cardigoth

Interesting enough writing most of the time, I guess, but I feel like I learned nothing, gained nothing.

2.75 stars. I took a lot of good things away from this. But I think I may need more exercises. Looking forward to The Artist's Way in hopes of a similar feeling with more direct homework and calls to action.

Enjoyable and interesting but not life-changing or inspiring beyond the obvious concept.

This was short which is a pro and a con, but it laid the groundwork for me to want to read more. I will be reading book #2 mostly out of curiosity but also a little because I like how chippy, confused, awkward, and protective Murderbot is.

In general, the relationship between Murderbot and the rest of the crew is cute, almost like enemies-to-friends or awkward-girl-dates-jock, just because of the self-preservation and poking and miscommunicating everyone is doing.

There are things I have liked about John Bellairs' writing since I was a kid – mostly, his descriptions of light for whatever reason... Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman are lovely, sweet, and understanding people and that's also a big plus, especially for a kid who didn't get a lot of that at home. I am going to try to read this whole series for the first time - my husband says I shouldn't because it could ruin it for my childhood memories - but I've never read more than a few, and I read them out of order so I'm going to try anyway. The point it, if you kid likes stories of magic and ghosts, this is a good one to try.

Easy, funny, darling - all things I've come to expect from Nora from her podcast. This reads like an episode of her podcast, actually, which is not a problem for me at all. But... I feel like this book is better-utilized by people who need a reason to know and love her, not someone who's already a fan. I will try another book next and hope it is sadder, I guess.

3.5 stars. I appreciate that this had more action, adventure, and code-breaking than I expected. Christina Lauren have become one of the only authors I will read everything by just because I know it will keep me entertained.

Ouch.

2.5, rounded up to three stars. For me, the redeeming factor was the doctor's experience during 9/11. Would have preferred to read an entire book about that.

This book was fine. I guess the thing I appreciate most about it is that it seemed to draw from real true crime events. I'm shocked that it has such a high rating when it is decidedly mediocre. Also, if I never hear the phrase “[they] made no reply” again, it will be too soon.

Didn't really think this was going to keep my attention but it eked by and I will be reading the third.

Whether you listen to the podcast or listen to the audiobook, let John Green read his own brain to you. I promise, it will make you feel more than one thing.

3.5 stars. Better than The Rose

Somehow rode the line between exactly what I expected and not what I expected. A bit like holding a mirror up, in the way that it is both you and the reverse of you - or at least the way you perceive yourself.

Better than I expected, actually. Going to have to read the second book. I find myself wondering what will happen next in the books, though I suspect I will be disappointed.

I listened to this book. I was hard to listen to so many swirling anxious thoughts all the time, but also I get it. It's probably hard to listen to because I have thoughts like this.

I hated all the times Gilda chose to lie to protect herself or her situation, but I also get it.

I hated all the times she struggled to do any small, simple thing, but I get it. At the end, when she is able to do so. many. things. (make her bed! brush and floss her teeth! cut up an apple! rinse her dishes and put them away!) it is mind-boggling to imagine struggling that much but also Doing That Much. (I'm sure you can tell I've struggled with anxiety and depression, by this point.)

Throughout this book, I've wanted to stop reading it a number of times because I was tired of her self-sabotage. That's why making toast and laughing with Eleanor would have been a really happy happy ending. But Mittens was the icing on the cake.

“What the fuck? You're alive!” Indeed.

It was quite sweet and calming, cozy. It went fast. It explored some important things. It is not a perfect book to me because everything seemed to be pointing to a big, bold takeaway and then I got to the last scene and it wasn't as sweeping as I expected. I don't think this is a fault of it, but this is my reasoning. I will be making notes all over a copy, regardless.

Enchanting, thought-provoking. Will likely be reading a lot more about solitude, hermitage, and wilderness survival.

Entertaining and “light” (for a scientifically accurate book about death and corpses), but not too glossed over to pass down some new information or potentially difficult truths about decomp, Western funeral practices, etc.

This must just not be my thing. Very, very meh.

Just plain interesting. A great inside look into her personal experience, a journalist who isn't afraid to get inside the subject matter.

Interesting, but not as interesting as the talk the author gave. I think I will give another book a try, though.

3.5 stars, really. Entertaining stories but kind of repetitive. Overall enjoyable but nothing earth-shattering.

Some stories I really really liked but I was disappointed by the hype around Semplica Girls. My favorites had some sci-fi elements, like Escape from Spiderhead. I'll give Saunders another go or two. This was a good way to get acclimated.

This was my first monster romance and there were elements I enjoyed but it wasn't really compelling. 2.5 stars. It took me over a month to finish.

Just like with other romance, I'll have to find my go-to authors.