Scan barcode
bestja01's reviews
266 reviews
Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside by Nick Offerman
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of our relationship with the land. Nick Offerman is smart and witty, and following his exploits through a national park, an English sheep farm, and various RV parks is a great way to revel in our natural wonders while considering the complicated relationships we have with them. It had a great balance between humor and thoughtfulness, and I enjoyed it immensely!
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
It was interesting to set the main characters to different locations- I’m enjoying how the world is becoming fuller and the plot is intensifying. I don’t care hugely for the witch chapters, but maybe she will grow on me. Curious how this story will continue to develop as Caelina returns home and loses her magic again.
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.75
Still rolling my eyes a bit at some of the characters and plot points, but I’m having a great time reading this series. Interesting character development, and it was nice to dive into the wider plot instead of the competition that framed most of the first book.
Wired for Culture: Origins of the Human Social Mind by Mark Pagel
challenging
informative
slow-paced
2.5
I just didn’t click with this book- it could have been half the length and said exactly the same thing. And interesting concept with some interesting examples, but it took me months to get through.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Fun book, and I enjoyed the placement of the conflict in the world of academia. I related to the main character a lot, and enjoyed her journey. The story was predictable, but a fun ride nonetheless
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved Elizabeth’s journey in this book- her struggle felt realistic and I cared for her even when she acted in blunt or caustic ways. It was an interesting look into a hypothetical life of a brilliant woman in the 50s, without being too heavy-handed or preachy. Great characters and great story.
The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Another slam dunk for the Wayfarers series- I just adore the universe Becky Chambers has created. It was cool that none of the characters in this book were human- I enjoyed learning about the races that were only slightly referenced in her other books. And I loved getting to know Pei! All in all, a very fun book and a lovely conclusion to the series.
On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed how this story was told from the viewpoint of the mother and all of the sisters- it made every character sympathetic, even when their choices seemed ruthless or stupid. I grew to care for the characters and wanted them all to find a happy ending- while the book ended on a melancholy note, it also managed to not sink completely into pessimism. All in all, a compelling story with compelling characters.