Dominica’s Reads

Writer/Poet Book Reviews and Recommendations Follow me on Instagram: @dominicalouisereads

[platano]

who’s indulging tonight??

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i said who the FUCK is indulging tonight??

[feymark]

This is one of my fucking favorite posts but it’s so obscure

[platano]

who’s indulging tonight??

[platano]

i said who the FUCK is indulging tonight??

[feymark]

This is one of my fucking favorite posts but it’s so obscure

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

A journey that begun about 7 years ago for myself, was finally brought to an end today. I began reading the Lunar Chronicles in my Honors English class during middle school, and read up to the second book, however, for some reason I never finished the series. A few weeks ago, while driving for Doordash, I decided to begin the series again from scratch.

I remember the books catching my interest because of the dystopian atmosphere it held, which happens to be my favorite genre. It also combines fairy tales into dystopia, which is a crossover I will always love. Cinder (Cinderella) is a cyborg, who has a dark and mysterious past. Cinder lives with her cruel step-mother, two stepsisters, and her best friend android Iko. Cress (Rapunzel) is a girl trapped alone in a satellite orbiting the earth between it and the moon, where she is forced to spy on the Commonwealth for the Lunar Queen. Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood) is a badass who helps her grand-mère on their farm, and becomes the unlikely friend of sweet Winter. Winter (Snow White) is the stepdaughter of the Lunar Queen, and suffers from the Lunar Sickness, which is caused by her refusing her own glamour gift to manipulate the minds of others, resulting in hallucinations. She is a friend of everyone she meets, except for her evil stepmother.

This series is the adult version of fairy tales that you need to read. The moods vary throughout the books including anger, lust, sorrow, love, and many more deep emotions. I was hesitant to read this series, but in todays society I think there are many similarities between the Lunar Chronicles and our reality. These similarities begin with politics and ends with how society interacts together. If you are in need of a series to pull you back into reading, the Lunar Chronicles is an excellent option. Marissa Meyers even wrote several short stories to provide background for some characters, and even wraps the series up with a neat bow, not leaving a single detail out. I am so glad I chose to reread this series.

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: The Sun is Also a Star by @nicolayoon

I haven’t picked up a book in so long...a lot in my life has happened since July, but I am determined to get back on my role! The first book I’m reading since then has been sitting on my shelf for months. I heard a lot of good reviews, and it seemed like my style when I flipped through the pages in the store. Nicola Yoon is one of my favorite authors. Her novel “Everything Everything” captivated me, and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. I can’t wait for this book to do hopefully the same! This quarantine really made me realize I need to start reading again, to get back in touch with my souls needs. Now, let’s dive back in! Keep in tune for my review!

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: If My Body Could Speak by @blythebaird

I have survived every day up to this point, but I will go forth and LIVE my life instead from here. That is the message I have been given from this incredible, heartfelt poetry collection. Blythe Baird had sparked inspiration since the day I had found her on @buttonpoetry , and I was ecstatic to hear that she had physical collections of her works. Her poetry told me that I am not alone, and I do not have to look a certain way to meet expectations. The only expectations I should ever have to meet are my own. Beauty is not one “ideal” look, it is whoever you see in the mirror. You define beauty in your own way. And if you are struggling to see that, or if you feel alone, then I highly recommend reading Blythe’s collection. I have never felt more touched in my life through a book before. So the next time you are at the bookstore, don’t just look at it, buy it. Support her, but support yourself more importantly. Her words will impact you in such a deeply profound way.

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: Emergency Contact by @choitotheworld

I forgot to post this on here! 💕

This book was definitely a cute little romance/coming-of-age novel. I’m glad I bought it to read over my vacation. I became so attached to Penny and Uncle Sam, and so invested in there relationship. They had their awkward meet-cute and my heart fluttered for the two. This book was written very nicely, it reminded me of John Green’s works. However, I was expecting a much larger end, although I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting. I was so proud of Penny and Sam for speaking to their mothers. Again though, in the end it was a little confusing, but it could’ve been me just misunderstanding. I couldn’t recognize the moment Penny understood what Sam meant by breaking their pact, but all I knew was that she apparently had. Disregarding the confusion, this book was endearing and I recommend it to anyone who is wanting just a light-hearted break in reading. I was easily able to finish this in only a few days total and to keep focus with it.

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: If My Body Could Speak by @blythebaird

Next on my TBR! I’ve been following Button Poetry since 6th grade for myself, and I’ve fallen in love with the words of many poets; amongst them, Blythe. Her poem, “When the Fat Girl Gets Skinny”, was one of the first of many that still sticks in my head to this day. I can’t wait to be able to read her words on paper. Keep in tune for my next review!

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: Emergency Contact by @choitotheworld

Next on my TBR list!! I’m so excited to read this book. After strolling through @target one day, this beautifully designed book caught my eye. I can’t wait to this book! They say to never judge a book by it’s cover, but I was absolutely enthralled this one. Now, off to begin reading!! 😁

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: Bright Pink Ink by @lauradberry

This collection has been a taste of some fresh, original poetry. There were some brilliant and unique uses of figurative literary devices that I admire. I applaud @lauradberry for being able to successfully express herself and her experiences through her poetry.

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: Bright Pink Ink by @lauradberry

This beautiful, simplistic book has caught my attention. Bright Pink Ink is Laura Dinovis Berry’s first published work. I can’t wait to dive into her collection!

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📸: the mermaid‘s voice returns in this one by @ladybookmad

Woah. Yet again, Amanda Lovelace has left me speechless. This poetry collection, inspired by the #metoo movement hit me in ways I cannot fathom into words. I was able to find meaning in my path towards healing once again after seeing that I am not alone in my past. No matter what happens to us, we can always find a silver lining to help us keep going. If you or a loved one has struggled with past relationships, I highly recommend this book to you. While there are some heavy poems, there’s another one that lifts you back up. I am in awe of Lovelace’s writing skills. Here’s to the end of the series—from a queen, to a witch, and lastly a mermaid, our tale is never finished.

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: the mermaid’s voice returns in this one by @ladybookmad

It’s time y’all!! I’ve been dying to read this, it’s been on my calander since she announced the release date. Amanda Lovelace’s ‘women are some kind of magic’ series has spoken to me, and helped me heal so much in her two previous books. I can’t wait to finish this book. What’s your favorite poem/collection by her?

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: To Make Monsters Out of Girls by @ladybookmad

I finished it, and oh my god...this book, separate from her “the women are some kind of magic” series, spoke to me on a level above spiritual. I never realized that other people have felt the same way I have until I read this poetry collection. I think it’s safe to say that Amanda Lovelace did an astounding job, once again. If you’re healing or have healed, I highly recommend this book to read. It helped me so much to accept the past and to remember what I deserve.

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: To Make Monsters Out of Girls by @ladybookmad

It’s been a while! Ive been focusing more on my writing and schoolwork lately, but I hope to start reading more again after this poetry collection. Amanda Lovelace is the author of my favorite series, The Women are Some Kind of Magic, and over the weekend I picked up snigger one of her works! I’m so excited to read this while I wait for her new book to come out in a few days. 😁💕

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: “To All The Boys I Loved Before” by Jenny Han

You guessed it, I’m jumping onto the main train. Ever since the movie adaption of this book came onto Netflix, my little sister and I have been obsessed. So, I thought to myself, why not purchase the series? I’m so excited to read it! My younger sister got a head start because of the poetry books I was reading, but now it’s my turn and I couldn’t be more hyped for it. I can’t wait to read this!

Who were you rooting for, Josh or Peter?

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: “I wrote this for you and only you” by Lain S. Thomas

Oh my god...have you ever read a book and wanted to wrap yourself in every word as a blanket? That’s how this book made me feel. I want to dive into the pictures, and never escape. The book was beautiful, as was the book prior to this one. The photographs and poems were just, I don’t even know, breath taking.

[dominicalouise-reads]

📸: “I wrote this for you and only you” by Lain S Thomas

I am so excited to read his. I loved Thomas’ first book in the series, “I wrote this for you”, and I know I’ll love this one too. Based off of how engulfed I became in the first one and how fast I read it, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll finish this sequel tonight!