing emphasis on darkness, though I feel I would have been more moved at certain scenes with a physical book instead of an audiobook idky

Overall even though I felt like sometimes it was kinda repetitive/predictable I did enjoy the novel! and would actually recommend listening to it as an audiobook because it has a huge emphasis on oral storytelling so it definitely fits the vibe. Also, I feel like there was lot of set up for the 2nd book so I expect that one to be even better once all the cliffhangers and mysteries get solved!

#did not expect to do another review but here we are #gilded #marissa meyer #petrareads #petrawrites #reading #read #booklr #books #bookish #fantasy #magic #novels #audiobook #book review #mini review

[chococrisafton17]

The Write got before a hamster, Fresita.

But, one day, Garvey and her sister, Petra (Yes- on my au Peter isnt a boy, its a trans girl): took him a photo with flash and he dies.

They said to Jhon that Fresita is on a farm with other hamsters.

Later, they adopted another hamster, Kiwi.

Nobody talks about fresita.

.

#my art #dormitabis #dormitabisfanart #garveywrite #petrawrite #dormitabisgarvey #tw animal death

[petrareads]

okay i actually managed to get some (semi) coherent thoughts down on the brilliance of heartstopper asjnka so here goes:

Nick (Kit Conner) absolutely STOLE the show I mean of course EVERYONE was amazing and fantastic but NICK what a sweetheart what a darl I’m sorry but it’s the truth

Elle is so gorgeous. What

ALICE ON THE TRAIN I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE 😭😭

I just want to flatten Tao’s hair I’m so sorry

Darcy having a lil gay panic moment when Tara kisses her at sports day, like just look at her expression everyone and try to tell me she’s not whipped 

and of course Charlie always having sweet gay panics and giggles and and his smiles 

the gay panic phone-background with the text. enough said.

Isaac reading in every scene. I think I can say for all of us that this is who we are and who we want to be spiritually and on all levels. 

“Hi I am Darcy I am hERE to meet the local gays !!”

Elle’s hair Elle’s hair Elle’s hair

Girl In Red, Choice Moriondo and Orla Gartland in the soundtrack!!!!

all the little comic screen splits and little animations are just perfection and soooo cuteee especially the little electricity pew pew

The COLOUR SCHEME I could write a whole screen and media analysis on the colours and animation for my degree 

Tara simultaneously being in love and completely exasperated by Darcy at all times, iconic.

Imogen and her Tik Tok hair !! it would not be a real teen show if someone didn’t have those little blonde streak framing their face ya know?

how similar it was to the comic - down to the scenes and framing and the lines like “CHAR” !!! my heart !!! 

Honestly. The most accurate portrayal of teenagers texting . AND most accurate representation of teenagers. Like they actually looked like real teenagers. I am very happy for them.

Charlie’s happy little face and heart eyes when nick was having is romantic speech/breakdown about how amazing and kind Charlie is

Darcy screaming homophobia when their kissing was interrupted, the most accurate representation of a queer teen I’ve ever seen.

Also Darcy literally wearing a random ass hoodie over her uniform like no one else is doing that and I KNOW from going to a school with strictish uniform policy that she probably was not even allowed to do that and we stan.

and lastly, and most iconically “Do you like this girl?” “.....Her dog died”. 

#maybe i'll make another part because there is so much thats amazing from the show #i didnt even talk about all the romance and sweetness in the show #because i think that's implied to be sooo cute and amazing and heartstoppery ya know? #petrareads #petrawrites #heartstopper #nick nelson #charlie spring #kit connor #joe locke #booklr #alice oseman #books #reading #read #comic #elle argent #tao xu #tara and darcy

[petrareads]

One of my favourite things about romantic movies, novels and poetry is they they are simply that: movies, novels and poetry. Tucked away in a turn of a page or the flash of a screen. I love swooning when characters are all like, “All I find myself thinking about, all I find myself being able to breathe for . . . is you..” But if someone told me that in real life? I would probably tell them to find a hobby!

#can you tell i am obsessed with bridgerton #i love anthony and kate #and all anthoy's lines are so swoon worthy #ive watched so many repeats of their scenes AHAHH #but genuinely if I think abobut someone saying that to me id be like damn #thats a lot of pressure #you can't just live to breathe for me!!! you must have interests !!! #petrareads #petraposts #romance #bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #kate sharma #novels #poetry #petrawrites

[petrareads]

Mini Review because @earnestlyeccentric requested I continue them: Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune 4/5 stars

I’m very glad I bought this book! (and not just because it’s so pretty haha). I haven’t read The Cerulean Sea so I wasn’t sure what writing style to expect. At first I wasn’t really a fan- it seemed a little kidsy to me? But once I got into the novel I started to like the whimsy way it was written. 

The characters are all absolutely to die for (ha) and have great diversity amongst the little cast AND I’m a sucker for the found family trope, can’t ever go wrong with that ahah. The whole ‘universe’ and concept of the afterlife was very beautiful and honestly just a very cozy vibe. Which is surprising for a book tackling death and grief!! And I’m ALSO a sucker for ghosts too ahah so love a little bit of ghost action. 

Overall, there were a lot of moving moments talking about different lives and deaths people lead and I can definitely see this book hitting very close to home for some people, so yeah I would recommend it !!

#petrareads #petraphotographs #petrawrites #mini review #tj klune #under the whispering door #found family #book recommendations #fiction #ghosts #booklr #books #reading #read #bookish #book things #nature #new zealand #grass #clouds #summer

[petrareads]

I know that being a bookworm is a HUGE part of many of our identities. Like at school and in friend groups we were the “book ones” so I think that’s why when some of us get older and read 30, 10, 5 books a year instead of 100 we feel guilty for not reading more. I can’t speak for everyone but I remember thinking, who am I anymore? I was still the book person to my friends but I didn’t feel like it because I only really finished a book once a month instead of a new book every week. If you’re feeling that rn I want you to know that feeling passes !! You begin to accept books are still important to you but you’re more than that too: you’re a good friend or a good listener, someone who makes people laugh,  inspires others, is kind to animals or cares about social justice. Books will always be a part of you, but there’s lots of things that make you, you! 

#kinda cheesy #but it's trueee #I was like who am i #at age like 16 #17 #and now I'm actually reading more than before #but also finding new hobbies ! #but not putting pressure on myself to read #petrareads #petrawrites #booklr #bookish #books #reading #read #bookworm #academia #identity #self care #inspiration #book things

[petrareads]

Mini Review: How to be a Heroine

4/5 Stars (sorry @earnestlyeccentric I have given up my decimal stars because it takes too much brain power)

This has been on my tbr list for six years! I remember Carrie Hope Fletcher recommended it and I’ve finally gotten around to it. As a personal essay/feminist literature review it was quite different to what I usually read, but I enjoyed it! Most of the novels that the author (Samantha Ellis) talked about I hadn’t read (I’m pretty shit at reading classic books hahah) but Ellis gives really good summaries about that are pretty interesting. 

Also the parts about Ellis life were really interesting as she shared her story of being a Iraqi Jew. I think the transitions between her lit analysis and her life were really really smooth and I found her very relatable because what bookworm hasn’t tried to compare or model themselves after their favourite characters? It wasn’t as addicting as a Cassandra Clare obviously  as it didn’t have a structured plot but definitely a nice, relaxing and intriguing read! It definitely encouraged me to 1) try to leave my comfort genres and 2) to dig into that tbr list ! I feel like I’ll keep thinking about this book and all those brave, smart, and independent heroines when I have to do something brave!

#petrareads #petrawrites #how to be a heroine #samantha ellis #fiction #book review #booklr #bookish #bookworm #mini review #feminism #carrie hope fletcher #feminist literature #reading #read

[petrareads]

a few months ago I was really into love languages (I’m a quality time kinda gal), so naturally I forced my brothers to take the quiz. My youngest brother can be very clingy and huggy whilst my other brother likes playing games or having a good chat so I predicted their love languages to be physical touch & quality time respectively. 

Now, I know that ~ humans are complex and don’t fit into a box ~ but I was very surprised to find not only were they both quality time but they scored very high points for quality time, way higher than myself. After some discussion they told me lots of the questions weren’t really applicable to their different types of relationships (friendship, family & romance) but instead many of the more physical touch, gift giving and acts of service they felt were reserved for only romantic relationships. I hadn’t even given this a second thought because it’s very easy for me to hug/give gifts/compliment anyone I’m close too regardless of the relationship. So despite how my youngest brother is always fiending for my hugs - he barely hugs his friends. 

I’m assuming this is based on stereotypes, expectations on masculinity and how relationships are modeled for men. I know it’s obviously different for everyone but I was just curious if any other men who can relate to this? I’ve actually only really seen love language discussions by girls *cough* cause I watch a lot of lesbian youtubers *cough*

#ALSO OBVIOUSLY I am not saying my brothers relationships are lesser #just different #and it's interesting #petrareads #petraposts #petrawrites #self care #feminism #femininity #Masculinity #gender #gender discussion #love langauges #love #relationships #romance #friendship #friends #family #acts of service #quality time #physical touch #gift giving #words of affirmation

[petrareads]

I finished a whole story (albeit a firstish draft) and I’m proud of myself! I’m not sure how good it is, or whether it will even be considered for the competition I’m entering, but after over year of struggling to finish any story I’m glad I was able to get to the end of something. 

I’m pretty good at starting projects and not so good at finishing them. So if you’re reading this, it’s a little sign to keep working on your creative projects, you got this! 

#petrareads #petraposts #petrawrites #booklr #writeblr #writing #projects #Creativity #studyblr #studyspo #inspiration #study inspiration #writing inspiration #writing inspo

[petrareads]

Mini Review: Eliza and her Monsters

4.4/5 Stars

I’ve wanted to read this book for ages because it looked so pretty and my middle name is Eliza so it’s ~ personal ~. And it didn’t let me down! The characters were so well written, the pacing was great, and I loved the sketches and feeling like I knew the comic in some way though I will admit I’m still a bit confused about what actually happens in the comic haha. But that only makes me want to actually read the comic! 

It was definitely very “young adulty” written and recently I’ve been feeling myself draw away from this a little. HOWEVER, despite it being quite clear that the character was in highschool, I wasn’t annoyed by it. It was kind of nice to be like “I can’t relate to this now but I remember being like this when I was younger!” 

It had a really good message and themes around art, creativity, mental health, self-worth etc which was great. And I liked the romance in the book but also appreciated that it didn’t take away from Eliza’s individual story. It was woven in very well. 

Overall I definitely recommend this book if you’re into fandom related stories :)

#petrareads #petrawrites #eliza and her monsters #reading #read #booklr #mini review #books #bookish #Francesca zappia #young adult #fandom #monstrous sea #comic #book recommendations #book recs #bookworm #fiction

[petrareads]

I don’t think I have words that are good enough to express how beautiful and raw Normal People is. Maybe it’s because I read the book & watched the show and following the story twice makes it easier to understand the subtleties and the words left unsaid. Or maybe, I just resonated more with the show, the use of colour, the framing, the close-shots and the intimacy that was clearly demonstrated. I really enjoyed the book, but the show. I felt it more in my heart.

#petrareads #petrawrites #normal people #tv show #connell x marianne #connell waldron #marianne #reading #read #books #booklr #art #review

[petrareads]

Mini Review: Chain of Iron

4/5 Stars *minor spoilers*

I LOVE a good Cassandra Clare book, but sadly the first book in this series I thought was ‘fine.’ BUT Chain of Iron really pulled through!! I really liked it!! I mean there were a lot of characters to follow, but it wasn’t as messy as the first book so I LOVED IT. Different pov is my jam. And it tied together really nicely!! I knew that Lucie’s subplot with Jesse had to connect somehow but I was still surprised by the way it connected which was nice. Oh and also just a random comment but I’m really looking forward to the potential of Christopher and Grace, I thought that was super cute because they both deserve to actually be themselves. 

The ONLY thing that annoyed me (besides none of the couples actually getting together hahah-guess I know Cassie wouldn’t let us have those happy endings QUITE yet) was Mathew and Cordelia!! I don’t really want another love triangle parabatai kinda thing! We already had Will/Jem/Tessa AND I just remembered Jace/Simon/Clary. I’m not really feeling that one anymore. I’m kinda hoping Mathew gets to work on himself and his family relationship instead of the romance, because we don’t need anymore romance! (not that I’m complaining I love all the other pairings haha). 

Can’t believe I have to wait for probably another 600 pages to get a conclusion to all the pining hahah 

#these are always all over the place #I just write my thoughts as they arrive hahah #petrareads #petrawrites #book review #chain of iron #cassandra clare #reaing #read #books #booklr #bookish #the last hour #lucie herondale #grace blackthorn #jesse blackthorn #christopher lightwood #anna lightwood #ariadne bridgestock #thomas lightwood #james herondale #mathew fairchild #cordelia carstairs #alastair carstairs #shadowhunters #spoilers

[petrareads]

Mini Review: Shadow and Bone

 4/5 Stars

This series has been on my TBR list for YEARS and I never got around to reading it. The TV show coming out (and @earnestlyeccentric’s words of encouragement) pushed me to start the series. And it was good !!

I read it in about 5 days, which proves it kept a good pace and I was into it. Though I had problems pronouncing the different Grisha types I really like the world building & how it was based in a Russian culture which I haven’t seen in any other magic books. Sorry not magic, “small science.”

I rated it 4 stars and not 5 because, yeah it was a little predictable in terms of the love interest and the “special girl who doesn’t know she’s special,” but if I read this 3 years ago I would have LOVED it. (Though this is a common feeling when I read YA nowadays). 

Also, it wasn’t ALL predictable as the book did do pretty well at using common “predictable” tropes to make it difficult to know who the bad guy was. 

I’m definitely going to keep reading the series and as I read on goodreads the series gets a bit darker, so I’m looking forward to where it goes! Also looking forward to the TV show because I think it’ll be very cool to see some magic in action!

#petrareads #petrawrites #mini review #books #booklr #bookish #reading #read #shadow and bone #grisha #grishaverse #leigh bardugo #ya fiction #young adult fiction #alina starkov #book review

[petrareads]

I ask her if she’ll sleep on time, because I want her well-rested. All cozy and curled up and protected. I tell him to drink more water, too many headaches from screens all day. A high five and a grin for a job well done, nothing quite as satisfying as teamwork. A kiss on the cheek. A kiss on the forehead. A friend from long ago telling you they miss you, and how have you been? A message goodnight and one that says good morning too. Knowing which ice-cream they’d want at the store. Kind chats after an argument that’s already forgiven. Sharing your favourite pillow, somewhat reluctantly, but sharing nonetheless. The days that leave you on the bathroom floor, wondering if you’re just an afterthought are not every day. The days that you feel loved will out number them. It hurts to give without getting, I know. But the day after you feel lonely, a friend will ask you to call, or you’ll start a new TV show with your mum and those who love you are still there, you will see, because inside jokes, helping with a meal, hugs and shared laughter-well, this is why we are alive. 

#I'm not sure why I wrote this but listening to the Q&A about dodie's music video made me think emotionally haha #also when I made a post recently about duplicating friends I was feeling kinda lonely and missed lots of my friends #and felt that I was forgotten and an after thought #but then I picked myself up and messaged someone I loved how I feel #and it wasn't better that evening or the next day #but it was the day after when I tried to reach out to others I missed #give a little bit #and I got love in return #there's also this tumlbbr post that says be that friend that you want others to be #and I really like that sentiment because people appriciate it and just want to be loved like you do you know? #okay that's all haha #petrareads #petrawrites #booklr #writeblr #spilled ink #love #light academia #friendship #lonely #alone #positivity #family #relationships

[petrareads]

Mini Review: The Reluctant Fundamentalist

This book I had to read for class and it’s not something I normally would pick up (usually I go for YA and fantasy hehe). But I’m very glad for this class because I’ve been liking the books so far!

At first, I thought the style would get annoying - it was kind of just a constant monologue - but I got used to it and thought it was quite a fast paced and made it intimate. This also probably contributed to all the characters seeming so real and complex and overall well written. Though I’m pretty sure it’s kinda based on the author’s life / feelings of the events that happen so this probably contributes to the rawness. 

Not much actually happens plot wise honestly, but it was about the feelings and the context that was important to discuss. (About being Muslim & Pakistani in American during the time of 9/11). 

There was a mysterious character that the main character Changez was telling this whole story to but we never find out who he is. Just from the monologue I feel like I know a little about who he is and can feel tension and humor between the characters. But I always thought it would be revealed who this person was. A little disappointed I wasn’t but also adds to the story that there’s more left unsaid? 

Overall I quite liked it and glad it was on my book list!

#petrareads #petrawrites #booklr #books #reading #read #bookish #bookworm #the reluctant fundamentalist #fiction #pakistan #america #muslim #book review #global fiction #booker prize

[petrareads]

Mini Book Review: White Tears

3/5 stars

This book greatly changes from the first half to the second, and I think in a very smooth way. However, I probably would have been more shocked at certain events if I hadn’t had heard spoilers while listening to my lecture analyzing the novel. 

Now, most of the novels I’ve been reading for class I enjoy a lot more after we discuss them as there’s always a deeper meaning to be found through analysis. Going into reading the novel I knew it would be a comment on race and white fragility (peep the title) and I also knew it would be a “ghost story” as seen on goodreads. And it definitely was both of those things. However, if I read this by myself I think I definitely would have struggled plot wise as the end becomes super fragmented and difficult to understand without proper knowledge and analysis. 

I think this book is definitely a good read if you are looking for something that comments on white guilt, fragility and appropriation. Hari Kunzru does a great job of demonstrating the subtleties of racism that are more present in today’s society compared to the more horrific and explicit acts of the past. Also, if you’re into the music industry this is where the story is focused, so you might want to check this out.

Overall, I did find it a little confusing as by the second half time becomes less linear, as Seth (the main white character) is being haunted by Charlie Shaw, a black blues musician from the past. Though the intention is to blur the line between these characters, it sometimes is difficult to follow, especially without understanding some of the American context (as I’m not American). But I still would recommend reading it, and then do some research about the cultural context and the authors interviews as I definitely learnt from this novel. I only gave it 3 stars as a gut feeling & active enjoyment I liked it! But wouldn’t say I loved it based on the confusing aspects. 

#petrareads #petrawrites #white tears #hari kunzru #booklr #books #reading #read #fiction #america #charlie shaw #blues #music #bookish #bookworm #racism #white fragility #white guilt #academia #book review #mini review