chubby_little_butter_books's reviews
137 reviews

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

One Night in a Thousand Years by Craig Cunningham

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

2.5

“Everything is just like it used to be, except the field. What was once the promise of more time, has been transformed into a reminder that time eventually runs out for all of us.” 

Colt’s senior year gets off to a rough start, broken bones and a pissed principal mean things are going to have to change. When a girl invites him to a mentorship program at the church, he is reluctant to attend. What follows is a year spent with Lucas, a free thinker who encourages the young men in his group to question everything and make up their own minds.  

This book was blurbed as being a new Dead Poets Society, which are big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, I am not sure that Craig Cunningham has quite met the mark, though I imagine the personal experiences he is basing this book on felt like DPS. It is important to say that Cunningham’s writing was lovely, I really enjoyed it when he got going. This story was at its strongest when it slowed down and took the time to exist in a scene, to show rather than tell. However, I feel like we skipped over a lot of important information and details. The large time jumps did not serve the story Cunningham was trying to tell. Given the short run time, it felt like more attention could have been given to the quieter moments of growth these boys were having off page, and how their bond strengthened over time. I felt like I didn’t really know any of the characters, which meant I wasn’t invested in their stories, with some of the background characters feeling interchangeable. Instead, it felt like we rushed between moments of meaning making, moments of ‘male bonding’ or when important speeches took place. Most of us are the sum of all the parts, and it felt like I was getting the highlight reel rather than the full story. It is a shame, as I feel Cunningham certainly has the talent to write the book he wanted to. I would not be put off reading another offering.  

As this was audio, I think it is worth mentioning that James Van Der Beek was doing an excellent job. His voice is calming and engaging, and probably bumped my review up half a star. I would seek out his narration again if given the opportunity.  

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Ace: What Asexuality Reveals about Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.

Not the right time. I am very interested in this book/topic but I can’t give it the attention I would like to at the moment.

The White Dress by Nathalie Léger

challenging emotional informative sad fast-paced

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful fast-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? N/A

The Master And Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.

Started listening and knew this wasn’t the right time. I will come back to it, but I will possibly physically read it. I don’t know if I will keep up on audio.