andee_zomerman's reviews
757 reviews

The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource by Chris Hayes

informative medium-paced

3.5

I appreciated the words of Hayes' reminder. It's hard to believe this was all written before the 2024 presidential election...things were bad then, but months later, so much worse. I've made the decision to severely limit my time on social media and 24/7 news. Hayes gives reasons to leave altogether and I hope I can do that soon. Recommend to anyone who is rewarding the billionaires with every click. 

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

A beautiful love story of a girl and her mother. The details are exquisite. I feel like I know Michelle's mother. What a tribute. And now I crave Korean food. 

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

What a delightful story about a girl and her 14 year old grandfather (just read the book). I love the introduction to science and questions of not only, "can we" but "should we". Highly recommend for all ages. 

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix

informative inspiring tense fast-paced

4.0

What a perfect introduction to Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I hate that our times today are starting to look like the times Dietrich lived through. I hope I can be as brave as he was.  

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: A Guide to the Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

A beautiful edition with highlights and definitions for young people, and a guide to worshiping and caring for the land we occupy for all people. 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

A meet-cute, Hallmark movie type of book. I'm kind of not into those lately, but I heard it took place in the UP and I couldn't pass up a story in Northern Michigan. Yesterday was a snow day - this was a perfect read for an unexpected day off. 

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

4.0

I grew up with books about eating disorders, but I don't remember any from the teen boy point of view. A beautiful story about a boy, family who loves him, a treatment center, and a VOICE. The novel in verse leaves this approachable from all ages. Is great for middle school and up.

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

This is a great read for the high school+ crowd. So much going on: friendships, relationships, sexual assault, mystery, crime - but it works. Deserving winner of the William C Morris award. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault

True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between by Gretchen Whitmer

funny inspiring fast-paced

4.0

A great introduction to who Gretchen Whitmer is - not only a strong leader, but also forgiving, intelligent, loving and really all that encompasses being a role model. Glad I read this to get to know her style, humor, and leadership qualities. 

The InterACTIVE Class - Using Technology To Make Learning More Relevant and Engaging in The Elementary Classroom: Using Technology to Make Learning Mo by Kristin Merrill, Joe Merrill

4.0

Excellent read, even for middle school teachers.