booktalkwithkarla's reviews
1343 reviews

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir by Bill Bryson

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

2.75

Our book club picked The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid for Memoir March. In it, Bill Bryson shares his young life growing up in Des Moines, Iowa and adds historical details about the 1950s (and a bit beyond). I appreciated learning some of the historical facts and stories. And I liked reminiscing about some of the places, foods, toys, and other nostalgic things that were still around when I was a kid (I was born in 1969). I did not appreciate the immature and inappropriate stories Bryson shared. Obviously it’s Bryson’s story but it did change my reading experience. The 1950s in Iowa with its simplicity is stated as being a happy time - and those parts of this book were enjoyable. In all, I’m not a fan of the “boys will be boys” tone and don’t recommend this book. 

The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain by Fernette F. Eide, Brock L. Eide

informative inspiring slow-paced

5.0

This book offers a beautiful portrait of dyslexia - its challenges and its advantages. Several people I love have recently discovered dyslexia in their children (and thus themselves). I picked this up out of curiosity and a desire to understand. What I gained went well beyond my expectations. The authors do a fabulous job organizing, delivering, and illustrating their work on dyslexia. Their research, interviews, and experiences make this a great read - enjoyable and informative. I highly recommend this book for people with dyslexia and those that love them. I listened to the older version of the audio and purchased the revised edition. Now I want to listen to the revised edition too. So good! 

The information is very actionable for everyone. We all know people with dyslexia and this helps us to understand and better communicate. Also many of the creative, beautiful, and technological things we love are produced by people with brains that are made for just such a purpose. It is wise as a society for us to appreciate differences and not frustrate people who are brilliant within learning systems that don’t value differences. This book can be helpful toward that understanding and action. It can also be helpful for undiagnosed dyslexic adults to better understand themselves. So lots of reasons to read The Dyslexic Advantage. 

Finding Ultra, Revised and Updated Edition: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself by Rich Roll

inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.25

Finding Ultra is a memoir about the author pursuing fitness in middle age and discovering himself. 

Rich Roll is an overcomer. His intensity, curiosity, intelligence, and honesty make this an epic book. Roll writes from experience. His writing talent matches his endurance and I found this book very enjoyable. It has narrative driven and I was compelled to read, even when I should have been doing something else. 

Running books are so inspiring. This one is 3x inspiring as Roll runs, bikes, and swims - and his honesty and specificity while training and racing motivates me to push myself more. I heard about this book on the Cal Newport podcast and I’m so glad I picked it up. The memoir was definitely my favorite part. The last part about diet and other strategies was less enjoyable. Still, I recommend Finding Ultra for inspiration and encouragement. The human spirit, potential, overcoming, and more are topics Roll speaks to expertly and the writing is extraordinary. 

We Would Never by Tova Mirvis

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Hailey and Jonah are in a contentious custody battle, unable to stop the nasty texts and continuous legal filings. Hailey’s family, especially her mom, feels like Jonah is “ruining” their family. Something must be done. But who was responsible? Everyone in the family says “We would never”. 

Tova Mirvis was inspired by the true crime case of the death of Dan Markel in Florida. From there she used her imagination to create this crime novel looking into the complexities of humanity and the lengths a mother will go to “for her family”. Forgiveness, secrets, denial and judgment are also major themes of the novel. Mirvis’s interesting choice to compare to Adam’s dogs (death and birth - mother instincts and separation) added another dimension, not a part of the true story. 

I too followed the true story that is the seed of this novel, making this fascinating on two levels (noticing the similar details while at the same time immersed in Hailey’s story). The deviating details were a bit frustrating because of how Hailey was characterized as clueless. So many victims (Jonah, Maya, Jonah’s family) created by the selfish choices of these unlikeable people, in the name of “family”. Would love to see more justice in the real life case. I can see readers enjoying this book more if unfamiliar with the real case, yet still found this a compelling read. 

Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino

emotional funny 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? It's complicated

5.0

Marilyn gets sent to her great-aunt Ada for the summer after a mortifying event in front of their whole congregation. Hi jinx ensue. Ada is a matchmaker, but Marilyn doesn’t want a marriage, at least not now. She has dreams and wants freedom, not to be caged in by society and her father. 

Sara Goodman Confino writes snark well. And I loved the writing scenes. Her characters are wonderful and I will miss them. I turn the corners of pages where I cry or smile or love the words, and so many page corners are turned in this novel. 

So grateful to the friend who recommended this title to me, wish I could remember who it was so I could properly thank her. And I am paying it forward. This is a great read about connection, choices, and creativity. I loved this book! And I hope you will too. 

The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory by Thomas Fuller

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

This story about the deaf 8-man football team from Riverside, California came to my attention because it was 2024 Amazon book of the year. I love true stories and was intrigued. Even though I am not the biggest sports fan, I am a fan of real people overcoming challenges and a fan of belonging and community. 

Journalist Thomas Fuller writes about these people who are full of heart and deal with real challenges on and off the field. Not only do we get to hear about the two seasons the Cubs dominated in, but Fuller also reports to us the history and culture of deafness. And the personal stories of the coaches and players are shared in ways that do not detract from the timeline of the 2021 and 2022 seasons. 

This is an inspiring and emotional account of persistence, grit, and determination. Read it if you like football, underdog tales, or stories of achievement. The Boys of Riverside has those things and more. I look forward to my book club discussion and hearing if the others teared up and smiled like I did while reading. 

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-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? It's complicated

4.5

Here One Moment’s opening scenes are of an airplane full of people dealing with travel delays that are common and relatable, then eventually the plane takes off and everyone relaxes. Until a stranger begins walking from the front of the plane to the back, pointing at each person in turn saying the cause and age of their eventual death. The novel alternates in telling the story of Cherry, the stranger, and several of the passengers, including the aftermath of the plane ride. 

Liane Moriarty wrote this to explore death, mystery, humanity, and relationships. She did a phenomenal job of making me care and turn the pages quickly. She uses Cheetos chapters and I couldn’t get enough. I won’t soon forget Cherry or Sue or Paula, or Ethan or Eve (I could go on). 

The premise is a great place to take off from and the execution is outstanding. I felt emotional and curious and satisfied. I highly recommend this book - it gets better with each page. 

Awakening at Midlife: A Guide to Reviving Your Spirit, Recreating Your Life, and Returning to Your Truest Self by Kathleen A. Brehony

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

This book was recommended as part of a class I enrolled in a few years ago. I read half of it during the class and then set it aside for a time, always intending to finish it. I’m glad I did. There are many concepts in every chapter that are beneficial personally and professionally, the stories are appropriate and helpful in understanding the points the author makes and the midlife journey (approximately 40-55 but unique for each person). Anyone at any age wanting to live authentically could benefit from this content. 

Kathleen A. Brehony has a PhD in clinical psychology and a Jungian- oriented psychotherapist. She is an expert in her field and also personally experiences the midlife passage she writes about. The book is well researched and also highly readable. 

I have many takeaways for myself (and clients) and a better understanding of the complicated feelings people experience around loss, limits, potential, and meaning when they reach a certain age. I am so glad I read this and will keep it close at hand because it is so helpful and practical. This book is for people who haven’t “felt like themselves for a long time” and what to live with intention, fully awake mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane C. Ortlund

hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

This excellent book on the heart of Christ was recommended to me by my pastor and friend Jason. I was afraid of it for years but finally picked it up - and, of course, the timing was perfect - and answered why I was afraid. I started with the kindle version but ended reading a hardcover and listening to audio, in tandem. It worked well for me to fully appreciate and receive the beautiful words written. 

Dane Ortlund pens this magnificent work. He outlines his objective and plan in the introduction and exceeds both with clarity and beauty. Ortlund considers both the Old and the New Testament as he looks at the heart of Christ from different angles. It’s impossible to choose favorite chapters or segments because each is phenomenal and hits profoundly. Don’t miss a word. And keep on hand so you can (like I will) pick it up for encouraging words. I believe I will read the Bible (“…one long attempt to deconstruct our natural vision of who God actually is”) differently now. And for sure my relationship with Jesus is changed as I get to know his heart. 

Reading this book allowed me to experience the heart of Christ in new ways. A deeper knowing is possible and Ortlund, using scripture and Puritan writers’ insights (just one of them write 6,000+ pages), plus the Spirit, as only the Spirit can, helped me to experience Christ’s deep love for me. This book invites the reader to marry what we know about Christ with who we feel Christ is - entirely based on what the Bible says. I highly recommend this book for Christians and regret waiting so long to pick it up. 

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy

emotional hopeful reflective 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? No

5.0

Sipsworth is precious and a very satisfying read. I had heard good things about it from several sources and they were spot on. Helen is in her eighties and lonely. Until her curiosity and memories lead her to an abandoned fish tank at her neighbor’s trash. Day by day her life changes. 

Simon Van Booy writes an endearing tale of loneliness, loss, grief, companionship, community, and love. I loved the chapters and sections organized by day of the week. Very clever details throughout the book. 

What I loved most were the connections Helen makes and the way we discover her story and past through her memories and desire to help. This is a delightful story and quick read.