tas_takes_down_the_man's reviews
154 reviews

Pageboy by Elliot Page

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

4.25

Deeply emotive especially with Elliot reading his memoir. Vivid and detailed memories that were painful to listen but deeply honest. 

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.5

I loved the concept of the story and the setting was so interesting but the intensity of the reading was a bit much for me. 

I can understand why the rabbit voice was much more panicked than a normal voice and it was quite an effective storytelling device but it was jarring sometimes. 

Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoski

funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

Emily Nagoski’s style is the best non-fiction I’ve read in a long time. I thought I was reading Come as You Are but I’m not Disappointed that it ended up being this book. 
It’s way more applicable to my current situation than I thought it would be and I had many an Aha!  moment while listening. 

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It was just the most enjoyable experience listening to this book. I loved the movie and I was interested to see how much Hollywood-ing happened in the movie. The book felt more like a cosy story to tell children and Neil Gaiman has an amazing reading voice. 

You Just Need to Lose Weight: And 19 Other Myths about Fat People by Aubrey Gordon

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Wish I had this damn book when I was writing my master’s thesis! Very informative and validating. 

Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense 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? Yes

3.0

I think it might be my fault but this book took so fucking long to power through. I just kind of didn’t want to keep reading because I was also reading a different book that was more interesting to me. 

The characters were well fleshed out but I was a bit disappointed with the big terrible thing that Gareth did to Emmy. I thought it was going to be way worse considering how much it affected her but it was just a bit sad and I didn’t think it warranted the reaction from Emmy. 

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

This book went to places I was not expecting. I thought it was going to be some light kind of Narnia vibes but it was super dark and twisty. Liked the almost open ended ending and the conclusion about family but damn it was harsh. 

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

2.5

Had so many hopes for this book but was kind of disappointed. I was expecting something more summer camp of horror with gays but it wasn’t that at all. 

I also think Saul was a good character but the read made him so false and one dimensional. 

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

I’m glad I read it but I don’t know how much of the information was new to me. Was a long read but very interesting. 

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense 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? Yes

3.0

I hated this reader’s voice in PJO but it fits way better in this case. 
The twist was unexpected but this book was just a bit too long. 
Loved the almost enemies-to-lovers relationship between Yadriel and Julian.