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burnedoutbookdragon's reviews
399 reviews
Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth by Ingrid Robeyns
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Everyone should be reading this...
When I learned that the author holds master's degrees in economics and philosophy and that she tackled this book with insight from this background, I was more than intrigued. The book tackles the questions, "How much wealth is too much wealth?" and "Is extreme wealth immoral?"
I found the insights and arguments by Dr. Robeyns compelling and her citations informative. She argues that being rich isn't bad or unethical, but extreme wealth is. She also tackles the question, "At what point is it too much wealth?" Although I do not agree with everything Dr. Robeyns provides in the book, I do find myself rethinking certain mindsets and wanting to learn more.
What I like is Dr. Robeyns explicitly states she's not against capitalism or people becoming rich. She shows examples of those who are wealthy and are doing good in the world and those who aren't. She's trying to show an example of capitalism that can still be socially and economically responsible. Where it does not do more harm than good. This isn't a bash on "all rich people are evil" but helping cultivate a different, healthier mindset on wealth accumulation and community responsibility.
Highly recommend.
READING JOURNAL NOTES
Method: Hardback
Why I Read It: This book was picked by the members of my Social Justice League Book Club for our "Economic Justice" theme for Jan/Feb '25.
When I learned that the author holds master's degrees in economics and philosophy and that she tackled this book with insight from this background, I was more than intrigued. The book tackles the questions, "How much wealth is too much wealth?" and "Is extreme wealth immoral?"
I found the insights and arguments by Dr. Robeyns compelling and her citations informative. She argues that being rich isn't bad or unethical, but extreme wealth is. She also tackles the question, "At what point is it too much wealth?" Although I do not agree with everything Dr. Robeyns provides in the book, I do find myself rethinking certain mindsets and wanting to learn more.
What I like is Dr. Robeyns explicitly states she's not against capitalism or people becoming rich. She shows examples of those who are wealthy and are doing good in the world and those who aren't. She's trying to show an example of capitalism that can still be socially and economically responsible. Where it does not do more harm than good. This isn't a bash on "all rich people are evil" but helping cultivate a different, healthier mindset on wealth accumulation and community responsibility.
Highly recommend.
READING JOURNAL NOTES
Method: Hardback
Why I Read It: This book was picked by the members of my Social Justice League Book Club for our "Economic Justice" theme for Jan/Feb '25.
Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges by Gary Bengier
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Rating: 3.5⭐
Diversity: Yes
This book was a tough read given the current state of the world and the U.S. The story of Journey to 2125 spans three generations and challenges readers to contemplate the intersectionality between family values, climate change, technology, and how decisions around these shape our world and affect future generations.
I loved that the book was broken up into different perspectives and different timelines. It often felt like the story dragged because we were given a lot of information about technology and the climate it felt like reading a textbook rather than it being organic through dialogue. Correction, the information was given through dialogue but it felt like a lecture.
I found it informative and thought-provoking. This book is for the reader who loves learning through the science fiction genre and likes reflective storylines. This is not for the mood reader who's looking for a fun and fast-paced read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chiliagon Press LLC for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Diversity: Yes
This book was a tough read given the current state of the world and the U.S. The story of Journey to 2125 spans three generations and challenges readers to contemplate the intersectionality between family values, climate change, technology, and how decisions around these shape our world and affect future generations.
I loved that the book was broken up into different perspectives and different timelines. It often felt like the story dragged because we were given a lot of information about technology and the climate it felt like reading a textbook rather than it being organic through dialogue. Correction, the information was given through dialogue but it felt like a lecture.
I found it informative and thought-provoking. This book is for the reader who loves learning through the science fiction genre and likes reflective storylines. This is not for the mood reader who's looking for a fun and fast-paced read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chiliagon Press LLC for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
They All Fall the Same by Wes Browne
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Rating: 3⭐
Narration: 5⭐
A crime thriller that follows Burl Spoon, who's a Kentucky cannabis crime boss who believes money and power are everything. He struggles to keep his family together. Burl's hubris crumbles his family and threatens the safety of his granddaughter.
I had higher expectations for this book. I felt the story dragged on mainly because there was very little character growth for Burl, until the end. Everything put into the storyline was thoughtful and necessary. I think I felt like it dragged because everything seemed predictable to me. I didn't hate it but didn't love it. It was an okay read, no regrets.
The narration was great. I felt I was straight in Appalachia and poured into the story. All the characters were distinctly their own. I don't know if I would've finished the book if it was a digital or a physical book because the narration really brought it to life for me.
This book is perfect for those who love noir crime thrillers, and stories about family, power, and redemption.
Narration: 5⭐
A crime thriller that follows Burl Spoon, who's a Kentucky cannabis crime boss who believes money and power are everything. He struggles to keep his family together. Burl's hubris crumbles his family and threatens the safety of his granddaughter.
I had higher expectations for this book. I felt the story dragged on mainly because there was very little character growth for Burl, until the end. Everything put into the storyline was thoughtful and necessary. I think I felt like it dragged because everything seemed predictable to me. I didn't hate it but didn't love it. It was an okay read, no regrets.
The narration was great. I felt I was straight in Appalachia and poured into the story. All the characters were distinctly their own. I don't know if I would've finished the book if it was a digital or a physical book because the narration really brought it to life for me.
This book is perfect for those who love noir crime thrillers, and stories about family, power, and redemption.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Cursing, Death, Violence, and Murder
Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses by Codie Sanchez
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Codie Sanchez shares a different pathway to entrepreneurship and financial freedom that many of us don't think about: buying small mom-and-pop businesses rather than building a business from the ground up.
I read the book description and was intrigued. I love how systematically the book is set up, walking you through her shared experience, knowledge, and process. Sanchez shares her personality in the writing, which I love. It makes the book less "textbook" and more relatable. She gives actionable advice on where to find businesses to buy, how to buy (with or without money down), and advice on figuring out what types of businesses would be best for you. The second half of the book is higher-level advice (when you're acquiring several businesses or picking a higher-level business to buy) but the advice is still important for someone just starting out.
I really enjoyed it and it got me rethinking avenues to entrepreneurship rather than building something from the ground up.
This book perfect for anyone who's looking for creative ways to build wealth, financial freedom, or a different look at entrepreneurship.
I read the book description and was intrigued. I love how systematically the book is set up, walking you through her shared experience, knowledge, and process. Sanchez shares her personality in the writing, which I love. It makes the book less "textbook" and more relatable. She gives actionable advice on where to find businesses to buy, how to buy (with or without money down), and advice on figuring out what types of businesses would be best for you. The second half of the book is higher-level advice (when you're acquiring several businesses or picking a higher-level business to buy) but the advice is still important for someone just starting out.
I really enjoyed it and it got me rethinking avenues to entrepreneurship rather than building something from the ground up.
This book perfect for anyone who's looking for creative ways to build wealth, financial freedom, or a different look at entrepreneurship.
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain
adventurous
funny
informative
fast-paced
3.5
This book is a posthumous collection of communication between Bourdain and his assistant, Laurie Woolever. It's filled with Bourdain's trademark humor, wit, and candor. It's both a travel guide and personal reflection on his favorite destinations and culinary experiences.
I bought this book a while back. I enjoyed it and love Bourdain's humor. I found it interesting and it had me add some items to my travel bucket list. I don't know if this needed to be published though. I feel like you get more of Anthony Bourdain when you watch his show, No Reservations. I found the travel tips helpful but unnecessary when we have Google and search engines. I say this because the book was published in 2021 and much of the information could be obsolete or irrelevant.
This would be the perfect book for someone who's never traveled or traveled internationally because the insights and tips help train you on what to look for. This a perfect coffee table book. Something to pick up, pick a random page and enjoy.
I bought this book a while back. I enjoyed it and love Bourdain's humor. I found it interesting and it had me add some items to my travel bucket list. I don't know if this needed to be published though. I feel like you get more of Anthony Bourdain when you watch his show, No Reservations. I found the travel tips helpful but unnecessary when we have Google and search engines. I say this because the book was published in 2021 and much of the information could be obsolete or irrelevant.
This would be the perfect book for someone who's never traveled or traveled internationally because the insights and tips help train you on what to look for. This a perfect coffee table book. Something to pick up, pick a random page and enjoy.
She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
More please!
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5⭐
Diversity: African
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I could not get enough. I'm sad it was a novella. I wanted more of Najeeba's story. The self-empowerment. The struggle of balancing identity, personal fulfillment, and familial obligations are all relatable themes. The loss of relationships when you step into your own worth and power. Najeeba is quiet but strong. Ooof, more please! I'm ready for the next one in this series and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
RECOMMENDATION:
I can't see any sci-fi/fantasy lover not enjoying this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5⭐
Diversity: African
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I could not get enough. I'm sad it was a novella. I wanted more of Najeeba's story. The self-empowerment. The struggle of balancing identity, personal fulfillment, and familial obligations are all relatable themes. The loss of relationships when you step into your own worth and power. Najeeba is quiet but strong. Ooof, more please! I'm ready for the next one in this series and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
RECOMMENDATION:
I can't see any sci-fi/fantasy lover not enjoying this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Dad Camp: A Novel by Evan S. Porter
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Genre: Domestic Fiction
Rating: 4⭐
Diversity: no
SUMMARY:
This debut novel by Porter is heartwarming and humorous about a father desperately trying to reconnect with his pre-teen daughter before she enters middle school. John decides to book a remote father-daughter summer camp for a week in hopes of rekindling their strong bond.
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I loved that we got to see different perspectives and struggles of dads. I find we often get a one-note version of how dads are perceived. In this book, we get to see the different types of dads (stay-at-home, unavailable because he's always working, hyper-masculine ideals, etc.) and see why they are the way they are (or feel they need to be) and see these men be able to get vulnerable and challenge stereotyping.
RECOMMENDATION:
This book is for anyone who's looking for a sweet and funny story about girl dads.
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4⭐
Diversity: no
SUMMARY:
This debut novel by Porter is heartwarming and humorous about a father desperately trying to reconnect with his pre-teen daughter before she enters middle school. John decides to book a remote father-daughter summer camp for a week in hopes of rekindling their strong bond.
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I loved that we got to see different perspectives and struggles of dads. I find we often get a one-note version of how dads are perceived. In this book, we get to see the different types of dads (stay-at-home, unavailable because he's always working, hyper-masculine ideals, etc.) and see why they are the way they are (or feel they need to be) and see these men be able to get vulnerable and challenge stereotyping.
RECOMMENDATION:
This book is for anyone who's looking for a sweet and funny story about girl dads.
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Gotta love K-dramas
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5⭐
Diversity: East Asian/Korean
SUMMARY:
She's a nine-tailed fox who daydreams of the good ole days of seducing men and heating their hearts. Now she's stuck working a coffee shop and she hates coffee. He's a fallen trickster god (think Korean Loki) sullen and moody because he lost his powers after attempting his brother's thrown. These two are thrown together trying outsmart each other while capturing a revengeful demon. What could possibly go wrong?
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
This book read like a funny rom-com K-drama and I'm surprised I ate it up. The witty banter and playfulness. The gods and goddesses of this storyline are reminiscent of the chaebol families of South Korea (think "China Rich" rich families). Even the paparazzi headlines were comical. I felt the pacing and story build-up were just perfect. The comedy balanced the darker themes in the book.
RECOMMENDATION:
If you love K-dramas, rom-coms, enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy or Thor (the beautiful blend of humor and dark stories), or looking for a fun escape, this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5⭐
Diversity: East Asian/Korean
SUMMARY:
She's a nine-tailed fox who daydreams of the good ole days of seducing men and heating their hearts. Now she's stuck working a coffee shop and she hates coffee. He's a fallen trickster god (think Korean Loki) sullen and moody because he lost his powers after attempting his brother's thrown. These two are thrown together trying outsmart each other while capturing a revengeful demon. What could possibly go wrong?
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
This book read like a funny rom-com K-drama and I'm surprised I ate it up. The witty banter and playfulness. The gods and goddesses of this storyline are reminiscent of the chaebol families of South Korea (think "China Rich" rich families). Even the paparazzi headlines were comical. I felt the pacing and story build-up were just perfect. The comedy balanced the darker themes in the book.
RECOMMENDATION:
If you love K-dramas, rom-coms, enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy or Thor (the beautiful blend of humor and dark stories), or looking for a fun escape, this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
That's how you do a mythological retelling!
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Rating: 5⭐
Diversity: South Asian/Indian
SUMMARY:
Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel is a reimagining of the story of Ganga, the river goddess, who is cursed to live as a human. After being forced to marry King Shantanu, Ganga bears him a son, Devavrata, but is compelled to leave him behind just as her curse lifts. Devavrata, unaware of his mother's curse, swears never to claim his father’s throne, a decision that sets in motion events leading to war. Patel’s novel weaves themes of duty, destiny, and the complex bond between mother and son in a tale exploring Ganga's struggle for freedom and Devavrata's tragic legacy.
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I loved this book! We start with Ganga in her purest form as a river goddess called down to Earth. There is incredible character growth in Ganga. She distrusts and judges the humans because she does not understand them, even when she is forced to live among them as one. It's not until she has her son that we see her learn more about humanity. This book was a masterclass in philosophy. There were so many themes to explore and ponder, like what does it mean to be honorable and keep your word if doing so harms others? Does freedom mean you get to do whatever you want?
The only thing I didn't like was it was a slow read but that wasn't a deal breaker. There was so much to take in. This book is something I will revisit because I know I'll learn something new each read.
RECOMMENDATION:
This book is perfect for those who love mythology retellings like Circe and the philosophical context found in Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Rating: 5⭐
Diversity: South Asian/Indian
SUMMARY:
Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel is a reimagining of the story of Ganga, the river goddess, who is cursed to live as a human. After being forced to marry King Shantanu, Ganga bears him a son, Devavrata, but is compelled to leave him behind just as her curse lifts. Devavrata, unaware of his mother's curse, swears never to claim his father’s throne, a decision that sets in motion events leading to war. Patel’s novel weaves themes of duty, destiny, and the complex bond between mother and son in a tale exploring Ganga's struggle for freedom and Devavrata's tragic legacy.
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I loved this book! We start with Ganga in her purest form as a river goddess called down to Earth. There is incredible character growth in Ganga. She distrusts and judges the humans because she does not understand them, even when she is forced to live among them as one. It's not until she has her son that we see her learn more about humanity. This book was a masterclass in philosophy. There were so many themes to explore and ponder, like what does it mean to be honorable and keep your word if doing so harms others? Does freedom mean you get to do whatever you want?
The only thing I didn't like was it was a slow read but that wasn't a deal breaker. There was so much to take in. This book is something I will revisit because I know I'll learn something new each read.
RECOMMENDATION:
This book is perfect for those who love mythology retellings like Circe and the philosophical context found in Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Nowhere Like Home by Sara Shepard
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
Could not get into the characters and I was not invested enough to find out what happens.