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pekoparty's reviews
217 reviews
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
5.0
Listened to audio via Libro.Fm
Wow, what a delight and privilege to soak in! Katherine May writes beautifully of the winters (literal and metaphorical) that we experience throughout life's non-linear, yet cyclical-with-low-aging trials. How do we endure winter when it comes? Head-on or unprepared? And if we find ourselves unprepared, in the cold of it all, how do we survive?
If you're looking for a book as you cozy up for dark months, this is it. I also highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator is just wonderful.
Wow, what a delight and privilege to soak in! Katherine May writes beautifully of the winters (literal and metaphorical) that we experience throughout life's non-linear, yet cyclical-with-low-aging trials. How do we endure winter when it comes? Head-on or unprepared? And if we find ourselves unprepared, in the cold of it all, how do we survive?
If you're looking for a book as you cozy up for dark months, this is it. I also highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator is just wonderful.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
3.0
Listened via Libro.Fm
I hadn't ever read anything from the Dust Bowl time period or anything of Kristin Hannah's. A lot of Elsa's life felt comparable to my own/my family and she reminded me a lot of my mother—much stronger and more beautiful than family gave her credit for. This book was LONG. And bleak. And I can tell Hannah tried to fit in as much about the time period as possible, but at about chapter 28 or so it became unbearably long and dragging. In the end it really felt all for nothing, even with one promise on the horizon. Still, I liked Elsa a lot and that kept me motivated to getting the full of the story. Loreda might be one of the most insufferable characters I've ever read, and it sucks that it took great loss for her to understand why her mother made choices for her the way she did.
I appreciate the thorough research and detail in this book.
I hadn't ever read anything from the Dust Bowl time period or anything of Kristin Hannah's. A lot of Elsa's life felt comparable to my own/my family and she reminded me a lot of my mother—much stronger and more beautiful than family gave her credit for. This book was LONG. And bleak. And I can tell Hannah tried to fit in as much about the time period as possible, but at about chapter 28 or so it became unbearably long and dragging. In the end it really felt all for nothing, even with one promise on the horizon. Still, I liked Elsa a lot and that kept me motivated to getting the full of the story. Loreda might be one of the most insufferable characters I've ever read, and it sucks that it took great loss for her to understand why her mother made choices for her the way she did.
I appreciate the thorough research and detail in this book.
The Persistence of Rivers: an essay on moving water by Alison Townsend
4.0
Alison Townsend writes about rivers the way one recalls loves-of-their-lives; each with a lesson, a special place in the heart, and with just enough longing to last a lifetime. I was delighted that she wrote about a river that forged my own understanding of the natural world: The Yahara. I often took advantage of that river, but Townsend reminded me of all it had to offer. How rivers heal. I've been healed by many myself. I am grateful for this essay.
Middletown by Sarah Moon
4.0
This is SUCH a well layered, heart gripping, thoughtful book. YA can be a hard genre: you either feel too old to read it or the dialogue doesn't feel believable or the teens aren't depicted as people with autonomy. Sarah Moon did a wonderful job writing Eli and Anna as whole people. Individuals and sisters coping with their mother's alcoholism. Surviving while their mother is in rehab. Finding answers to their personal identities. Growing personally.
I have to say I didn't adore the sweet ending, but I understand that hopefulness is important in YA writing, especially regarding addiction.
I have to say I didn't adore the sweet ending, but I understand that hopefulness is important in YA writing, especially regarding addiction.
There There by Tommy Orange
4.0
Updating 5/27/21 to 4 stars. As time goes on, I feel more fondly and understanding of this book.
This book was difficult for me to get into. Partially because of how characters are introduced. Then attempting to keep those characters from bleeding together in my mind. As someone with Native heritage, but so definitely far removed, I wanted to find myself in these characters. I did in some ways. The ending really brings everything together in a way that makes the novel successful, however there are too many unanswered questions. I really feel fine with one or two unanswered questions, but the whole thing feels unanswered. Jacquie Red Feather was my favorite character.
I was also saddened that Orange gave thanks to Sherman Alexie post news of his alleged behaviors. Believing victims is important and it was disheartening to see that his name still stuck out.
This book was difficult for me to get into. Partially because of how characters are introduced. Then attempting to keep those characters from bleeding together in my mind. As someone with Native heritage, but so definitely far removed, I wanted to find myself in these characters. I did in some ways. The ending really brings everything together in a way that makes the novel successful, however there are too many unanswered questions. I really feel fine with one or two unanswered questions, but the whole thing feels unanswered. Jacquie Red Feather was my favorite character.
I was also saddened that Orange gave thanks to Sherman Alexie post news of his alleged behaviors. Believing victims is important and it was disheartening to see that his name still stuck out.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
3.0
Edit: now that I am further away from my reading I am feeling like I'm actually appreciating this book a little more and am definitely going to read the next book, upon learning some more about the series.
old review: Well, I thought I'd lube the fantasy pipe with this book, but wow. I just don't know what to say to y'all who are wholeheartedly knee deep into this series. The writing itself is absolutely treacherous in the fact that this version of Katniss Everdeen is ALSO an overthinker, oversharer, and in desperate need of some autonomy. There's a lot of desperate maiden throughout this book, even when Feyre is standing up for herself. Also the sex is a little too... Proper. Like is this sex? No, not really. It's mostly just over dramatic carnal instinct. It's also just really safe. Like insinuating sex acts without just saying them, which might just be a writing tactic to hook interest, but even I, a sex positive person, felt yucky reading about Tamlin and Feyre feasting on each other's burning fires.
Truthfully, I think Maas did everything right. But, it feels too Twilight for me. Especially during Feyre's broken-body-turned-immortal moment. I also absolutely am guessing Feyre goes to fire town with Rhys in the sequel and forgets all about Tamlin, but we'll see.
Anyway, if you're 32, you're too old for this book. If you're 16, you're too young for this book.
Idk who this is for, but I'll probably read the others just so I can sigh and kick at all the unfeminist tropes!
Also, why so much descriptive gore but not an accurate description of SEX!? I AM SO LOST.
WITH LOVE,
A.
old review: Well, I thought I'd lube the fantasy pipe with this book, but wow. I just don't know what to say to y'all who are wholeheartedly knee deep into this series. The writing itself is absolutely treacherous in the fact that this version of Katniss Everdeen is ALSO an overthinker, oversharer, and in desperate need of some autonomy. There's a lot of desperate maiden throughout this book, even when Feyre is standing up for herself. Also the sex is a little too... Proper. Like is this sex? No, not really. It's mostly just over dramatic carnal instinct. It's also just really safe. Like insinuating sex acts without just saying them, which might just be a writing tactic to hook interest, but even I, a sex positive person, felt yucky reading about Tamlin and Feyre feasting on each other's burning fires.
Truthfully, I think Maas did everything right. But, it feels too Twilight for me. Especially during Feyre's broken-body-turned-immortal moment. I also absolutely am guessing Feyre goes to fire town with Rhys in the sequel and forgets all about Tamlin, but we'll see.
Anyway, if you're 32, you're too old for this book. If you're 16, you're too young for this book.
Idk who this is for, but I'll probably read the others just so I can sigh and kick at all the unfeminist tropes!
Also, why so much descriptive gore but not an accurate description of SEX!? I AM SO LOST.
WITH LOVE,
A.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
3.0
This book has been wildly popular and has been read by a wide variety of people from varying backgrounds and disciplines. I have to say, as a clinician in training, I don't recommend this book for the unseasoned pedestrian who has not addressed their own traumas or difficult experiences or any individuals who would have a challenging or triggering time reading about violence. Bessel van der Kolk is explicit as he describes the trauma of his patients, ranging from children to teens to adults. There are themes and descriptions of war, sexual violence, incest, battery, and neglect. The best parts of the book are when neuroscience is discussed and when we really look at the affects of trauma on the brain, and how the brain redirects messaging to the body and how the body is influenced and damaged by the trauma. The responses to trauma are vast, complex, and everyone responds differently. The common fact that is the most important for healing is this: you must feel safe in the present, in your environment, and safe to feel the way your body is handling the trauma in order to begin healing. This book could have been much shorter than it is, as van der Kolk takes much space to reiterate himself throughout. Nonetheless, the research is incredibly important. If you're not ready to dive into this book, because it may cause more harm than good, there are resources online that can be helpful. He talks about attachment theory, which could be a good first place to reflect, as well as the plasticity of the mind and neuroscience. Trauma-informed therapy is on the rise and may also be helpful to read about. You can learn about these things without having to read the very descriptive trauma Bessel van der Kolk's patients endured. Much love for this, but I want to emphasize that it is not necessary for beginning your healing journey.