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jedore's reviews
503 reviews
Middle Passage by Charles Johnson
This was another book I added to my TBR list more than two decades ago…no idea why. And, it’s another interesting surprise!
It’s the story of a black man that stows away on a slave ship rather than be forced to marry a woman he likes, but who puts a damper on his lust for irresponsibility.
As the story evolves, we learn that there are far worse men than him, several of whom are on the ship. The journey turns tragic and our protagonist turns philosophical.
It’s a quick, educational, insightful and quirky read. Another must for an anti-racist reading list.
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
…the irrefragable truth is each person in his heart believes his beliefs is best. Fact is, down deep, no man’s democratic. We’re closer anarchists, I’d wager.”
This was another book I added to my TBR list more than two decades ago…no idea why. And, it’s another interesting surprise!
It’s the story of a black man that stows away on a slave ship rather than be forced to marry a woman he likes, but who puts a damper on his lust for irresponsibility.
As the story evolves, we learn that there are far worse men than him, several of whom are on the ship. The journey turns tragic and our protagonist turns philosophical.
It’s a quick, educational, insightful and quirky read. Another must for an anti-racist reading list.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Slavery, Trafficking
Moderate: Cannibalism
Minor: Death of parent
Spare by Prince Harry
My interest in the royals doesn’t run deep. I read a lot of historical fiction about Britain so I have a decent grasp of royal history, I thought Diana was an amazing human and was horrifically mistreated by the family (and the paparazzi, of course), and I’ve watched every season of The Crown. That’s pretty much it. But, it’s enough for me to know that if I was forced to pick a team, I’d definitely be on Team Harry (which, by the way, would be Team Diana-Harry were she still alive).
Harry took a lot of flack in my online book groups when the book was released…and, now that I’ve finished it, my suspicions are confirmed. Harry isn’t a stellar writer, so he doesn’t always convey his totally justifiable feelings in the most ideal possible way. I believe those who viciously criticized him lack empathy, a basic grasp of psychology, and are very likely the ones who keep the paparazzi in business by reading and believing their trash.
Speaking from firsthand experience, I can confirm 100% that money and privilege do not excuse ANY human being from the emotional repercussions of a lack of love and abuse. Love is in very short supply in the royal family…that’s clear in every single thing I’ve ever read or watched about them, not just from Harry’s story. Appearances, power, pettiness, and manipulation totally trump love and that creates pain for those who value love more. The paparazzi is beyond abusive and unbelievably racist. What they do is not a price anyone should EVER have to pay. I feel deeply for Harry and Meghan and am SO glad that they were brave enough to break free and live.
Despite there being a lot more pages of the book dedicated to Harry’s military experiences than I expected, I totally enjoyed spending the last few days with him. If we’re in a relationship, whether we’re male or female, may we all be so lucky to have a partner that is willing to do whatever it takes to protect us. Harry is a good man. I hope that he is able to build a better and safer life for his family…and I hope karma works it’s magic on a few particular members of his family.
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
“When is someone in this family going to break free and live?”
My interest in the royals doesn’t run deep. I read a lot of historical fiction about Britain so I have a decent grasp of royal history, I thought Diana was an amazing human and was horrifically mistreated by the family (and the paparazzi, of course), and I’ve watched every season of The Crown. That’s pretty much it. But, it’s enough for me to know that if I was forced to pick a team, I’d definitely be on Team Harry (which, by the way, would be Team Diana-Harry were she still alive).
Harry took a lot of flack in my online book groups when the book was released…and, now that I’ve finished it, my suspicions are confirmed. Harry isn’t a stellar writer, so he doesn’t always convey his totally justifiable feelings in the most ideal possible way. I believe those who viciously criticized him lack empathy, a basic grasp of psychology, and are very likely the ones who keep the paparazzi in business by reading and believing their trash.
Speaking from firsthand experience, I can confirm 100% that money and privilege do not excuse ANY human being from the emotional repercussions of a lack of love and abuse. Love is in very short supply in the royal family…that’s clear in every single thing I’ve ever read or watched about them, not just from Harry’s story. Appearances, power, pettiness, and manipulation totally trump love and that creates pain for those who value love more. The paparazzi is beyond abusive and unbelievably racist. What they do is not a price anyone should EVER have to pay. I feel deeply for Harry and Meghan and am SO glad that they were brave enough to break free and live.
Despite there being a lot more pages of the book dedicated to Harry’s military experiences than I expected, I totally enjoyed spending the last few days with him. If we’re in a relationship, whether we’re male or female, may we all be so lucky to have a partner that is willing to do whatever it takes to protect us. Harry is a good man. I hope that he is able to build a better and safer life for his family…and I hope karma works it’s magic on a few particular members of his family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, War
Moderate: Animal death, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy
Copper Crown by Lane von Herzen
Lately I’ve been reading books from the very beginning of my TBR list, which I started more than two decades ago. This was first in line.
It was poetic with a little magic…like Toni Morrison.
Character development was incredible…like Fannie Flagg.
The story, the people, and the setting was palpable…like John Steinbeck.
The story begins in 1913, and is centered around women. Two friends, one white and one black, both poor, are at the heart of it. This is a time when life was brutally tough…especially so for poor women and all black people. So much emotional disconnection and fending for oneself! It’s a peek into the life of my grandparents…and explains A LOT.
Despite the overall upward trajectory of the two main characters’ lives across the span of 20 years, my heart ached from cover to cover. There were definitely tears. So…much…loss. I couldn’t help but think about the massive difference between the lives of the poor and the wealthy at this time in history…it’s just WRONG.
So glad I found this touching and insightful treasure! I have no idea how this book ended up on my list, but it was a brilliant addition. It’s a must for any anti-racist reading list!
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
Folks didn’t like to see women and money close together. It made them nervous, I guess. It made them think of ruination.”
Lately I’ve been reading books from the very beginning of my TBR list, which I started more than two decades ago. This was first in line.
It was poetic with a little magic…like Toni Morrison.
Character development was incredible…like Fannie Flagg.
The story, the people, and the setting was palpable…like John Steinbeck.
The story begins in 1913, and is centered around women. Two friends, one white and one black, both poor, are at the heart of it. This is a time when life was brutally tough…especially so for poor women and all black people. So much emotional disconnection and fending for oneself! It’s a peek into the life of my grandparents…and explains A LOT.
Despite the overall upward trajectory of the two main characters’ lives across the span of 20 years, my heart ached from cover to cover. There were definitely tears. So…much…loss. I couldn’t help but think about the massive difference between the lives of the poor and the wealthy at this time in history…it’s just WRONG.
So glad I found this touching and insightful treasure! I have no idea how this book ended up on my list, but it was a brilliant addition. It’s a must for any anti-racist reading list!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Murder, Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death, Infidelity, War
Tidelands by Philippa Gregory
Had I known that this was about a woman facing accusations of witchcraft when I picked it off my bookshelf, I would have postponed reading it as I just finished Weyward, which had the same theme. But the power that be wanted me to read another story of one of her maligned daughters.
The challenge with tackling this subject is creating enough of a captivating story to overcome the built-in predictability created by history. There’s always the strong, independent healer/midwife who is some level of outcast in her community, the jealous women who want to destroy, and the awful men who are equally enthralled and repelled by her and driven by their fears, insecurities, and thirst for power.
Philippa did a decent job with Tidelands. Although it was somewhat predictable, but there were enough potential twists to keep me interested. It helped a lot that she added to the intrigue by weaving in real historical events and people into the story. The drama surrounding King Charles, a Catholic king who caused a civil war by fighting against Parliament, was interesting.
Unfortunately the ending was super rushed. It felt like Philippa decided she was done so she wrapped it up as quickly as she could. This was totally different from the medium pace of the rest of the book. The details also felt forced and unrealistic given the previous development of one of the characters involved.
Although Philippa has a formula for her books, I do love that they are always centered around a strong woman and educate me about history. They are always good, solid reads and that applies to this one for sure.
dark
informative
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? It's complicated
3.75
“These were simple people: when someone told them they had nothing to fear, they knew that they were in trouble.”
Had I known that this was about a woman facing accusations of witchcraft when I picked it off my bookshelf, I would have postponed reading it as I just finished Weyward, which had the same theme. But the power that be wanted me to read another story of one of her maligned daughters.
The challenge with tackling this subject is creating enough of a captivating story to overcome the built-in predictability created by history. There’s always the strong, independent healer/midwife who is some level of outcast in her community, the jealous women who want to destroy, and the awful men who are equally enthralled and repelled by her and driven by their fears, insecurities, and thirst for power.
Philippa did a decent job with Tidelands. Although it was somewhat predictable, but there were enough potential twists to keep me interested. It helped a lot that she added to the intrigue by weaving in real historical events and people into the story. The drama surrounding King Charles, a Catholic king who caused a civil war by fighting against Parliament, was interesting.
Unfortunately the ending was super rushed. It felt like Philippa decided she was done so she wrapped it up as quickly as she could. This was totally different from the medium pace of the rest of the book. The details also felt forced and unrealistic given the previous development of one of the characters involved.
Although Philippa has a formula for her books, I do love that they are always centered around a strong woman and educate me about history. They are always good, solid reads and that applies to this one for sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, War, Classism
Minor: Sexual content, Abortion
They Came Like Swallows by William Maxwell
I added this book to my To Be Read list more than 20 years ago...and read it at the absolutely perfect time.
Written in 1937, it's the story of a middle-class American family—dad, mom and two young boys—impacted by the Spanish flu epidemic of 2018. The story begins just as World War I ends and is broken into three sections, each told by a different family member. I definitely connected most with the first section, which was narrated by the baby of the family. Apparently, the dynamics of being the youngest in a family are timeless.
Albeit not a whole lot happens in this character-driven story, it was a quick read for me. Not deeply emotion, but touching. Very glad I read it post-Covid as it was completely relatable and interesting to see the parallels between the two pandemics.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
"For it was Elizabeth who had determined the shape that his life should take, from the very first moment he saw her. And she had altered that shape daily by the sound of her voice, and by her hair, and by her eyes, which were so large and dark. And by her wisdom and by her love."
I added this book to my To Be Read list more than 20 years ago...and read it at the absolutely perfect time.
Written in 1937, it's the story of a middle-class American family—dad, mom and two young boys—impacted by the Spanish flu epidemic of 2018. The story begins just as World War I ends and is broken into three sections, each told by a different family member. I definitely connected most with the first section, which was narrated by the baby of the family. Apparently, the dynamics of being the youngest in a family are timeless.
Albeit not a whole lot happens in this character-driven story, it was a quick read for me. Not deeply emotion, but touching. Very glad I read it post-Covid as it was completely relatable and interesting to see the parallels between the two pandemics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Bullying, War
Weyward by Emilia Hart
I'm on a mission to read all the books I can about witchcraft in order to have the deepest understanding of the causes of the persecution of females, many of whom were often simply introverts, healers, and odd in some way, for centuries. These stories also help me feel more connected with my kind.
The positives...fast-paced, good writing, empowering.
The negatives...formulaic, totally predictable.
There's a chance I'll remember it over time, but an equal chance I won't. Either way, I'm very glad I read it, especially because it's helped me further my mission.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
"He was a man, after all. He had no reason to think he would not be believed."
I'm on a mission to read all the books I can about witchcraft in order to have the deepest understanding of the causes of the persecution of females, many of whom were often simply introverts, healers, and odd in some way, for centuries. These stories also help me feel more connected with my kind.
The positives...fast-paced, good writing, empowering.
The negatives...formulaic, totally predictable.
There's a chance I'll remember it over time, but an equal chance I won't. Either way, I'm very glad I read it, especially because it's helped me further my mission.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Dementia, Car accident
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
This Pulitzer Prize winning novel that is included in “1,000 Books to Read Before You Die” has been on my Read List for over a decade. After reading and loving “Peony” by Pearl S. Buck a few months ago, I finally got to it.
It's never easy to read about extreme poverty or the horrific plight of females in China (anywhere!) or the awful behavior of the men in charge. However, despite all of these things being central to this story, I liked it and I'm glad I read it.
The story is centered on a farming family living in a small Chinese village in the early 1900s. It gives deep insight into the tenuousness of life for China’s poorest citizens, the power of land ownership to completely shift the trajectory of a family, and how greed and power can corrupt even decent men.
And by “men,” I literally mean men. It is primarily the men who are corrupted (to varying degrees) by strife, good fortune, poverty and riches. Not all of the females are innocent, but they are all second class citizens. As soon as I would sigh with relief about a positive turn of events, Wang Lung (the main character) would find a way to screw things up. Although Wang Lung's wife, O-Lan is far more level-headed and wise, she is totally and unfortunately powerless.
I think because the story was written from a male's point of view, I didn't emotionally connect to it like I did to Peony, which had a strong female main character. Also, the men were annoying at best, completely maddening at worst. Although this was wholly intentional on behalf of Ms. Buck, I still found myself wishing that the story was told by O'Lan.
It's easy to forget that Ms. Buck is not Chinese. Her grasp of the history and culture is mind blowing.
dark
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
“But hers was a strange heart, sad in its very nature, and she could never weep and ease it as other women do, for her tears never brought her comfort.”
This Pulitzer Prize winning novel that is included in “1,000 Books to Read Before You Die” has been on my Read List for over a decade. After reading and loving “Peony” by Pearl S. Buck a few months ago, I finally got to it.
It's never easy to read about extreme poverty or the horrific plight of females in China (anywhere!) or the awful behavior of the men in charge. However, despite all of these things being central to this story, I liked it and I'm glad I read it.
The story is centered on a farming family living in a small Chinese village in the early 1900s. It gives deep insight into the tenuousness of life for China’s poorest citizens, the power of land ownership to completely shift the trajectory of a family, and how greed and power can corrupt even decent men.
And by “men,” I literally mean men. It is primarily the men who are corrupted (to varying degrees) by strife, good fortune, poverty and riches. Not all of the females are innocent, but they are all second class citizens. As soon as I would sigh with relief about a positive turn of events, Wang Lung (the main character) would find a way to screw things up. Although Wang Lung's wife, O-Lan is far more level-headed and wise, she is totally and unfortunately powerless.
I think because the story was written from a male's point of view, I didn't emotionally connect to it like I did to Peony, which had a strong female main character. Also, the men were annoying at best, completely maddening at worst. Although this was wholly intentional on behalf of Ms. Buck, I still found myself wishing that the story was told by O'Lan.
It's easy to forget that Ms. Buck is not Chinese. Her grasp of the history and culture is mind blowing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Drug use, Dementia, War
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
Washington Black is the story of a young black man who narrowly escaped a life of slavery and entered into the scientific world with the help of the younger brother of his owner.
This book checked all the boxes to be a favorite…historical fiction, strong character development, anti-racist, written by a woman. It seemed somewhat similar to one of my all-time favorites, The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. But, I just couldn’t connect to it. By the end, my brain would totally stray while I was reading, so it took me way longer to finish than it should have.
Maybe the characters weren’t deep enough…maybe I felt disconnected from the settings…there was definitely nothing in the storyline that captivated me. So it was a mildly painful slow burn for me.
Clearly it was just me as others rated it quite a bit higher, so don’t rule it out.
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
“In any case, it was then I recognized that my own values… they are not the only, not the best, values in existence. I understood there were many ways of being in the world, that to privilege one set of rigid beliefs over another was to lose something. Everything is bizarre, and everything has value. Or if not value, at least merits investigation.”
Washington Black is the story of a young black man who narrowly escaped a life of slavery and entered into the scientific world with the help of the younger brother of his owner.
This book checked all the boxes to be a favorite…historical fiction, strong character development, anti-racist, written by a woman. It seemed somewhat similar to one of my all-time favorites, The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. But, I just couldn’t connect to it. By the end, my brain would totally stray while I was reading, so it took me way longer to finish than it should have.
Maybe the characters weren’t deep enough…maybe I felt disconnected from the settings…there was definitely nothing in the storyline that captivated me. So it was a mildly painful slow burn for me.
Clearly it was just me as others rated it quite a bit higher, so don’t rule it out.
The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown
I’ve been fascinated by witch trials since I was a young girl, no doubt because I was burned in a previous life 🔥
“The Witchfinder’s Sister” is the story of a disgusting human being known as Matthew Hopkins, who was responsible for a prolific witch hunt in England around 1645 that resulted in the hanging of over 100 women.
Matthew’s story is told by his sister, Alice, who is not really known to have existed. It’s yet another horrific story of a man compensating for his weakness and ineptitude by killing elderly and mentally ill women, or any woman who dared to challenge him in some direct or imaginary way.
This book reminded me of two things:
1) Men weren’t the only ones guilty in the witch hunts; insecure and weak women were culpable as well. It was truly devastating what was done by the most deplorable of both genders behind the shield of Christianity.
2) Not all church leaders were supportive of the witch hunts.
The story is heavily fictionalized and, in my opinion, the author took that a bit too far at the very end. It’s highly unlikely that it actually ended in the way she described. But, I learned a lot and am better for having read this heartbreaking story.
dark
informative
sad
tense
slow-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
3.75
“For it is a choice, I think, to close the heart, just as it is a choice to open it. It is a choice to look at what distresses you, and a choice to shut your eyes. It is a choice to hold tight, your pain, or else to let it slip your grass, said it free or make it’s Mark upon the world.”
I’ve been fascinated by witch trials since I was a young girl, no doubt because I was burned in a previous life 🔥
“The Witchfinder’s Sister” is the story of a disgusting human being known as Matthew Hopkins, who was responsible for a prolific witch hunt in England around 1645 that resulted in the hanging of over 100 women.
Matthew’s story is told by his sister, Alice, who is not really known to have existed. It’s yet another horrific story of a man compensating for his weakness and ineptitude by killing elderly and mentally ill women, or any woman who dared to challenge him in some direct or imaginary way.
This book reminded me of two things:
1) Men weren’t the only ones guilty in the witch hunts; insecure and weak women were culpable as well. It was truly devastating what was done by the most deplorable of both genders behind the shield of Christianity.
2) Not all church leaders were supportive of the witch hunts.
The story is heavily fictionalized and, in my opinion, the author took that a bit too far at the very end. It’s highly unlikely that it actually ended in the way she described. But, I learned a lot and am better for having read this heartbreaking story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Classism
Minor: Torture