chubby_little_butter_books's reviews
134 reviews

Mister Magic by Kiersten White

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Just Friends: On the Joy, Power and Influence of Friendship by Gyan Yankovich

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Beach Read by Emily Henry

challenging emotional funny hopeful fast-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? Yes

4.75

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced

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

5.0

I continue to love these books. Honestly, at this point, if you don’t love them why are your reading reviews for book 4. 

I continue to adore the central four characters and the every expanding group of secondaries. The friendships are so inspiring and reassuring, it is nice to see a depiction of life not ending at 40. 

The sad bit were sad, but I appreciate Richard Osman for playing out real struggles of aging people sincerely. 

I will also fight Richard Osman if he ever does anything bad to Bogdan, that man is the best. 

That’s it, that’s the review.

Fall by L.R. Friedman

adventurous emotional funny sad medium-paced

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

4.0

12 Rules for Strife by Jeff Sparrow, Sam Wallman

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

This book is very accessible and gives a very clear overview of how to approach revolution. There are aspects of the 12 rules I find difficult within myself…but this may be that I have not yet done the work to see how the future can be laid out according to these rules. Overall, a book which encourages solidarity among the masses and advocates for their freedom and liberation through collective action and a kindness defined by clear boundaries. 

Slow Noodles: A Cambodian Memoir of Love, Loss, and Family Recipes by Chantha Nguon

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

 “The murderers among us would have us believe that history is slippery and unknowable. Insisting otherwise is an act of defiance.” 

Slow Noodles tracks the story of its author, Chantha Nguon, from her childhood in Cambodia, to the streets of Saigon, the refugee camps of Thailand and back again. All these places are visited by sharing the food that was cooked, shared, stolen or smuggled in and out of Chantha’s life.  

This book is so powerful. What a gentle, loving and welcoming way to share culture and story. Gathering people to eat is universal and with Nguon offering both the recipes and stories of her food, I cannot imagine a better way to invite the world to learn. I must say I was quite ignorant of the story of Cambodia, knowing only that the country had been under the rule of Pol Pot and this had been devastating for the people of Cambodia. To be offered the opportunity to learn more has been a gift, and the perspective offered is wholly unique. I hope to take Chantha’s demonstration of strength, ingenuity, and kindness with me long into the future.  

I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by the author's daughter, which offers another layer. I would wholeheartedly recommend the audio experience.

I would like to recommend that this is a book to tackle when you’re up for it, as there are some sections which are difficult. It is a very worthwhile and beautiful read but, as with many stories of survival among the worst circumstances, at times difficult.  

Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth by Ingrid Robeyns

challenging funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Limitarianism tackles the problem of a growing divide between the super-rich and everyone else. Discussing the intersections of extreme wealth, power and influence, Robeyns offers a plan for how the global North (in particular) might move forward.  

This is a hard book to review dispassionately as I wholeheartedly agree with the author. Limitarianism offers an approach to bettering the lives of all people by balancing socialist and capitalist ideals. Robeyns argues thoughtfully and attempts to head off any arguments against her solutions before they come to pass. I found the suggestions reasonable, actionable by a brave enough government, acting in the stead of its constituents, and easy to understand. As I said though, I already exist on the left of the political spectrum, support social security measures, and strongly believe there is no way to become super-rich without exploiting people in some regard. As such, my feelings about this book are likely influenced by my views. I don’t believe the book is likely to change any truly conservative minds, unfortunately. However, if you already believe some or all of what Robeyns is advocating, you are likely to find this book a thoughtful blueprint for how to behave more financially ethically yourself and advocate for change at a governmental level.  

As I listened to the audiobook it is worth mentioning that I found this well read by Rachel Bavidge, who was able to communicate the sometimes dense information of this book very digestibly. 

I Hear You're Rich: Stories by Diane Williams

2.5