lucibello's reviews
54 reviews

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

adventurous sad fast-paced

5.0

Make sure that you read this all the way through the author's notes at the end, where he describes his own relationship with the antagonist. This book was excellent, very well written and sympathetic in many regards. It was a bit of a page turner for me, I had to know what happened.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Abortion

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

reflective relaxing slow-paced

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

4.0

Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant

inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

The book was really quite good, I do recommend it. The author hit quite a few subjects in it, some felt far more relevant to me personally than others. But he did make one very specific comment, just one sentence in the book that felt life-changing for me. He said that procrastination is not a time management problem, but an emotional management problem. And that one is sticking with me. Perhaps you'll find a few nuggets of your own wisdom in this book.

The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

The best book of my reading year. Absolutely enveloping, I am melancholy it is over. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

adventurous dark emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I nearly quit the book early in, because it got to such a slow start. But then I could not set it down! Absolutely fantastic, a piece of history that I had not looked at before, the French resistance. The humanity brought to the experiences, the empathy one cannot help but feel, I don't think I can ever look at that piece of history the same again. And that's even after having visited concentration camps.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Racism, Torture, War, and Rape

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with Trauma Survivors: Strengthening Attachment Bonds by Susan M. Johnson

challenging informative medium-paced

5.0

The most practical couple therapy book that I have read, as an LMFT working with veterans. 

Sacred Seasons: A Family Guide to Center Your Year Around Jesus by Danielle Hitchen, Stephen Crotts

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.25

With Love from London by Sarah Jio

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was an excellent book, telling love stories past and present and connecting generations.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer and Abandonment

The Four Day Win: End Your Diet War and Achieve Thinner Peace by Martha N. Beck

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

I read the audiobook, but this book doesn't really lend itself to that because you're supposed to do exercises that last for 4 days before continuing on. I listened to the book more fluently. I really enjoyed her humor, I don't think that the techniques are as simple or as foolproof, but I think there's plenty to be learned.

Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes

dark funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.75