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bluepoohreads22's reviews
210 reviews
Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
‘The day should start when I wake up….I should not have to wake up to start the day.’
I’ve always been a huge fan of Trevor Noah’s stand-up comedy and his first book, Born a Crime. So when I heard about Into the Uncut Grass, I couldn’t wait to dive in. As a fan of illustrated books, I was especially excited to see this one.
The story follows a young child’s journey into a magical world beyond the safety of home, where they discover important lessons about connection, sharing, and finding peace with the people they love. It’s a beautiful reminder of how even the smallest adventures can teach us big things.
As for the plot, it’s fairly simple, but there’s something charming in its simplicity. And, as someone who hates making her own bed, I couldn’t help but feel seen in certain moments of the story. 🤓
If you’re looking for something easy to read, a visual escape filled with beautiful art, or a thoughtful gift for someone special, this book is perfect. It’s heartwarming and reflective, without being too heavy.
On a personal note, this book was actually a gift from a dear friend of mine, which made it even more meaningful. ❤️
PS: As much as I admire Trevor for writing about kindness and compassion, I have to admit, it’s a bit ironic that he stayed silent on the issue of 🍉. I’m a little disappointed.
Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
medium-paced
Buried Deep and Other Stories is a collection of thirteen short stories that span genres from fantasy to science fiction. Throughout the collection, the author explores themes of destiny, featuring reimagined versions of historical and fictional figures like Sherlock Holmes and Elizabeth Bennet. The stories draw from her Temeraire and Scholomanceseries, with a teaser for her upcoming series set in a mysterious, uncharted land.
This book is my first introduction to the author’s work, and I suspect that long-time readers of her novels will likely find this collection more rewarding. Personally, I found the experience a bit confusing at times. 🫠
I didn’t have a standout favorite among the thirteen stories, though I did enjoy Dragons & Decorum slightly more than the others, as it’s based on one of my all-time favorite classics, Pride and Prejudice.
It’s hard for me to fully judge some of the stories, as they seem to be deeply tied to the author’s previous works, which I haven’t read yet (they're still on my TBR). 🫣 I now realize that I probably should have read her other books first to fully appreciate the connections and nuances in these stories.
I’ll likely revisit this collection once I’m familiar with more of the author’s universe. For now, I’ll refrain from rating the book.
That said, for readers who are already fans of the author, this collection will certainly be a treat. Even though some stories are standalone, I think it will resonate more with those familiar with her previous works.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
‘Forgiveness is suffering redeemed.’
This book follows Vivian Featherswallow, whose life unravels after she accidentally sparks a civil war in 1923 London. To save her family, she’s recruited as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park, where she must uncover the secrets of a hidden dragon language. As the stakes rise, Viv faces betrayals and must navigate a dangerous world full of secrets.
This book marks the debut novel for the author, and as a debut, I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt.
The plot itself is relatively simple. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat, yet at other times, it felt a bit predictable. While I enjoyed the ride, I do wish there had been a little more unpredictability or twists to keep the tension high throughout.
What really drew me in were the themes. The combination of political intrigue and identity struggles is a fascinating mix and added depth to the story. This is where the book really shines for me.
As for the characters, I had a bit of a mixed reaction, especially with the FMC. While I wasn’t sure if I liked her or not, I found her a bit insufferable at times. She had moments of strength, but they were often overshadowed by her frustrating decisions. The other characters were... okay, but I didn’t feel there was much character development overall, which made it hard to truly connect with them.
The book is marketed as dark academia, but I’m not entirely sure that label fits. Sure, there are moments set in an academy where the characters are learning the dragon’s language, but outside of that, I didn’t see enough of the classic dark academia elements to fully justify the label.
The romance in this book is really more of a subplot. If you’re picking it up for the romance alone, you might find yourself disappointed, as it takes a backseat to the larger plot and themes.
Overall, this book is a solid choice for young adults or teens who are dipping their toes into fantasy for the first time. The blend of political intrigue and identity exploration makes it a compelling read, especially for those who enjoy stories with deeper, thought-provoking themes. While it may not be the book for readers craving intense romance or darker academia vibes, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into a world of dragons, secrets, and self-discovery.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
This book follows Vivian Featherswallow, whose life unravels after she accidentally sparks a civil war in 1923 London. To save her family, she’s recruited as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park, where she must uncover the secrets of a hidden dragon language. As the stakes rise, Viv faces betrayals and must navigate a dangerous world full of secrets.
This book marks the debut novel for the author, and as a debut, I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt.
The plot itself is relatively simple. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat, yet at other times, it felt a bit predictable. While I enjoyed the ride, I do wish there had been a little more unpredictability or twists to keep the tension high throughout.
What really drew me in were the themes. The combination of political intrigue and identity struggles is a fascinating mix and added depth to the story. This is where the book really shines for me.
As for the characters, I had a bit of a mixed reaction, especially with the FMC. While I wasn’t sure if I liked her or not, I found her a bit insufferable at times. She had moments of strength, but they were often overshadowed by her frustrating decisions. The other characters were... okay, but I didn’t feel there was much character development overall, which made it hard to truly connect with them.
The book is marketed as dark academia, but I’m not entirely sure that label fits. Sure, there are moments set in an academy where the characters are learning the dragon’s language, but outside of that, I didn’t see enough of the classic dark academia elements to fully justify the label.
The romance in this book is really more of a subplot. If you’re picking it up for the romance alone, you might find yourself disappointed, as it takes a backseat to the larger plot and themes.
Overall, this book is a solid choice for young adults or teens who are dipping their toes into fantasy for the first time. The blend of political intrigue and identity exploration makes it a compelling read, especially for those who enjoy stories with deeper, thought-provoking themes. While it may not be the book for readers craving intense romance or darker academia vibes, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into a world of dragons, secrets, and self-discovery.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything by Nate Silver
informative
2.0
Sometimes, you need to step outside your usual reading genre to broaden your horizons and maybe discover something you didn’t expect to either love or hate. With that mindset, I dove into this book, despite not being particularly interested in stocks or poker. I was hoping to gain some fresh insights—perhaps even uncover something relatable or useful.
Unfortunately, the author’s approach doesn’t quite hit the mark for a wider audience. This book often feels more like a lecture on how brilliant the author thinks he is, disguised as a deep dive into risk-taking theory and poker analogies.
While the book tries to offer profound insights into decision-making, it often comes off as a self-indulgent monologue, where the author seems more interested in impressing readers with his intellect than actually delivering practical or engaging ideas.
That said, there are a couple of moments where the author makes a worthwhile point. He does touch on the gender disparity in poker, acknowledging that women are significantly underrepresented, which is a rare and much-needed discussion in this space. Additionally, he lists several characteristics of successful risk-takers, offering advice that could apply to anyone—regardless of whether you’re interested in poker, stocks, or just navigating life’s uncertainties.
But other than that? I was skimming through a lot of mansplaining in the form of endless poker analogies and overly technical jargon and an uncomfortable amount of name-dropping. Elon Musk, for example, makes frequent appearances, and the author’s apparent admiration for Musk’s brand of reckless, high-stakes risk-taking feels both excessive and eye-roll-inducing. The book also comes across as a thinly-veiled attempt to justify the author’s worldview, with only a few half-baked insights that could’ve easily fit into an article rather than a full-length book.
I will give the author the credit for making an effort to make the book accessible. He includes a 24-page glossary and 40 pages of notes to explain the terminology, which might be helpful for those unfamiliar with poker or billionaire lingo. But in the end, it feels like this book is really aimed at a specific niche. Maybe that’s because it was—if you’re not already steeped in the world of high-stakes risk and investment jargon, you might feel like you're getting lectured by someone who thinks you should already know everything about billionaires and their favorite card games.
Would I recommend this book? Probably not, unless you're into reading about how the author’s opinions on risk-taking are somehow groundbreaking or if you want a book to use as a doorstop. I can't imagine a more fitting role for this green, attention-grabbing tome. It’s a male-centric, ego-boosting read that’s sure to appeal to a very specific audience, but unless you're keen on roasting its pretentious tone or having something to mock with friends, I’d skip it. If you’re looking for something with substance or actual practical advice, there are far better options out there.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
‘War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.’
This book marks R.F. Kuang's debut, and let me tell you, it is one remarkable debut! What makes it even more impressive is that the author was only a teenager when she began writing it and published it in her early 20s. Truly an incredible feat. I absolutely loved this series and decided to review each book individually.
The Poppy War is the first book in the trilogy and is a historical military fantasy set in a world inspired by 20th-century China. The story follows Rin, a war orphan who shocks everyone by acing the Keju, an Empire-wide exam, and securing a place at Sinegard, the prestigious military academy. As a dark-skinned peasant girl, Rin faces discrimination at the academy, but she soon discovers she possesses a powerful and dangerous shamanic ability. As she learns to control her powers, she uncovers ancient gods and realizes that a third war with the militarily advanced Federation of Mugen is imminent. Rin must decide if her powers can save her people—or if wielding them will cost her humanity.
This book starts strong and leaves you wanting more by the end. The author skillfully delves into the harsh realities of life at the academy. Despite being an institution of learning, if you’re an outsider, you’re bound to face discrimination. And let’s not forget the narcissistic teacher whose presence makes Rin’s training all the more miserable.
I can’t say that I liked Rin, but she’s a survivor. She does whatever it takes to stay afloat, and her character feels incredibly realistic because of it. I rarely encounter young female characters who are as messy, flawed, and chaotic as Rin, and for that, I’m grateful to the author. Yes, Rin can be frustrating with her decisions at times, but when I reflected on her actions, I realized that they made sense in the context of the moment. How many of us have made wrong choices? I believe we’re all allowed to make mistakes—and so is Rin. She is, after all, only human with extraordinary powers.
The world-building in this book is fantastic, and the action scenes are truly intense. However, a word of caution: there is a significant amount of violence, and some scenes may be disturbing. If that’s not your cup of tea, this book might be a tough read for you.
Overall, The Poppy War was unputdownable. I read it so quickly that now I’m itching to revisit the series and relive the trauma all over again.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed story set in a rich world, with complex, flawed characters and a deep exploration of the brutal realities of war, then this book is a MUST-READ. Don’t be intimidated by its size—it’s just the beginning, and before you know it, you'll be eager for the next installment.
Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
This book follows Helen, an art therapist whose life takes an unexpected turn after meeting William Tapping, a man found living in isolation with his elderly aunt. At the same time, Helen is embroiled in a complicated affair with the treating psychiatrist, and as events unfold, she finds herself in a moral and emotional conflict.
As a psychiatrist myself, imagine my delight when this book landed in my hands. Throughout the reading, I couldn’t help but mentally diagnose William and the other characters, placing them into the boxes I was taught during my training. 🫣 At times, it felt like reading my own case notes, and I can assure you that the author’s research is thorough, with the characters being portrayed in a very nuanced and realistic manner.
As the plot deepened, I found myself wondering where the story was headed. The pacing felt slower than I had hoped, and I even considered putting the book down at one point. However, because the story is closely related to my field of work, I persisted—and I’m glad I did. Around 70% into the novel, the pace picked up, leading to a truly satisfying and delightful conclusion.
Regarding the characters, I found that, aside from William, most of them were difficult to like. Particularly, the narcissistic psychiatrist who manipulates his power for personal gain—he was utterly detestable.
I should also note that the novel includes themes of assault and animal abuse, so I would advise caution before diving into it if these topics are sensitive for you.
One of the aspects I truly appreciated was the realistic portrayal of psychiatric treatment in the 1960s UK. The author provides a list of resources she consulted, some of which I had also encountered during my psychiatry residency. This added an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. Additionally, the story is loosely based on a true incident that occurred during that time, which added an intriguing historical element.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in a glimpse of psychiatric treatment in the past, especially in the UK. Beyond that, it will appeal to anyone who enjoys stories about friendship, community, and personal transformation.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
The Science of Menopause: Understand Your Body, Make the Right Choices by Philippa Kaye
informative
3.0
This is probably my first non-fiction book of the year (if you don't count the countless academic texts I have to read 🤭). The title is pretty much self explanatory of what to expect, so no surprises there.
The book is divided into five sections: Hormones, the Menstrual Cycle and Menopause, Timings, Symptoms, Living Well, and Treatments. Plus, it wraps up with a handy list of resources and support for help if needed.
As a medical doctor, I found this book to be a nice little refresher. It’s packed with facts, all presented on colorful, visually appealing pages. It’s concise and clear—easy enough for anyone to understand, even if you’re not a medical expert (or a person who can confidently pronounce perimenopause without tripping over your own tongue).🤗
Let’s talk about the illustrations for a moment. They are absolutely gorgeous! It’s such a breath of fresh air to see women of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones represented in this book. There’s something so lovely about normalizing that diversity—finally, women on paper who look like real women. A rare find, indeed!
Now, if you’re someone who reads about menopause religiously or has already done a fair bit of light reading on the subject, you might find this book a bit repetitive. It covers the basics, and while that’s great for a refresher, don’t expect any deep, mind-boggling discussions here. If you’re hoping for a thorough exploration of the hormonal mysteries that govern our lives, you may want to look elsewhere.
That said, this book is one I’d recommend to pretty much everyone. While the information is basic, it’s a solid go-to reference. We all need a quick reminder every now and then, don’t we? Plus, for the men out there, this book is a goldmine. It’ll help you understand that women aren’t that complicated after all—we’re just navigating a world of hormones that sometimes have a mind of their own. And trust me, they will have the last word. 😉
Thank you to Times Reads for sending me a review copy.
The book is divided into five sections: Hormones, the Menstrual Cycle and Menopause, Timings, Symptoms, Living Well, and Treatments. Plus, it wraps up with a handy list of resources and support for help if needed.
As a medical doctor, I found this book to be a nice little refresher. It’s packed with facts, all presented on colorful, visually appealing pages. It’s concise and clear—easy enough for anyone to understand, even if you’re not a medical expert (or a person who can confidently pronounce perimenopause without tripping over your own tongue).🤗
Let’s talk about the illustrations for a moment. They are absolutely gorgeous! It’s such a breath of fresh air to see women of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones represented in this book. There’s something so lovely about normalizing that diversity—finally, women on paper who look like real women. A rare find, indeed!
Now, if you’re someone who reads about menopause religiously or has already done a fair bit of light reading on the subject, you might find this book a bit repetitive. It covers the basics, and while that’s great for a refresher, don’t expect any deep, mind-boggling discussions here. If you’re hoping for a thorough exploration of the hormonal mysteries that govern our lives, you may want to look elsewhere.
That said, this book is one I’d recommend to pretty much everyone. While the information is basic, it’s a solid go-to reference. We all need a quick reminder every now and then, don’t we? Plus, for the men out there, this book is a goldmine. It’ll help you understand that women aren’t that complicated after all—we’re just navigating a world of hormones that sometimes have a mind of their own. And trust me, they will have the last word. 😉
Thank you to Times Reads for sending me a review copy.