lisacerezo's reviews
55 reviews

Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine by Derren Brown

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challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

I’ve spent just over a year working my way through this book, stopping multiple times to absorb what I had read, and honestly, postponing the section dealing with death. I bought this book because I am a huge fan of Derren’s work and how he thinks, and this book cultivated a deeper appreciation in me of how his mind works. He approaches emotionally-charged topics of life with his customary logic and talent for examination, and brings the reader along on the journey. He provides many helpful resources for further study as well, which I appreciated. I found myself stopping frequently and taking notes for the benefit of my future self, as if I were taking a class. The experience of working my way through this book has certainly improved my mental wellness and my outlook on life. I expect I may come back to it a few more times as life goes on. Additionally, I highly recommend following along while listening to the audiobook, as it is narrated by Derren himself and lends another layer of appreciation to the experience. 
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

It definitely reminded me of some sort of Ted Lasso fanfic, but I didn’t mind casting Brett Goldstein as Alfie in my head. Too many sentence fragments for my liking, but it was a sweet little read. 
This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin

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5.0

A truly fascinating look at how our minds react to musical stimuli, from the well-trained scientific perspective. A very enjoyable read.
Dracula the Un-Dead by Dacre Stoker

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2.0

I'm marking this as "read" simply because I can't bear to read any more of it. While the concept was enticing, the execution was lacking. In the end, it simply failed to hold my interest long enough for me to make it to the end.
Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

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4.0

Can't help but enjoy S. King's writings. For the first time, though, I have been made to feel uncomfortable, uneasy, in a completely unique way. These stories were dark in a different way than King's usual writings--more personal, and therefore more visceral. Do read, but be aware, when the title says "Full Dark", it really is fully and completely dark.