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bookaroundandfindout's reviews
169 reviews
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
5.0
WOW. I did not expect this novel to actually be about a millenial-esq robot who just wants to be left alone to watch TV, which lets be honest, is all of us.
Murderbot or better known by its government name "SecUnit" has somehow managed to hack into his governance module, essentially breaking the chains of his enslavement to the corporate world to kill and conduct security without any choice or autonomy. The theme of choice encompasses this entire novel, from Murderbot choosing to protect his humans, choosing to stand by them and fight, choosing to put itself in danger, all while we know it doesn't have to.
We also see the lack of choice. There are underlying implications that SecUnits aren't just heartless brainless programs, but because they are organic and robotic built, they may have sentience. Murderbot shows us that its rebellion in breaking his governance module comes from having to do a deed that it felt was horrifying but it did not have a choice in that matter. It also implies that SecUnits are being enslaved (this is also repeated by the humans that Murderbot is protecting), and they if they are sentient then they aren't there working because they have a choice.
I won't get too into the rest of the book, but Murderbots dry sense of humor and nonchalance makes me think of the love I had for Wall-e. We're rooting for an underdog and can't wait for it to figure out what it is on its own.
Awesome book I am going to eat up the rest of the series!!
Murderbot or better known by its government name "SecUnit" has somehow managed to hack into his governance module, essentially breaking the chains of his enslavement to the corporate world to kill and conduct security without any choice or autonomy. The theme of choice encompasses this entire novel, from Murderbot choosing to protect his humans, choosing to stand by them and fight, choosing to put itself in danger, all while we know it doesn't have to.
We also see the lack of choice. There are underlying implications that SecUnits aren't just heartless brainless programs, but because they are organic and robotic built, they may have sentience. Murderbot shows us that its rebellion in breaking his governance module comes from having to do a deed that it felt was horrifying but it did not have a choice in that matter. It also implies that SecUnits are being enslaved (this is also repeated by the humans that Murderbot is protecting), and they if they are sentient then they aren't there working because they have a choice.
I won't get too into the rest of the book, but Murderbots dry sense of humor and nonchalance makes me think of the love I had for Wall-e. We're rooting for an underdog and can't wait for it to figure out what it is on its own.
Awesome book I am going to eat up the rest of the series!!
Middle East in Crisis and Conflict: A Primer by Taufiq Rahim
5.0
Taufiq Rahim's "Middle East in Conflict & Crisis" is quite the revelation, offering a deep dive into the intricate and often tumultuous events shaping the Middle East. This book isn’t just another academic tome; it brings the region to life with a narrative flair that captures the complexity of its political, social, and economic landscapes.
Rahim’s work is comprehensive, addressing everything from the Arab Spring’s ripple effects to the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His balanced presentation of these issues makes the content accessible, with maps and charts that provide valuable support to the text, helping readers navigate the historical and geopolitical terrain of the Middle East.
The author's style is engaging, even as he tackles dense material. He has a knack for clarifying complex topics, making them understandable for those who might not be experts in Middle Eastern studies. However, this is no light read—it’s a substantial book that demands attention and thought, offering rich insights into the forces that shape the headlines.
For anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Middle East beyond the surface-level coverage often found in the media, Rahim’s book is a compelling choice. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and thoroughly enlightening, making it a valuable addition to the libraries of students, scholars, and anyone interested in the dynamics of this pivotal region.
Rahim’s work is comprehensive, addressing everything from the Arab Spring’s ripple effects to the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His balanced presentation of these issues makes the content accessible, with maps and charts that provide valuable support to the text, helping readers navigate the historical and geopolitical terrain of the Middle East.
The author's style is engaging, even as he tackles dense material. He has a knack for clarifying complex topics, making them understandable for those who might not be experts in Middle Eastern studies. However, this is no light read—it’s a substantial book that demands attention and thought, offering rich insights into the forces that shape the headlines.
For anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Middle East beyond the surface-level coverage often found in the media, Rahim’s book is a compelling choice. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and thoroughly enlightening, making it a valuable addition to the libraries of students, scholars, and anyone interested in the dynamics of this pivotal region.
Her Rabid Beasts by E.P. Bali
5.0
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SERIES. SO. MUCH.
My feelings? Wrecked. Do I want more? YES.
My feelings? Wrecked. Do I want more? YES.
The Little Shop of Grand Curiosities by Iris Lake
5.0
I LOVED THIS BOOK AND THIS WORLD!!!
What started as a whimsical tale of girl meets annoying boy became our main character, Nepheli's, ascension into adulthood. Apollo, our rakish MMC, drags Nepheli out of her comfort zone to run away from monsters. All the things that Nepheli hoped and dreamed of, read about in her little shop of curiosities, are now very real and right in front of her. She should feel the excitement and wonder of all the things that she had read coming to life with her at the center to explore.
So why is she so scared?
Apollo doesn't have feelings, he doesn't care and yet he barrels into Nephili's in search of something that might solve the all the problems he's ran away from for so long. As he destroys the shop that he barrels into, he turns Nephili's world inside out.
And now he's stuck here's with this infuriating beautiful stubborn woman.
As the pair travels together, they fight the urge to kill each other (or is it to kiss each other)? They discover what it means to be themselves, to shed the skin of who they used to be, and to build themselves into who they can become. I personally loved this novel for its sweet love story and amazing banter—I love a good verbal parry, and the whole book is a verbal foreplay into something—ehem— quite spicy, and satisfying.
I also love the exploration of what it means to be human and how we constantly restrict ourselves, thereby restricting all our hopes and dreams along with it. Nepheli struggles to reconcile the ideas and images she has in her head with the reality of the magical world she is in, to put aside her immediate judgment of everyone and everything because it’s easier to judge than to be judged. She truly grows, and along with her, we find that Apollo grows as well, learning the kind of man he could have the chance of being if he could be that man for her.
100% recommend as a gorgeous summer day beach or garden read for those who love an enemies-to-lovers romance, the fantastical world of stardust, and vintage fantasy cottagecore vibes.
What started as a whimsical tale of girl meets annoying boy became our main character, Nepheli's, ascension into adulthood. Apollo, our rakish MMC, drags Nepheli out of her comfort zone to run away from monsters. All the things that Nepheli hoped and dreamed of, read about in her little shop of curiosities, are now very real and right in front of her. She should feel the excitement and wonder of all the things that she had read coming to life with her at the center to explore.
So why is she so scared?
Apollo doesn't have feelings, he doesn't care and yet he barrels into Nephili's in search of something that might solve the all the problems he's ran away from for so long. As he destroys the shop that he barrels into, he turns Nephili's world inside out.
And now he's stuck here's with this infuriating beautiful stubborn woman.
As the pair travels together, they fight the urge to kill each other (or is it to kiss each other)? They discover what it means to be themselves, to shed the skin of who they used to be, and to build themselves into who they can become. I personally loved this novel for its sweet love story and amazing banter—I love a good verbal parry, and the whole book is a verbal foreplay into something—ehem— quite spicy, and satisfying.
I also love the exploration of what it means to be human and how we constantly restrict ourselves, thereby restricting all our hopes and dreams along with it. Nepheli struggles to reconcile the ideas and images she has in her head with the reality of the magical world she is in, to put aside her immediate judgment of everyone and everything because it’s easier to judge than to be judged. She truly grows, and along with her, we find that Apollo grows as well, learning the kind of man he could have the chance of being if he could be that man for her.
100% recommend as a gorgeous summer day beach or garden read for those who love an enemies-to-lovers romance, the fantastical world of stardust, and vintage fantasy cottagecore vibes.
Shadow & Storms by Helen Scheuerer
5.0
BRILLIANT!!
Thank you to Helen and her team for the ARC review opportunity. I left out spoilers!!
Spice:
Thank you to Helen and her team for the ARC review opportunity. I left out spoilers!!
Spice:
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
5.0
Let me start by saying this book is not for everyone. If you’re expecting a classic whodunit mystery, you might want to look elsewhere. "Happiness Falls" is a brilliant exploration of a biracial family grappling with the complexities of life after the father and husband goes missing.
The story is narrated through the eyes of Mia, one of the twin daughters in the family. Her twin, John, is markedly different both in personality and physically. The family dynamics are further colored by their Korean mother, a linguist, their white father, and a younger brother, Eugene, who has autism and mosaic Angelman syndrome.
Eugene's conditions—autism spectrum disorder and mosaic Angelman syndrome—affect his social interactions, communication abilities, and motor skills, contributing to the family's unique challenges. The mosaic aspect of Eugene’s condition means that only some of his cells carry the genetic mutation, possibly leading to a milder presentation of symptoms.
One poignant theme in the novel is the impact of having a child with disabilities on family dynamics. As someone with a sister who has Down syndrome, I deeply related to the family’s experiences—ranging from the joy of successes to the frustration and obstacles that come with caring for a sibling with special needs. This narrative evokes a profound sense of empathy and connection, especially for readers who share similar experiences.
Another prevalent theme is the duality of being biracial and navigating two different cultures. The novel often discusses communication through the lens of linguistic ability, particularly how society perceives Eugene’s inability to speak as an indicator of intelligence, which the book challenges effectively.
The theme of happiness, explored through the characters’ differing baselines for happiness, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the mystery of their dad’s disappearance unfolds, Mia discovers that her father had hidden much more than they could have imagined.
Angie Kim captures the essence of what it means to be human, an immigrant, and a blend of known and unknown worlds with a great sense of intimacy and realism. I found myself falling in love with the family and relating deeply to their struggles.
I give "Happiness Falls" 5/5 stars and highly recommend it to POC, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and anyone who seeks a narrative that resonates with feelings of being heard and understood.
The story is narrated through the eyes of Mia, one of the twin daughters in the family. Her twin, John, is markedly different both in personality and physically. The family dynamics are further colored by their Korean mother, a linguist, their white father, and a younger brother, Eugene, who has autism and mosaic Angelman syndrome.
Eugene's conditions—autism spectrum disorder and mosaic Angelman syndrome—affect his social interactions, communication abilities, and motor skills, contributing to the family's unique challenges. The mosaic aspect of Eugene’s condition means that only some of his cells carry the genetic mutation, possibly leading to a milder presentation of symptoms.
One poignant theme in the novel is the impact of having a child with disabilities on family dynamics. As someone with a sister who has Down syndrome, I deeply related to the family’s experiences—ranging from the joy of successes to the frustration and obstacles that come with caring for a sibling with special needs. This narrative evokes a profound sense of empathy and connection, especially for readers who share similar experiences.
Another prevalent theme is the duality of being biracial and navigating two different cultures. The novel often discusses communication through the lens of linguistic ability, particularly how society perceives Eugene’s inability to speak as an indicator of intelligence, which the book challenges effectively.
The theme of happiness, explored through the characters’ differing baselines for happiness, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the mystery of their dad’s disappearance unfolds, Mia discovers that her father had hidden much more than they could have imagined.
Angie Kim captures the essence of what it means to be human, an immigrant, and a blend of known and unknown worlds with a great sense of intimacy and realism. I found myself falling in love with the family and relating deeply to their struggles.
I give "Happiness Falls" 5/5 stars and highly recommend it to POC, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and anyone who seeks a narrative that resonates with feelings of being heard and understood.
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
5.0
**READ. THIS. NOW.**
Have you ever heard of a chain gang? I hadn't until I picked up "Chain Gang All Stars" and looked up its title. This ignorance speaks volumes about the gaps in American history education.
This novel is a powerful narrative grounded in the harsh realities of the for-profit prison system in America. It delves into the dichotomy of good and evil, questions of human autonomy, and the judgment of actions. Moreover, it sheds light on the stark racial biases prevalent in our incarceration system, effectively portraying it as a modern form of slavery.
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah crafts a biting satire that encapsulates these systemic flaws and the bleak future we face if we fail to address social determinants of health, poverty, and the punitive nature of our justice system. The treatment of the LGBTQIA community and women, especially Black women, is depicted as a constant state of terror. The rising brutality within prisons underscores a disturbing societal acceptance of dehumanizing anyone incarcerated. This begs the question: Where does our humanity and compassion stand?
This book is a mirror reflecting the disturbing reality of our current system, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths. It’s a compelling call to action, urging readers to reconsider their perspectives on social justice and human rights.
Adjei-Brenyah doesn’t just tell a story; he opens a dialogue about the future we are hurtling towards if these issues remain unaddressed. The narrative is infused with a raw intensity that grips you from the first page to the last, making it impossible to look away from the injustices it portrays.
In the end, words can only do so much to convey the profound impact of this book. It’s a must-read that challenges and provokes, demanding reflection and discussion. So, dive into "Chain Gang All Stars," and let’s talk about the changes we need to make for a more just and humane world.
Have you ever heard of a chain gang? I hadn't until I picked up "Chain Gang All Stars" and looked up its title. This ignorance speaks volumes about the gaps in American history education.
This novel is a powerful narrative grounded in the harsh realities of the for-profit prison system in America. It delves into the dichotomy of good and evil, questions of human autonomy, and the judgment of actions. Moreover, it sheds light on the stark racial biases prevalent in our incarceration system, effectively portraying it as a modern form of slavery.
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah crafts a biting satire that encapsulates these systemic flaws and the bleak future we face if we fail to address social determinants of health, poverty, and the punitive nature of our justice system. The treatment of the LGBTQIA community and women, especially Black women, is depicted as a constant state of terror. The rising brutality within prisons underscores a disturbing societal acceptance of dehumanizing anyone incarcerated. This begs the question: Where does our humanity and compassion stand?
This book is a mirror reflecting the disturbing reality of our current system, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths. It’s a compelling call to action, urging readers to reconsider their perspectives on social justice and human rights.
Adjei-Brenyah doesn’t just tell a story; he opens a dialogue about the future we are hurtling towards if these issues remain unaddressed. The narrative is infused with a raw intensity that grips you from the first page to the last, making it impossible to look away from the injustices it portrays.
In the end, words can only do so much to convey the profound impact of this book. It’s a must-read that challenges and provokes, demanding reflection and discussion. So, dive into "Chain Gang All Stars," and let’s talk about the changes we need to make for a more just and humane world.
Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation by Linda Villarosa
5.0
Linda Villarosa is an amazing researcher and writer who has become a bridge between the grassroots movement for healthcare change and the marginalized population of Black people, particularly Black women. Her dedication to bringing the stories of real people and humanity into the discourse about the lack of representation and respect in the healthcare field for Black people has truly inspired me, and I’m sure it will inspire anyone else who reads her work.
I highly recommend this book to understand the structure of racism from its historical roots to its integration into the healthcare field and education. Learning the stories of others and the initiatives people are undertaking in their communities is crucial for paving the way for betterment.
Linda splits her book into 10 chapters covering topics such as the education of doctors and healthcare professionals, why “being Black” isn’t a diagnosis, the unfair and unjustified medical devices and testing practices, the lack of information for the most vulnerable people, and so much more. She delves deeply into the concept of medical racism, exploring how historical misconceptions about Black bodies continue to influence modern medical practices and contribute to health disparities.
One of the key points Villarosa makes is about the systemic neglect and abuse that Black patients face in the healthcare system. She highlights how deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes lead to significant disparities in treatment and outcomes. For instance, Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, a fact that underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
Another critical aspect Villarosa discusses is the psychological toll of racism on Black individuals. She explains how the chronic stress of living in a racially biased society can lead to severe health consequences, including higher rates of hypertension and heart disease among Black people. This connection between mental health and physical health is an essential point that underscores the pervasive impact of racism.
Please, please read this. If you remotely care about healthcare, if you’re a doctor, a nurse, a technician, or any person in the health-related field, you should read this. Villarosa's work is not just a call to action but a blueprint for how we can start to make meaningful changes in the healthcare system to ensure equity and justice for all.
Amazing work Linda, I truly feel well informed, enraged, humbled, and hungry to see what I can do to help.
I highly recommend this book to understand the structure of racism from its historical roots to its integration into the healthcare field and education. Learning the stories of others and the initiatives people are undertaking in their communities is crucial for paving the way for betterment.
Linda splits her book into 10 chapters covering topics such as the education of doctors and healthcare professionals, why “being Black” isn’t a diagnosis, the unfair and unjustified medical devices and testing practices, the lack of information for the most vulnerable people, and so much more. She delves deeply into the concept of medical racism, exploring how historical misconceptions about Black bodies continue to influence modern medical practices and contribute to health disparities.
One of the key points Villarosa makes is about the systemic neglect and abuse that Black patients face in the healthcare system. She highlights how deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes lead to significant disparities in treatment and outcomes. For instance, Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, a fact that underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
Another critical aspect Villarosa discusses is the psychological toll of racism on Black individuals. She explains how the chronic stress of living in a racially biased society can lead to severe health consequences, including higher rates of hypertension and heart disease among Black people. This connection between mental health and physical health is an essential point that underscores the pervasive impact of racism.
Please, please read this. If you remotely care about healthcare, if you’re a doctor, a nurse, a technician, or any person in the health-related field, you should read this. Villarosa's work is not just a call to action but a blueprint for how we can start to make meaningful changes in the healthcare system to ensure equity and justice for all.
Amazing work Linda, I truly feel well informed, enraged, humbled, and hungry to see what I can do to help.