siralexjames's reviews
34 reviews

Winter by Ali Smith

challenging informative reflective fast-paced

3.0

A wonderful follow-up from Autumn. There is something so fascinating and unique about Ali Smith’s vivid and imaginative writing that serves multiple functions within her novels. These novels are poetic and profound and I look forward to the next one in the series! 

Lessons by Ian McEwan

challenging inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

A masterpiece of a book. This was my first time reading McEwan from start to finish and the journey was emotional and reflective. There is much to say about this brilliant story, but I believe the rest will have to be experienced for the reader. This body of work leaves one with plenty to think about. 

The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone by Olivia Laing

hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

I found myself lost within Olivia Laing’s brilliant and moving work, The Lonely City. Which is to say I found myself, too, flipping through each page, appreciating every ounce of informative detail this book offers. There were many times I was caught, pausing to reread and linger longer on certain words and sentences that were so deeply moving and inspirational. Laing’s words are every bit of comforting as they are reflective. Art and loneliness are brought together to illuminate all kinds of truths that are expertly explored, offering generous introductions and insights into some of the most artistic geniuses of our time. This book was a trip to New York City and equal parts a comforting companion. Transcending and powerful, I am grateful to have experienced this read and anticipate even more treasured lessons in life by the brilliance that is Olivia Laing. 

Mona by Pola Oloixarac

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Clever and witty, Mona by Pola Oloixarac provides a multifaceted reading experience that in many ways challenges and confronts certain truths of not only the writer life, but the human behind the art process. I believe what I found most enjoyable about this story was the social commentary and brilliant reflections the author generously explores, all while balancing out vulnerability in the wake of trauma. 

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0

One of the best books I have ever experienced. Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin has done something deeply profound and meaningful within my life. Books change us and I have been changed. Every second spent reading this story was glorious and I could not pull away from the energy that lives within Baldwin’s magnificent writing. It is not enough to call this great achievement of a book a classic. It is life changing and truly unforgettable. A masterpiece that deserves to be cherished and praised, page by page, from beginning to end, evermore. 

Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper was every bit of lovely in all of its honesty and relatable representation. There is something so moving and powerful about this story and these characters that truly feels like a gift. Thankful to have come across the incredible phenomenon that is quite literally, a heartstopper. 

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.0

Such a fun and witty read with much lighthearted adventure. Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On provided an imaginative and entertaining experience with a great pinch of magic all throughout. 

Things I Don't Want to Know by Deborah Levy

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Levy is pure genius. Things I Don’t Want to Know offers brilliant and expansive reflections with not a single word wasted on these pages. There is something so refreshing in the way Levy writes about not only writing itself, but the world around her (and us). After reading her fiction first and now nonfiction, I look forward to exploring even more of her gifted writing and mastery. 

What We Talk about When We Talk about Love by Raymond Carver

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

2.0

M Train by Patti Smith

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

M Train is my happy place. The more I read Patti Smith, the more I am able to see the world around me with brand new reflection and well beyond that. There is something truly magical in Smith’s writing, transporting the reader into other times and moments that capture the heartbeat of our humanity. This book will take you on a journey.