The audio of this one was excellent - definitely enjoyed the narrator's performance. I chose this one to work as my Politics selection for the ReadingThe audio of this one was excellent - definitely enjoyed the narrator's performance. I chose this one to work as my Politics selection for the Reading Harder challenge. I can't speak to it's accuracy, but you leave this book feeling as if you've gained a glimpse into the life of DC campaign insiders. DC life and campaign life were fascinating, but the true strength of this one were the bits on friendship, marriages, and people. Several "oh, how true!" moments to be had. ...more
I am using this for my mental illness selection for 2016 Read Harder Book Riot challenge. It was a fast read once I got started. The main character, SI am using this for my mental illness selection for 2016 Read Harder Book Riot challenge. It was a fast read once I got started. The main character, Solomon, suffers from anxiety, panic, and agoraphobia. He hasn't left the house in three years. One of his former classmates, Lisa, finds him, with the secret goal of fixing him in order to get a psychology scholarship. Her boyfriend Clark is somewhat unwillingly along for this ride. As the trio's friendships develop confusion ensues. It's a good coming of age story, and has some great Star Trek references for any fans out there. ...more
I really appreciate this book, but one thing holds it back from 5 stars - it's a little too neat though the other mentions that in her notes. That saiI really appreciate this book, but one thing holds it back from 5 stars - it's a little too neat though the other mentions that in her notes. That said there are some beautiful lines and beautiful moments. I like that she gets joy and pain....more
I really enjoyed this one, though food memoir isn't usually a go to category for me. Both for the fascinating parallels to dad's situation with setbacI really enjoyed this one, though food memoir isn't usually a go to category for me. Both for the fascinating parallels to dad's situation with setbacks and infections and stuff like that when he had his stroke, to her use of food as the underlying thread throughout her life, her recovery and her present. The food. I like the way she eats. There are recipes throughout, and I plan to keep a few to try eventually.
Would recommend to those with an interest in food, food writing, aneurysm or brain injury and recovery, chronic illness, and memoir. ...more
A short, fast read about Rosemary Kennedy, the disabled sister of a president. I knew nothing about her going in, so it was interesting, but the book A short, fast read about Rosemary Kennedy, the disabled sister of a president. I knew nothing about her going in, so it was interesting, but the book is clearly fleshed out a bit but he authors speculation, and her own family history. It's a sad story, with a happier second half than expected, but I really found the deliver frustrating....more
I listened to the audio. Excellent narration by the author. I wouldn't say that this necessarily breaks new ground, but the delivery worked for me. I'I listened to the audio. Excellent narration by the author. I wouldn't say that this necessarily breaks new ground, but the delivery worked for me. I'll probably give it another listen at some point if that tells you anything. Glad I picked this as my Audie Award winner for the Read Harder 2016 challenge....more
How do you even review this? It's a different story for me each time. I read it many times during my childhood, and then as a teen. And again it's a dHow do you even review this? It's a different story for me each time. I read it many times during my childhood, and then as a teen. And again it's a different book as an adult. And I will always love the passage about the baobab trees, and the accompanying illustration. And I will probably always get a little misty at the end, though it's subtle enough that it didn't happen until my middle school readings.
Glad to have revisited this old friend for the Reading Harder 2016 challenge....more
Adding this to my "books I need to buy" shelf because I really had several moments where I needed to underline, or tab this one. Life is Beautiful, anAdding this to my "books I need to buy" shelf because I really had several moments where I needed to underline, or tab this one. Life is Beautiful, and it's messy, and painful, and has joy - and boy is it complicated. Glennon gets that and she puts it out there. Is the book perfect? No. It meanders at times, and you could probably get a lot of similar or exact content on her blog. And yet, I'm glad I read it for my essays selection for my Reading Harder 2016 book challenge. ...more
This one wasn't the easiest for me to get through, though I think it was because unseeded timers digest parts of it. The title essay starts the book oThis one wasn't the easiest for me to get through, though I think it was because unseeded timers digest parts of it. The title essay starts the book off in a funny tone, but then intakes a trip to the serious.i particularly enjoyed her mention of the power of words, and towards the end when she discusses what is essentially a long game of change. It gave me hope in so many arenas. Highly recommend....more
Back in the 90's when I was in college I came upon Neal Stephenson's Zodiac. I read it, reread it, and passed it around to all of my friends. I don't Back in the 90's when I was in college I came upon Neal Stephenson's Zodiac. I read it, reread it, and passed it around to all of my friends. I don't know if that copy still exists, but if it does it's holding on by a thread. You would assume I'd have gone on to read more Stephenson, right? Wrong. What a bad decision - I really did enjoy this. Just wow.
Ok - I was torn between 4 and 5 stars, but went with my general rule that if it's a story that is going to stick with me for a long it's a 5 star read. 4 would have been me pointing out that it's probably a bit too long, and maybe could have cut some of the detail level. And yet, I think that the detail levels are what help me stay in it - now if you're not into a high level of engineering detail and physics - you'll skim a little. I did. However, this story kept me going for all 800 plus pages. I needed to know what happened to the world, and really it all seemed plausible enough to draw me in. (minus us acting that nice for 2 years of impending disaster - honestly? The USA isn't that refined these days, but who knows - maybe we'll surprise me one day.
Anyway - if you like science fiction - get this one. If you like the big questions - get this one. Oh just go ahead and get this one - I need someone to talk to about it! ...more
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