Take a photo of a barcode or cover
labbyreads's reviews
273 reviews
The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Glint by Raven Kennedy
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values by Brian Christian
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.0
Model Home by Rivers Solomon
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A Touch of Malice by Scarlett St. Clair
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The Future by Naomi Alderman
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World by David Robson
informative
3.0
Read full review
David Robson's The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World is a captivating exploration of the untapped power of our thoughts. Unlike traditional self-help books, it goes beyond surface positivity, delving into the intricate connection between beliefs and life outcomes.
A standout feature is the examination of placebo effect studies, revealing the astonishing impact our minds can have on physical well-being, even when aware it's a placebo. This challenges preconceptions about what's achievable.
The book's uniqueness lies in recognizing the nuanced nature of expectations and avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. Robson provides practical tips, emphasizing mindfulness and self-awareness in managing expectations.
The real magic is in Robson's storytelling, weaving anecdotes and case studies that transform abstract theories into relatable experiences. While acknowledging the limits of positive thinking, the book motivates action, stressing the need to marry mindset with tangible effort.
In essence, The Expectation Effect is more than a self-help guide; it's an invitation to explore uncharted territories within your expectations. It blends science, real-life stories, and actionable advice to equip readers with the knowledge and tools to actively shape their lives. Take a moment to ponder your expectations and unlock the hidden potential for personal transformation within your mindset.
David Robson's The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World is a captivating exploration of the untapped power of our thoughts. Unlike traditional self-help books, it goes beyond surface positivity, delving into the intricate connection between beliefs and life outcomes.
A standout feature is the examination of placebo effect studies, revealing the astonishing impact our minds can have on physical well-being, even when aware it's a placebo. This challenges preconceptions about what's achievable.
The book's uniqueness lies in recognizing the nuanced nature of expectations and avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. Robson provides practical tips, emphasizing mindfulness and self-awareness in managing expectations.
The real magic is in Robson's storytelling, weaving anecdotes and case studies that transform abstract theories into relatable experiences. While acknowledging the limits of positive thinking, the book motivates action, stressing the need to marry mindset with tangible effort.
In essence, The Expectation Effect is more than a self-help guide; it's an invitation to explore uncharted territories within your expectations. It blends science, real-life stories, and actionable advice to equip readers with the knowledge and tools to actively shape their lives. Take a moment to ponder your expectations and unlock the hidden potential for personal transformation within your mindset.
Scaling People: A Tactical Guide to Company Building by Claire Hughes Johnson
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.0
Scaling People by CHJ is an insightful guide tailored for managers of managers, offering strategic advice on steering a company to success by prioritizing its most valuable asset: its people.
With experience at Google and Stripe, CHJ provides practical wisdom and examples for hiring, managing, and retaining talent in the face of rapid growth. This book delves into crucial aspects of running a company, covering founding principles, operational procedures, hiring strategies, team building, and performance metrics.
It stands out as one of the most practical business books, offering real-world advice applicable to high-level positions, especially in the tech industry. While the density may not appeal to everyone, the content proves relevant for those in top management roles within substantial or fast-growing companies.
CHJ's emphasis on process resonates throughout the book, underscoring the importance of structure for success. The inclusion of exercises and worksheets adds a hands-on dimension, providing tools for defining organizational foundations and effective hiring processes.
If you are at director-level or above, this book is a gold mine of good information. If you are not at that level, this book will probably put you to sleep. It is a dense compendium of information.
With experience at Google and Stripe, CHJ provides practical wisdom and examples for hiring, managing, and retaining talent in the face of rapid growth. This book delves into crucial aspects of running a company, covering founding principles, operational procedures, hiring strategies, team building, and performance metrics.
It stands out as one of the most practical business books, offering real-world advice applicable to high-level positions, especially in the tech industry. While the density may not appeal to everyone, the content proves relevant for those in top management roles within substantial or fast-growing companies.
CHJ's emphasis on process resonates throughout the book, underscoring the importance of structure for success. The inclusion of exercises and worksheets adds a hands-on dimension, providing tools for defining organizational foundations and effective hiring processes.
If you are at director-level or above, this book is a gold mine of good information. If you are not at that level, this book will probably put you to sleep. It is a dense compendium of information.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Read Full Review
It's extremely rare for me to give a one-star rating, but this book definitely deserves it. Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us" is supposed to be a romance novel, but it ended up being a big disappointment.
The story follows Lily Bloom, trapped in a marriage just like the one she criticized her mother for staying in.
Hoover tries to make us question our views on abusive relationships through Lily's character. At the beginning, Lily resents her mother for enduring an abusive marriage, but when she herself becomes a victim, she starts to empathize with her mother. However, instead of seeking guidance and support from her mother in this difficult situation, Lily stubbornly tries to handle it on her own. This decision infuriated me as a reader.
I have to admit, though, that Hoover skillfully portrays the complexity of abusive relationships. Lily must grapple with the conflicting emotions and resentments she holds towards her mother. It's not as simple as just leaving; Lily realizes it's a complicated and heartbreaking process. Hoover challenges assumptions about why women stay in abusive relationships through her characters.
Unfortunately, the characters in this book fell flat for me. The sudden transformation of Ryle from a dreamy character to an abusive husband lacked depth and reasoning. The plot relied too heavily on unrealistic tropes. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book and found it difficult to relate to the characters.
It's extremely rare for me to give a one-star rating, but this book definitely deserves it. Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us" is supposed to be a romance novel, but it ended up being a big disappointment.
The story follows Lily Bloom, trapped in a marriage just like the one she criticized her mother for staying in.
Hoover tries to make us question our views on abusive relationships through Lily's character. At the beginning, Lily resents her mother for enduring an abusive marriage, but when she herself becomes a victim, she starts to empathize with her mother. However, instead of seeking guidance and support from her mother in this difficult situation, Lily stubbornly tries to handle it on her own. This decision infuriated me as a reader.
I have to admit, though, that Hoover skillfully portrays the complexity of abusive relationships. Lily must grapple with the conflicting emotions and resentments she holds towards her mother. It's not as simple as just leaving; Lily realizes it's a complicated and heartbreaking process. Hoover challenges assumptions about why women stay in abusive relationships through her characters.
Unfortunately, the characters in this book fell flat for me. The sudden transformation of Ryle from a dreamy character to an abusive husband lacked depth and reasoning. The plot relied too heavily on unrealistic tropes. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book and found it difficult to relate to the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content