juliraa's reviews
25 reviews

The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

What a wonderful book! The story is so well-written and engaging that I couldn’t put it down. I found every possible moment to keep reading.

The Bookbinder of Jericho offers a powerful perspective on the women who continued their work or served during World War I. These were women who, until then, had little to no rights in a society dominated by men, yet they played a crucial role in their nation’s survival and future.

Peggy and Maude’s journey made me reflect on how far we’ve come in terms of gender equality, but also on the immense hardships these women endured, discrimination, prejudice, and the limiting belief that they shouldn’t even read books. 
The novel brilliantly captures their struggles, resilience, and determination, making it an unforgettable and thought-provoking read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and stories that challenge societal norms.

The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Potential, Transcend Your Limits by Wim Hof

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

must confess that The Wim Hof Method had been sitting on my bookshelf for quite some time before I finally decided to dive in. While I had heard about Wim Hof's method before, I had never explored the history or science behind it in depth.

To my surprise, this book turned out to be a fascinating read. I was genuinely impressed by the wealth of science, experiments, research, and results that support the method. It’s clear that Wim Hof's practices are more than just anecdotal—they're backed by rigorous studies and compelling evidence.

I highly recommend giving this book a chance. It just might change the way you view your body and mind.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles, Héctor García

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.25

I must admit, the title of the book is very intriguing… after all, who wouldn’t want to know the secret to a long and happy life?

However, I felt that the main topic of the book got lost along the way.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

Atomic Habits is a highly practical and easy-to-read book, perfect for anyone wanting to understand how small changes can lead to significant improvements over time.
 
James Clear offers straightforward strategies, like the Four Laws of Behaviour Change and habit stacking, which are simple to implement in everyday life.

I particularly appreciated the way the author links habits to identity and highlights the power of making consistent, small adjustments. The focus on designing your environment to support positive habits is another standout feature.

That said, I found the book a bit repetitive at times, as the key concepts are revisited frequently. However, this might be helpful for readers who are new to the subject and need reinforcement.

Overall, it’s a great read for anyone looking to build better habits in a practical and accessible way.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.75

I recently read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, and I found it absolutely fascinating. The story explores the idea of parallel universes and the different paths our lives could take based on the choices we make. It’s such a thought-provoking book that made me reflect on life, regrets, and what truly matters. I loved how it balances emotion and philosophy without feeling heavy. It’s definitely a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it!