kdmusings's reviews
162 reviews

The Offing by Benjamin Myers
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.

I was drawn into reading this book by the summary and setting, and while the flowery language probably describes the feelings one has when viewing the English scenery, I figured it would be too slow-paced for me. I might try to read it again, but at the moment I believe I am in a reading rut and need something that will grab me from the very beginning. I think I would have to force myself to stick with this one quite a bit. 

The Women's March by Jennifer Chiaverini

informative inspiring medium-paced

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

2.75

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense 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? Yes

3.75

Written in a style that I wouldn't normally continue to read after a few chapters, but I gave it a chance (and went outside my 'reading comfort zone'). I'm glad I did as it reflected on the climate crisis in a new style of writing that I am not accustomed too. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Death, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Vomit

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton
Did not finish book.

First time starting a 'cozy mystery'. I just couldn't get into it and didn't find the beginning of the story or dialogue very believable. 

This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan
Did not finish book.

I was only interested in reading the Caffeine section. I was intrigued to learn of the history of the first coffeehouses in Europe, and particularly the ones in London. 

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.5

I think this book and it’s focus on Belle da Costa Greene could be an inspiration for my future research. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abortion

Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Antisemitism, Death of parent, and Racism

The Complete Gardener: A Practical, Imaginative Guide to Every Aspect of Gardening by Monty Don
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.

An informative read that I will return to in the future when creating my own garden. It was just not applicable to where I am in my life at the moment. 

Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

As with the other books in the Strike series, I was addicted from the first page. I’m not super keen on slowed paced books, but Rowling is an incredible writer. 

This book was very personal to me. However, upon reflection it is important to remember Rowling’s homophobic views and how this has been directly relayed through in her writing. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Cancer, Confinement, Death, Kidnapping, Murder, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Torture, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence

Moderate: Abortion, Miscarriage, Racism, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Vomit

A Study in Crimson: Sherlock Holmes 1942 by Robert J. Harris

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

A brilliant rendition of Sir Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. In my opinion, Robert J. Harris did a great job of 'modernizing' them. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Violence, Gun violence, Grief, Death, and Blood

Moderate: Kidnapping and Stalking