Christina

Not bad for a non fiction. I wish I would have liked it more but the narrative was a bit slow and dense. Did learn a few things though (thus the three stars!)

If you take this at face value, you might think that her tone comes off negative towards cats. I actually felt quite the opposite. I am truly in more awe of these amazing, multidimensional, complex, creatures. Highly recommend.

No one can get me out of the hole like Allie Brosh. There's less than a few books that have ever made me laugh out loud crying. Allie Brosh know authored two of those.

Well I knew I would love the book but was worried about loving it too much. I wasn't as ready as I thought to read it but in the end between her dark dry humor and views on recovery really made this book one of a kind.

“How did I know that someday—at college, in Europe, somewhere, anywhere—the bell jar, with its stifling distortions, wouldn't descend again?”

Yeah the quantum mechanics section = insert mind blown emoji

I knew I loved Maria Hinojosa, but this cemented my admiration for her to a new level of depth. Remarkable story by a remarkable human.

Fun read to help get me out of my reading rut

Listening to Obama for 26+hours was magical.

Was not expecting this plot at all. I thought it'd be a continuation of the Wayfarer crew but it really dives into hardcore character development of a human and an AI. It was slow in the middle for me which I think is why I took a brief hiatus from it, but once I picked it back up I quickly remember the beautiful message and emotion Becky Chambers knows how to deliver. Loved it in the end. Simmering on my new found love towards these characters.

Yeah going to flag this as a DNF. I am so so sad but as a friend reminded me - I've got other books on my list to enjoy. For those who DID love this book, I'm listening. I need to know how.

Excuse me while I deal with the ending and my feelings.

This is not for everyone. Lots of triggers and sends chills down your spine at time. I find true crime fascinating because understanding the darkest side of the human condition is critical for survival and also for understanding ourselves. This was an excellent book

Was happy to support a local author while enjoying the fun Pasadena references; I rated this the same as the typical light hearted summer no-thinking-required beach reads. Definitely fun but that's about it

I've read this book so many times. It always makes me remember to see the light even in the darkest of places. This book is Butterbeer

I am very picky about non-fiction. This was a brilliant read. I felt everything from sadness, rage, nostalgia, and hope. I can't wait to go back to the library.

In general I don't rank corporate books high at all. This is one of the better ones and hit close to home in several examples

First time reading (rather listening to) David Sedaris. DEFINITELY an acquired taste. I'll probably revisit later to reassess if a second listen helps me. That being said everything was either a hit or a miss for me personally. When I got into a story it was pretty awesome (hilarious, thought provoking, or both) but other stories just made think “what the heck..”

I haven't really read anything like this before. I loved the gothic and gore elements. Ending was a bit too romantic for me but 98% of it was incredibly easy to devour. Also bonus points for getting into topics such as classism, racism, eugenics, misogyny, colonialism...with a woman of color as a protagonist and the author.

Edit - given the topics there are chapters that might trigger some folks. I definitely felt some anxiety going through some particular pages

This IS sci fi. So good and refreshing!

I loved the mix of prose and poetry. For some reason I don't read much poetry and collections like these make me wonder why! Some of my favorites: Cehotosakvtes, Directions to You, A Refuge in the Smallest of Places, and Honoring.

This was hilarious and a total gut check. I really needed this.

I loved the idea behind it and witty lines throughout but just couldn't get absorbed into it. One thing I did appreciate was Greer not falling into stereotypes when talking about Less' travels. Not sure if I'll revisit this but might be worth it. Didn't fit my recent reading mood but still recommend others try it out

Edit - I have to be stricter with my ratings. Definitely a 2.

Insanely thought provoking with enough sarcasm, snark, and wit to make it enjoyable. Worthy of a spot in the bookshelf and likely one of the best life changing non fictions I have read since Howard Zinn's A People's History or Dee Brown's Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee or even Rhodes' History of the Atomic Bomb

Yeah nope - legitimately tried to get into it again and couldn't. There's a reason I didn't love it in high school- privileged people problems still don't interest me. I will say the description and imagery is beautiful but the plot and conversations? No thanks. Where's my tiny violin? I tried!

Amazing art work - loved this noir graphic novel! Team Blacksad!