jenwestpfahl's reviews
295 reviews

Beautiful Mercy by Matthew Kelly

inspiring fast-paced

4.5

I read the book cover to cover this time but I expect I’ll come back to certain essays/topics from time to time.

Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi

adventurous fast-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

3.5

The Trees: A Novel by Percival Everett

fast-paced

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

4.5

Trees is such a strange yet compelling book. I loved the writing style and pacing. I wouldn’t call it funny as many people have but I did appreciate the absurdity of the character names and descriptions and dialog. It is a really interesting way to write about the very serious and not totally in the past subject of lynching.

At first I found the last 40ish pages annoyingly repetitive, but as it sunk in, that feels exactly right. Lynchings were (and police shootings often are) similarly repetitive. Same predictable story, different locations and characters. 

The White House chapters felt out of place and tangential to the story even though I get why he wanted to include them.

I didn’t give it a 5 because the ending was so abrupt and doesn’t quite explain or answer the “how.” I think I get the meaning of it but would have liked for it also to tie up the plot.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Murder

The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux by Thérèse de Lisieux

inspiring slow-paced

2.5

I remember loving this book when I read it in high school, preparing for Confirmation, where I took Therese as my Confirmation name. It seemed so inspired and full of passion. But this time through, it just felt flat, with any meaning buried in cumbersome prose. I finished it just to finish it. I guess I just am not in the time of life now for Therese to speak to me.

The Dark Half by Stephen King

dark slow-paced

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

3.5

I love the weird stuff King comes up with. As if a murderous pseudonym coming to life isn’t enough, the way he is finally killed is even crazier. 

I could do without quite so much gore but then I guess the villain would seem less villainous. 

I love Sheriff Pangborn and it was good to read another novel where he figures prominently.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

I hate everyone in this book and hate everything they are doing. I know that’s probably the point being social commentary and all but I have better things to do than be disgusted my fake rich people.

Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day by Chris Stefanick

inspiring medium-paced

3.5

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's Essential Daily Habit by Matthew Kelly

inspiring fast-paced

5.0

The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I loved this very real-feeling family and was riveted to their story.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death and Car accident

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg

adventurous mysterious 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? No

4.0

Really fun concept about enchanted houses and a reality where magic is a normal part of life. The characters were relatable and I was rooting for them.