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lcl_reads's reviews
139 reviews
The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Very solid story overall. I liked each main narrator's story as a standalone, but the thread connecting them seemed a bit forced.
An Inconvenient Cop: My Fight to Change Policing in America by Edwin Raymond
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
A very compelling mix of memoir and commentary on the conditions that have created a systemically racist police force. Raymond's upbringing, worldview and actions put him in a unique position to see the system of the NYPD in an usual way. I am still digesting my understanding of the conclusions he draws based on his experiences, but I appreciate the nuanced way he puts forth the things he knows to be true and his unflinching dedication to what he believes.
His narrattion added depth and I would highly recommend this one as an audiobook
His narrattion added depth and I would highly recommend this one as an audiobook
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality and Racism
Minor: Gun violence and Death of parent
The Collective by Alison Gaylin
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was highly disturbing, which I guess is good for a thriller. Like after reading it I really wanted to know if the author is ok. The plot was unique and although I had a hunch about one of the twists at the end, I was genuinely surprised by most of the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Suicide, Murder, Child death, Rape, Grief, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Death
This Is My America by Kim Johnson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta
informative
slow-paced
3.75
I wasn't really sure how to rate this book. I am an American who does not identify as a Christian, nor was I raised in Christianity so my knowledge of Christianity is somewhat limited (as limited as it can be in a country where Christianity is the de facto religion).
What I liked:
- Alberta does an excellent job of writing in a way that is quite accessible. I never felt like my lack of knowledge of the Bible or Christian teachings as a hindrance while reading. It felt very much like having an informative conversation.
- While it was clear Alberta identifies as a Christian, I felt he was respectful. He seems like the kind of person I could meet have a discussion with share my thoughts and learn his and walk away agreeing to disagree.
- He does not shy away from difficult conversations. It seems like he is not afraid to report things as he sees them and is not concerned with avoiding conflict.
What I'm still not sure about:
- Alberta clearly believes that the behavior of contemporary evangelicals is antithetical to the Bible and Christian teachings and I'm just still not sure I'm convinced. I still wonder how many times can Christianity be used as a justification for disgusting behavior before one can say that the religion itself is the problem. Alberta states in the introduction the purpose of the book, so he cannot be completely faulted, but I still could help but want a more critical lens on the stances/people he positively highlights particularly in the Glory section of the book.
- This was a very long book. I think Alberta wanted to ensure he was thorough and told every story, but I seriously contemplated not finishing about 3/4's of the way in because I was beginning to get bored.
What I liked:
- Alberta does an excellent job of writing in a way that is quite accessible. I never felt like my lack of knowledge of the Bible or Christian teachings as a hindrance while reading. It felt very much like having an informative conversation.
- While it was clear Alberta identifies as a Christian, I felt he was respectful. He seems like the kind of person I could meet have a discussion with share my thoughts and learn his and walk away agreeing to disagree.
- He does not shy away from difficult conversations. It seems like he is not afraid to report things as he sees them and is not concerned with avoiding conflict.
What I'm still not sure about:
- Alberta clearly believes that the behavior of contemporary evangelicals is antithetical to the Bible and Christian teachings and I'm just still not sure I'm convinced. I still wonder how many times can Christianity be used as a justification for disgusting behavior before one can say that the religion itself is the problem. Alberta states in the introduction the purpose of the book, so he cannot be completely faulted, but I still could help but want a more critical lens on the stances/people he positively highlights particularly in the Glory section of the book.
- This was a very long book. I think Alberta wanted to ensure he was thorough and told every story, but I seriously contemplated not finishing about 3/4's of the way in because I was beginning to get bored.
Sanctuary by Paola Mendoza, Abby Sher
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
One thing I will say about this book is that I do not think it should be marked as young adult. While the main character is a teenage, it tackles some pretty traumatic events.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Death, Abandonment, Violence, Rape, Deportation, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Child death, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Murder and Trafficking
Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood by Gretchen Sisson
emotional
informative
5.0
Sisson is clear in the foreword that this book has a pretty narrow focus on the mothers that have relinquished their parental rights in private infant adoptions. I greatly appreciated the tight reporting and that the book is very focused. Sisson's reporting is methodical and very thorough. No only does she do initial interviews, but follows up with the women 10 years later. I particularly valued the first person narratives from the women that are interspersed throughout the book. The narratives represent a balanced variety of experiences the mothers have with placing their children for adoption.