russellreitsema's reviews
109 reviews

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. 

Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood

3.0

short, succinct, charming, formulaic. Hazelwood does a good job of showing us that women can do everything, even fall in love.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

3.5

A humorous jaunt into the life of a woman intent on not letting the world put her in a box. This was an incredibly satisfying journey that touches on sexism, celebrity, parenting, romance, science, and so much more. Absolutely recomend!

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

4.0

Finished the first and second back to back and I definitely don't regret it! I felt an instant connection to the immersive world that Chambers has created, and the 2nd installation in this series continues on without any hesitation. the meandering journey of Dex and Mosscap soothes my soul, sparks my imagination, and let's me breathe a little lighter. I can't recomend this series enough. 

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

4.0

New favorite author alert! Chambers has knocked it out of the park with this deliciously satisfying and thought provoking story of clashing ideology, our place in the natural world, acceptance and belonging, and the thought that we might be able to coexist after all. Had heard rumblings of this story but never thought I would connect with it so sincerely. as I'm writing this I've already finished the sequel as well, it's just that good. I'll be keeping a close eye on Chambers from now on. 

The Yellow Wall-Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

3.0

A haunting psychological descent into madness that felt a lot longer than it was. the eerie descriptions of the wallpaper and the paranoia sit with you in uncomfortable silence. A great short read for spooky season. 

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

3.0

Reid does it again! I'm loving the world she is creating with these hard hitting fictional romps. Carrie Soto takes centre stage as a relatable, engaging, original character with a drive and a pension for brutal honesty that makes her story an easy one to follow and root for. I enjoyed the different philosophical outlooks on legacy and victory and the inherent effect parents have on their kids. Overall, a solid story with a hero to root for with a thoughtful story. 

The Women by Kristin Hannah

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

An interesting fictional take on the Vietnam War, during and after. Relatable, heart-wrenching at times, and it gave a lot of insight into the mindscape of America in those days. I'm definitely intrigued to learn more and this time in history changed everything about how we perceive war, conflict, government, and much more. I appreciated the spotlight Hannah shone on the female presence overseas and the brutal homecoming all vets received. a well told narrative that makes you take a look inward, pleasantly or not.

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

3.5

A stark departure from my normal genres, this book took my breath away with its creativity, approach to humanity, and its ability to haunt my thoughts. The allegory is subtle enough not to take away from the mysterious journey the protagonist takes into not only unknown territory but also the depths of her own sanity. Will definitely be finishing this trilogy in the near future.