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claudiadcd's reviews
159 reviews
Sinful Cinderella by Anita Valle
4.0
This was really fun to read. I love my princesses and new takes on old tales. I love the amount of character in the narrative voice, the ups and downs of mood for a normal teenage girl, trying to be good, being pushed to show her anger. It's relatable, suddenly bringing new, vital reality to the old tales we love but now have a reason to love. Life is hard, goodness is near impossible, revenge is easier. And the intertwining of princess stories? I am so excited to read the next one and see how Cinderella ends up as queen!!
Gorgeous, quick read with attitude and a fun grimness added. Every new character intro turns our ideas of what they should be back on its head but also makes us realize, this makes more sense. Yes, this is how the story should have been told.
Gorgeous, quick read with attitude and a fun grimness added. Every new character intro turns our ideas of what they should be back on its head but also makes us realize, this makes more sense. Yes, this is how the story should have been told.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
4.0
While technically scifi, I'd still say this was more reflective, introspective literature, a meditation on childhood perspectives and our choices in a stagnant society, which always feels almost too real for scifi. Scifi stories usually fill us with the hope that things can change, even with dystopian cyberpunks, you are in the seat of people ready to topple the system. This is quieter, softer. I can't say much more without spoiling it. I now understand why the blurb barely tells me the world we're about to step into. It's the slow unveil that pulled me along, and the crafting of the unveiling mystery to take notes on. But it did plod a bit. If not for the beauty of the lines and my husband's insistence that I must read it the instant he finished it, like he needed a partner to share his emotions with. (Can't even say which emotions.) If you're an artist of any sort, if you fill stuck, if you like to reflect on the games we used to play as children, read this book. I'm sure it'll change a few things for you.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story by Marie Kondo
5.0
I loved the light, comic book style of her theory. Made it much easier to apply and break it down into actionable goals. And the story aspect was like her American TV show, a highlight into someone's life and how the mess is reflected there, influences life, and how the change can influence things too. Can, not promised. The story aspect makes that clear. Anecdotal evidence is not proof but it's enough to go on to do the experiment yourself. When I watched the show, I wished there was something more step by step organized that I could follow.
And of course, I did. So must I share the after effects on my own household? I still am overwhelmed by the kitchen section and I have 3 bags of clothes that have to be donated that's been in the hall for weeks now. But the initial energy of reading it got rid of 6 bags of clothes, designated sections for accessories, and 6 boxes thrown out, unpacked by the prior move. If you crave some light fun, a look I to a Japanese apartment, an organized attack plan, go for it. But I understand if the method isn't for everyone and I don't think anything new was gone over here. I just really enjoyed the format it took.
And of course, I did. So must I share the after effects on my own household? I still am overwhelmed by the kitchen section and I have 3 bags of clothes that have to be donated that's been in the hall for weeks now. But the initial energy of reading it got rid of 6 bags of clothes, designated sections for accessories, and 6 boxes thrown out, unpacked by the prior move. If you crave some light fun, a look I to a Japanese apartment, an organized attack plan, go for it. But I understand if the method isn't for everyone and I don't think anything new was gone over here. I just really enjoyed the format it took.
The Promised Neverland, Vol. 1 by Posuka Demizu, Kaiu Shirai
5.0
Loved this book, instantly hooked, quick but not so quick that it felt like you wasted time. It still has emotional beats that dives you into a great story, and intellectual puzzles for you to try to follow along with these bright kids. The anime is out now and I don't know what to do! Finish reading the series or watch the show to inspire me to read the rest? Took a break waiting for an ebook to become available and hard to jump back into the series.
A Little Book of Japanese Contentments: Ikigai, Forest Bathing, Wabi-Sabi, and More by Ryo Takemasa, Erin Niimi Longhurst
3.0
The photos and illustrations were amazing and moving. I felt transported with them alone. Other artful insights from Japan in this book: ikebana, kintsugi, the way of tea, onsens, calligraphy. Beautiful quotes, food, and artforms to explore in this book and what they add to the culture and people who partake, how we can learn to relax and stay present through practicing them.