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iseefeelings's reviews
335 reviews
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
3.0
Kate Beaton’s graphic memoir gives valuable insights into what it’s like to be working in the oil sands, especially if you’re a woman or in the minority. Her experience is deeply personal. It was retold with an honest and compassionate narrative. The sexual assaults and misogyny shouldn't be surprising but it broke my heart to see how those things affected her and the women around her. I also appreciate the artist’s way with words and how she shows compassion to others despite the grief it goes in hand with.
In Beaton’s drawing style, the characters don't express much emotion which pulls back the story in my opinion. Some scenes were cut short without a break or a visual hint and it could’ve been executed in a more subtle way. Overall, still a shattering and intimate book that is worth reading.
In Beaton’s drawing style, the characters don't express much emotion which pulls back the story in my opinion. Some scenes were cut short without a break or a visual hint and it could’ve been executed in a more subtle way. Overall, still a shattering and intimate book that is worth reading.
Moominpappa's Memoirs by Tove Jansson, Thomas Warburton
2.0
The black and white linework in this book is truly stunning. However, the storyline is quite daunting to me. As a fan of Tove Jansson's work, I had high expectations for this book, but it turned out to be not my favorite at all.
100 Poems to Break Your Heart by Edward Hirsch
4.0
The poems in the book were intense and heartbreaking in many ways. However, I was relieved to find that the book was not an emotional commentary on them but rather a useful resource for poetry enthusiasts. Edward Hirsch's writing skills are simply excellent. His book provides a wide range of definitions and techniques that are immensely valuable for those who love poetry but never had the chance to learn its fundamentals.
The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum by Temple Grandin
3.0
I must admit that while I dislike some of the terminology used in the book, such as "high functioning/low functioning autistics" and "Asperger's," which are outdated, I still believe that the book is a good introduction to understanding how the autistic brain works. The author presents rational arguments and incorporates cutting-edge research on neuroimaging and genetics to support her claims. I appreciate that she advocates focusing on the symptoms instead of diagnosis and labels.
By going back to the root of how our brains wire, not only does she give us an insight into the frontier of this field but her observation is also applied to how we can look at other mental health issues. When she mentioned the disconnection between thinking and acting selves, I could see it in neurotypical people, but it appears to widen in autistic individuals with debilitating issues, which is disheartening. I also found the author's discussion of sensory problems and how to categorize them to be very informative. Temple Grandin stated, "label-locked thinkers want answers", which is true in all cases. A handicapped mentality can do a lot of damage since it leads us to revolve around what we can't do instead of what we can and in a larger picture, it affects both treatment and research.
Overall, I think the book offers a great introduction to autism and neurodiversity. However, as someone with an autistic loved one, I feel that the book still lacks depth and relatability. In addition to recognizing their strengths, autistic individuals need support to navigate life in a more sympathetic way towards themselves. Not all of them can have successful careers, but all of them do want to have a contented life.
By going back to the root of how our brains wire, not only does she give us an insight into the frontier of this field but her observation is also applied to how we can look at other mental health issues. When she mentioned the disconnection between thinking and acting selves, I could see it in neurotypical people, but it appears to widen in autistic individuals with debilitating issues, which is disheartening. I also found the author's discussion of sensory problems and how to categorize them to be very informative. Temple Grandin stated, "label-locked thinkers want answers", which is true in all cases. A handicapped mentality can do a lot of damage since it leads us to revolve around what we can't do instead of what we can and in a larger picture, it affects both treatment and research.
Overall, I think the book offers a great introduction to autism and neurodiversity. However, as someone with an autistic loved one, I feel that the book still lacks depth and relatability. In addition to recognizing their strengths, autistic individuals need support to navigate life in a more sympathetic way towards themselves. Not all of them can have successful careers, but all of them do want to have a contented life.
The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green
4.0
Could you rate something in your life on a five-star scale?
I recently listened to the audiobook of John Green's latest work, and I must say that hearing the author narrate his own book is always a treat. His gift for storytelling is evident in this book, where each personal essay is packed with history or scientific information and interwoven with memories that have shaped Green's life. I have been a fan of the Green brothers' YouTube videos since the early days and can feel the genuine enthusiasm in sharing his knowledge.
There are so many things to like about the book: the short chapters that are easy to digest, the heartfelt personal stories, and the hopeful tone that he maintained throughout. It is like a collection of moments that goes beyond a simple rating and invites you to ponder on different topics in the world we live in.
In my opinion, this is Green's best book yet, and I would love to see more nonfiction work from him!
I recently listened to the audiobook of John Green's latest work, and I must say that hearing the author narrate his own book is always a treat. His gift for storytelling is evident in this book, where each personal essay is packed with history or scientific information and interwoven with memories that have shaped Green's life. I have been a fan of the Green brothers' YouTube videos since the early days and can feel the genuine enthusiasm in sharing his knowledge.
There are so many things to like about the book: the short chapters that are easy to digest, the heartfelt personal stories, and the hopeful tone that he maintained throughout. It is like a collection of moments that goes beyond a simple rating and invites you to ponder on different topics in the world we live in.
In my opinion, this is Green's best book yet, and I would love to see more nonfiction work from him!
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
4.0
‘Yellowface’ doesn’t present a black and white perspective. June Hayward - our main narrator - may be seen as a literary thief who stole her friend’s work, but I appreciate how the author delves into the complexity by giving us insight into her thoughts. Despite having dreams and hopes, she overlooks the boundaries that shouldn't be crossed to become not only a prominent figure in literature but also a decent human being.
The book boldly exposes the publishing industry, offering readers a glimpse into the process of book publishing and its darker aspects. ‘Yellowface’ unfolds like a scandal, with intense debates and deceit, although it does spend too many pages on gossip and Twitter wars.
Kuang’s writing captivates with its fast pace and satirical tone, making it hard to stop listening to this audiobook.
The book boldly exposes the publishing industry, offering readers a glimpse into the process of book publishing and its darker aspects. ‘Yellowface’ unfolds like a scandal, with intense debates and deceit, although it does spend too many pages on gossip and Twitter wars.
Kuang’s writing captivates with its fast pace and satirical tone, making it hard to stop listening to this audiobook.
Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World by Pádraig Ó Tuama
3.0
While these fifty poems may not deeply move me with their layers of complexity, they still offer a nice read and help in understanding the potential of poetry. The author skillfully expands the interpretation with expertise and sensitivity, making it a joy to read.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
4.0
I almost broke down in tears on the bus a few times while listening to this audiobook. A book about loss and grief, ultimately intimate and moving. An emotional journey when there is no shortcut for anyone to go through it. The relationship that Michelle Zauner has with her mom is deeply relatable to mine -– constantly at odds yet hauntingly inseparable -– the conflicting emotions that made it so hard for me to swallow, but somehow I found it cathartic to see it mirroed in another life.