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jedore's reviews
503 reviews
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood
This is the story of the impact of the short life of an autistic teenage boy on his parents and an elderly woman he befriended through a Boy Scouts volunteer program.
For some mysterious reason, I didn’t connect with this book as much as others…surprising being that I’m both a mama and a mush. It was a Book Bub deal (for my Kindle) that I bought solely based on the good reviews…just goes to show you that, in the end, one shouldn’t put too much weight on reviews as books are a very personal thing!
The writing was actually quite good. For me, the story just lacked real emotional depth and cohesiveness, so I was never able to deeply connect with it or any of the characters.
I’m not sorry I read it, but give me a few months and I probably won’t remember it!
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“No one will love you more than they love them selves.”
This is the story of the impact of the short life of an autistic teenage boy on his parents and an elderly woman he befriended through a Boy Scouts volunteer program.
For some mysterious reason, I didn’t connect with this book as much as others…surprising being that I’m both a mama and a mush. It was a Book Bub deal (for my Kindle) that I bought solely based on the good reviews…just goes to show you that, in the end, one shouldn’t put too much weight on reviews as books are a very personal thing!
The writing was actually quite good. For me, the story just lacked real emotional depth and cohesiveness, so I was never able to deeply connect with it or any of the characters.
I’m not sorry I read it, but give me a few months and I probably won’t remember it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Medical trauma
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
Well, THAT was hard work! Almost 700 pages of U.S. history, but this time from the perspective of the people, not the elite.
This book made it abundantly clear how brainwashed so many American citizens have been about the history of their country by a school system that was literally created and designed to churn out obedient citizens. It worked for 52 years on me, but thanks to Howard Zinn, I'm onto them.
Mr. Zinn is NOT a conspiracy theorist and there's nothing even remotely wacky about this book. He starts in 1492 and ends at the 9/11 debacle, sharing solid evidence, in painful, but necessary, detail, about the true underpinnings of this country and the struggle of the majority of it's citizens for basic survival. The amount of research that went into this book is absolutely mind boggling.
In short, the elites have been running this country from the start and they not only use, but instigate, racial tension and military "incidents"/wars to protect or expand their power. The majority of laws, constitutional amendments, etc., bought them enough protection to keep doing what they were doing. I finally understand why so many people in other countries, particularly the Middle East, despise us.
This book illuminated the underlying reason for the nightmare of the past several years, including Covid lockdowns and forced vaccinations, the present day book bans, and abortion flip flops. These are just continued, albeit grander, desperate attempts by the powers that be to retain, and even increase, power.
Though I believe every US citizen should read this book, that's a very tall order. It took me away from more enjoyable reading for almost 2 months and I felt like I was reading a textbook this entire time. That being said, to learn about all of the wars, ONE AFTER THE OTHER, all at once rather than one war at a time, was so eye opening.
This book made my all-time favorites list, not because it was enjoyable to read, but because of how its knowledge has empowered me. They will fool me no more!
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
5.0
"The idea of saviors has been built into th entire (US) culture, beyond politics. We have learned to look to stars, leaders, experts in every field, thus surrendering our own strength, demeaning our own ability, obliterating our lwn selves."
Well, THAT was hard work! Almost 700 pages of U.S. history, but this time from the perspective of the people, not the elite.
This book made it abundantly clear how brainwashed so many American citizens have been about the history of their country by a school system that was literally created and designed to churn out obedient citizens. It worked for 52 years on me, but thanks to Howard Zinn, I'm onto them.
Mr. Zinn is NOT a conspiracy theorist and there's nothing even remotely wacky about this book. He starts in 1492 and ends at the 9/11 debacle, sharing solid evidence, in painful, but necessary, detail, about the true underpinnings of this country and the struggle of the majority of it's citizens for basic survival. The amount of research that went into this book is absolutely mind boggling.
In short, the elites have been running this country from the start and they not only use, but instigate, racial tension and military "incidents"/wars to protect or expand their power. The majority of laws, constitutional amendments, etc., bought them enough protection to keep doing what they were doing. I finally understand why so many people in other countries, particularly the Middle East, despise us.
This book illuminated the underlying reason for the nightmare of the past several years, including Covid lockdowns and forced vaccinations, the present day book bans, and abortion flip flops. These are just continued, albeit grander, desperate attempts by the powers that be to retain, and even increase, power.
Though I believe every US citizen should read this book, that's a very tall order. It took me away from more enjoyable reading for almost 2 months and I felt like I was reading a textbook this entire time. That being said, to learn about all of the wars, ONE AFTER THE OTHER, all at once rather than one war at a time, was so eye opening.
This book made my all-time favorites list, not because it was enjoyable to read, but because of how its knowledge has empowered me. They will fool me no more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, Slavery, Colonisation, War, Classism
We Are All Made of Stars by Rowan Coleman
I'm not usually a fan of sappy or predictable...definitely not of sappy AND predictable. Although “We Are All Made of Stars” was both for me, somehow the author had me liking it.
It helped tremendously that the (internal and external) dialogue was written well. The characters were all real, imperfect, and likable. It was effortless to see them in my head, as if I was watching a movie. (A Hallmark movie, for sure.) The deathbed letter chapter interludes from non-characters was a great touch.
As both of my parents are in their 90s, this book triggered me. As I read all of the heartfelt deathbed letters, I was faced with the loss of knowing that I will never get one. At this point, it's abundantly clear that both of them will die as they lived...disconnected from both their emotions and their children. So, yeah, I cried often while reading this one and lived vicariously through some of the characters who received such precious gifts.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
"It's not easy, being in this world. Picking yourself up, getting yourself together, time after time, only for some bastard to whack you back down."
I'm not usually a fan of sappy or predictable...definitely not of sappy AND predictable. Although “We Are All Made of Stars” was both for me, somehow the author had me liking it.
It helped tremendously that the (internal and external) dialogue was written well. The characters were all real, imperfect, and likable. It was effortless to see them in my head, as if I was watching a movie. (A Hallmark movie, for sure.) The deathbed letter chapter interludes from non-characters was a great touch.
As both of my parents are in their 90s, this book triggered me. As I read all of the heartfelt deathbed letters, I was faced with the loss of knowing that I will never get one. At this point, it's abundantly clear that both of them will die as they lived...disconnected from both their emotions and their children. So, yeah, I cried often while reading this one and lived vicariously through some of the characters who received such precious gifts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Terminal illness, Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
When I heard about this book, which is a blend of historical and light science fiction, I was intrigued. I'm a huge fan of the former and interested in reading more of the latter.
The portrayal of the master-slave relationship was the most powerful aspect of this book for me. The psychology of it all was extremely insightful and educational. So tragic.
I didn't like the book as much as the majority of the others who have reviewed it or as much as I had hoped.
For a couple of reasons...
This book solidified what I already suspected—my highly principled self would not have survived in the time of slavery. I would never have been able to "play along," no matter what my color. My mouth, my actions, or myself would have been the death of me.
dark
informative
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? It's complicated
3.5
"Slavery was a long slow process of dulling.”
When I heard about this book, which is a blend of historical and light science fiction, I was intrigued. I'm a huge fan of the former and interested in reading more of the latter.
The portrayal of the master-slave relationship was the most powerful aspect of this book for me. The psychology of it all was extremely insightful and educational. So tragic.
I didn't like the book as much as the majority of the others who have reviewed it or as much as I had hoped.
For a couple of reasons...
- The dialogue sometimes came across as over-explanatory and preachy. It's distracting to me (in both TV and literature) when characters over explain things to each other. In this case, it made the book feel a bit like Young Adult fiction vs Well-Read Adult Fiction.
- It was probably intentional on the author's part, but I didn't find any of the characters really lovable. In fact, on numerous occasions, the heroine got on my nerves.
This book solidified what I already suspected—my highly principled self would not have survived in the time of slavery. I would never have been able to "play along," no matter what my color. My mouth, my actions, or myself would have been the death of me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Violence
Moderate: Infidelity
Calico Palace by Gwen Bristow
Calico Palace is a lively historical story of San Francisco during the California Gold Rush from the perspective of two strong independent women.
Crazy times! And, people call them "the good 'ol days 😆 Leave it to humans to glorify a past that they know very little about. After you read this book, you'll be grateful for a lot...like law and order and solid construction standards!
This is a quick and engaging read. Character development is excellent...in fact, after I finished, I missed all of the characters that had been a part of my every day for a week.
Growing up in Northern California, I appreciated learning about San Francisco and surrounding area. Also, living in Panamá now, I was pleasantly surprised by the bit of Panamanian history included in the story.
The story was equal parts historical fiction and women's fiction, with much focus on friendships, romantic relationships, and the usual struggles of women during this time made extra crazy by the ratio of men to women in San Francisco.
Rather than complete realism, twists, and turns, the author opted for a more white-washed version of history and a feel-good story. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book, particularly because I learned a thing or two.
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
"Little girl, the way to live is, get ready for the maybe. Then forget it."
Calico Palace is a lively historical story of San Francisco during the California Gold Rush from the perspective of two strong independent women.
Crazy times! And, people call them "the good 'ol days 😆 Leave it to humans to glorify a past that they know very little about. After you read this book, you'll be grateful for a lot...like law and order and solid construction standards!
This is a quick and engaging read. Character development is excellent...in fact, after I finished, I missed all of the characters that had been a part of my every day for a week.
Growing up in Northern California, I appreciated learning about San Francisco and surrounding area. Also, living in Panamá now, I was pleasantly surprised by the bit of Panamanian history included in the story.
The story was equal parts historical fiction and women's fiction, with much focus on friendships, romantic relationships, and the usual struggles of women during this time made extra crazy by the ratio of men to women in San Francisco.
Rather than complete realism, twists, and turns, the author opted for a more white-washed version of history and a feel-good story. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book, particularly because I learned a thing or two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, Abandonment
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This book was recommended to me to help restore my faith in humanity. While it didn't quite hit that mark, it did help restore my faith in myself. (Even better!)
This was a fast, but profound, read for me. I couldn't put it down! Any well written book that changes my perspective in some way gets a 5-star outta me and this one checked both of those boxes.
What shifted? The "grass is greener" thing is totally wiped out when we realize that: 1) we are the same core person in every single one of our alternative lives, and 2) the potential to change almost everything (including our perspective) lives inside of us NOW.
This is a fabulous book to read...and to gift to others. It's especially helpful for anyone who suffers from depression and/or has contemplated/attempted suicide.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"'Sometimes regrets aren't based on fact at all. Sometimes regrets are just...' She searched for the appropriate term and found it. 'A load of bullshit.'"
This book was recommended to me to help restore my faith in humanity. While it didn't quite hit that mark, it did help restore my faith in myself. (Even better!)
This was a fast, but profound, read for me. I couldn't put it down! Any well written book that changes my perspective in some way gets a 5-star outta me and this one checked both of those boxes.
What shifted? The "grass is greener" thing is totally wiped out when we realize that: 1) we are the same core person in every single one of our alternative lives, and 2) the potential to change almost everything (including our perspective) lives inside of us NOW.
This is a fabulous book to read...and to gift to others. It's especially helpful for anyone who suffers from depression and/or has contemplated/attempted suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent
Minor: Self harm, Stalking
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
I took too long to read this book....probably because a part of me wanted to read it when I lived closer to nature in Panamá.
And, what a fascinating one it was.
Each chapter is a poetically written vignette...part science textbook, part indigenous wisdom, part love story between the author and the planet, and part tragedy.
It solidified my feeling that my soul is deeply indigenous...left with only faint memories of a communal, humble, grateful life that was deeply connected to nature.
I'm left feeling more sad about the state of our Mother Earth, probably because the people who read this book already understand the direness of the situation and the ones who need to read it the most probably won't. I think we're doomed to destroy her.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.25
"Your strange hunger for ease should not be a death sentence for the rest of Creation."
I took too long to read this book....probably because a part of me wanted to read it when I lived closer to nature in Panamá.
And, what a fascinating one it was.
Each chapter is a poetically written vignette...part science textbook, part indigenous wisdom, part love story between the author and the planet, and part tragedy.
It solidified my feeling that my soul is deeply indigenous...left with only faint memories of a communal, humble, grateful life that was deeply connected to nature.
I'm left feeling more sad about the state of our Mother Earth, probably because the people who read this book already understand the direness of the situation and the ones who need to read it the most probably won't. I think we're doomed to destroy her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Animal death
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Before reading this book, I only knew that Beryl Markham was a record-setting pilot in the 1930s. By the time I finished, she was part of my literary sisterhood.
We share many traits...
She was physically and emotionally abandoned by both of her parents.
She even resisted the "typical" life lived by the whites living in Africa.
She was fiercely independent, proud, and determined.
She both loved and was frustrated by men.
She did what she wanted despite many people trying to hold her down.
Rather than choose victimhood, she rose.
This was my first read about English colonial life in Africa. I could see the stunning beauty of Nairobi based on Paula's vivid descriptions—and totally understood the desire to live in such an untamed place.
What an interesting peek into the lives of some of the rich white expats who made Nairobi their home at this time in history. The issue of classism was not addressed in the story, so much was left unsaid, but you definitely get a sense of the rampant hedonism of the crowd and times.
On behalf of all women, I was totally disgusted by the massively misogynistic behavior of most of the men and women's forced reliance on their good will. (I'd like to say that we've significantly evolved in 100 years, but we haven't come anywhere near far enough.)
On behalf of Beryl, I was sickened that despite being exponentially smarter, stronger and savvier than most of the men in her life, they were often successful in holding her down. She was forced to fight way too hard for her dreams and survival until the very end.
I've added Out of Africa and West With the Night to my reading list to learn even more about this time and Beryl herself. The former was written by one of Beryl's friend about her love affair with the man Beryl also loved; the later is Beryl's memoir.
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"I've sometimes thought that being loved a little less than others can actually make a person, rather than ruin them."
Before reading this book, I only knew that Beryl Markham was a record-setting pilot in the 1930s. By the time I finished, she was part of my literary sisterhood.
We share many traits...
She was physically and emotionally abandoned by both of her parents.
She even resisted the "typical" life lived by the whites living in Africa.
She was fiercely independent, proud, and determined.
She both loved and was frustrated by men.
She did what she wanted despite many people trying to hold her down.
Rather than choose victimhood, she rose.
This was my first read about English colonial life in Africa. I could see the stunning beauty of Nairobi based on Paula's vivid descriptions—and totally understood the desire to live in such an untamed place.
What an interesting peek into the lives of some of the rich white expats who made Nairobi their home at this time in history. The issue of classism was not addressed in the story, so much was left unsaid, but you definitely get a sense of the rampant hedonism of the crowd and times.
On behalf of all women, I was totally disgusted by the massively misogynistic behavior of most of the men and women's forced reliance on their good will. (I'd like to say that we've significantly evolved in 100 years, but we haven't come anywhere near far enough.)
On behalf of Beryl, I was sickened that despite being exponentially smarter, stronger and savvier than most of the men in her life, they were often successful in holding her down. She was forced to fight way too hard for her dreams and survival until the very end.
I've added Out of Africa and West With the Night to my reading list to learn even more about this time and Beryl herself. The former was written by one of Beryl's friend about her love affair with the man Beryl also loved; the later is Beryl's memoir.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Colonisation
Moderate: Death, Abortion, Pregnancy, Classism
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Confinement, Drug use, War
Peony by Pearl S. Buck
Many of my favorite books are ones with a story that pulls you in and holds you firmly in its grip while teaching you important stuff. “Peony” did both of these things.
This book is historical fiction, romance, and religious philosophy all wrapped into one beautiful package.
It’s the story about a prominent Jewish family living in China in the 1800s, and specifically about the love that one of their bondmaids has for the son she was bonded with. You learn a lot about the Chinese and Jewish cultures and people living during this time. In fact, it’s the first book with an explanation of the Jewish plight that makes total sense to me.
It’s not a typical romance, but it’s an authentic one given the cultures and norms of the time period coupled with real love. You’ll need at least one box of tissues!
I couldn’t put the book down and when I was done, I missed Peony. She’s an amazing character that will live with me forever.
My only complaint is the major shift in the writing style toward the end of the book. It’s almost as though Pearl realized (or was told) that the book was going to be too long if she kept up with the earlier depth and detail. With this shift, the story became more summarial with Pearl glossing over major happenings and many years very quickly without the emotional depth that made the rest of the book so amazing.
Nevertheless, Peony made my all-time favorites list and I highly recommend it to historical fiction buffs, especially those who love being pulled into an emotional story!
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
"Would he keep himself separate, dedicated to a faith that made him solitary among whatever people he lived, or would he pour the stream of his life into the rich ocean of all human life about him?"
Many of my favorite books are ones with a story that pulls you in and holds you firmly in its grip while teaching you important stuff. “Peony” did both of these things.
This book is historical fiction, romance, and religious philosophy all wrapped into one beautiful package.
It’s the story about a prominent Jewish family living in China in the 1800s, and specifically about the love that one of their bondmaids has for the son she was bonded with. You learn a lot about the Chinese and Jewish cultures and people living during this time. In fact, it’s the first book with an explanation of the Jewish plight that makes total sense to me.
It’s not a typical romance, but it’s an authentic one given the cultures and norms of the time period coupled with real love. You’ll need at least one box of tissues!
I couldn’t put the book down and when I was done, I missed Peony. She’s an amazing character that will live with me forever.
My only complaint is the major shift in the writing style toward the end of the book. It’s almost as though Pearl realized (or was told) that the book was going to be too long if she kept up with the earlier depth and detail. With this shift, the story became more summarial with Pearl glossing over major happenings and many years very quickly without the emotional depth that made the rest of the book so amazing.
Nevertheless, Peony made my all-time favorites list and I highly recommend it to historical fiction buffs, especially those who love being pulled into an emotional story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Slavery, Suicide, Death of parent, Classism
Moderate: Genocide, Antisemitism, Grief, Abandonment
Minor: Animal death
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"Guncle Rule sweet sixteen: I want you to really live. To live is the rarest of things. Most people merely exist."
The Guncle is an intelligently written, funny, heartwarming and profound story of humans being human in the face of life's challenges. Exactly what I needed after laboring through a heavy classic!
The main challenges were death and grieving, so although very funny, the story was equally sad.
Character development was as good as it gets. I could literally see and hear every character as if I was watching a movie. (And, I'm SURE it will be a movie.)
With very little exception, the dialogue was brilliant...sassy, snarky and sweet just like I love it. There were a few cheesy slips, but it almost felt as if they were intentional.
There are SO many life-changing lessons packed in the pages of this book. But, instead of being preachy, you feel like you're down in the emotional trenches with people you love learning right alongside them.
Were there any shocks or surprises? No. It was definitely formulaic. But, the love of the characters and the pithy dialogue kept me engaged. And, there were enough options for an ending that when I was about 4/5's done, I couldn't put the book down until I turned the last page.
The Guncle is an intelligently written, funny, heartwarming and profound story of humans being human in the face of life's challenges. Exactly what I needed after laboring through a heavy classic!
The main challenges were death and grieving, so although very funny, the story was equally sad.
Character development was as good as it gets. I could literally see and hear every character as if I was watching a movie. (And, I'm SURE it will be a movie.)
With very little exception, the dialogue was brilliant...sassy, snarky and sweet just like I love it. There were a few cheesy slips, but it almost felt as if they were intentional.
There are SO many life-changing lessons packed in the pages of this book. But, instead of being preachy, you feel like you're down in the emotional trenches with people you love learning right alongside them.
Were there any shocks or surprises? No. It was definitely formulaic. But, the love of the characters and the pithy dialogue kept me engaged. And, there were enough options for an ending that when I was about 4/5's done, I couldn't put the book down until I turned the last page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Car accident, Abandonment
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content