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josiemi's reviews
65 reviews
The Squirrels by Robert Askins
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
4.0
A weird wacky Shakespearean dramadie about… Squirrels 🌰
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
challenging
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
2.25
This was my first foray into Murakami’s work and in all honesty, I think I chose the wrong book to start with. “1Q84” still feels like a work in progress draft that could have been consolidated into a much shorter book. The fantasy elements of the book are intriguing, but unexplained; the story-line the religious cult was completely underdeveloped and underutilized. I didn’t feel invested in either of the main characters which was such a shame and the sex scenes felt so gratuitous. I was underwhelmed and disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
One of the loveliest photography books that truly showcases our multi-faceted human existence and how we live among ourselves.
Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future by Mary Robinson
informative
fast-paced
3.75
I really enjoyed listening to this book, however, I actually wish it had been longer because in listening to the audiobook, it felt more like a climate change podcast and shared some really great stories, but felt a little general.
Small Mouth Sounds by Bess Wohl
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
5.0
Hands down one of my favorite plays! I’m fortunate enough to have seen this play staged and it’s fun to read it afterwards, but there’s nothing like seeing an actual production. I love thinking about my relationship with silence, how I communicate, etc.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I read the book while listening to the audio. I love when a book is narrated by the author themselves. I love that Verghese brings world to life by giving each main character a distinct voice, doing dialects and accents, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book is a stunning work of art. It took me 4 months to get through, but it was worth it. It’s not the type of book I usually reach for, but it is beautifully written. The imagery of India is unparalleled and made me realize how little I know about this region of the world. The complexities of this family over generations is fascinating and I’m glad that I stuck with it, although part of me feels that this book might have been better as 2 volumes rather than compressed into one large book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
i will still be whole (when you rip me in half) by Ava Wong Davies
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
5.0
What a way to finish a series. In my opinion this is the best out of the original trilogy. I love the darkness and grit of this book compared to its predecessors. It pulls no punches and I found it utterly devastating.