Jesse

Another one I read in one sitting. While I identified with some of the books many themes, I couldn't help but feel there were some gaps or missing threads. It was cool to see all the Southern Ontario references, but I would definitely recommend some of the author's other works (like Sweet Tooth) before this.

I read this in one day (nearly one sitting!). It's a horrific telling of the author's time in the oil sands, while also noting the shades of grey humanity often flits between depending on their environment. I'm still uncertain if it was almost too kind in its revelations, but that may have been the point. Highly recommend.

I was so bored.

Quick read. Read it in 2 days. It was cute, but it's not as polished or likeable as Legends and Lattes, which the book subtlety references. The character development was decent, but the dialogue was rough.

Prepare to feel understood.
Prepare to feel.

Similar to the first, these books really seem to lack a solid story. I enjoyed this better than Descender, but I couldn't really tell you why. However, it did feel pretty unnecessary and half baked. Images are still beautiful though.

It's more engaging than you'd expect for a book attempting to lay out the broad spectrum that is neurodiversity. My intention of reading this was to gain some insight on my own behaviours, and I fulfilled that, but I'm also walking away with some tips and tools should I notice certain behaviours in others. I'd especially recommend this to new parents, as it outlines how to best support someone who is struggling in a world designed for the neurotypical.

Ironically, The Stand is more about the journey than the destination. It mirrors the everlasting political battles that seem hinged on the individual's interpretation of “freedom”, which is certainly relevant today. While I didn't connect well with any of the characters, I felt I was constantly thinking about them and their choices, even when not actively reading.

I will recommend this to everyone. Such an honest, intriguing story, which, despite its horror, is assiduously written using the perfect amount of levity.

Such a great, cozy read. I want more books like this in my life.

I suspect this story will haunt me for some time.

Wohlleben takes the fascinating nature of trees and spins them into a modern fantasy, bursting with fact, theory, and mystery. A great read for tidbits on forestry and why we need to protect them - beyond our selfish exigencies.

Definitely a favourite. Bold storytelling and beautifully written. Sad there won't be any sequels.

This is a story about personal growth, the sacrifices you make for family and the struggle to prioritize yourself. I appreciate it being framed in a setting that many idolize. But this story really lacked the charm and novelty I felt when reading Evelyn Hugo.

An interesting story, plenty of fascinating anecdotes, but ultimately a rough read to get through. I've always found the idea of a “mind palace” to improve memorization to be outlandish (and frankly still do), yet it is apparently used by all the top “mental athletes”.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would after a friend recommended it. The story was gripping, but the fact that it's YA is very clear. The characters aren't well developed and there are some ridiculous plot points, but still a fun read.