Scan barcode
santreads's reviews
842 reviews
Inherited Memories: The Third Generation Remembers Partition in Bengal by Firdous Azim
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India by Urvashi Butalia
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Shipped by Angie Hockman
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
here is me ranking the short stories and novella (from best to well, not the best)
Boys Go to Jupiter
The Office of Historical Corrections
Richard of York Gave Battle In Vain
Anything Could Disappear
Alcatraz
Happily Ever After
Why Won’t Women Just Say What They Want
Thank God for short story collections to get me out of this slump. I mean, fingers crossed I'm out. But let's see.
I had heard much about this book which is a collection of short stories and a novella and I'm glad I got the opportunity to read them because I truly think Danielle Evans is a really interesting writer. I love her emphasis on character, their arc and showing us who they are as people and how that is sometimes more important that the plot itself.
I thought that the short stories did a great job at dissecting social themes (mostly racism) and how that affects people. While some were obvious, some were subtle and I liked how it made you think. There were layers to this shit and I loved that.
What I did not appreciate however is connected to my first point which is that of the plot. There were many stories where I felt like the end didn't wrap up. And no, I don't think that all stories need to be wrapped up in a neat and tidy bow, but it felt sort of unsatisfying to me. The ending almost felt sort of abrupt - kept me hanging, like the author was like 'that's it, let's move on now'. I wanted more.
Boys Go to Jupiter
The Office of Historical Corrections
Richard of York Gave Battle In Vain
Anything Could Disappear
Alcatraz
Happily Ever After
Why Won’t Women Just Say What They Want
Thank God for short story collections to get me out of this slump. I mean, fingers crossed I'm out. But let's see.
I had heard much about this book which is a collection of short stories and a novella and I'm glad I got the opportunity to read them because I truly think Danielle Evans is a really interesting writer. I love her emphasis on character, their arc and showing us who they are as people and how that is sometimes more important that the plot itself.
I thought that the short stories did a great job at dissecting social themes (mostly racism) and how that affects people. While some were obvious, some were subtle and I liked how it made you think. There were layers to this shit and I loved that.
What I did not appreciate however is connected to my first point which is that of the plot. There were many stories where I felt like the end didn't wrap up. And no, I don't think that all stories need to be wrapped up in a neat and tidy bow, but it felt sort of unsatisfying to me. The ending almost felt sort of abrupt - kept me hanging, like the author was like 'that's it, let's move on now'. I wanted more.
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
In this book Alok talks about their experiences being non binary in this world, what that means for them and how people react to this, their childhood and all the things that have been told to them. It shows you how society is just so rigid and honestly, idiotic.
(Yes, I am giving up on trying to write well because I can’t after reading this book. Alok just writes so well.)
Now here’s the thing. I’m an ally. I follow a lot of non-binary people, Alok included, and I’ve heard these stories. I’m with them in their fight. So while I appreciated a lot of what Alok was saying, I wondered if I would get anything more from this other than the wonderful prose and insight into their life.
But then, BOOM.
And then they went into arguments we usually hear and may not have the data, the idea as to how to argue back. Brilliant. Also, as a person who has these doubts and these questions (you may not ask them out loud, but you might think them), it’s great to read these books and get them answered.
This book deserves to be read and listened to. It deserves to be discussed. It’s wonderfully written and conveyed. Would absolutely recommend to everyone trying to understand the subject, opposed to the subject or people who just want to be better allies.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This short tiny book of 68 pages really packs in quite a punch and let’s you ruminate in some realness thanks to the effortlessly awesome prose and logic of Alok V Menon.
They tell us to “be ourselves,” but if you listen closely, there’s more to that sentence: “. . . until you make them uncomfortable.” Be yourself until you make them uncomfortable.
In this book Alok talks about their experiences being non binary in this world, what that means for them and how people react to this, their childhood and all the things that have been told to them. It shows you how society is just so rigid and honestly, idiotic.
At its heart, discrimination against gender non-conforming people happens because of a system that rewards conformity and not creativity. Rather than celebrating people who express themselves on their own terms, we repress them.
(Yes, I am giving up on trying to write well because I can’t after reading this book. Alok just writes so well.)
Now here’s the thing. I’m an ally. I follow a lot of non-binary people, Alok included, and I’ve heard these stories. I’m with them in their fight. So while I appreciated a lot of what Alok was saying, I wondered if I would get anything more from this other than the wonderful prose and insight into their life.
But then, BOOM.
Arguments about gender nonconforming people are about maintaining power and control. Most can be grouped into four categories: dismissal, inconvenience, biology, and the slippery slope. These are strategies that people use to make the gender binary seem like a given, not a decision.
And then they went into arguments we usually hear and may not have the data, the idea as to how to argue back. Brilliant. Also, as a person who has these doubts and these questions (you may not ask them out loud, but you might think them), it’s great to read these books and get them answered.
Who knows what the future holds? We should not hold ourselves back for the sake of convention. Instead, we should embrace ongoing transformation as a necessary part of what it means to be alive.
This book deserves to be read and listened to. It deserves to be discussed. It’s wonderfully written and conveyed. Would absolutely recommend to everyone trying to understand the subject, opposed to the subject or people who just want to be better allies.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book slowly enveloped me in its arms, wrapped itself around me, not in a comforting way really but in a way to say ‘this is me and I see you’ and I just can’t describe that feeling to you but I hope you understand it.
The book follows Gifty, a PhD student studying reward seeking behaviour and the neuro circuits of addiction and depression. These are not things I understand, but through Gifty I did. I understood her life right now as well as her childhood. Her living in Alabama with her parents who moved from Ghana to search for a better life, her brother Nana - the taller, larger than life brother that she had who she saw go through the throes of addiction.
Through this book Gifty is trying to weld two parts of her life together - one that is her current life in science (as a woman in STEM) and the second, her past - her religious side - her belief in God. Both, so opposed to each other as concepts and yet such big parts of her.
This book may seem rough, but it’s gentle. Quiet.
I have to say that this is a brilliantly written book. There were so many passages that I highlighted and shared because they spoke to me. So many I highlighted and tucked away because they spoke to me and I didn’t want you to know. Gyasi really did speak to addiction, depression and grief and made it come alive in these characters - so subtly but so painful to see.
I know a lot of people have not liked this book as much because it didn’t set itself up to the hype of the author’s previous work - Homegoing. I haven’t read it and I’m sure I will now. But perhaps this was good. I had no idea what was in store for me. My expectations were low and thus, my experience felt augmented.
I loved this book for the things it spoke of (religion, science, your place in society, depression, addiction, racism, relocation, etc), the prose and just the way it made me feel. This book is almost 5 star. Just something is missing and I can’t figure out what. But it’s still beautiful and would recommend.
The book follows Gifty, a PhD student studying reward seeking behaviour and the neuro circuits of addiction and depression. These are not things I understand, but through Gifty I did. I understood her life right now as well as her childhood. Her living in Alabama with her parents who moved from Ghana to search for a better life, her brother Nana - the taller, larger than life brother that she had who she saw go through the throes of addiction.
Through this book Gifty is trying to weld two parts of her life together - one that is her current life in science (as a woman in STEM) and the second, her past - her religious side - her belief in God. Both, so opposed to each other as concepts and yet such big parts of her.
This book may seem rough, but it’s gentle. Quiet.
I have to say that this is a brilliantly written book. There were so many passages that I highlighted and shared because they spoke to me. So many I highlighted and tucked away because they spoke to me and I didn’t want you to know. Gyasi really did speak to addiction, depression and grief and made it come alive in these characters - so subtly but so painful to see.
I know a lot of people have not liked this book as much because it didn’t set itself up to the hype of the author’s previous work - Homegoing. I haven’t read it and I’m sure I will now. But perhaps this was good. I had no idea what was in store for me. My expectations were low and thus, my experience felt augmented.
I loved this book for the things it spoke of (religion, science, your place in society, depression, addiction, racism, relocation, etc), the prose and just the way it made me feel. This book is almost 5 star. Just something is missing and I can’t figure out what. But it’s still beautiful and would recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Mental illness
Moderate: Racism and Suicide attempt
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
I'm going to with a very heavy heart, DNF this book. This level of high fantasy doesn't seem to do anything for me and honestly, I need to be real with myself, this isn't a book for me.
Again, not saying it's bad. Just not for me. At least for now. Will come back to it at some point perhaps.
(also my hold in my library is over and the book is gone, so...)
Again, not saying it's bad. Just not for me. At least for now. Will come back to it at some point perhaps.
(also my hold in my library is over and the book is gone, so...)
The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
3.25
This was very 'middle of the road' for me. I very much liked CJ Tudor's previous book The Chalk Man and was looking forward to read her latest release, however, I am a bit disappointed.
Not to say that this book was bad. It wasn't by any stretch of imagination. It's well written and I liked the plot - even though I'm not a big fan of religion and the main character is a vicar in this book. But like a 'cool vicar' - whatever that means. I just found it to be a little predictable. A few red herrings here and there, but nothing else really.
However, this isn't a bad book - well paced and good writing. Would still recommend. :)
Not to say that this book was bad. It wasn't by any stretch of imagination. It's well written and I liked the plot - even though I'm not a big fan of religion and the main character is a vicar in this book. But like a 'cool vicar' - whatever that means. I just found it to be a little predictable. A few red herrings here and there, but nothing else really.
However, this isn't a bad book - well paced and good writing. Would still recommend. :)
Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Very interesting story and loved the way it was told.
I hope this becomes a series because I would love to know what happened next.
Also, would definitely want to read more of Nnedi Okorafor. Wonderful writing.
I loved the character of Sankofa so much! My pure little child!
Definitely recommend the audiobook as well. Very well narrated and really rounds off the experience.
I hope this becomes a series because I would love to know what happened next.
Also, would definitely want to read more of Nnedi Okorafor. Wonderful writing.
I loved the character of Sankofa so much! My pure little child!
Definitely recommend the audiobook as well. Very well narrated and really rounds off the experience.
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I'm sorry but this book??! Was. Fucking. Excellent.
What a masterclass in writing about societal shit but also having a solid pacy plot?! I'm honestly in awe.
However, huge trigger warnings for domestic violence, abuse and gun violence.
What a masterclass in writing about societal shit but also having a solid pacy plot?! I'm honestly in awe.
However, huge trigger warnings for domestic violence, abuse and gun violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Pregnancy