russellreitsema's reviews
107 reviews

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

4.0

A startling and thought provoking masterpiece. I loved how short it was and that he had to force himself to keep it that way. Brutal. 

Greek Lessons by Han Kang

3.5

my first Han Kang novel and I was at first taken aback by the style and prose so it took a minute to really sink into the story. More ephemeral than I was expecting but I can see the beauty and effort of the writing and the intricately woven narrative. I'll be enjoying more from Kang soon. 

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

3.0

Another carefully crafted story by Albom that delivers welled eyes and a warm hug from its pages. I always enjoy his books as easy reads between heavy books and this one doesn't disappoint. I'm not sure if it's morbid curiosity, but I am currently trying to find a hot air balloon ride 😄

The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential by Wim Hof

3.5

As someone who has used Wim's techniques, I would say his book does a great job of explaining his story, passion, and philosophy. The back end was a bit wordy in places but the brass tacks techniques and ideas are there for the taking. I am excited for more people to catch on! 

Travellers to Unimaginable Lands: Dementia, Carers and the Hidden Workings of the Mind by Dasha Kiper

4.0

This book was an incredibly eye opening experience for me. As someone who hasn't dealt with dementia in any way first hand, I truly valued the expertise and experiences portrayed in this moving epic of love and loss. Please read this. 

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling, Newt Scamander

3.0

Not much to say on this that others haven't. it's a short book with a fun premise, Eddie does a great job with the audio and I found myself back in the world of HP that I had tucked away years ago. Great little book of lore and an easy palate cleanser in-between non fictions. 

The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross by John Marco Allegro

3.25

This was definitely one of the dryer books I've tackled in recent memory but well worth the investment. A classic I'm told, this book dives deep into the correlation between ancient religions and their texts and the sacred mushroom that this book claims is the basis for a lot of the Bible. A compelling and eye opening read, I was overwhelmed with the ancient language connections and the coincidences that just kept piling up. I will be taking more steps to research this topic for sure. 

Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

2.5

Another installment in what I've dubbed the Java Deja Vu series. I can commend the stories and the fresh attempt at touching at the human condition, but this series just is not giving me anything anymore. I know some find it heartwarming, and perhaps it's just the audiobook narrator, but I am struggling to stay interested and feel like the stories are drawn out and lack that emotional punch that the first and second book did well. I will attempt to finish the series but it's not at the top of the list.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

3.5

I definitely see the appeal. This novel is first and foremost a testament to our connection to nature and a celebration of what the true beauty of the outdoors can do for a soul. It is also a mystery, a love story, and a coming of age for a girl who I think everyone can find something to relate with. I will be sitting with this one for a while. 

Should We Stay or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver

4.0

Shriver was recommended by a friend and I was pleasantly surprised by my aptitude for her writing! This book of alternate endings kept me enthralled as I embraced the social commentary, the fluctuating outlooks on death, life and family, and our own autonomy. The story does take an few strange and whacky turns as we see some of these possible outcomes reveal themselves, but I was able to take them in stride and still maintain my captivation. I'll be sure to embrace her other books in time.