Take a photo of a barcode or cover
anna_curlyquotesediting's reviews
204 reviews
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
The only real reason I rated Daring Greatly slightly less than five stars is because if you've read The Gifts of Imperfection already, this book won't contain too much new information.
Because I read The Gifts of Imperfection right before listening to this book, I recognized some lines and paragraphs that were taken word-for-word from that book to this one. While that's not necessarily a bad thing--sometimes you land on the best way to say something and should stick with it--I felt the repeat of information without new insights a little grating.
I will say that at about 75% of the way through, when Brown focuses more on parenting, the information becomes more focused and actionable. This is a book I'd like to reread before becoming a parent.
It's all still wonderful information! Brown's research will hopefully help the world change.
Because I read The Gifts of Imperfection right before listening to this book, I recognized some lines and paragraphs that were taken word-for-word from that book to this one. While that's not necessarily a bad thing--sometimes you land on the best way to say something and should stick with it--I felt the repeat of information without new insights a little grating.
I will say that at about 75% of the way through, when Brown focuses more on parenting, the information becomes more focused and actionable. This is a book I'd like to reread before becoming a parent.
It's all still wonderful information! Brown's research will hopefully help the world change.
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Honestly an incredible book. If you'd like to explore how evolution might work with another species and how desperate humans might interact with that, read on.
There's so much detail of technology and evolution here that it's almost hard to swallow, but Tchaikovsky balances so well on that thin line between believable and unreal science. The POV swaps between civilizations in a meaningful way that makes sense. And it's imperative that it makes sense, because this one book spans thousands of years.
There's so much detail of technology and evolution here that it's almost hard to swallow, but Tchaikovsky balances so well on that thin line between believable and unreal science. The POV swaps between civilizations in a meaningful way that makes sense. And it's imperative that it makes sense, because this one book spans thousands of years.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Never have I felt so seen by a book. I have so many notes and highlights and comments in this one, and I feel like I could read the book again and make a thousand more marks.
Brené Brown is insightful, honest, gentle, and kind. Not a single word in this book is meant to make you feel bad about yourself or your habits, just aware. And then not alone.
Brené Brown is insightful, honest, gentle, and kind. Not a single word in this book is meant to make you feel bad about yourself or your habits, just aware. And then not alone.
Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present by Nick Trenton
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Anyone struggling with anxiety and overthinking should read this book at least once. Take notes, try some of the ideas out for a couple weeks, and see if they help you. Even if you require professional help (and so many of us do, and that's okay) to manage your overthinking, spiraling, anxiety, or rumination, the information is useful and eye-opening.
The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Amanda Palmer
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
The Art of Asking is a book far more people need to read, especially women. Amanda Palmer's life is an interesting one, sure, but the point of this book is to remind people that it's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to lean on others. It's okay to mess up. It's okay to feel. It's okay to be human. And it's okay to be told no.
A no isn't a rejection of you, it's just a no for that ask.
This book has been eye-opening for me in many ways, and I'm definitely still processing. Probably will be for a while. But I can say with certainty that more people need to read and internalize the message in this book.
A no isn't a rejection of you, it's just a no for that ask.
This book has been eye-opening for me in many ways, and I'm definitely still processing. Probably will be for a while. But I can say with certainty that more people need to read and internalize the message in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Terminal illness, Abortion, Alcohol
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Sexual harassment
Don't Say Plan B or Backup Plan to an Aspiring Pro Athlete by Belford Fredrick Williams, Jr.
informative
5.0
The Seventh Day by Scott Shepherd
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I'd give this book 5 stars if it weren't for the lazy ending.
Everything up to the end was fast-paced, made me curious, and I liked the cast of characters. I was so, so interested in the worldbuilding and history of this world, but the author never really gave many answers when the book heavily hinted at giving them. But no answers were given, so the ending of The Seventh Day left me feeling dissatisfied. Too "tied up with a bow" feeling.
Everything up to the end was fast-paced, made me curious, and I liked the cast of characters. I was so, so interested in the worldbuilding and history of this world, but the author never really gave many answers when the book heavily hinted at giving them. But no answers were given, so the ending of The Seventh Day left me feeling dissatisfied. Too "tied up with a bow" feeling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Kidnapping, Sexual harassment