rootedreader's reviews
175 reviews

When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramsey

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review. A mix of history and memoir, When Crack Was King explores the crack epidemic in the United States. Carefully researched, Ramsey weaves together stories of how policies shaped the idea of crack and its users- treatment vs policing and punishment. The personal stories of former users, dealers, and a politician made it more than just a history of policy or people sharing their story, helping to show how policy and culture shaped the crack epidemic. The end of the book seemed a little repetitive. 
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Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus: How Questioning Your Religion Can Lead You to a Healthy and Holy God by Preston Ulmer

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

3.0

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to review. This is my first book of Preston Ulmer's that I have read- the topic and title of this book is what initially drew me in. Ulmer presents the idea of deconstruction as old faith itself-as something that is found in the bible as well as a practice that wasn't shied away from. Ulmer lays out a way to deconstruct which doesn't necessarily have the end result that one is now faithless. I understand his point but take issue with this as this may be the logical decision for someone even if he ultimately disagrees or is saddened by it. I also take issue with how the word skeptic/skepticism is use-as almost an insult. Despite these two things I believe he is sincere when he shares his own journey as well as acknowledging the real harm Christianity/religion has caused. 
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister

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dark emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Coming across this book on NetGalley, the description- "One book. Nine readers. Ten changed lives. New York Times bestselling author Erica Bauermeister’s No Two Persons is “a gloriously original celebration of fiction, and the ways it deepens our lives"- is what encouraged me to request a copy. Alice writes a book and we get glimpses of how it has an effect on the lives of multiple people. Moving forward in time and place we see how her novel shaped the lives of those who read it. 

I enjoyed many of the characters, seeing the lives and watching how the book shows up. I was a bit disappointed in not getting more of their stories-but that's one of the points of the book-we don't always get to know. It's also a little slow in the beginning-I didn't start to enjoy it until I was half way through. 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy to read.
I'm Still Here (Adapted for Young Readers): Loving Myself in a World Not Made for Me by Austin Channing Brown

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emotional funny informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read. An adaptation of her memoir of the same name, the author writes to younger readers, sharing how race showed up in school, among friends, and other every day conversations. As children we often don't know how to name the aspects of the culture around us but we can feel them-often times in our bodies as the author describes. Though a book for young readers this is a book I wish I had when I was younger.
Local: A Memoir by Jessica Machado

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challenging emotional funny sad medium-paced

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review. Local: A Memoir tells the story of a woman growing up seemingly in between two worlds. Born to the parents of a native Hawaiian and an American southerner, the author tells not only her story but the story of Hawaii. Between stories of how she grew up she shares the history of Hawaii and its people. An enjoyable but sometimes jumpy read, the authors journey from childhood through adulthood hits many moments many can relate to (though not necessary for the enjoyment).
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for a copy to review. This is my first read by Matthew Desmond but his second book. Using history and research Desmond sets out to answer the question of why is there poverty by pointing at those who aren't in poverty. A scathing indictment of how those who have will continue to have and those who do not won't-unless we disrupt the system. Definitely difficult to read but left me feeling more hopeful and purposeful.
Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess

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sad medium-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a copy to review. I'm unsure how to summarize my experience reading this. My overall emotion reading this was confusion as to why she continued to interact with him much less be romantically involved. This is advertised as enemies to lovers but much of their conflict surrounds his beliefs and actions related what's important to her. He is obviously hurtful and ignorant...I got the impression this was supposed to be a "can love be enough?" story. And the ending left me thinking "what??" 
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The Apology by Jimin Han

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

I tried to like this but did not. The story was very slow and the writing was off for me. I did like the concept of multi-generational stories but this was hard to follow. 
Seasons of Wonder: 52 Weeks of Projects, Prayers, and Practices to Make the Ordinary Sacred by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

3.0

Described as a 52 week devotional "designed around weekly contemplative activities," the author provides a great mix of history, scripture, and practical hand on activities. A mix of storytelling, crafts, recipes, and gardening, this would make a great personal, group, family, or community devotional- though likely best in community. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for a copy to read.
The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

The main character changes professions and moves to get away for what she hopes is a fresh start. A story about family dysfunction, loss in its many forms, addiction/recovery, and loving again, the author writes a sincere story of rebuilding ones life after it seems to come crashing down around you. 
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review.
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