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mhinnen's reviews
377 reviews
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
funny
medium-paced
3.75
Fun twist on a classic romcom playing with tropes. Can two city people break down their icy facade in a small town? I also enjoyed the thread of sister hood and family dynamics and how they shape our relationships. The NYC references were a bit too specific and over the top for me. Emily Henry’s writing is clever and light. this would be the perfect beach read.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
I read this after reading the sequel and honestly found it even more problematic. The sequel troubles me too, so I guess I should have expected it. It’s written as a fable, focused on the story of 9 year old Bruno. The premise is that a young boy, the son of a Nazi commander, moves with his family next to “Out-with” and befriends Shmuel a “boy in striped pajamas.” It is written in a way that Bruno is naive and innocent of all that is happening, who his father is, who his father’s boss “The Fury” is, and who his new friend is. All of this innocence leads to a tragic ending that is focused on Bruno and his family and not on the horror that is happening on the other side of the fence! The reality is that Bruno and his older sister would have been indoctrinated, not protected, from what was happening. When Bruno betrays his friend, we know his feelings of sadness and guilt and his relief that Shmuel remains his friend even after receiving a severe beating. Bruno and Shmuel are supposedly best friends but Shmuel never reveals what is actually happening let alone asking Bruno for his father to intervene on his family’s behalf.
There was so much wrong with the centering of the Nazi family and inaccuracies about the role of children in the Third Reich. Bruno would have been loyal not only to his father but to all that was happening to secure the next generation in Hitler’s nightmare.
There was so much wrong with the centering of the Nazi family and inaccuracies about the role of children in the Third Reich. Bruno would have been loyal not only to his father but to all that was happening to secure the next generation in Hitler’s nightmare.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
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
This is the second book I've read recently that was from the point of view of an old woman telling her life story spanning a similar timespan from 1940. The first was "All the Broken Places" about a woman who runs from her past (she had been a teenager as a prominent Nazi family).
Vivian, in "City of Girls" couldn't be more different. She comes from a prominent family but her rebellious nature lands her at 19 years old in 1940s NYC with her aunt who runs a theatre. Vivian finds her place among the life of showgirls, parties, and sexual exploits. She is drawn to the glitz and glamor of the chaos and the "shiny people." And then it all crashes down when she makes a particularly bad decision that causes pain and scandal. Overcome by shame, Vivian could have settled down, but as the men go to war, she has other options that lead to an unconventional life.
She tells her story in the form of a (nearly 500 page!) letter to the daughter of a man who we don't get to know until the last part of the book. I found the first part of the book most interesting as well as the lessons learned towards the end. The details and character development were exciting and unfolded at a good pace. The story loses some momentum when the years kind of get filled in before finally telling the story of her connection to Angela's father. Overall, I appreciate Vivian's growth as she embraces her authentic self, comes to terms with the source of her shame, and puts judgment about others and herself into perspective.
Vivian, in "City of Girls" couldn't be more different. She comes from a prominent family but her rebellious nature lands her at 19 years old in 1940s NYC with her aunt who runs a theatre. Vivian finds her place among the life of showgirls, parties, and sexual exploits. She is drawn to the glitz and glamor of the chaos and the "shiny people." And then it all crashes down when she makes a particularly bad decision that causes pain and scandal. Overcome by shame, Vivian could have settled down, but as the men go to war, she has other options that lead to an unconventional life.
She tells her story in the form of a (nearly 500 page!) letter to the daughter of a man who we don't get to know until the last part of the book. I found the first part of the book most interesting as well as the lessons learned towards the end. The details and character development were exciting and unfolded at a good pace. The story loses some momentum when the years kind of get filled in before finally telling the story of her connection to Angela's father. Overall, I appreciate Vivian's growth as she embraces her authentic self, comes to terms with the source of her shame, and puts judgment about others and herself into perspective.
Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again by Ruth Haley Barton, Ruth Haley Barton
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
"sabbath keeping is an act of resistance against a culture that brainwashes us into thinking that good things come only through unceasing determination, tireless human effort, and always being plugged in."
I read this book during my clergy sabbatical and wish I had picked it up sooner. To be sure, for many many people the idea of sabbath, one day off a week for worship, rest, and delight is aspirational. It simply cannot be incorporated into the lives of people who struggle to survive. Still, there are elements of this book that can be incorporated such as your relationship with technology, pausing to take a breath before shifting gears, gratitude at mealtime, and being present for your family with intentional planning. And if you are in a position to practice a day set apart and it's just that you feel your life is "too busy," this book is helpful to make a case - if nothing else because if you do not find a healthy rhythm, the grind will catch up to you and force you to rest.
The book has biblical grounding as well as practical observations such as the importance of setting boundaries and being consistent. The first section has practical implications for most people who are looking to practice sabbath, but the rest of it really is for church leaders (I feel like this would be a great ordination gift!)
l purchased the accompanying journal which was not necessary, but it is attractive and a nice way to write down my reflections based on the prompts.
I read this book during my clergy sabbatical and wish I had picked it up sooner. To be sure, for many many people the idea of sabbath, one day off a week for worship, rest, and delight is aspirational. It simply cannot be incorporated into the lives of people who struggle to survive. Still, there are elements of this book that can be incorporated such as your relationship with technology, pausing to take a breath before shifting gears, gratitude at mealtime, and being present for your family with intentional planning. And if you are in a position to practice a day set apart and it's just that you feel your life is "too busy," this book is helpful to make a case - if nothing else because if you do not find a healthy rhythm, the grind will catch up to you and force you to rest.
The book has biblical grounding as well as practical observations such as the importance of setting boundaries and being consistent. The first section has practical implications for most people who are looking to practice sabbath, but the rest of it really is for church leaders (I feel like this would be a great ordination gift!)
l purchased the accompanying journal which was not necessary, but it is attractive and a nice way to write down my reflections based on the prompts.
All the Broken Places by John Boyne
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
John Boyne is an exceptional writer. All the Broken Places pulled me right in. Entering the past and present of 91-year-old Gretel, we learn her most shameful secrets. While Greta tries to make herself accountable, she never takes public responsibility and in fact, lives a pretty privileged life even while she is mentally tortured by the understanding that her 12-year-old self was part of a Nazi family and her father was hung for war crimes. She spends much of her life hiding.
The book is written seemingly sympathetic to Gretel . . . is it her fault that she was born into a family and lived a pleasant life on the other side of the fence where crimes against humanity were being committed? We see how her upbringing gave her a taste of power and eventually put her on the run. But she never really makes any reparation to the Jewish community or even meaningful repentance. Even the emotions she feels about her 9-year-old neighbor who is abused seem to be more about her brother who died during their time as Nazis than the millions who died because of her family's complicity. There are moments when we see her humanity, but at the end of the day, it seems that Hitler's charisma corrupted her soul.
I didn't realize until I read the author's note that this is a sequel to the Boy in the Striped Pajamas which I haven't read. Because of this, there are some gaps about what happened to her brother in All the Broken Places that I imagine are revealed in the first novel.
The book is written seemingly sympathetic to Gretel . . . is it her fault that she was born into a family and lived a pleasant life on the other side of the fence where crimes against humanity were being committed? We see how her upbringing gave her a taste of power and eventually put her on the run. But she never really makes any reparation to the Jewish community or even meaningful repentance. Even the emotions she feels about her 9-year-old neighbor who is abused seem to be more about her brother who died during their time as Nazis than the millions who died because of her family's complicity. There are moments when we see her humanity, but at the end of the day, it seems that Hitler's charisma corrupted her soul.
I didn't realize until I read the author's note that this is a sequel to the Boy in the Striped Pajamas which I haven't read. Because of this, there are some gaps about what happened to her brother in All the Broken Places that I imagine are revealed in the first novel.
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
"Shelterwood is an obscure forestry term for older, larger trees that protect the smaller, younger growth beneath."
I read this book in a week that children in Gaza are being burned alive. It is heartbreaking that children's lives hold so little value among the greedy and powerful. In this novel, Lisa Wingate puts names and stories to the little-known (to me anyway) history of Native American children who had an unintentional and tragic role in the rise of wealthy white men in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. In this novel, they learn to survive and form a community, watching out for one another in the woods even though they are just children. She also highlights the women whose compassion and kindness made a difference against all odds to change a system of abuse and exploitation.
The story is told in a dual timeline in the same place 80 years later (1990). We see how past and present connect for better or worse. And how children still so often are tossed aside.
It was a hard heartfelt story and the turns of phrase were mesmerizing. Val's story in 1990 was a bit distracting. I felt like the 1909 storyline would have been better on its own. An epilogue could have brought us to the current time to tie up loose ends.
Overall, it was a good book and has important information about US history including Kate Barnard a "politician who had the broadest influence on the state’s constitution and then went on be elected to statewide office by the largest majority of any candidate on the ballot was … a woman - in an era when women couldn’t even vote."
I read this book in a week that children in Gaza are being burned alive. It is heartbreaking that children's lives hold so little value among the greedy and powerful. In this novel, Lisa Wingate puts names and stories to the little-known (to me anyway) history of Native American children who had an unintentional and tragic role in the rise of wealthy white men in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. In this novel, they learn to survive and form a community, watching out for one another in the woods even though they are just children. She also highlights the women whose compassion and kindness made a difference against all odds to change a system of abuse and exploitation.
The story is told in a dual timeline in the same place 80 years later (1990). We see how past and present connect for better or worse. And how children still so often are tossed aside.
It was a hard heartfelt story and the turns of phrase were mesmerizing. Val's story in 1990 was a bit distracting. I felt like the 1909 storyline would have been better on its own. An epilogue could have brought us to the current time to tie up loose ends.
Overall, it was a good book and has important information about US history including Kate Barnard a "politician who had the broadest influence on the state’s constitution and then went on be elected to statewide office by the largest majority of any candidate on the ballot was … a woman - in an era when women couldn’t even vote."
Life, Loss, and Puffins by Catherine Ryan Hyde
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I love Catherine Ryan Hyde's books. Her character relationships are interesting and unexpected. She brings the characters to life and they seem to grow through the differences in one another. In Life, Love, and Puffins, "freakishly smart" thirteen-year-old, Rue and her nonbinary seventeen-year-old friend, Gabriel run away and set out on a road trip to experience three specific adventures. They ditch their cell phones to avoid being caught and rely on "old-fashioned" means for the needed information. We meet several characters along their journey and the descriptions of the landscape and experiences are well written. I particularly enjoyed their time in the wilderness.
That said, this book fell flat for me. I struggled to get through it (I read about a quarter of it in the fall and then came back and started it over in the spring). I didn't understand why Rue is telling the story to two girls instead of just telling the readers. I was uncomfortable with normalizing the friendship of two teens of such different ages and genders in close proximity and an especially vulnerable girl. I was also uncomfortable with normalizing a thirteen-year-old girl and a seventeen-year-old boy running away. Even though Ru's aunt was not a loving figure, she was committed to making sure Ru had her basic needs met and that she was safe. And in general, while I appreciated Gabriel's personality, I didn't really love any of the characters, except maybe the puffins. Who doesn't love puffins?
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That said, this book fell flat for me. I struggled to get through it (I read about a quarter of it in the fall and then came back and started it over in the spring). I didn't understand why Rue is telling the story to two girls instead of just telling the readers. I was uncomfortable with normalizing the friendship of two teens of such different ages and genders in close proximity and an especially vulnerable girl. I was also uncomfortable with normalizing a thirteen-year-old girl and a seventeen-year-old boy running away. Even though Ru's aunt was not a loving figure, she was committed to making sure Ru had her basic needs met and that she was safe. And in general, while I appreciated Gabriel's personality, I didn't really love any of the characters, except maybe the puffins. Who doesn't love puffins?
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Smart, delightful rom-com by Emily Henry and one of the best narrations by Julia Whelan I've heard so far ("she does all the voices" wink).
When Daphne loses her fiance (Peter) to his childhood friend (Petra), she also loses her home, extended family, friends (because they were his friends), and even her best friend (whose boyfriend is her now ex-fiance's friend). She ends up moving in with Miles who is Petra's now ex-boyfriend. As their friendship develops and they begin getting over their awful exes, Daphne begins building a life and a community of her own. She dreams, has choices, and recognizes her own agency to direct her life.
I really loved her growth and self-awareness. There is a sense of accountability, forgiveness (that doesn't require reconciliation), and boundaries. Even when she messes up, she learns from her mistakes.
I would have liked to "meet" Miles' parents. Also, people, take the responsibility of raising children seriously! The impact of toxic parenting is real and I appreciated that this novel shows both the healthy and damaging approaches to raising children and relating to adult children.
I smiled but didn't laugh and parts tugged at my heart but I never cried. Mile's character bordered on being a little much on the dreamy side. Overall, I enjoyed the character development of the people who become part of Daphne's chosen community.
This is a great beach or vacation read or even if you are just looking for something light to read a few chapters before bed. I listened to the audiobook in the car (some parts are a bit steamy so be aware of who is in the car with you). Falls clearly in the "chick lit" category but has depth and 21st-century sensibility.
I read "People we Meet on vacation" a few years ago and now headed to Libby to add a couple of others to my summer reading list.
When Daphne loses her fiance (Peter) to his childhood friend (Petra), she also loses her home, extended family, friends (because they were his friends), and even her best friend (whose boyfriend is her now ex-fiance's friend). She ends up moving in with Miles who is Petra's now ex-boyfriend. As their friendship develops and they begin getting over their awful exes, Daphne begins building a life and a community of her own. She dreams, has choices, and recognizes her own agency to direct her life.
I really loved her growth and self-awareness. There is a sense of accountability, forgiveness (that doesn't require reconciliation), and boundaries. Even when she messes up, she learns from her mistakes.
I would have liked to "meet" Miles' parents. Also, people, take the responsibility of raising children seriously! The impact of toxic parenting is real and I appreciated that this novel shows both the healthy and damaging approaches to raising children and relating to adult children.
I smiled but didn't laugh and parts tugged at my heart but I never cried. Mile's character bordered on being a little much on the dreamy side. Overall, I enjoyed the character development of the people who become part of Daphne's chosen community.
This is a great beach or vacation read or even if you are just looking for something light to read a few chapters before bed. I listened to the audiobook in the car (some parts are a bit steamy so be aware of who is in the car with you). Falls clearly in the "chick lit" category but has depth and 21st-century sensibility.
I read "People we Meet on vacation" a few years ago and now headed to Libby to add a couple of others to my summer reading list.
One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole
challenging
dark
emotional
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a hard book to get through because it is told through the voices in someone with disassociated identity disorder. The headspace and physical space begin to mirror each other as the traumatic memories are peeled back. The book addresses white supremacy and sociopathic legacies in a “Get Out” kind of style (similar to Cole’s “when no one is watching). I am intrigued by the premise and love the detailed descriptive style of Cole’s writing. But this book was a bit too confusing to me and I still don’t quite understand what happened and how all the pieces fit together.
Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves by Chanequa Walker-Barnes
5.0
During my sabbatical, I’ve started each day by reading a chapter in this book and then journaling. It is faith-based and offers simple practices to create new rhythms to care for your body, mind, and spirit. Some of us at PSUMC read it as a small group as part of the Rest is Resistance series. I only skimmed it initially. But it has been a helpful tool during this renewal season as I consider new patterns and practices for ordering my life.