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jedore's reviews
503 reviews
The Good Left Undone by Adriana Trigiani
I call books like this "Hallmark" books. (Probably similar to what other people call "Beach Reads.") It was not bad, not great. Not unique. Not memorable.
Character development was good, but I didn't fully bond with any of them. They just felt a bit flat to me.
The story was a typical WWII one. (I'm not going to say any more because I don't like giving spoilers.)
I did appreciate learning about the real life story of the SS Arandora Star. This was a new one for me....horribly TRAGIC.
Although my review is lukewarm, it wasn't a chore to read this book so it went quickly. If you just like an interesting character-driven story, don't rule it out. At this point in my life, I'm a bit more book snobby because I'm really looking for books that shake me up in some way.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"Who waits around for a compliment? Ask for it. Then take it. And when you do, you realize you knew the truth all along and you didn't need anybody else's opinion in the first place. No one has to tell you that you did a great job."
I call books like this "Hallmark" books. (Probably similar to what other people call "Beach Reads.") It was not bad, not great. Not unique. Not memorable.
Character development was good, but I didn't fully bond with any of them. They just felt a bit flat to me.
The story was a typical WWII one. (I'm not going to say any more because I don't like giving spoilers.)
I did appreciate learning about the real life story of the SS Arandora Star. This was a new one for me....horribly TRAGIC.
Although my review is lukewarm, it wasn't a chore to read this book so it went quickly. If you just like an interesting character-driven story, don't rule it out. At this point in my life, I'm a bit more book snobby because I'm really looking for books that shake me up in some way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, Grief, Religious bigotry, War
Moderate: Bullying, Antisemitism
Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black
I was pulled into this story from the Author’s note at the very beginning. Like the author, my father passed without ever admitting, let alone apologizing, for his major emotional shortcomings. Writing this book was a way for Daniel Black to heal the gaping wounds this leaves behind.
I don’t like to compare the pain of two different people. Pain is pain and no one deserves to have their pain diminished. But, I have to say what Isaac, the gay son who is the recipient of his father’s deathbed letters, went through is FAR worse than what I went through.
On top of a typical dysfunctional family, he has the added horrors of the impact of slavery and being black in the U.S., being gay in a subculture that considers it an abhorrence, and the lack of love, tenderness and communication when it was needed most. I honestly don’t know if I would be able to climb out of a hole that deep.
Reading the imagined letters that the reformed father wrote to Isaac was definitely a soothing salve. Many of the things he conveyed explained some of the characteristics and behaviors of my own father (and other men I know and love), so it was helpful for me personally as well.
That being said, I still find it difficult to excuse my middle class white father for his emotional neglect. A black man of the same generation is a whole other story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with daddy issues stemming from a hyper-stern and inexpressive father born in the early to mid-1900s, as well as anyone walking the path toward anti-racism. It’s a very quick, deeply emotional, and insightful read.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“Knowledge is a funny thing, Isaac. It informs by exposing. It shows you precisely how much you don’t know.”
I was pulled into this story from the Author’s note at the very beginning. Like the author, my father passed without ever admitting, let alone apologizing, for his major emotional shortcomings. Writing this book was a way for Daniel Black to heal the gaping wounds this leaves behind.
I don’t like to compare the pain of two different people. Pain is pain and no one deserves to have their pain diminished. But, I have to say what Isaac, the gay son who is the recipient of his father’s deathbed letters, went through is FAR worse than what I went through.
On top of a typical dysfunctional family, he has the added horrors of the impact of slavery and being black in the U.S., being gay in a subculture that considers it an abhorrence, and the lack of love, tenderness and communication when it was needed most. I honestly don’t know if I would be able to climb out of a hole that deep.
Reading the imagined letters that the reformed father wrote to Isaac was definitely a soothing salve. Many of the things he conveyed explained some of the characteristics and behaviors of my own father (and other men I know and love), so it was helpful for me personally as well.
That being said, I still find it difficult to excuse my middle class white father for his emotional neglect. A black man of the same generation is a whole other story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with daddy issues stemming from a hyper-stern and inexpressive father born in the early to mid-1900s, as well as anyone walking the path toward anti-racism. It’s a very quick, deeply emotional, and insightful read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Bullying, Domestic abuse
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford
Well, this was a wonderful multi-generational ride and an excellent introduction to the concept of epigenetics. It’s a combo of historical and futuristic fiction, as well as magical realism.
It took a bit longer to get totally pulled in to the story because of the multiple characters, but it’s well worth the extra effort.
Spanning from the early 1800s to the late 2000s, the stories of the women of the Moy family are heartbreaking. The concept of trauma being passed down to future generations becomes completely believable when you read about multiple generations simultaneously. I have no doubt that most of the immigrants and all African-Americans are impacted by this awful phenomenon.
Highly recommend this one for those seeking pleasure and evolution!
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Karma is more like a suitcase. You have to be unafraid to open it up and look at what's inside, to unpack the things you do not need. Karma is the climate of the past which shapes how much leeway we have in the future.
Well, this was a wonderful multi-generational ride and an excellent introduction to the concept of epigenetics. It’s a combo of historical and futuristic fiction, as well as magical realism.
It took a bit longer to get totally pulled in to the story because of the multiple characters, but it’s well worth the extra effort.
Spanning from the early 1800s to the late 2000s, the stories of the women of the Moy family are heartbreaking. The concept of trauma being passed down to future generations becomes completely believable when you read about multiple generations simultaneously. I have no doubt that most of the immigrants and all African-Americans are impacted by this awful phenomenon.
Highly recommend this one for those seeking pleasure and evolution!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Classism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Lesbophobia, Outing, Sexual harassment
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Deportation, Pandemic/Epidemic
Henry and June: From a Journal of Love: The Unexpurgated Diary (1931-1932) of Anais Nin by Anaïs Nin
I waited a couple of days to write this review just to make sure I wasn’t being rash in my conclusions.
Two days later, they remain exactly the same—this is one of the most annoying books I’ve ever read.
To be fair, connecting with a book is wholly dependent upon timing. I added this memoir to my reading list at a time when I was reclaiming my sexuality (that had been stolen from me by a conservative family and repressive society). Anaïs Nin, author of feminist literature and classic erotica, piqued my interest. If I would have read it then, there’s a very good chance I wouldn’t have gotten so annoyed and would have rated it much higher. I remember wholeheartedly believing in some of the same justifications she espouses in the book. But, I read it at 56, when my brief polygamist phase is but a distant memory, I have evolved significantly, and I can recognize exactly what I am reading.
From beginning to end, the pages of this diary were covered with the emotionally indulgent blathering of a young woman absolutely overwhelmed by her daddy issues. She takes self-absorbency to epic proportions and is absolutely clueless as to her complete misunderstanding of the true meaning and experience of love. Her primary paramour (of many), the author Henry Miller, was no better.
To make matters worse, practically the entire book builds up to a certain event and said event is barely discussed before the book bluntly ends. Annoying.
I seriously considered adding this to my DNF list after just a couple of chapters, but it’s literary significance made me stay the course. Glad that’s over and done with!
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
“It isn’t strong women who make men weak, but weak men who make women over strong.”
I waited a couple of days to write this review just to make sure I wasn’t being rash in my conclusions.
Two days later, they remain exactly the same—this is one of the most annoying books I’ve ever read.
To be fair, connecting with a book is wholly dependent upon timing. I added this memoir to my reading list at a time when I was reclaiming my sexuality (that had been stolen from me by a conservative family and repressive society). Anaïs Nin, author of feminist literature and classic erotica, piqued my interest. If I would have read it then, there’s a very good chance I wouldn’t have gotten so annoyed and would have rated it much higher. I remember wholeheartedly believing in some of the same justifications she espouses in the book. But, I read it at 56, when my brief polygamist phase is but a distant memory, I have evolved significantly, and I can recognize exactly what I am reading.
From beginning to end, the pages of this diary were covered with the emotionally indulgent blathering of a young woman absolutely overwhelmed by her daddy issues. She takes self-absorbency to epic proportions and is absolutely clueless as to her complete misunderstanding of the true meaning and experience of love. Her primary paramour (of many), the author Henry Miller, was no better.
To make matters worse, practically the entire book builds up to a certain event and said event is barely discussed before the book bluntly ends. Annoying.
I seriously considered adding this to my DNF list after just a couple of chapters, but it’s literary significance made me stay the course. Glad that’s over and done with!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
In general, I'm not a huge fan of Greek mythology...mostly because of the rampant misogyny and bad behavior of men and their Gods—which is why Ariadne sat on my shelf unread until several days ago. I really, really liked it!
Written from the perspective of two strong, but very different, sisters—Ariadne and Phaedra, daughters of King Minos of Crete and sisters of the half-man/half-bull Minotaur whose diet was comprised of human sacrifices—this book kept me turning the pages quickly from start to finish. Although it was still filled with the tragic behavior of men and gods, the women were the focal point.
Although I admired and loved both of them, I related more to fiery Phaedra who went after what she wanted with passion...often without the benefit of adequate life experience or deep thought...and was justifiably pissed off at the men. Been there.
I love learning history through books like this. Whether you're a fan of Greek mythology or not, it's a worthy read.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"I would not let a man who knew the value of nothing make me doubt the value of myself."
In general, I'm not a huge fan of Greek mythology...mostly because of the rampant misogyny and bad behavior of men and their Gods—which is why Ariadne sat on my shelf unread until several days ago. I really, really liked it!
Written from the perspective of two strong, but very different, sisters—Ariadne and Phaedra, daughters of King Minos of Crete and sisters of the half-man/half-bull Minotaur whose diet was comprised of human sacrifices—this book kept me turning the pages quickly from start to finish. Although it was still filled with the tragic behavior of men and gods, the women were the focal point.
Although I admired and loved both of them, I related more to fiery Phaedra who went after what she wanted with passion...often without the benefit of adequate life experience or deep thought...and was justifiably pissed off at the men. Been there.
I love learning history through books like this. Whether you're a fan of Greek mythology or not, it's a worthy read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Classism
Moderate: Slavery, Blood, Abandonment, War
Minor: Incest
The Keeper of the Bees by Gene Stratton-Porter
What a quirky charming book! It felt like a cross between Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and John Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat.,” but more wholesome.
Originally published in 1925, this is not a book to read if you’re woke AND uptight. It’s a story that many modern-minded folks would like to see die a quiet literary death. (Conservative Christians will adore it.)
I’m pretty surprised I enjoyed it based on the harsh judgement of women that is central to the story and the presence of “God” throughout the story. But, I truly did. The main characters were so sweet and I absolutely loved the author’s stance on Western medicine/healing and her deep appreciation of nature. Most of the “God” references could be replaced by “Higher Power” so I could deal with it…but, a few places started to cross into icky dogmatic territory. I am able to appreciate vintage books from bygone eras when values were very different than they are today as long as they weren’t written by someone despicable (although I’m pretty sure I’d still learn something of value even if they were). I think I would have liked Ms. Stratton…I have an inkling she was a tiny bit of a renegade for her time.
Although the writing was not exceptional, the story was engaging and the character development was outstanding…especially Scout, the youngest character who was wise beyond her years and absolutely hysterical. I’ve had many laughs over the last several days thanks to her.
This story left me wishing our current world was a combination of the more wholesome parts of then and the more socially evolved parts of now. I do believe the world would be a better place if that were the case!
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
…the world is made up of good people and bad people, of selfish people and thoughtful people, of cruel people and kind people, and it was merely a case of luck as to which kind you met when you went on a grand adventure.”
What a quirky charming book! It felt like a cross between Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and John Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat.,” but more wholesome.
Originally published in 1925, this is not a book to read if you’re woke AND uptight. It’s a story that many modern-minded folks would like to see die a quiet literary death. (Conservative Christians will adore it.)
I’m pretty surprised I enjoyed it based on the harsh judgement of women that is central to the story and the presence of “God” throughout the story. But, I truly did. The main characters were so sweet and I absolutely loved the author’s stance on Western medicine/healing and her deep appreciation of nature. Most of the “God” references could be replaced by “Higher Power” so I could deal with it…but, a few places started to cross into icky dogmatic territory. I am able to appreciate vintage books from bygone eras when values were very different than they are today as long as they weren’t written by someone despicable (although I’m pretty sure I’d still learn something of value even if they were). I think I would have liked Ms. Stratton…I have an inkling she was a tiny bit of a renegade for her time.
Although the writing was not exceptional, the story was engaging and the character development was outstanding…especially Scout, the youngest character who was wise beyond her years and absolutely hysterical. I’ve had many laughs over the last several days thanks to her.
This story left me wishing our current world was a combination of the more wholesome parts of then and the more socially evolved parts of now. I do believe the world would be a better place if that were the case!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Grief, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Pregnancy
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, War
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This book was NOT what I expected…which, in this case, was a pleasant surprise. It’s like the lite version of A Little Life. Despite the fact that I’ve never been into video games whatsoever, it kept me surprisingly engaged. It was a quick read, but the last fifth of it dragged a bit.
The story is totally character driven; most of the characters are really well-developed and very human (meaning not always likable). Like A Little Life, it’s primarily about inner strife and intimate friendships and romantic relationships.
Although I predicted part of what happened, it mostly kept me guessing…NOT an easy feat these days.
I did get mildly annoyed by the author’s “woke” references throughout…definitely a sign of the times. I don’t have an issue with being woke, it just wasn’t organic or subtle.
If you’re into emotional fiction about relationships, this is a very well-written book to add to your list!
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
“The way to turn an ex-lover into a friend is to never stop loving them, to know that when one phase of a relationship ends it can transform into something else. It is to acknowledge that love is both a constant and a variable at the same time.”
This book was NOT what I expected…which, in this case, was a pleasant surprise. It’s like the lite version of A Little Life. Despite the fact that I’ve never been into video games whatsoever, it kept me surprisingly engaged. It was a quick read, but the last fifth of it dragged a bit.
The story is totally character driven; most of the characters are really well-developed and very human (meaning not always likable). Like A Little Life, it’s primarily about inner strife and intimate friendships and romantic relationships.
Although I predicted part of what happened, it mostly kept me guessing…NOT an easy feat these days.
I did get mildly annoyed by the author’s “woke” references throughout…definitely a sign of the times. I don’t have an issue with being woke, it just wasn’t organic or subtle.
If you’re into emotional fiction about relationships, this is a very well-written book to add to your list!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Pregnancy, Cultural appropriation
Minor: Cancer, Abortion
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
Midnight’s Children is the life story of a man born at midnight on the day India gained independence from Britain.
First, I would like to give my respect to anyone else who made it through this book. This is NOT an easy read!
Here’s what made it extremely challenging for me:
1) Not knowing enough about India’s history to understand much of what I was reading. As it’s written in an allegorical style without clear explanations, in my opinion, this book is best read with solid knowledge in place.
2) The storytelling is a bit manic and tough to follow.
3) Salman isn’t a fan of commas.
4) It’s not a book that creates any sort of emotional attachment with any of the characters.
While I understand it’s inclusion in 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die as it is quite brilliant, I’m not so sure about Modern Library’s choice to include it their top 100 books. The inclusion in the former is why I pushed myself through to the end. I feel like I should get some sort of achievement ribbon or something 😁
Despite the unusual writing style, I am smarter now than I was when I started and I might be able to have a 10 minute conversation about India, which I wouldn’t have been able to do before!
challenging
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I am the sum total of everything that went before me, of all I have been seen done, of everything done to me. I am everyone everything who is being in the world affected was affected by mine. I am anything that happens after I’ve gone, which would not have happened if I had not come.”
Midnight’s Children is the life story of a man born at midnight on the day India gained independence from Britain.
First, I would like to give my respect to anyone else who made it through this book. This is NOT an easy read!
Here’s what made it extremely challenging for me:
1) Not knowing enough about India’s history to understand much of what I was reading. As it’s written in an allegorical style without clear explanations, in my opinion, this book is best read with solid knowledge in place.
2) The storytelling is a bit manic and tough to follow.
3) Salman isn’t a fan of commas.
4) It’s not a book that creates any sort of emotional attachment with any of the characters.
While I understand it’s inclusion in 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die as it is quite brilliant, I’m not so sure about Modern Library’s choice to include it their top 100 books. The inclusion in the former is why I pushed myself through to the end. I feel like I should get some sort of achievement ribbon or something 😁
Despite the unusual writing style, I am smarter now than I was when I started and I might be able to have a 10 minute conversation about India, which I wouldn’t have been able to do before!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Police brutality, Death of parent, Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death