obstinateheadstrongcurl's reviews
928 reviews

The Secret History of Food: Strange but True Stories About the Origins of Everything We Eat by Matt Siegel

funny informative fast-paced

4.0

This was funny and informative. Not as deep or broad as I was hoping for, but definitely an entertaining dip into food history.

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

4.75

Such a well-crafted memoir. I really enjoyed the conceit of using multiple genres, it was such a unique way of showcasing all these different vignettes. Even though she uses a non-traditional narrative structure, it never feels like the plot gets away from Machado, nor did I ever feel bogged down in what is a tragic and frustrating story.

The ending shocked me a bit, but I appreciated the messiness and honesty of it.<\spoiler>

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan

informative fast-paced

4.25

I really enjoy Michael Pollan’s writing. I really appreciate how he focuses on broader societal changes rather than painting food choices as individual failings. Pretty ahead of it’s time in that regard, although not so much in his view on who’s preparing the food (spoiler alert: it’s the mom). Overall this was really good. For anyone contemplating picking up Ultra-Processed People, go for this instead.

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo

informative sad fast-paced

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

3.25

I appreciate the issues this book addresses: sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, parental leave, costs of childcare, the pressures of societal expectations. Overall, the book didn’t really work for me because of its style. It’s fiction that reads like nonfiction, and while I think the idea is cool, the actual execution wasn’t great.

The last few pages explain why this style is used, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if this was introduced at the beginning of the book rather than as a surprise at the end.<\spoiler>

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo

dark emotional informative medium-paced

5.0

Such a well-researched and honest telling of how trauma affects people. Foo moves between telling her story and sharing the science with ease and in a way that always feels compelling. Definitely check content notes on this one but I highly recommend.

Knots & Crosses by Ian Rankin

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

2.75

Aside from the fact that it’s virtually impossible for me to get behind a cop as the main character, I don’t think this is very good. It certainly hasn’t aged well. Rankin has some not great takes on sexuality.

Rebus appears to have no parental instincts whatsoever. When his daughter is kidnapped, he’s much more fixated on his past connection to the villain, occasionally seeming to forget that his daughter is a part of it at all. <\spoiler>

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

adventurous medium-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? It's complicated

3.0

I don’t understand the hype around this series. It was good but not great? My biggest issue was how the main character’s flaws weren’t really reckoned with. Maybe that’s addressed later in the series but I’m not sure it’s worth continuing for me. If you’re a big fan of YA romantasy I would suggest giving it a try but I don’t think it’s worth seeking out otherwise. 

Hippie Food: How Back-To-The-Landers, Longhairs, and Revolutionaries Changed the Way We Eat by Jonathan Kauffman

informative fast-paced

3.75

This was an entertaining look at the history of the natural food movement in the US. Fascinating to see how the movement originated. I appreciated that the author addressed how race and class played a part in who participated/was invited into the movement.

Palestine: A Socialist Introduction by Sumaya Awad, Brian Bean

hopeful informative sad medium-paced

5.0

Such an important read. A really fascinating and informative series of essays highlighting past and ongoing socialist efforts within Palestinian society and activism.

River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard

informative medium-paced

3.5

This story has all the drama and pettiness of a reality tv show but wasn’t always told in the most gripping way. For the most part entertaining but I did find my attention slipping occasionally.