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byarielshirley's reviews
81 reviews
Fault Lines by Emily Itami
slow-paced
2.25
The bones of the story line had a lot of potential but I almost called it quits about 3 times for numerous reasons; pacing inconsistencies, very shallow feeling description throughout, sudden changes in language and tone. Having just read Mating In Captivity, I had a more interactive and analytical experience and about halfway through I made the intentional choice to use it as an applied learning experience rather than just entertainment. I would be unlikely to recommend this book.
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Reading this book felt like having a conversation with a slightly older and mature friend or sister. Esther touches on great points and examples re love, lust, desire, eroticism, s3x, relationships, intimacy, parenthood in a way that is informative, educational, and digestible. This is my first learning/self development book on “erotic intelligence” and I would recommend this to individuals, male and female, who are ready to go deeper in their understanding of the topics listed above. I really enjoy her podcast too and intend on purchasing her card game in the future. Another book I will add to my purchase list for annotation, probably in a few years when I turn 30.
Speaking Easy: How to Speak to Your Audiences with Confidence and Authority by Michael Brown
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Speaking Easy offered so many useful tools, not just for presenting, but overall communication. There was a lot of new things I would never have considered and found this to be one of the more practical leadership books I’ve read in a long. Humorous, informative, to the point, and with lots of witty and educational examples. I will definitely be buying a personal copy to annotate and refer back to. Great read regardless of whether you want to improve in this area, or are simply looking for some more self development tips and tricks to add to your toolbox.
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
3.25
This was definitely a lot better than the first instalment, however, it still was too wattpad for me. The character development was a bit better and I loved the writing style of swapping the POVs between Lily and Atlas. I can see the appeal of the romantic intimacy and it was a lot better round 2, but still a very junk food for the brain kind of read. If you’re considering this duo, I wouldn’t rush into it, but it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever read.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
2.75
While I enjoyed the descriptive language and gorgeous scenes, all the characters were super moody, childish, and it was way too dramatic and immature for what I think should be considered normal. I struggled A LOT to get through this but didn’t want to stop since I loved Jane Eyre and was hoping for a similar experience. This is one I intend to read again and will likely analyse deeper. This definitely needs to be read with a family tree because it’s a bit of a naming and sexually incestuous mess.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Brilliant read. Entertaining, challenging, emotional, humorous. A few somber moments which made me consider how seriously male colleagues take me, esp as a full time worker but also as a currently pregnant mother. I’m the same breath it had some great encouragement about women, particularly mothers, taking the reigns of motherhood as well as a thriving career. The ending too was so sweet and redemptive of the heartbreak felt earlier on in the book. This was well worth the wait.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Vomit
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
To me, this is a John Grisham thriller but written for a YA audience. The book taking place in a RV over a few hours adds so much tension and striking intimacy into the characters as the night unfolds. The underlying story that pieces itself together in the final hour of the story is so gripping and full of genuine surprise.
Hanging by a Thread by Erin Deering
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder