Scan barcode
pandaorb's reviews
351 reviews
A Hiker's Guide to Purgatory by Michael Norton
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Norton's debut novel takes readers on a scenic journey through Purgatory in a way that feels almost Tolkien-esque in its descriptions of nature. The pace is as relaxed as one might expect from a meandering hike through rolling mountains but punctuated with frequently intense flashbacks through life that our protagonist needs to work through.
Despite being a story about Purgatory I can't say that this book felt exceptionally Catholic. It may as well have been The Great Divorce but for all its brief mentions of Catholic theology. There were no deep dives- no point at which Dan had a profound experience through any sacrament in his life, and that left me wanting more. The book was also a little too introspective for my taste, but I anticipated that going in. As it stands, A Hiker's Guide to Purgatory feels inescapably like a first novel, but with more time spent on editing (there were a few missing words, typos, and pacing issues) I think this could have easily gained 4.5 stars. In the end, this was a quick and enjoyable read that invited me to spend more time reflecting on my life, and that's really all I can ask.
Despite being a story about Purgatory I can't say that this book felt exceptionally Catholic. It may as well have been The Great Divorce but for all its brief mentions of Catholic theology. There were no deep dives- no point at which Dan had a profound experience through any sacrament in his life, and that left me wanting more. The book was also a little too introspective for my taste, but I anticipated that going in. As it stands, A Hiker's Guide to Purgatory feels inescapably like a first novel, but with more time spent on editing (there were a few missing words, typos, and pacing issues) I think this could have easily gained 4.5 stars. In the end, this was a quick and enjoyable read that invited me to spend more time reflecting on my life, and that's really all I can ask.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Infidelity and Miscarriage
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Death of parent
Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
The first half of this was a real chore to get through. More of the same from last book of everyone in Pern being mean to Menolly. It improved around the middle when she began to get some support and have fun, but was still mostly a story about how every girl except Menolly is shallow and musically inept. 👎
A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: 52 Companions for Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul by Lisa M. Hendey
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I can't say I read this in a year (maybe closer to three!), but I did focus on only one Saint each week. Hendey did a lovely job of balancing biographical information about each Saint with reflections on how they can inspire us to live holier lives. It may very well be worth reading through again!
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I liked the first half of this book more than the second. In the beginning, I found Elizabeth charming and her story quite relatable. She shines as a beacon of reason and feminism in witty book. By the halfway point, however, I felt that Garmus was being heavy handed with her message of "men are bad and religion is bad". Although the narrative leans into hyperbole in order to illustrate its cast, I found the character mold for every single man was repeatedly either malicious or stupid, while the character mold for every single religious person was either flat out evil or too dumb to have ever thought about their beliefs. Unfortunately this misrepresentation really took away from my ability to enjoy the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Suicide and Vomit
Minor: Homophobia
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Coraline makes the second Neil Gaiman book in my repertoire and I liked it very much. While there were portions that made me wonder what kind of stories the author considered appropriate for his young daughters, I found the middle-grade level of morbid humor quite entertaining. I fell in love with Coraline, and the black cat, and even the crazy man upstairs. How Gaiman can expertly navigate the uncanny valley and seamlessly meld it with such whimsy is beyond me, but I suppose I now have license to consider myself a fan.
P.S. The Chesterton quote, Forward and QA in the 10th anniversary edition made this story all the more delightful.
P.S. The Chesterton quote, Forward and QA in the 10th anniversary edition made this story all the more delightful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
2.0
I did not enjoy this in the slightest, but it was a book club selection so I powered through. To start with, I have an incredibly difficult time digesting Holocaust literature. I have been exposed to the horrors that humanity is capable of and dwelling on it any longer does me no good, thus Part 1 of this book was an extremely painful read.
Part 2 was written so differently (and in fact was not added until long after the initial publication) that it may as well have been a different book. The switch in tone and topic was jarring, and from my reading could essentially be summed up as "find religion or at least something to do". The postscript ended up being the most palatable section for me.
Frankl wrote the first draft for Part 1 in 9 days. I wish he had taken more time and integrated the information from Part 2 into Part 1 in order to illustrate any cases of logotherapy at work in concentration camps.
I don't begrudge the man for sharing his story, and I'm grateful that he found peace before passing, but this particular work did not do for me what it seems to have done for so many others.
Part 2 was written so differently (and in fact was not added until long after the initial publication) that it may as well have been a different book. The switch in tone and topic was jarring, and from my reading could essentially be summed up as "find religion or at least something to do". The postscript ended up being the most palatable section for me.
Frankl wrote the first draft for Part 1 in 9 days. I wish he had taken more time and integrated the information from Part 2 into Part 1 in order to illustrate any cases of logotherapy at work in concentration camps.
I don't begrudge the man for sharing his story, and I'm grateful that he found peace before passing, but this particular work did not do for me what it seems to have done for so many others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicide
Minor: Cannibalism
Puzzle House by Felia Hanakata, Peter Wartman
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This installment doesn't have quite as much tension as the previous two, but it was great to see Claudia and Soren at a younger age.
The Housekeeper by Natalie Barelli
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
I did not like the main character at all.
I Was A Teenage Exocolonist Artbook by
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Bloodmoon Huntress by Nicole Andelfinger
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A brief dive into the relationship between young Rayla and her "adoptive" family, Bloodmoon Huntress walks us through Rayla's decision to train as a Moonshadow assassin. Leaning on atmospheric art - especially for the fight scenes! - this story both expands the world of Xadia and explores the difficult path that sometimes must be walked in order to protect loved ones. The Dragon Prince team has delivered once again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood