Scan barcode
mrshood's reviews
48 reviews
For Small Creatures Such as We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World by Sasha Sagan
4.0
Infused with beautifully written reflections as well as autobiographical details and stories, which bring the book to life and hold it together, this book is nonetheless a little disjointed, only briefly mentioning the practices of different cultures throughout time and space. I probably won't read it again but it was very good, 4 stars. Also, this book finally got my husband and I to start a Sunday ritual of singing a short song together. Thanks Sasha Sagan!
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5 stars. First in a trilogy, with a sequel trilogy still being written. So glad I gave Scwab another try after disliking Addie LaRue. While I enjoy melancholy, slow burn books (do I?) I preferred this fast-paced, fun, creative novel. I loved the characters, world building, magic system, and plot. I can’t wait to read more.
It’s about 4 parallel worlds each centered around a version of London, and only 2 strong blood magicians can travel between them, acting as ambassadors for their respective royalty. One of the 4 is sealed because of evil magic. And one has really no magic to speak of.
It’s about 4 parallel worlds each centered around a version of London, and only 2 strong blood magicians can travel between them, acting as ambassadors for their respective royalty. One of the 4 is sealed because of evil magic. And one has really no magic to speak of.
It’s an adventure where the 2 blood magicians battle as one tries to return an evil relic to the sealed London and the other tries to steal it for his king. There’s also a female orphan and thief who helps the good one. She’s a spitfire. Enjoy!
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
4 stars for The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (and a ghostwriter too). Very abstract, with few practical tips, this is a series of very short essays meditating on art as a way of life, and inspiring us in every facet of creating - from collecting ideas to quieting our inner critic to collaboration and editing, all with a tinge of spirituality and reverence for art and the universe as a whole. Though this book clocks in at 400 pages, there is a lot of blank space and it goes very quickly. I skimmed the last 100 pages - overall it did not resonate with me enough to endure such abstract commentary on the inner workings of the artistic mindset. Worth checking out though, and again, 4 stars for some beautiful insights and reflection.
The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A stunning, spiral memoir of growing up in Columbia as the daughter and granddaughter of healers. Full of poetic phrases, deep reflection, and plenty of magic, the book does not shy away from the tragedies of war and colonization. Powerfully written, hopeful at its core, I loved every minute and will reread this every few years!
Ordinary Light: A Memoir by Tracy K. Smith
slow-paced
4.0
Well-written, but I personally did not relate to or find interesting the many meditations on God. Meandering in parts, but very insightful. I ended up skimming the last 100 pages.
The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.
Mystery is not really my thing! :)