shutupiamreading's reviews
1249 reviews

Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes

Go to review page

informative

3.5

There were a fair few relatable passages in this, but for someone with no medical background and research experience the author diverged into medical discussion and advice a little too much. 

For example, there were certain statements that X causes Y when in reality X occurs more frequently in people with Y, and those 2 are not the same thing. These things frustrate me because they can cause people to make incorrect assumptions and be misinformed when it comes to their own health. There also seemed to be a fair few oversimplified conclusions drawn from very complex medical research that seem very out of scope for an author like this. I also wish the breastfeeding discussion was more inclusive of people who choose not to breastfeed, as this chapter comes across quite alienating for people who decide not to breastfeed for whatever reason.

That being said, I did love reading her experience as a mother and the cultural perception of pregnancy and motherhood, as well as her perspective as a Filipino/American mother. I think I would've enjoyed it more if the book focused more on her personal experiences and less on the oversimplified medical information.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Go to review page

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I'm SO SO SO glad I came back to this book after DNF'ing it after a few pages last year. The audiobook was so entertaining and brought all the funny dialogue to life. What a stunning book with really complex characters and beautiful character development. Loved the writing so much.
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Go to review page

3.5

This was okay, but mostly confirmation that YA fantasy just isn't my genre.
Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Really not loving this - these characters are a little too self-righteous for me and it’s a bit too intense. 
The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson

Go to review page

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

3.75

Loved reading about Sigzil and have fun Bridge Four references, but it was unexpected for me how sci-fi leaning this would be. 
Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta

Go to review page

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Bad Tourists: A Novel by Caro Carver

Go to review page

3.75

A fun and mindless mystery if you feel like reading about summery, beachy destinations. Had a few tropes I don’t love but fun enough to pass the time on audio. 
All I Want is You by Falon Ballard

Go to review page

4.0

This was cute! A little forgettable but a fun Christmas romance. 
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

Go to review page

medium-paced

3.75

This was a fun Christmas read, but the romance was a bit too intense for my taste being such a short, fast-paced read.