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lucibello's reviews
54 reviews
Saving Leonardo: A Call to Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals, and Meaning by Nancy R. Pearcey
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
This was an academic work that overlayed art history and the prominent philosophies through different historical periods. I was challenged, and it was enlightening, but it was difficult at times.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is the best historical fiction, and by far the best romance novel I have ever read. The speed picked up a little I to it (so keep reading). But I don't believe a book has ever touched my heart quite like this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, and Deportation
How to Fall in Love with a Man Who Lives in a Bush by Emmy Abrahamson
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
It wasn't brilliant. It was a fast read with humor, overall. The main character was off-putting and I spent most of the book waiting for her to change. The author also threw in some unflattering shock-value humor that didn't help. However, it was a light read and carried me forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
Not So Big Solutions for Your Home by Sarah Susanka
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
This helped me rethink spaces in my home, and there were alternative solutions to just throwing money at the problem.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Some said there were too many characters or it read slowly, but I completely disagree. I found myself loving and cheering for each character.
Atlas of Vanishing Places: The Lost Worlds as They Were and as They Are Today Winner Illustrated Book of the Year - Edward Stanford Travel Writin by Travis Elborough
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
The features were only a few pages in length, creating a book that you can pick up and put down in intervals.
Projections: A Story of Human Emotions by Karl Deisseroth
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
At times I could hardly put the book down (the empathetic parts), and at other times it felt like drudgery. The reason is because he is not seamless in transitioning from neuroscience to stories of practicing medicine to philosophy, and even to poetry. He tried to explain mental health conditions to which there is unclear science through evolution. It was inductive reasoning at best. However, he also gave some excellent science, and has a profound ability to empathize with this client. I would have rated this much lower had it not been for his demonstration of empathy.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
The subject matter is very inspiring, so much to learn from Mister Rogers! At times the writing style felt choppy, repetitive, and with points made out-of-place...but still a great read.
Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive by Jordan Raynor
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
The author stated early on that he did not expect everything to apply, but hoped the reader could experience positive change just by implementing what does apply...and I have been experiencing significant improvements in my own life by following just a few of his practical suggestions. This will be a good one to re-read every few years.