badbrad002's reviews
160 reviews

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max

1.0

Completely unreadable. Clearly written by an entitled, unaware hack who acts with a blatant disregard to the effects his actions have on those around him. Think: that simple-minded guy who believes the epitome of comedy is lewd sex, vomit, and drunken debauchery. Extremely chauvinist & misogynist, though I finally pulled the plug about 40 pages in when “ret_rded” was used for the 10th time to describe women who “weren’t attractive” or didn’t respond to advances.

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

4.0

Powerfully engrossing; this was a thought-provoking yet also often difficult-to-read story of a woman in British Columbia reading a found-diary of a girl in Japan. It notably centers on the relationship between a writer and reader, and frames it as an almost magical channel (is it reciprocal?) of communication. It addresses the interconnectedness of our individual and collective lives, and how what we know and perceive of the past affects the present and future. Do things really EXIST as they have been DEFINED by us?

"When up looks up, up is down. When down looks down, down is up. Not-one, not-two. Not same. Not different. Now do you see?"

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery

4.0

Compelling book about a fascinating animal! Really interesting look at aquarium logistics and the relationships keepers have with the animals they care for; as well as organic curiosity that draws humans and animals in the wilds. Was a little less about the science of octopuses themselves (proper pluralization, fyi) than the author’s experiences —than I had hoped, at least— which though compelling, left me feeling like having to read through a lengthy anecdote to get an online recipe.

A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney

5.0

WOW. As much about savoring life as it is about an untimely death, this memoir's honesty and rawness prove that our hearts indeed work --as Delaney exercises the workings of his own; the way he describes his own sadness, fear, rage, and love somehow makes the reader not just sympathize but rather, empathize, with the unimaginable. I highly recommend.

Less Is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer

3.0

This was an entertaining read, but I honestly didn't take much away beyond that. The manner that the narrator came in & out in first-person, also made it a bit confusing to keep straight. Basically, a zany adventure in the style of the silly incompetence of Mr. Magoo?

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann

4.0

An intriguing read about pirates, shipwrecks, castaways, and human nature through adversity. Also as much about the differences/commonalities in the events we experience and the stories we tell based on our own interpretations. Mind-boggling what humans can endure ...and the evolution of the value of life and commitment to valor of years-past.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

3.0

Interesting concept (folks are notified of their final living day at most ~24hrs ahead of time). Felt a little too "tragedy porn" and the stakes often felt unearned, but maybe that is part of the point?

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

4.0

What a story! It alternates between the real-time experiences of Alina in Nazi-occupied Poland, and her granddaughter Alice in modern day Florida; as Alina's story is divulged, we begin to understand how the War has affected the entire family's lives decades later. Wartime moments are brutally-unfair, but through hunger, loss, and dire adversity, love also prevails. A testament to the power of human endurance.

The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism by Martin Wolf

4.0

A very recent and therefore fascinating assessment, because it takes into account recent upheavals like Tr_mp, Brexit, and (the arguably-botched management of) the Covid-19 pandemic. Democracy is at a perilous spot --particularly with the entertainment-ization (my word) of politics & media, increasing income inequality, and exacerbating global issues like global warming, the rise of China, and the War in Ukraine. Dry at times and often a stark reminder of our situation (too soon!), the ultimate message is that citizens must not become apathetic, but rather must hold leaders (both elected and not) accountable and PARTICIPATE to ensure government is "for the people, by the people..." and not only in protection of one's personal beliefs and ideals.

Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear

4.0

I have not mastered life by any means, but my therapist can attest that I have conditioned myself into many of these practices organically (e.g., in the last 17 months, I've run nearly 800 miles and read 50 books -I'm undeniably a creature of habit)! So ultimately, this book wasn't as personally helpful, but it is interesting to see the process of instilling good habits (and hiding bad ones) broken-down into explicit steps. If you want a manageable, slow & steady recipe for any kind of self-improvement, this quick read is a great resource!