booksny's reviews
202 reviews

Around the World in 80 Plants by Jonathan Drori

informative medium-paced

5.0

Gorgeous illustrations, some really interesting pieces of information 

How to: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems by Randall Munroe

funny informative medium-paced

4.0

Liked it better than what if

What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe

informative lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

Fun read, but nothing really ended up sticking in my mind (except for one bit about height and sunsets, and another about spiders)

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson

adventurous funny fast-paced

4.0

Very entertaining read (made me laugh out loud a few times) with some interesting tidbits of info

Please Pass the Guilt by Rex Stout

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Easy read, some nice descriptions of food, unsatisfying resolution, people behaving unrealistically and/or obnoxiously 

The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford

informative slow-paced

1.0

A lot of his thoughts unfortunately just did not resonate - would've liked more evidencing to back up his theories 

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling

hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

Initially felt the tone to be a tad patronising, but once I got used to it, really enjoyed the read. Some good reminders in it, particularly about the straight line instinct

Small Gods by Terry Pratchett

adventurous hopeful reflective 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

5.0

Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.0

I liked the premise, but haven't quite warmed up to the main character, who feels somewhat like a Gary stu (not special but everyone thinks he is) and out of touch with everything happening around him