kizzia's reviews
1208 reviews

On Sycamore Gap by Kate Fox

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

An uplifting and soul-filled collection of poems that reflect the hearts of those who mourn the tree not just for what it was but all the meanings people had given to it.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-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

4.5

In their author’s note Sarah Beth Durst said she wanted this story to be like drinking a cup of hot chocolate and it absolutely is; delicious, comforting, and heartwarming.

The Oak Papers by James Canton

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.25

A fascinating mix of life-writing, nature journal and natural history, if you feel the same connection to oak trees as I do you'll want to read this. 

The Fell by Sarah Moss

challenging dark emotional 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? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Another stunning piece of storytelling through characterisation from Sarah Moss. She really is one of the best authors around.
However if you are avoiding books set during the start of the pandemic/involving covid then you’ll not want to read this. 

Nobody's Hero by M.W. Craven

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

I don't know how to describe this book other than magical. The writing is beautiful but it is the subject matter, the sharing of the reality of a creature that the rest of us see through the lens of folktales, myths and cameras rather than in person, is intensely moving. This is not a book I can describe but rather one you need to read for yourself to take in the depth of information and the intimacy with these wonderful animals.

I listened to the audible version, narrated fantastically by Louise Brealey, which also contains a bonus interview of Chloe by Louise that is nearly as fascinating as the book itself. 

Some of Our Parts Why We Are More Than the Labels We Live by Laura Kennedy

challenging dark emotional informative reflective slow-paced

4.5

Accessible, thought provoking, deeply informative and full of questions rather than answers as all the best philosophy books are. 

Summerwater by Sarah Moss

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I never know how to describe Sarah Moss’s books other than enveloping, deep and almost obsessively good. This one is a masterclass in how carefully deployed characterisation can tell a story more effectively than a linear storyline plus how what you don't include can have more impact than what you do.  

The story held my soul captive in the best way as I galloped breathlessly through the pages and left me changed, shaken to the core, more understanding, and less certain. 

On Looking: A Walker's Guide to the Art of Observation by Alexandra Horowitz

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

Excellent to dip in and out of, each essay offers a new perspective and a plethora of fascinating facts.

Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett

adventurous emotional funny hopeful tense fast-paced

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

5.0