bookbrig's reviews
1808 reviews

The Racc Pack, Volume 1 by Stephanie Cooke

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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? No

3.0

Very silly and cute! This was a perfect gift for our oldest niece who's 7, and the silly story mixed with the fun raccoon facts was a good time for me as an adult reader too. Would probably work for kids in middle school, though maybe would read a bit young for high schoolers.
The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise by Olivia Laing

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emotional reflective slow-paced

3.75

This is full of beautiful writing, and the author reads the audiobook with a lovely cadence. It was just a little too meandering for my taste, with the historical bits a mixture of interesting and kind of dry or dull. Depending on your knowledge of plants, this may vary, since I know almost nothing about them and definitely had trouble picturing what the author was describing at different points. Not sad I tried it, but might only recommend it to readers looking for something on the quieter side.
Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer K. Morita

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a compelling and breezy mystery, perfect for a quick listen or read. I really liked the main character, the hint of romantic tension, and the delicious sounding foods! It read like a buddy cop drama, but more gentle and less enamored with police. I hope this turns into a series, because I really loved the characters.
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What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman

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informative medium-paced

3.75

I learned a lot about owls! If you're on the fence about trying this, one of the things I particularly liked was the last bit where there are a bunch of examples of people from all over the world making a difference for owl populations in ways large and small. It's a very hopeful ending.
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The Perfect Cake: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic, Modern, and Whimsical Cakes by America's Test Kitchen

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informative medium-paced

4.0

I love a Test Kitchen cookbook because of the giant photos and clear steps. I've made one or two of these, and I'm planning to make the confetti cake for new year's eve. Sometimes their baking stuff is a bit wonky at high altitude, but so far so good!
Horror for Weenies: Everything You Need to Know About the Films You're Too Scared to Watch by Emily C. Hughes

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informative fast-paced

4.5

This was the perfect book for me: a giant chicken who always wants to know how stories end but hates being scared. I really loved the chronological layout of the films and the added context at the end and beginning. It's funny, informative, and now I never have to watch any of the movies in this book that sound horrifying to me! But also my curiosity is sated! If you're the sort of weenie (like me) who reads IMDB or Wikipedia summaries of scary movies, this is absolutely the book for you because the summaries are more entertaining to read and honestly better written. I loved this and wish there could be more. Also, I'm not going to add content warnings, but just know that anything that may show up in a horror film is going to show up here - there's A LOT of dark content, though it's all described fairly academically and it wasn't too hard for me to read though your mileage may vary.
The Wiener Across the Way by Amy Award

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lighthearted 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? No

3.25

I picked this up because of the very cute cover, and it was adorable and fun! All the silly Colorado places were cute to pick out and the romantic leads were enjoyable to read. I extra loved that our leading lady is fat and has a realistically positive relationship with her body. The plot was a little formulaic (I KNOW I KNOW it's a romance, there should be a formula) and predictable, so the story wasn't the most engaging romance I've read this year, but it was quick and very enjoyable. Do recommend if you're looking for fat characters with positive depictions, if you like silly Colorado shout outs, or if you just want a straightforward and sweet romance. 
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Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes by Laci Mosley

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funny informative medium-paced

4.0

I picked this up on a friend's recommendation, and tried the audiobook because she told me she was a big fan of Mosley's podcast. The audio is excellent, and Mosley really brought the stories to life. I also enjoyed the blend of memoir and true-crime-esque anecdotes. It's a quick and fun listen!
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Third Ear: Reflections on the Art and Science of Listening by Elizabeth Rosner

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informative reflective slow-paced

3.25

I think I liked the science bits more than the memoir, but for the right reader I think this blends both very well. The audiobook is also lovely and read by the author.
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

This author's books are always interesting and have beautiful audio versions. This one really explores things that offered me some hope during this transition to a new year with many unknowns in government and social unrest. It's an informative and engrossing read, but also nice and short. Great to pick up if you'd like something hopeful!