emilyrosebooks's reviews
595 reviews

Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuade

informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

This book should be a must read for all voters. While it is anti-Trump, it is more of an explanation of how propaganda and misinformation spreads and how good and well meaning people can fall victim to it. Very informative, emotional because it is actually terrifying that this is happening now, in 2024, when we should all have learned from the last dozen dictators. 

Sweet Distraction by Lainey Davis

emotional fast-paced

4.0

This is a 4-star little romance! Grumpy-sunshine, pregnancy trope, very fast, I read it in a couple of hours in between working. 

Things that annoyed me: the word "teat" was used once, which is ick. Also, I HATE when a character has violet eyes. I just, I can't picture it, because what does that mean?? But as far as annoying things in romance novels, this is minor. 

Overdue by Mark Lawrence

fast-paced

5.0

LOVE this little tiny novella of sorts. Featuring Yute, and a series of paradoxical interactions in bookstores across time, it was a spectacular taste of the book I love so much. A fun read in anticipation of the release of the second book of the Library Trilogy next month. 

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

medium-paced

4.0

I thought this was a great thriller! Evie Porter is surprisingly lovable, morally grey, female main character. I enjoyed the twists and turns and found my jaw dropping open more than once. 

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

dark tense medium-paced

5.0

I loved this!! Mars' is such an interesting character, I loved the twists and turns!! I think this is ultimately a story about belonging, but wrapped up in an excellent little thriller!! 

Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande

emotional informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

I just love Atul Gawande's perspective. I think he writes beautifully, in a way that anyone can connect with. I think this should be on the bookshelf of every health care professional. 

Nobody Lives For Ever by John Gardner
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.

I wanted to get into it, but I just am not a James Bond person I think. 

Don't Cry for Me: A Novel by Daniel Black

emotional informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

Absolutely incredible read. Daniel Black had me so emotional almost right from the start. This is a novel that reads like truth. This is written in essentially a long form letter from dying father to estranged son. The father has grown and changed in so many ways, but shame and regret and hopelessness keep him from reaching out. This is about the experience of black men in America, about father's and son's, about what it means to "be a man", about generational trauma, and also the hope for change. My heart is broken thinking about Daniel Black who wrote this and I hope this was ultimately healing for him.

I think THIS is the book our kids should be reading in schools. I'm sure it would be banned for various reasons, but all the more powerful that makes it I think. 

We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir by Raja Shehadeh

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

This book painted a picture of the Palestine plight from the perspective of two generations of lawyers who spent their careers deep in the human rights and political fight for Palestine. It also has a deeper layer of a father-son relationship, and a relationship cut short, as happens too often. I think the title is really perfect, and I highly recommend. I read "Except for Palestine" earlier this year, and it was the political and international viewpoint, while this is from those who are fighting to free Palestine from within. Very good read. 

The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Wooo this was so fun!! Audiobook is highly recommended as it comes off as a folklore type fairy tale that is being told to you, and the voice actor that does it does a phenomenal job. For fans of the Dark Tower series, there are lots of cross overs that make you feel like you are on another level of the tower. I heard through social media that Stephen King wrote this book for his daughter who couldn't handle the very horror style books of his for bedtime, and this totally tracks. I really enjoyed this!