kcraig73's reviews
59 reviews

Leavings by Wendell Berry

reflective slow-paced

3.0

I lot of poems I didn’t like, but the few I did I really liked. 

The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition by Brené Brown

informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World's Most Revered and Reviled Bird by Andrew D. Blechman

informative reflective medium-paced

2.0

An informative read about the past and present of pigeon fanciers. I learned a lot about pigeons and the people who love them. A decent “birds’ eye view” of the topic. 

However, there were a few notable and glaring issues with this book. The first and most notable is the author’s uncharitable treatment of the human subjects in this book. If Blechman’s goal was really to “treat [them] fairly and with the dignity that, like the rock dove, [they] all deserve” then he has failed miserably. I find myself feeling bad for these people who trusted Blechman and let him observe the most insulated parts of their lives, who trusted him enough to speak with enthusiasm about their niche hobbies freely, only to be mocked and maligned in the pages of his book. I can’t imagine how devastating that would be. I’m not sure I can respect an author who insists on taking cheap shots at his subjects for entertainment. 

Lastly, there are moments in the book where the author has seemingly no idea what he is doing or what he is talking about. For example, as noted on page 215 he apparently arrives to tour the pigeon meat factory in sandals. Why on earth would you wear sandals to a pigeon meat factory? More to the point, why on earth would you wear sandals to an interview? Additionally, there was at least one mistake so glaring that it makes you question the whole of fact-checking on this book. Page 132-133 “Pigeons don’t carry the virus [West Nile Virus], either, because their body temperature is too high to host the bacteria.” I’m sorry? Bacteria? What are you talking about? Obviously, West Nile Virus is caused by a virus, not a bacteria. This is a mistake which should’ve easily been caught by the author, editors, or any early readers. How did this manage to get in the final printing? 

While I love pigeons and found this book to be easily readable I don’t think I’ll be returning to it. Certainly not any time soon. 

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery

informative reflective medium-paced

3.0

While a beautiful contemplation on the octopus and their natural beauty it lacks substance from a purely scientific perspective. There are occasional tidbits from research and scientific consensus but the vast majority of the book is rooted in challenging the perspective that octopuses are gross and stupid. I still enjoyed it. Sy Montgomery is a beautiful writer and this book is a beautiful tribute to the octopus, but if your looking for a more informative, science based read I’d consider looking elsewhere. 

The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey

challenging reflective medium-paced

3.0

Read primarily out of curiosity and an interest in understanding. The first half explains the basic principles of La Veyan Satanism and La Vey’s philosophy. The first half I would read again. The second half goes into the more mystical side of Satanism. While being anti religious La Vey was not specifically against spirituality. His belief in magic is somewhere between psychodrama and ceremonial occult Magic. The second half I would be unlikely to revisit. 

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

reflective medium-paced

4.0

A well written and concise book that is one part autobiographical reflection and one part philosophy/psychology. While I feel that some of the examples encourage over simplification of the concept I think that this book has very meaningful insights. It’s easy to see how this has become a classic since it’s original publication. 

Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky

reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

This book was a call out post. I can see why sad people love this book. 

Maeve Fly by CJ Leede

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

The book overall is middling. Some passages and chapters blew me away with exquisite writing, beautiful prose, and gory details. Other sections of the book felt overdone or like they were trying too hard to be edgy or shocking. I think to call this book “feminist” horror is a real stretch. I don’t think there’s anything “feminist” about Maeve. She hates women just as much as any other horror protagonist and the men in this book get off easy. The ending is still wrapped up in a tired narrative about a woman going crazy because she can’t handle her emotions after falling in love “for the first time”. An okay horror book but mostly forgettable. 

To Be Devoured by Sara Tantlinger

dark slow-paced

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

4.0

Beautifully written but the prose was slightly too flowery for me. I think it was written poetically to make the grotesque bits easier to stomach (pun intended) but I don’t feel that it was necessary. I don’t think this book should be considered “extreme horror” (some parts are gross but that doesn’t make it “extreme”). I loved the premise and the way everything clicked together in the final chapter. However, this book wasn’t quite *there* for me. I felt like there was something still missing. So it’s going to be 4 stars from me. 

The Imagist Poem by William Pratt

relaxing slow-paced

3.0

William Pratt’s expansive introduction does a great job detailing the history and importance of the Imagist movement and it’s key players, that alone makes it worth the read. 3 stars - some poems I liked, some I didn’t.