Quick and informational non-fiction book about the life cycle of frogs. I particularly enjoyed the pictures of the tadpoles growing into frogs, but woQuick and informational non-fiction book about the life cycle of frogs. I particularly enjoyed the pictures of the tadpoles growing into frogs, but would have liked more information on different aspects of a frog's life such as diet, for example. ...more
A quick read on the importance and relevance of feminism in the modern era. Adichie explores the consequences of rigid social constructs of gender andA quick read on the importance and relevance of feminism in the modern era. Adichie explores the consequences of rigid social constructs of gender and power not only on women but also men, emphasising the need for feminism in improving outcomes not only for women but everyone. That said, some of the language used excluded some population groups from the conversation, including LGBT communities. Perhaps not the most inclusive feminist text, but definitely a quick and solid introduction to the topic. ...more
"You see, there has always been something inside me - not my heart, not my soul, (whatever that might be.) It was, it is, smaller than that. It's jus "You see, there has always been something inside me - not my heart, not my soul, (whatever that might be.) It was, it is, smaller than that. It's just an idea- -but it moves, on its own."
Such a wonderful short story about mental health and self-discovery. Beautiful and detailed illustrations featured on each and every page. For me, the nature drawings in particular added to the cosy and almost magical atmosphere.
In My Goblin Therapist, across a short 48 pages, Taubert quickly gets to the heart of the matter without losing the magical feel of his prose or neglecting to portray the complexities of mental health. Through his protagonist's self-discovery journey, Taubert reminds us all that we honour ourselves best when we get curious, are patient with our progress, give ourselves permission to feel our emotions freely and without judgement, and are willing to listen to our inner voice (or internal goblin therapist).
This was truly a delight to read. I would recommend this to anyone in a heartbeat.
"Did you find the lock?" My Goblin therapist asked. "No. I had some dreams, but I don't know how to find something I hid from myself." "Maybe looking for it isn't the solution." ...more
TLDR: Good advice, none of it original. Said good advice used to serve ego-driven rants by annoying misogynistic author. Lesson learnt: young white meTLDR: Good advice, none of it original. Said good advice used to serve ego-driven rants by annoying misogynistic author. Lesson learnt: young white men with rich parents don't have the answers to life's toughest questions.
Some solid life advice about prioritising what you should and shouldn't care about, including your own values and the reactions of those around you. That said, Manson didn't invent any of it, though he does bring some of his own life experiences into the conversation (and a whole lot of swearing and misogyny). All of the life advice he gives is available out there already in a much more polite, less offensive, and less abrasive format by much more qualified thinkers. Manson even does you the favour of directly quoting and then translating their original ideas for you (by adding a healthy dose of the f-word so you, the average human, can understand those pesky big-brained intellectuals more easily!)
Personally, I appreciated the content of the book but not the delivery. To me, Manson just rubbed me the wrong way and he is so visible on the page. There is no escape from his personality in this book.
Throughout the book, he takes nearly every opportunity to talk about how he has slept with lots of women. He openly admits to telling his wife she looks bad when she asks him for his opinion after spending hours dressing up (but it's okay because she always thanks him for being so honest after she cools off). He preaches his lifestyle as being the only correct or ideal one despite acknowledging that other societies live differently, can hold different values from him, and still function well. He picks and chooses what he values and encourages you to decide what is important to you for yourself, but then preaches that his values are right and yours are wrong if they are at odds with his. He talks about how he went to Russia and learnt the important value of being honest from a culture that is so much more direct than the West. He then decided to bring this value home with him and put it to use as something to hide behind when he says mean things. I'm not even going to get into Chapter 6's Be Careful What You Believe as it was handled so poorly with Manson irresponsibly trying to prove his point by providing perhaps one of the most harmful examples of the mind's ability to invent memories he possibly could - writing about it further will only annoy me.
He excuses his refusal to engage with others in a more polite and cooperative manner, hiding from criticism behind shameless claims of practicing "the subtle art of not giving a f*ck". He argues that he is simply being honest and thus communicating directly and healthily, which is important to him personally, and so you can't criticise him as he is allowed to choose his own metrics for his own life. This book somehow felt like smug preaching and a character defense at the same time. Manson has life figured out so you should listen to him, and also he's totally not a bad person even though he might seem like an ass (he actually just really gives a f*ck about open and honest communication, which includes saying mean things as long as they're true!) Honestly, I feel like Manson has taken some very good rules for life first conceived by other great thinkers (having boundaries, picking your battles, choosing to take responsibility) to justify some of his more unpleasant choices and behaviours.
2.5 stars, and all of them are for the ideas other people came up with. Could have been so much better if Manson was not so visible on the page and all the misogyny had been edited out. Not worth the read if you're consuming other psychology-based self-help information or media. Even if you're not, I'm sure there's a less misogynistic book written by someone more credible out there....more
Many spelling and grammatical errors. Not sure if this book is meant for adults or children. My library had this tagged as a non-fiction self-improvemMany spelling and grammatical errors. Not sure if this book is meant for adults or children. My library had this tagged as a non-fiction self-improvement book. I'd argue that it's more about helping others than oneself (and potentially to the detriment of oneself) due to the almost sacrificial message, and the absence of any mention of boundaries and standards. I like the illustrations and cover design. I am concerned that the author may not have considered the messages this book communicates and if they are acceptable messages to give an audience without clarifying the difference between "grumpy monster who needs a hug" and "dangerous and harmful person to avoid". ...more
Brilliantly written, incredibly heartbreaking, and awfully graphic. Mind the triggers because Sayaka Murata doesn't shy away from the terrible and mesBrilliantly written, incredibly heartbreaking, and awfully graphic. Mind the triggers because Sayaka Murata doesn't shy away from the terrible and messed-up in this one.
Earthlings explores the consequences of several types of trauma on the psyche including abuse, enmeshment, being blamed, not being believed, feeling misunderstood or inherently different from others, and the trauma of having to pretend you never experienced trauma at all to fit in a society that demands you "be normal".
I've seen other reviews claiming this is a more violent version of Convenience Store Woman but I would argue they focus on two different things. I feel that, unlike Convenience Store Woman , Earthlings is a little less about neurodivergence and a little more about trauma, and anyone can experience trauma regardless of neurodiversity.
Sayaka Murata dealt with the traumas and themes at the centre of this book respectfully, but some of the sexual assault scenes were uncomfortably graphic for me. There was just a little too much on the page for me personally. 4.5 stars. ...more
Such a cosy, wholesome read! I don't typically read high fantasy, but this was really easy to get into and super enjoyable. One of those books where eSuch a cosy, wholesome read! I don't typically read high fantasy, but this was really easy to get into and super enjoyable. One of those books where every character was my favourite character, although Thimble was especially endearing. The romance subplot developed really naturally and didn't feel forced at all. If you like found family, fresh starts, and low stakes, you'll love this. ...more
A gripping exploration of human endurance in the face of violence, The Last House on Needless Street tells the story of one young child's vanishing A gripping exploration of human endurance in the face of violence, The Last House on Needless Street tells the story of one young child's vanishing and all the lives touched by her disappearance. Ward presents the reader with several POV characters, including a beloved household cat named Olivia. I enjoyed her humorous and quirky narration very much, and I think I would have liked the story even more if she was more "independent" from her owner. There are several twists in this book and while some of them seemed predictable, others truly shocked me. I do suspect one of the major twists may be upsetting to some. Overall, The Last House on Needless Street interestingly contrasts the types of horror one might expect to read about in fiction with the types of horror that are real and occur everyday around us. ...more
“That’s what we’ll do, because we have the means, and because we were the first to think of it.”
Two stories welded together, Comemadre explores h “That’s what we’ll do, because we have the means, and because we were the first to think of it.”
Two stories welded together, Comemadre explores heavily distorted concepts of originality and careerism through the lives of both a 1900s doctor and 2000s artist. This is a series of masterfully interwoven nightmares, and the story slowly takes its truly deformed and strange shape with each word Larraquy writes. What I enjoyed most about this was the way that each sentence followed the previous line logically, and yet still managed to shock and disturb me deeply. To me, Comemadre felt more like literary fiction with dark themes than a true horror, but I enjoyed it nonetheless....more
A harrowing account of one man's experiences living in North Korea after being forced to migrate from Japan as a child. His sorrow palpable, Masaji IsA harrowing account of one man's experiences living in North Korea after being forced to migrate from Japan as a child. His sorrow palpable, Masaji Ishikawa writes about the uncertainty, hopelessness, and hunger that defined his early life. Even after his escape some thirty-six years later, he writes about a life still defined by suffering. Without family, friends, or recognition from the Japanese government as ever having returned to his homeland, the author mourns the pointlessness of his escape and his inability to help those he was forced to leave behind. This is a truly heartbreaking autobiography that doesn't shy away from the conditions of those living in North Korea, nor the long-term effects on those who escape. ...more
Such a charming classic about the real meaning of Christmas, and how kindness and charity aren't only meant for the festive season. A brilliant story Such a charming classic about the real meaning of Christmas, and how kindness and charity aren't only meant for the festive season. A brilliant story with a touch of Victorian spookiness, and overall a fun, meaningful, and quick read.
"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach." ...more
A good book, I just don't think it was for me. Room is narrated entirely by a five-year-old boy named Jack who is being held captive in a single rooA good book, I just don't think it was for me. Room is narrated entirely by a five-year-old boy named Jack who is being held captive in a single room with his mother. While done well, this stylistic choice was a little tiring at times and limited my ability to personally connect with the story on a deeper level. I appreciated the themes of healing, familial bonds, and slowly returning to a "new normal" after trauma. However, I picked up Room thinking it was a thriller and not realising it was psychological fiction. I had hoped more of the story would focus on Jack and his mother trying to escape, yet this major hook was resolved rather easily after a single successful attempt shown on page. Overall this is a good book, just not what I thought it would be....more
“I was so humiliated, hurt, spurned, offended, angry, sorry - I cannot hit upon the right name for the smart - God knows what its name was - that tea “I was so humiliated, hurt, spurned, offended, angry, sorry - I cannot hit upon the right name for the smart - God knows what its name was - that tears started to my eyes. The moment they sprang there, the girl looked at me with a quick delight in having been the cause of them.”
A slow-paced story about loyalty, humility, and social mobility. Great Expectations may be one of Dickens's best known novels, but I personally don't think it is one of his most enjoyable.
While the themes of this book are ever-important, the plot itself drags on account of the narrator. I feel as if Dickens mistakenly chose the wrong characters to focus on for the majority of the book, and he was restricted by his use of first-person perspective. I would have loved to read more scenes featuring Joe in particular.
Despite its length, not much happened for the majority of the story. This book features some truly beautiful quotes, but I unfortunately can't overlook the pacing issues or choice of narrator. The whole time I was reading this, all I could think was that this certainly wasn't Bleak House which I enjoyed so much more.
If you're already a fan of Dickens, I would say go for this. If you're looking for an introduction to Dickens's writing, this is the sort of book that could scare you off for life....more
Behold! An author brazenly “steals like an artist” before your very eyes! A collection of shallow motivational reminders for creatives that reads likeBehold! An author brazenly “steals like an artist” before your very eyes! A collection of shallow motivational reminders for creatives that reads like a picture book. There is a shocking lack of meaningful or specific content. The majority of the book consists of quotes from other famous people, redundant diagrams, random photographs, and black-out poems. Despite being advertised as a "guide" for creatives, the scraps of advice Kleon provides in his own words are dull and generic such as being nice to people and using sticky notes to write things down. Kleon brings absolutely nothing personal, technical, or revolutionary to conversations about creative work. The author could have added so much more value to his book if only he was willing to write a few extra words. Steal Like An Artist reads as a cash-grab. I’m appalled that Kleon is charging other creatives money to be told to “say no to consumer culture”, as if this book is an exception. I would say it might be okay as a stocking stuffer, but on second thought any artist who received it would surely be offended. ...more
Moody and steeped in Gothic atmosphere, The Raven is an exploration of grief in response to lost love and the brutal finality of a single word: "nevMoody and steeped in Gothic atmosphere, The Raven is an exploration of grief in response to lost love and the brutal finality of a single word: "nevermore". Despite its bleak and haunted tone, the prose is musical and masterfully constructed. A classic for a reason; even those who do not typically enjoy poetry will like this one. ...more
Such a lovable book with one of the most romantic proposal scenes I've ever read, so well suited to the characters involved. A character-driven story Such a lovable book with one of the most romantic proposal scenes I've ever read, so well suited to the characters involved. A character-driven story in every sense of the word, Emma lacks the high stakes of other romances, instead focusing on the consequences of character flaws on a smaller and more domestic scale. The story follows Emma Woodhouse, a spoilt and wealthy woman who enjoys meddling with the love lives of her village's inhabitants, only to realise that her playing matchmaker destroys the happiness of those around her.
The character development is very well done. Though I didn't enjoy Emma Woodhouse so much in the beginning of the story, she really grew on me as the story progressed. Mr Knightley is a very likeable love interest; he is kind, practical, and considerate of others. I particularly enjoyed seeing his genuine concern over Emma's moral development in a social circle where so many people merely pretended to like each other and approve of their actions. The age gap between them did make me uncomfortable, especially after Mr Knightley mentioned he was in love with Emma since she was a child. I like to pretend that section of the book was never printed....more
Written in the same friendly competition that produced Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Polidori's The Vampyre is a short horror story that transformsWritten in the same friendly competition that produced Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Polidori's The Vampyre is a short horror story that transforms the traditional mythological creature of a vampire into a more modern aristocratic predator. The origin of the story is more interesting than the tale itself. The story is quite straight-forward and rather underwhelming: after discovering a vampire, a young man goes mad and is sequestered from society despite his attempts to warn others. If you're looking for classic vampire fiction, I recommend Carmilla instead....more
A heartbreaking account of the gross atrocities Elie Wiesel, then a teenage boy, suffered alongside his father in Nazi concentration camps during WWIIA heartbreaking account of the gross atrocities Elie Wiesel, then a teenage boy, suffered alongside his father in Nazi concentration camps during WWII. It's a quick read but full of emotion and pain as Wiesel reckons with the loss of his family, friends, and community as well as his faltering faith. Beautifully written, Night serves as a harsh reminder that cruelty thrives in silence and passivity....more
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