heathen's reviews
46 reviews

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

The Battle for Paradise: Puerto Rico Takes on the Disaster Capitalists by Naomi Klein

hopeful informative sad tense fast-paced

5.0

This was a quick read/listen about disaster capitalism and community care in Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Klein's writing is straightforward and incisive. I appreciated this book for highlighting how Puerto Ricans came together to help save themselves when government abandoned and failed them (and continues to abandon and fail them). Puerto Rico deserves more than to be sold for parts to the highest bidders. 

Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls by Mary Downing Hahn

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Pageboy by Elliot Page

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

As far as celebrity memoirs go, this one is exceptionally well written. Page is eloquent and evocative in recounting his life. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of him reading it. It reinforced for me the importance of queer spaces for youth and supporting trans folks. Essential reading for LGBTQ+ folks and allies. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Self harm, Eating disorder, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, and Transphobia

The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard

informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

This was a pretty breezy novel based on true events. It was wonderful to read about an often forgotten part of the US and their contributions towards the war effort. The pacing moved things along well and the author did her homework on the history of Oak Ridge. 

Forever . . . by Judy Blume

hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

Judy Blume is a national treasure. I know misguided folks are trying to ban books like this, but this book is age appropriate for teen readers and deals with situations and topics pertinent to their experiences. 

The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

A good guide for living with the only thing you can control, which is yourself! This dovetails nicely with some of the Buddhist/meditative practices I've been getting into. Simply written and accessible but lots of good info here. 

Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin by Tracy Martin, Sybrina Fulton

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.5

Hard to listen to but necessary information. My heart breaks for Treyvon's parents and loved ones. I feel enraged by the injustice of our criminal punishment system. I have hope for a better future for us all. 

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

informative reflective sad medium-paced

3.0

I honestly want to give this five stars just because of what this woman has endured! I'd hoped this memoir would be a little dishier but I understand why she may not want to spill everything.  A quick read and a damning indictment of how easily it is in US society to label a woman crazy take away her agency. I'm glad you're free, Britney! Be you, be messy, live your life! 

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

informative reflective medium-paced

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

3.75