marmat89on's reviews
62 reviews

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

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

4.0

The Tale of Jacob Swift by Jeff Kurrus

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

3.5

Very sweet children’s book about some animals.
Eat That Frog! Action Workbook: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy

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informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

This book is very helpful for approaching my day with some different methods. I feel like it’s got some good points, and worth a reading. I’ll reread the text version soon, because it’s got some interactive parts.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

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mysterious 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? Yes

4.0

A friend told me reading Dickens is a chore. I found it to be fairly easy, but maybe because this tale has been told so many times in movie form. There’s a few old timey words and whatnot, but overall it’s an easy story to understand, and compelling enough to make it a classic.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

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

2.5

I just found this to be the same old plot from the other three, but more confusing names. The movie was solid, but the book was a real drag.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

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

5.0

I’ve feel like I’ve never read a book that so captured me! Some parts I could’ve sworn were written for and about me. I know I need to read more, but this book taught me at the very least what life was like a bit in the 1930s or whenever.  

I love Salinger’s style, where he says one thing, thinks another, written in a whole different way; and then goes off to tell a little side story. Only for that point to either go nowhere, or come up full circle by the end. Maybe I’m too heavily praising it, but I do want to read more Salinger and I’ll probably try an unauthorized sequel from the library – 60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye. I just loved Holden Caulfield. His way of thinking and living, and his love for his little sister Phobe, it just killed me. Great for a teen, originally written for adults. Healthy exposure to drinking, swearing, coming-of-age, sex, depression, anxiety, and love. Good talking points for sure.

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Look Out for the Little Guy! by Scott Lang

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I went into this book with low expectations, a tribute to the Marvel films. I came out a little wiser, with some new perspective on one of my favorite Marvel superheroes, Scott Lang/Ant-Man. I love Paul Rudd also, and I feel like the co-writer did a great job of encapsulating his voice. You truly think you’re reading a memoir from Scott Lang, and you will find something enjoyable and memorable in this book. For me, I’ll never forget, “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” Lang points out the key is the YOU. It takes effort – you have to be the one to make the lemonade. Anyway, I liked this book, good for teenagers and adults alike. 
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey, Jim Collins

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challenging informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

This all could’ve been wrapped up in a podcast, but good material and I’m glad I read it. Now, I’ll just need to work on applying the habits and behaviors.
Threads: Clothes and the Irishman - a Woven History by Paul Galvin

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informative relaxing medium-paced

3.0

I read this book after seeing the cover – figured I’d challenge myself. It was actually a very interesting read. I care nothing for sports, but this book was able to dive into the going’s-on around the sport, which led to various fashion choices in their company’s line. Lots of Irish historical figures were referenced, and the clothes of their time. I expect folks that want to learn a bit about history and men’s fashion would enjoy this read. It made me want to think about how I dress, which is how you present yourself to the world. I’m no fashionista, but now I can at least appreciate the effort that went into my clothes.