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badbrad002's reviews
160 reviews
The Giver by Lois Lowry
4.0
As an adult, I’ve encountered books and stories that more eloquently challenged conformity and demystified otherness. But I understand the impact this book can have in introducing these concepts to young readers (and, empowering them to be the change they wish to see in the world). Also, I appreciate the open-endedness that allows the reader to define their own interpretation.
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
5.0
An incredible story, vibrantly described and honest in its tragic beauty (and semi-autobiographical). Think “Big Fish” meets “Forest Gump” meets “Where the Crawdads Sing.” It focuses on the complexity of family relationships, the power of one’s native home, and the combination of both that can leave us broken adults …but it is through adversity that the sweetest gifts —in this case, the love and commitment between siblings— are born. Revisit this classic, easily now one of my favorites.
The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World by Alan Downs
5.0
Powerful book about internalized shame, the drive to overcompensate & compartmentalize, and the outdated/evolving paradigms of masculinity & being LGBTQ. Ends with thoughtful strategy to live more authentically.
Insightful read, whether or not you are LGBTQ.
Insightful read, whether or not you are LGBTQ.
American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard
5.0
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
5.0
A truly entertaining, funny, and heartfelt book. Really focuses on defining one’s own identity, living up to one’s parent’s expectations and what one should/n’t be, and slowing down to focus on the surprising overlap of the two. We’re all imperfect beings that exist in a gray of good and bad, but ultimately, through self-reflection, -analysis, and -acceptance, we can more easily mitigate the affects on those we love and live a more authentic, healthy, & happy life …as both parents and children.
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
3.0
I liked envisioning Victorian Louisiana, and though for its time it was salacious, it was too subtle for me so I wasn't sure exactly what was happening all the time. I've admittedly never been good at keeping track of character names, and maybe I shouldn't have watched The White Lotus, simultaneously.