Christine

This book felt a bit disjointed at times, and I was wondering how the various things she wanted to explore – indigenous people in the midst of 2020 BLM & the pandemic, Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd's murder, the spirit world (esp for indigenous ppl), love in a family, books and bookstores in the pandemic, forgiveness and self-love – would mesh together. By the end, they did, and I'm glad I read (listened to) this book. At times, the reader (Louise Erdrich herself?) seemed to be whispering the text, which got a bit annoying, but maybe that was exacerbated by my speed. All in all, compelling and sad, but also joyous and rewarding. I was comforted by the end.

Excellent introduction to ACT. I've been much more familiar with CBT, and I appreciate the way that this is simpler. And maybe more realistic. I think blending the two methods might be the key for me.
I read this as part of a book club, and appreciated the exercises and meditations that came out of it. I think that the title is a bit misleading, though. This isn't a book just for when something terrible happens, but for when all the little things happen.

Beautiful. Sad. Hits very close to home. Similar to Overstory, but shorter. Still devastating. But some of Robin reminds me of me.

I read this, partly to use in a class. She argues for understanding the link between (white, western) feminism and capitalism, and this made for interesting in-class discussions. This reads like a philosophy or philosphical text. I appreciated this contribution to recent scholarship.

There's so much going on in this book. Really important issues of today and yesterday: power, money, race, gender, class, capitalism, the financial crisis of 2008, sisterhood and motherhood, MeToo. I really appreciated this book for all of that, plus the tight writing and powerful scenes drawn. I was desperate to finish it, although the topics themselves were not enjoyable. I recommend. This would be a good one for discussion. I won't soon forget this book. 4 or 4.5. I did feel that a few of the twists were a bit unbelievable or contrived. But she made it work.

An easy, low stress, interesting read. I prefer the more academic historical analysis, but this was light and engaging. I came away from this, appreciating the brilliance as well as the tragedy in this charming and privileged family.

Creative. Accessible. Powerful. Well researched.

Love LP and Three Pines. This was long (& i agree with some critics who said there was much talking), but I wanted it to last, so it was fine. Relevant themes in our Covid and post-Covid world.

Smart. Thought provoking. Raw. Electric and quick paced. I appreciated the author's gift. This is an unusual but compelling book, with multiple subplots and interesting questions. I have never given any thought to interpreters at The Hague. Now I want to learn more.
I appreciate it the ending.

I listened on Audible, and really appreciated it. So thoughtful and detailed, and a perfect book club book with so much to discuss. I agree with someone else on Goodreads who said that it was rushed at the end. But an engrossing read.

Amazing. Detailed. Readable. I had to skim the last 1/5. So long and more than I can retain.

This was fun. Good for bird people. And people who can laugh at family dynamics, illogical hobbies, and learning new things in mid-life.

I struggled with this one. Started by listening, and then scammed to the end with the physical book. I wanted to love this, but just couldn't connect. And then some excellent reviews here, so the book definitely has enough substance that it is important. I think I prefer more likeable protagonists.

Skimmed. I read the sections on Monticello and New York City. Interesting story about the Statue of Liberty. Otherwise, an easy to read travel log sort of book an important point about American monuments and race.

These are balm for the soul. Funny and engaging. I want to be like these characters. I didn't love the revenge themes, and one of the deaths was awfully sad (maybe unnecessary?), but overall, delightful.

I mostly listened and, as others have said, found comfort in that. It is a very detailed book, so I found myself skimming over sections that I knew I would not retain. It's a great historical record from his perspective, though. I will use it as a reference in the future. I must admit that I enjoyed Michelle's memoir more.

Maybe I should give this more than three stars because it is well written and gripping and exciting. Maybe it just isn't my kind of book. I didn't bring me any real pleasure. I didn't want anything bad to happen to the main character, but he wasn't very likable. I was mostly surprised by the ending, which was fun .... when I figured it out. I think some people will love this book. Recommended by a smart academic friend of mine.

Their first book was life-changing for me. They inspired me to be an academic feminist, scholar, and teacher. I was so pleased with his updated text and the title. It did not disappoint. More useful for English class than History, for me, but — a great resource and wise voices.

I skimmed much of this because it was so chock-filled with details, history, etymology, and anecdote. I knew that I couldn't retain it all, but it's the sort of book that would be fun to come back to now and then or to use in a class (which is how I came to know about it – from a teacher friend). I appreciated the section on the N-word a lot, as well as the attention to how certain words have become less impactful over time. The author spells out the N-word, but also explains why he's made that choice. Throughout, I appreciated the humor and the history even though I breezed through some of the detailed evolution stories.

This was a sweet listen – a nice story for anyone who loves books and libraries. We see two character's lives intersect: a young (white?) woman in a dysfunctional family and an elderly (Indian? but he says he's from Kenya) widower.
It's a bit predictable, with one somewhat-surprising twisty bad thing, and it's a bit slow for the first half, but I definitely enjoyed following along and hearing the characters talk about book characters I've enjoyed, too.

I just couldn't get connected to this. For one thing, I don't like child abandonment stories. I just gave up. Too dark at the outset.

I listened to this, and found it compelling, beautiful, haunting, tragic, and a bit too violent for me. If I were reading (which I did to with a library copy for the last 1/3), I could skip over the difficult parts. I agree with other reviewers that it didn't make sense that the murdered sons would be outing someone from their community, but overall – a great story that was well constructed.

DNF. Not my jam. This was recommended by a Three Pines person. I can't do a violence at the start.

I skimmed. So many details that I did not have the brain power to absorb, but I appreciate all of the fun color photographs and interpersonal dynamics that he included. Also, thrilled to be reading one of his books but about a woman!

Powerful. Lively writing. Much truth about loss. I listened, though, and the tone was flat and consistently sad. No humor even when it was in the text. Also, a LoT of meat for a vegetarian to read about. But impressive work and meaningful story.