russellreitsema's reviews
104 reviews

The Night of Baba Yaga by Akira Otani

2.0

This entire audiobook felt like a fugue state. not sure what I read but won't be reading it again. strange subject matter and a not so compelling narrative. 

Right Thing, Right Now: Good Values. Good Character. Good Deeds. by Ryan Holiday

3.5

not my favorite of the series, but the author suggests that this is a common theme. Anything from Holiday brings with it the brass tacks philosophy that more people need to ruminate on in this world. You'll never regret reading this. 

How to Share an Egg: A True Story of Hunger, Love, and Plenty by Bonny Reichert

3.0

A powerful story of one woman's connection to her family, her history, and the food that bound them together. 

The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom

4.0

At first I thought this was going to be another bland billionaire book on how to really "appreciate" my life and that money shouldn't matter. I was mistaken. Those themes do run through the book but Bloom also provides brass tacks guidance and tools to combat time waste and provides insight into basic investment and strategy. I've heard(or read) a lot of it before, but there are some refreshing anecdotes mixed in and it's a great beginner read to get people motivated to change. 

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

3.25

I absolutely see how this became a modern classic in its poetic romantisization of suburban life and that strange unexplainable coming of age element that hold us all together like a glue trap. Well written and a devastating read for the subject matter, this one felt a little aloof for me but will still recomend. 

Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle

3.0

An interesting take on the Gone Girl trope of "wife on the run, but nothing is as it seems". Told from 3 different perspectives, This harrowing tale will keep you on your toes until the inevitably predictable ending. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

3.0

It seems I'm actually starting to like these books, curious. I felt this 3rd installment was just as good if not better than the second, and it might not have held my attention the entire time but it brought in well written characters and some decent battle scenes. I will be finishing the series it seems. 

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

5.0

Inspirational. Humorous. Topical. Necessary. This collection of essays touched me in a lot of ways. from Smallpox to Kentucky bluegrass and a whole lot in-between, Green takes us on a journey into his life and how he sees and reacts to the world. His refreshingly anxiety-ridden outlook on life isn't quite relatable for me but it is nonetheless understandable. I wish there was more. 

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

3.0

This book took me for a trip! I was originally not enjoying it at all, mostly because I just don't like music all that much and the guy owns a record store. the majority of the book is discussing music. But then I realized what the second layer of this really is. An intrinsic look into the life of the everyday man, constantly doubting and often horny. 

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

4.0

What an intense read. I've heard about this story for many years and am glad I picked it up and was witness to the mental anguish poured out onto these pages. it felt like the pain was tangible enough to reach out and grab onto. Definitely a recomend to anyone.