This link opens in a pop-up window
Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time, …
What a powerful read about how pointless war is, how disconnected/dissociative people can be to each other, the power of the elite, etc. Depressing yet funny... And so human. So it goes.
Did not know much about the deep oceans before listening to this book. I was very impressed with the history behind deep sea diving, the technology involved, and current aspirations. It was very inspiring. I hope that no one ever mines the oceans. As a nonfiction, it was very well written and I ended up watching Aliens from the Deep and other documentaries that confirmed the info within this book. Renews a sense of adventure and reminds us where we are in the world with our environment. Highly recommended. Everyone should be informed of the ocean and protect it whenever possible. Wish I could deep sea dive!!
I was pleasantly surprised by this audiobook pick up. I really enjoy the characters and the story. It was fresh and innovative with its sprinkling of sci fi components (which were very minimal). Some good social commentary on various issues and twists I did not see coming. I thought it was excellent and would recommend, especially for such a short read!
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind is a book by Yuval Noah Harari, first published …
I liked it overall. Gave a macro view of how humanity evolved over hundreds of years and were my thoughts exactly on the creation of society, civilizations, etc. Its the more serious version of "Kraptopolis". The ending wasn't that great and I think I will opt out of reading his other book where I believe he predicts where we may be heading as a species.
This is a story about Peter Duke who went on to be a famous actor. …
Meryl Streep is phenomenal in the audiobook narration of this series and the writing is fine. The story was a very nice listen and I was invested in learning what happens! The story was pretty captivating. Nothing amazing but pleasant and keeps you wondering. I knocked off another star because the writing of the college age girls was atrocious. They have the the maturity and dialogue of a six year old. Very unrealistic and bothered me throughout the whole book. Would still recommend as a simple read but thats it.
I loved Jenny's first book and wanted to pick this one up because I was getting tired of the news and the books I have been reading that were quite serious with heavy themes (Kindred was amazing but also very depressing as well as Between the World and Me). This one was written differently than the first book as Jenny is very genuine, honest, and vulnerable with all her experiences and with the conditions she has to manage. However, she was right. Its sad that she's so depressed, anxious, etc but it makes her who she is and what she brings to others. "Depression lies" and she's spot on about how its wild that people are inflicted with this condition that makes their brain want to murder themselves. As always her logic, and perspective (not necessarily just on mental disorders) is entertaining. Its her being her. Very different and I …
I loved Jenny's first book and wanted to pick this one up because I was getting tired of the news and the books I have been reading that were quite serious with heavy themes (Kindred was amazing but also very depressing as well as Between the World and Me). This one was written differently than the first book as Jenny is very genuine, honest, and vulnerable with all her experiences and with the conditions she has to manage. However, she was right. Its sad that she's so depressed, anxious, etc but it makes her who she is and what she brings to others. "Depression lies" and she's spot on about how its wild that people are inflicted with this condition that makes their brain want to murder themselves. As always her logic, and perspective (not necessarily just on mental disorders) is entertaining. Its her being her. Very different and I view very silly. Like everyone else, her life is full of highs and lows and it sounds like more lows than highs.
I hope she has more highs than lows. I am inspired to be "furiously happy" now and I love that approach. I'm a petty person myself!
The first science fiction written by a black woman, Kindred has become a cornerstone of …
Incredibly written for a book. It is amazing to think it was written in the 1970s. The story is just captivating, characters so realistic, and the time travel elements very well done. I learned about slavery growing up but never in this way and in so much detail. Dana describes it well when she witnessed the past vs watching it in media, or reading about it in a history textbook. While the story is fictionalized the events described are very real and you find how insidious slavery was and how it not only became normalized in the 1800s. It did not shy away from black bodies being a human currency and the words and treatment alike slaves and "freed slaves" were subjected to. No one is safe. It is a systemic issue that still exists today and while we have made great strides, the effects have still rippled through time. …
Incredibly written for a book. It is amazing to think it was written in the 1970s. The story is just captivating, characters so realistic, and the time travel elements very well done. I learned about slavery growing up but never in this way and in so much detail. Dana describes it well when she witnessed the past vs watching it in media, or reading about it in a history textbook. While the story is fictionalized the events described are very real and you find how insidious slavery was and how it not only became normalized in the 1800s. It did not shy away from black bodies being a human currency and the words and treatment alike slaves and "freed slaves" were subjected to. No one is safe. It is a systemic issue that still exists today and while we have made great strides, the effects have still rippled through time. Very powerful book and well worth the read. Looking forward to later reading more of Octavia Butler's books! Just amazing writing.
Good Omens meets The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet in this defiantly joyful …
Loved the book. It is original, creative and heartwarming. Both characters and story take you through the world of donuts, music, Southern California, and the galaxy in a really unique way. Many complex topics were discussed evoking emotions including but not limited to: disgust, hope, humor, joy, etc. The story and characters carry this book. Glad I bought a hard copy!!
The Turn of the Screw is a novella (short novel) written by Henry James. Originally …
I can definitely see how it's a classic. Ominous vibes and a lot of ambiguity. Fine writing for its time. The ending also left me wondering.
I still love that Haunting on Bly Manor modernized it and added its own creative flare. If you liked the show, you should read the book. Its fun to find some of the scenes parallel. If you liked the book, you should def watch the show. The show even standalone is absolutely a cinematic work of art for the story telling alone.
The book's story progression kept me guessing and wondering what happened to Gabriel, the murder victim. The writing was engaging and characters are interesting. For that, I gave four stars over three as I was very excited to read the rest. Would have maybe considered 3.5 stars if it was an option.
The only complaints I have about it are that the "diary/journal" entries are written out more like scenes than a diary. Additionally, there are some information I am sure would drive those in the field of psychology mad, very slight story gaps that left me asking why something did or did not occur. These were minor things however IMO.
In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals …
I agree with Toni Morrison that "this is required reading". Whether or not Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote this precisely for his son vs. His son and others, the book was short yet profound. Personal, brutally honest, compelling, and very powerful. Highly recommended.
The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, …
Absolutely insane how much violence was inflicted on Britney from all angles, family, media, and those she thought she trusted most. I work with patients trying to get them LSAT and T-cons, different types of conservatorship but none have ever been as fast as Britney's conservatorship or as restrictive. Additionally, she was of sound mind, AOx4. Not sure how they pulled conservatorship on her but glad she's now free, healthier, and finding herself again. While it wasn't the best writing I really did feel like Britney wrote most of it and of course had an editor. She wrote a lot about very human desires and experiences. Its also a very interesting take on what it means to be a woman in society, a woman in media, and a woman to toxic men, family, lover, or friend. Violence against women doesn't always have to be physical. It can be systemic, emotional, …
Absolutely insane how much violence was inflicted on Britney from all angles, family, media, and those she thought she trusted most. I work with patients trying to get them LSAT and T-cons, different types of conservatorship but none have ever been as fast as Britney's conservatorship or as restrictive. Additionally, she was of sound mind, AOx4. Not sure how they pulled conservatorship on her but glad she's now free, healthier, and finding herself again. While it wasn't the best writing I really did feel like Britney wrote most of it and of course had an editor. She wrote a lot about very human desires and experiences. Its also a very interesting take on what it means to be a woman in society, a woman in media, and a woman to toxic men, family, lover, or friend. Violence against women doesn't always have to be physical. It can be systemic, emotional, psychological, financial, etc. Abuse, neglect, and violence comes in many forms. The writing is simple but again the theme is very ubiquitous. For 6 hours, it was a good short listen.