kirstynwillis's reviews
121 reviews

Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse by Timothy P. Carney

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3.0

Well researched book. However, it’s nearly entirely about church. I learned a lot and I’m glad I read it, although I don’t agree with his solutions around religion.
I also didn’t like how toward the end he blames the “elites” and calls them selfish for not sharing their wisdom around what it takes to be successful basically. He blames the elites for not preaching what they practice but doesn’t say anything about the so called Christians never practicing what they preach. Sovereignty a powerful thing, and it’s up to each and every one of us to educate ourselves and develop our own morale. It’s not the “elites” job to teach the working class anything. It’s our own individual responsibility to find our own moral standing.
I barely made it to the end because his only solution is to attend church. He blames the nonreligious for rural areas and the working class’s downfall, and I just can’t get onboard with that.
Maybe I’d recommend the first half of the book? But certainly not the last. So overall, no, I wouldn’t recommend.
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

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3.0

A good 3.5 rounded up to a 4!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, much more than The Silent Patient psychological thriller i read earlier this year. This one came from the perspective I wish so many could see. I also enjoyed the New York history scattered throughout.
The Moonlight Child by Karen McQuestion

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4.0

I so fell in love with Mia and Griswold
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay

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2.0

And yet other “self improvement” book that falls short.
Siiiigh.
While there was *some* good information, I mostly felt that she came off as judgmental and mainly lecturing. She almost made it seem as if the rules are laid out in black and white and that there is no other way. As if the chance of a good life is over by 30-35, if you haven’t figured it out by then.
I feel like this book was more of a downer than an inspiration or encouragement :/
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

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3.0

3.5… possibly would round up to 4!
First off- there are a lot of characters in this book and two different timelines. This made it confusing at first and I almost put it down in the first half. BUT… the ending more than made up for it which is exactly why I rounded up to 4! I actually ended up enjoying this one much more than I expected in the last half, and i’m glad i decided to finish it. great Fall read!
Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

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2.5

2.5 ish :/ This one wasn’t for me. I’ve enjoyed her other books (always rating them 4 or 5), but I was honestly just ready to have this one over with. Her writing is still phenomenal and I finished it very quickly due to the way she’s able to trap you with her words. Yet I just didn’t love Morgan or Clara, and the entire book just kind of gave me a headache :/