Scan barcode
brittanykroeckel's reviews
41 reviews
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
3.0
Short simple book that brings forth a number of eye opening points about how we lose curiosity and creativeness when we are “grown ups.” Not really my cup of tea but a good read. 3.5 stars
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
5.0
I cannot believe I put reading this off for as long as I have. This was one of my required reads for my Trauma Counseling course this summer and we only had time to read a few chapters but I took this opportunity to read it cover to cover. This book, along with my course, was my first in-depth exposure to understanding trauma on a personal and professional level.
This is a staple in the learning of trauma not only within it psychosocial manifestations, but physical ailments as well. It concretely explains how trauma is a complete experience within the mind, body, and soul. There is much more than meets the eye.
I am appreciative of van der Kolk’s use of anecdotes with clients from various backgrounds and traumatic experiences to give us a well-rounded view of trauma. I am also uplifted in the fact that he not only describe trauma, how it externally and internally exerts itself, but also showing interventions and approaches in treating clients with trauma histories. Loved this book and will recommend to anyone and everyone.
This is a staple in the learning of trauma not only within it psychosocial manifestations, but physical ailments as well. It concretely explains how trauma is a complete experience within the mind, body, and soul. There is much more than meets the eye.
I am appreciative of van der Kolk’s use of anecdotes with clients from various backgrounds and traumatic experiences to give us a well-rounded view of trauma. I am also uplifted in the fact that he not only describe trauma, how it externally and internally exerts itself, but also showing interventions and approaches in treating clients with trauma histories. Loved this book and will recommend to anyone and everyone.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
2.0
2.5 more like
I wanted to really like this book and I believe it touches upon a very intriguing and important topic. However the book was hard to follow and writing was dry IMO. Some parts of the books felt like fluff and could have been left out. At a couple points I felt like just stopping and not picking up the book again but I wanted to respect these women who did significant things in our history and listen to as much of their story as the author put in this book.
I would have liked to see more of what these women did specifically and what literature and missions they contributed to (Katherine’s story was the closest to this). It felt more of like a surface level generalization of their stories and at times felt more like the history of Langley/NACA/NASA than about the women involved. Also, in the epilogue, the author chose to introduce two additional stories of women (one briefly mentioned earlier in the book) and I felt like that was a flop. I would’ve liked to see them included in the chapters of the book and not felt like a last minute addition.
It mostly came down to the writing style. I want to give it a three because it’s an amazing story, but the way it was displayed in this book made it difficult for me to immerse myself in and enjoy. I have yet to watch the movie though, so I may see how the story is portrayed in a cinematic manner.
I wanted to really like this book and I believe it touches upon a very intriguing and important topic. However the book was hard to follow and writing was dry IMO. Some parts of the books felt like fluff and could have been left out. At a couple points I felt like just stopping and not picking up the book again but I wanted to respect these women who did significant things in our history and listen to as much of their story as the author put in this book.
I would have liked to see more of what these women did specifically and what literature and missions they contributed to (Katherine’s story was the closest to this). It felt more of like a surface level generalization of their stories and at times felt more like the history of Langley/NACA/NASA than about the women involved. Also, in the epilogue, the author chose to introduce two additional stories of women (one briefly mentioned earlier in the book) and I felt like that was a flop. I would’ve liked to see them included in the chapters of the book and not felt like a last minute addition.
It mostly came down to the writing style. I want to give it a three because it’s an amazing story, but the way it was displayed in this book made it difficult for me to immerse myself in and enjoy. I have yet to watch the movie though, so I may see how the story is portrayed in a cinematic manner.
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté
5.0
Excellent, excellent, excellent. A dense book for sure, but full of valuable insight. I feel mostly the same way I feel about Bessel van der Kolk’s book as I began reading them around the same time. The use of Maté’s personal experience and anecdotes from interviews allow for the reader to gain an empathetic understanding of trauma in the mind, body, and soul. I also deeply appreciate how Maté’s structure of the book includes possible pathways we can take towards healing at individual and collective standpoints.
I also want to point out how this book goes beyond the scope of trauma within the self but also includes thought-provoking focus on culture and how that connects with trauma. Very well written and although it did take me a while to get through this, but I will definitely be revisiting this book in the future with my counseling career.
I also want to point out how this book goes beyond the scope of trauma within the self but also includes thought-provoking focus on culture and how that connects with trauma. Very well written and although it did take me a while to get through this, but I will definitely be revisiting this book in the future with my counseling career.
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I’ve unfortunately decided to not finish this book. I can see the potential this book has, but as someone who struggles to focus and keep track of the story this was all over the place and I couldn’t get past page 30. The future letters, footnotes, and overall style of the book made me uncomfortable. It’s definitely an unconventional way of writing, which I’m also looking for, but this one was personally hard for me to grasp.
I didn’t get very far, but from what I can see, I would’ve liked to see a little more character development. I can also understand that maybe it’s not important to this type of story, but it felt rushed and shallow.
However, there is a good basis for the main character. He is distraught, vulgar, and disturbed. Slurs and cursing are used in this book periodically, so if you’re sensitive to that then this book is not for you.
I wish I could’ve gotten into it and read more, but I just can’t get into the groove of it.
I didn’t get very far, but from what I can see, I would’ve liked to see a little more character development. I can also understand that maybe it’s not important to this type of story, but it felt rushed and shallow.
However, there is a good basis for the main character. He is distraught, vulgar, and disturbed. Slurs and cursing are used in this book periodically, so if you’re sensitive to that then this book is not for you.
I wish I could’ve gotten into it and read more, but I just can’t get into the groove of it.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5.0
I don’t ever read books more than once, but To Kill A Mockingbird is the exception. My first encounter with this book was back in high school I believe and I always considered it my favorite book of all time. I chose to reread this because I wanted to fall in love with it again, and I did.
I very much enjoy books with many layers, and this provides such: preconceptions, racism, single parents, class, societal norms, and American law. Despite having all these different parts, they come together so easily and beautifully. Each character brings a lesson and importance to the story as it continually unfolds.
It is a must read and an American classic that can cultivate meaningful discussions with others. Despite this book being written about two decades ago, the topics in this are more relevant now than ever.
I very much enjoy books with many layers, and this provides such: preconceptions, racism, single parents, class, societal norms, and American law. Despite having all these different parts, they come together so easily and beautifully. Each character brings a lesson and importance to the story as it continually unfolds.
It is a must read and an American classic that can cultivate meaningful discussions with others. Despite this book being written about two decades ago, the topics in this are more relevant now than ever.
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
3.0
I try not to compare this to its predecessor too much as I write this review, as I believe each book in a series should be considered individually as well as within the group.
I agree with others that writing this book from Scout’s POV was a beneficial move. She has layers and depth to her that being in her perspective was a privilege. We saw different sides of Atticus and Calpurnia that I had not expected, but we’re important because they showcased the reality of the times. Dr. Finch was a nice addition to this story and I’m glad he was more involved in this sequel.
This book didn’t really entice me much until the end. The writing felt a little dry at times and sections get out of place/ not beneficial to the plot. I would have liked to know more about what happened to Boo Radley, since we was such a focus in To Kill a Mockingbird. The love interest of Henry didn’t really seem necessary to me although it did amplify the lesson we learned with Atticus.
Overall. I liked the read, but didn’t love it. To Kill a Mockingbird will always be #1 for me.
I agree with others that writing this book from Scout’s POV was a beneficial move. She has layers and depth to her that being in her perspective was a privilege. We saw different sides of Atticus and Calpurnia that I had not expected, but we’re important because they showcased the reality of the times. Dr. Finch was a nice addition to this story and I’m glad he was more involved in this sequel.
This book didn’t really entice me much until the end. The writing felt a little dry at times and sections get out of place/ not beneficial to the plot. I would have liked to know more about what happened to Boo Radley, since we was such a focus in To Kill a Mockingbird. The love interest of Henry didn’t really seem necessary to me although it did amplify the lesson we learned with Atticus.
Overall. I liked the read, but didn’t love it. To Kill a Mockingbird will always be #1 for me.
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
4.0
There is no doubt that Frankl’s life story brings a notable perspective on meaning in life and suffering. He saw first hand the quick downfall one ensues when they have lost meaning. Especially in today’s society, finding meaning in life and *especially* suffering can be incredibly difficult, but seems more important now than it has been in the last decade or so. He is valuably insightful and pulls from both personal and professional voices to convey his message.
There are two reasons why I gave it four starts instead of five. First, sometimes his expanded vocabulary and wordiness made it hard to follow IMO. And that could likely just be on me for having a more limited word bank than he. The other thing was I felt the second section pertaining to logotherapy was kinda repetitive and dry so I had a hard time getting though it.
I feel like I say this with almost every book I read lol but this should be a required reading for high school or early college.
There are two reasons why I gave it four starts instead of five. First, sometimes his expanded vocabulary and wordiness made it hard to follow IMO. And that could likely just be on me for having a more limited word bank than he. The other thing was I felt the second section pertaining to logotherapy was kinda repetitive and dry so I had a hard time getting though it.
I feel like I say this with almost every book I read lol but this should be a required reading for high school or early college.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
3.75
Overall, wonderfully written, ending out everything with a place by the conclusion of the book. Had a nice and simple underlying theme of people moving past preconceived notions about someone. I’m glad that the family dynamic rested as each person left. It wasn’t as if people magic came back and there was a happy family again (minus Jodie’s later appearance), the author remained sturdy in the acknowledgment that there was no family there or coming back ever.
At first, the whole murder trial seemed really random to me. This clears up at the end of the book, but it first felt that it was a sharp turn into filler for content. Seemed out of place. Going off that, since she did kill Chase, how did that even come to be? She was known as a shy quiet girl but what was her thought process or what made her snap to kill someone? Maybe I’m just into that content too much and it would’ve altered the mood of the story, but it was definitely unexpected and, again, out of place.
Next, parts of Kya seemed supernaturally unlikely. The ability to write all these books with no education and learning here and there through Tate and life experience? There’s some slight probability, but I personally felt that it wasn’t likely. Love interest seemed a little shallow but I appreciate that it wasn’t the main component of the story.
All in all, I enjoyed the book.
At first, the whole murder trial seemed really random to me. This clears up at the end of the book, but it first felt that it was a sharp turn into filler for content. Seemed out of place. Going off that, since she did kill Chase, how did that even come to be? She was known as a shy quiet girl but what was her thought process or what made her snap to kill someone? Maybe I’m just into that content too much and it would’ve altered the mood of the story, but it was definitely unexpected and, again, out of place.
Next, parts of Kya seemed supernaturally unlikely. The ability to write all these books with no education and learning here and there through Tate and life experience? There’s some slight probability, but I personally felt that it wasn’t likely. Love interest seemed a little shallow but I appreciate that it wasn’t the main component of the story.
All in all, I enjoyed the book.
If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen, Gregg Olsen
4.5
In a way I’m left speechless, and that doesn’t happen often. As someone who knows what humans are capable of, good and bad, a lot of stories I hear about regarding murder and crime that shock and freak out most people does not typically phase me. But my lord, this took me by surprise. There were points when I was reading that I could not believe this was all a true story, as punishments and cruelty at the hands of Shelly Knotek were so inhumane and vulgar that I forgot this was a piece of nonfiction.
This book was written in a respectful way, and as descriptive as it could have been with all the info Olsen obtained. This book is not for the faint of heart, but a read for those who might benefit from more insight into the dark side of the human mind. My heart goes out to the three sisters, the families of those who were killed, and the individuals themselves who died a horrible death.
This book was written in a respectful way, and as descriptive as it could have been with all the info Olsen obtained. This book is not for the faint of heart, but a read for those who might benefit from more insight into the dark side of the human mind. My heart goes out to the three sisters, the families of those who were killed, and the individuals themselves who died a horrible death.