russellreitsema's reviews
37 reviews

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

3.5

An instant favorite of Hannah's for me. This stark, realistic, narrative brought wave after wave of tension and emotion. The author wove such a story that it's impossible not to care and love these characters until the bitter end. This may be fiction but it's real for me. 

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

3.75

A beautiful, moving window into a world of elephants that exemplify their subtle intelligence and ability to reach right into our soul. This is a story that needed to be told. 

The Book of Elsewhere by China Miéville, Keanu Reeves

3.0

I'm definitely a sucker for the "Tortured Immortal" stories and this is no different. loved doing the audiobook and hearing Keanu start us off properly. I haven't read the BRZRKR comics yet but after finishing this I'll be checking them out very soon. The book was not only an action packed, bloody, original narrative that did something new with an overused idea, but it also had some magnetism dialogue and solid character and plot progression. I'd say it definitely hit the mark! 

If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging by Jann Arden

2.75

it's always difficult giving a review of someone pouring their heart out on a page and being vulnerable to the entire world. I enjoyed this short yet impactful memoir from Jann, she definitely has a story to tell and it deserves to be told. This book gives an encouraging nod to not giving up and not wasting any more of our precious life! 

All You Zombies and Other Stories by Robert A. Heinlein

3.75

My first foray into Heinlein's work and it did not disappoint. I'm a big short story fan and this collection floored me at times. Creative, well-written, and confusing in all the best ways, I'll be sure to dive into his writing again soon. 

Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

3.0

Definitely different from the first novel in this series but not an unwelcome change. I enjoyed the office drama and the strange, atmospheric, almost claustrophobic way this story unravels. the sterility from the first is still prevalent. Enjoyed the read, looking forward to finishing up the trilogy. 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

3.0

I definitely get why the kids are reading this series 😄 the lore and world building are solid and I love the dragons! A bit too much spice for me, felt like it was a distraction at times, but the characters are well-written and I will most likely be finishing this series eventually. 

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

4.0

Irrreverantly wholesome, spectacularly lovely. Instantly my new favorite Poston novel. engaging characters, well-placed supernatural shenanigans, and a narrative I could die for. Everything I want from a light-hearted, ghost-filled rom-com.

Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase

3.0

I'm not quite sure how to describe my journey through this novel. There were moments where I felt uncomfortable, moments where I wasn't sure what was happening, and moments that will stick with me for weeks. Not for the faint of heart, this one will make you surrender to the narrative and the deeper messages beneath. 

The House by Raelyn Drake

3.0

Definitely felt strange indulging in a YA book after some heavier stories lately. This was a fun little lighthearted romp with some scooby-doo-esque antics and a family friendly mystery to solve.