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thisnursereads's reviews
53 reviews
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
4.0
Not sure the words enjoyed and this book go together, but it was well written and engaging. It details the life of a child abused by a mother obsessed with power that also craves being relevant through her daughter.
The book is a reminder that there are bad people and conclusively bad mothers out there. It tackles the dynamic of loving the person that abuses you and the added confusion of that person being the one person meant to love and protect you. She also touches on her time at Nickelodeon. As someone that watched her show growing up, you would never have known all of this was going on in her life. It makes me wonder about the masks we all wear to hide what is really going on underneath. Some just better wearers of those masks than others.
Don’t go looking for a happy ending in this book. the stories of her life are completely fucked up and distressing. How anyone could make it out of it is beyond me…
The book is a reminder that there are bad people and conclusively bad mothers out there. It tackles the dynamic of loving the person that abuses you and the added confusion of that person being the one person meant to love and protect you. She also touches on her time at Nickelodeon. As someone that watched her show growing up, you would never have known all of this was going on in her life. It makes me wonder about the masks we all wear to hide what is really going on underneath. Some just better wearers of those masks than others.
Don’t go looking for a happy ending in this book. the stories of her life are completely fucked up and distressing. How anyone could make it out of it is beyond me…
The Dresden Files Series Set (Dresden Files, #1-12) by Jim Butcher
5.0
"We still hadn't learned, though, that growing up is all about getting hurt. And then getting over it. You hurt. You recover. You move on. Odds are pretty good you're just going to get hurt again. But each time, you learn something. Each time, you come out of it a little stronger, and at some point you realize that there are more flavors of pain than coffee. There's the little empty pain of leaving something behind-graduating, taking the next step forward, walking out of something familiar and safe into the unknown. There's the big, whirling pain of life upending all of your plans and expectations. There's the sharp little pains of failure, and the more obscure aches of successes that didn't give you what you thought they would. There are the vicious, stabbing pains of hopes being torn up. The sweet little pains of finding others, giving them your love, and taking joy in their life as they grow and learn. There's the steady pain of empathy that you shrug off so you can stand beside a wounded friend and help them bear their burdens.
Everyone is down on pain, because they forget something important about it: Pain is for the living. Only the dead don’t feel it.
Pain is a part of life. Sometimes it’s a big part, and sometimes it isn’t, but either way, it’s part of the big puzzle, the deep music, the great game. Pain does two things: It teaches you, tells you that you’re alive. Then it passes away and leaves you changed. It leaves you wiser, sometimes. Sometimes it leaves you stronger. Either way, pain leaves its mark, and everything important that will ever happen to you in life is going to involve it in one degree or another."
-Harry Dresden, Dresden Files, White Knight
I am one of those people that have been listening to the Dresden audiobooks for YEARS and recommend them to everyone!
My partner and I were long distance and when we were together, often on vacation, we wanted an audiobook to listen to on long rides. Somehow stumbled upon this series when searching for "best audiobooks" years ago. Once we really became devoted to the series, around book 3 or 4, we would listen to the audiobooks apart and talk about them over the phone or videochat and listen together when we were visiting each other.
It sounds silly, but around a decade later and this series holds such a special place in my heart. This series and its audiobooks continue to grow with our relationship. We listen to them together, or re-listen to books earlier in the series. We have probably listened to most of the earlier books 2-3x. We even named our dog Murphy!
If you are interested in starting this series, I tell people it takes about 3-4 books in to feel that Butcher really understands where the story is going and how the characters will develop. The beginning books aren't bad, I just don't feel they draw you in as well as the later ones do. They read like separate stories with some consistent characters. Once the storyline really starts and the novels start flowing together, you will be hooked and each novel is better than the last!..Well, I was hooked.
I'd consider the genre urban fantasy as it is set in Chicago but the magical world, the never never, is very much classic fantasy. There are SOO many characters, many fantastical and mythical and so many ways to feel about them all. My favorite character is a huge dog named Mouse that doesn't even speak but it doesn't matter, just the way Butcher is able to portray his characters makes you fall in love with them.
The series is set through the eyes of a Wizard detective, Harry Dresden, living and working in Chicago. He is such a complicated character. You love him, you hate him. He can be such a dick! But his growth doesn't go unnoticed. There are also really strong, intelligent, amazing women written throughout. Women that save Harry's ass more times than once. There is also romance and spice and heartbreak. I have felt every emotion possible throughout this series and I have truly mourned characters.
The series forces the reader to constantly question morality. Often who I expect to be the 'evil villians' of a story are turned on its head, or their background is explained and the perspective shifts drastically.
This series has been a part of my life for so long, it is hard to fully put into words how much I enjoy listening to this series. But I did and I do and I will grieve when the series ends for I will be in shock that it will not go on forever.
Everyone is down on pain, because they forget something important about it: Pain is for the living. Only the dead don’t feel it.
Pain is a part of life. Sometimes it’s a big part, and sometimes it isn’t, but either way, it’s part of the big puzzle, the deep music, the great game. Pain does two things: It teaches you, tells you that you’re alive. Then it passes away and leaves you changed. It leaves you wiser, sometimes. Sometimes it leaves you stronger. Either way, pain leaves its mark, and everything important that will ever happen to you in life is going to involve it in one degree or another."
-Harry Dresden, Dresden Files, White Knight
I am one of those people that have been listening to the Dresden audiobooks for YEARS and recommend them to everyone!
My partner and I were long distance and when we were together, often on vacation, we wanted an audiobook to listen to on long rides. Somehow stumbled upon this series when searching for "best audiobooks" years ago. Once we really became devoted to the series, around book 3 or 4, we would listen to the audiobooks apart and talk about them over the phone or videochat and listen together when we were visiting each other.
It sounds silly, but around a decade later and this series holds such a special place in my heart. This series and its audiobooks continue to grow with our relationship. We listen to them together, or re-listen to books earlier in the series. We have probably listened to most of the earlier books 2-3x. We even named our dog Murphy!
If you are interested in starting this series, I tell people it takes about 3-4 books in to feel that Butcher really understands where the story is going and how the characters will develop. The beginning books aren't bad, I just don't feel they draw you in as well as the later ones do. They read like separate stories with some consistent characters. Once the storyline really starts and the novels start flowing together, you will be hooked and each novel is better than the last!..Well, I was hooked.
I'd consider the genre urban fantasy as it is set in Chicago but the magical world, the never never, is very much classic fantasy. There are SOO many characters, many fantastical and mythical and so many ways to feel about them all. My favorite character is a huge dog named Mouse that doesn't even speak but it doesn't matter, just the way Butcher is able to portray his characters makes you fall in love with them.
The series is set through the eyes of a Wizard detective, Harry Dresden, living and working in Chicago. He is such a complicated character. You love him, you hate him. He can be such a dick! But his growth doesn't go unnoticed. There are also really strong, intelligent, amazing women written throughout. Women that save Harry's ass more times than once. There is also romance and spice and heartbreak. I have felt every emotion possible throughout this series and I have truly mourned characters.
The series forces the reader to constantly question morality. Often who I expect to be the 'evil villians' of a story are turned on its head, or their background is explained and the perspective shifts drastically.
This series has been a part of my life for so long, it is hard to fully put into words how much I enjoy listening to this series. But I did and I do and I will grieve when the series ends for I will be in shock that it will not go on forever.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
This is a hard one to write. I loved the book and also found issues with a lot of it and the portrayal of characters:
I love how Nesta was able to rebuild herself and grow as a character by physically and mentally rebuilding her body and mind. Watching her face her demons and become stronger despite her upbringing was overall beautifully done. I enjoyed the friendships she built and their unbreakable bonds. The female friendships in this book were my favorite of all the series and was a brilliant example of the bond of female friendships.
I found their traumas sadly relatable, not entirely personally but relatable to the pain women face and how we must learn to cope with those experiences. Also the difficulty, anger and pain in learning that we all have darkness and we either face that or let it destroy us. The parallel of fighting their inner past trauma and surviving the mountain was very in your face, but I still loved it and had tears in my eyes at their strength.
I would have loved to see more of Cassian and Nesta’s relationship after she faces her past, how she maneuvers this newfound confidence and strength within a relationship. I just think that dimension of their characters would be a bit more interesting rather than the majority of the book being a will they won’t they but they’re already sleeping together plot line. No doubt, I still enjoyed the spice. I’m still coming to terms with my thoughts on the ending and her giving away all her power for her sister. I understand it is a bit of a cathartic, finally just letting go, moment, but she also fought so hard to learn to control her power and yet she gave it all up…maybe I’ll think on it and edit this later.
Ok, some issues:
Do I think the blaming, punishing and shunning of Nesta’s trauma from the inner circle was a healthy portrayal of how to help someone you love? Absolutely not, and was abusive at times. Do I think that SJM could have approached Nesta’s character in a different way that still had her training and at the library? Yes. Did I wish that Mor or another female was there to train her and rebuild her rather than only Cassian? Yes. Do I wish Rhys had been able to step outside his own selfishness and had not despised Nesta but instead understood her trauma? Yes. Do I wish her sisters didn’t completely turn their backs on her, which I feel goes way against their characters!? Yes!! And the actions of her sisters was probably the most upsetting of it all.
Comment on this book compared to the series:
A lot of this storyline gave me flashbacks to the first two books, of a young Feyre broken, and having the males and loves of her life save her. I like the romance and the spice and the intensity of the mate aspect but I also wished that the female friendships earlier in the series had been BETTER. That Mor and Amren had just been better. But maybe that’s asking too much and was a comment on the societal structures of this male dominated world.
I think many story lines were left open while also rushing through plot points. The events all concluded in the last 100 pages! It was too fast and I was disappointed, it left me wanting so much more.
As much as I want to see what ends up w Lucien and Elaine, I really just want Azriel to find someone and be happy. If there are future books, I sense a love triangle. But also, besides the subtle sparks btw Elaine and Az, the whole Mor thing-can someone tell Az to grow the hell up and maybe not pine after someone for 500 years and get a hint bro. Move on. I digress.
Maybe the storylines were left for future books, maybe not. I felt much of it was left unfinished.
This book and series isn’t perfect.
But, I’d still recommend it all. I devoured this book. And I am saddened by the loss of their voice now that it is finished…
I love how Nesta was able to rebuild herself and grow as a character by physically and mentally rebuilding her body and mind. Watching her face her demons and become stronger despite her upbringing was overall beautifully done. I enjoyed the friendships she built and their unbreakable bonds. The female friendships in this book were my favorite of all the series and was a brilliant example of the bond of female friendships.
I found their traumas sadly relatable, not entirely personally but relatable to the pain women face and how we must learn to cope with those experiences. Also the difficulty, anger and pain in learning that we all have darkness and we either face that or let it destroy us. The parallel of fighting their inner past trauma and surviving the mountain was very in your face, but I still loved it and had tears in my eyes at their strength.
I would have loved to see more of Cassian and Nesta’s relationship after she faces her past, how she maneuvers this newfound confidence and strength within a relationship. I just think that dimension of their characters would be a bit more interesting rather than the majority of the book being a will they won’t they but they’re already sleeping together plot line. No doubt, I still enjoyed the spice. I’m still coming to terms with my thoughts on the ending and her giving away all her power for her sister. I understand it is a bit of a cathartic, finally just letting go, moment, but she also fought so hard to learn to control her power and yet she gave it all up…maybe I’ll think on it and edit this later.
Ok, some issues:
Do I think the blaming, punishing and shunning of Nesta’s trauma from the inner circle was a healthy portrayal of how to help someone you love? Absolutely not, and was abusive at times. Do I think that SJM could have approached Nesta’s character in a different way that still had her training and at the library? Yes. Did I wish that Mor or another female was there to train her and rebuild her rather than only Cassian? Yes. Do I wish Rhys had been able to step outside his own selfishness and had not despised Nesta but instead understood her trauma? Yes. Do I wish her sisters didn’t completely turn their backs on her, which I feel goes way against their characters!? Yes!! And the actions of her sisters was probably the most upsetting of it all.
Comment on this book compared to the series:
A lot of this storyline gave me flashbacks to the first two books, of a young Feyre broken, and having the males and loves of her life save her. I like the romance and the spice and the intensity of the mate aspect but I also wished that the female friendships earlier in the series had been BETTER. That Mor and Amren had just been better. But maybe that’s asking too much and was a comment on the societal structures of this male dominated world.
I think many story lines were left open while also rushing through plot points. The events all concluded in the last 100 pages! It was too fast and I was disappointed, it left me wanting so much more.
As much as I want to see what ends up w Lucien and Elaine, I really just want Azriel to find someone and be happy. If there are future books, I sense a love triangle. But also, besides the subtle sparks btw Elaine and Az, the whole Mor thing-can someone tell Az to grow the hell up and maybe not pine after someone for 500 years and get a hint bro. Move on. I digress.
Maybe the storylines were left for future books, maybe not. I felt much of it was left unfinished.
This book and series isn’t perfect.
But, I’d still recommend it all. I devoured this book. And I am saddened by the loss of their voice now that it is finished…
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
3.0
This book is well written, eloquent and creative, but it was too slow for me. I often felt as much a part of the “game” as the characters within the book, which I would assume was the point. I still felt it lacked a spark and the passion and intensity described on the back of the book did not match the novel. I frequently felt that I wanted MORE. More from the characters, more from the magic, more from the romance. More story. And although I felt it longer than it needed to be, the pages lacked the excitement I expected and desired.
She brings the reader along a tale, jumping between times and characters, keeping you in the dark until necessary. I never felt compelled to grab the book off the shelf to find out what would happen next, instead I felt I was along for the ride and after a couple hundred pages, just became content with that feeling.
Unsure if I’d recommend it to my friends as a top contender to read but I enjoyed the story and it’a nice to have an ending that feels complete.
She brings the reader along a tale, jumping between times and characters, keeping you in the dark until necessary. I never felt compelled to grab the book off the shelf to find out what would happen next, instead I felt I was along for the ride and after a couple hundred pages, just became content with that feeling.
Unsure if I’d recommend it to my friends as a top contender to read but I enjoyed the story and it’a nice to have an ending that feels complete.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
5.0
⭐️4.75
'The love of a bone dog, she thought, bending her head down over the paw again. All that I am worth these days. Then again, few humans were truly worth the love of a living dog. Some gifts you could never deserve.'
'If I were a man, I would fight him. If she were a man, no one would force Kania to try to bear child after child. If I were a man, I would not be the next in line to be married if he kills her. If we were men…
She stared at her fingers curled into the dirt. It did not matter. They were not and the history of the world was written in women’s wombs and women’s blood and she would never be allowed to change it. Rage shivered through her, a rage that seemed like it could topple the halls of heaven, then vanished under the knowledge of her own helplessness. Rage was only useful if you were allowed to do anything with it.'
This was such an enjoyable and witty read! I selfishly wish it was longer because the book was so well written and I loved the prose! It ended up being the perfect length. Just the right bit of adventure, friendship and whimsy. There were times when I felt I was skipping over my own thoughts while reading and had to reread portions but this did not take away from the experience of the story.
Led by a witch and her demonic chicken, Princess Marra (the main character) puts the life of Queen Kania (Marra's sister) in the hands of an unlikely bunch. It follows their adventure to save her sister through curveballs that kept my attention and characters that kept me giggling. There are so many stories about princes doing the saving that it was refreshing to see a princess being the hero!
Even in the mere 200+ pages, the author is able to touch upon the politics and expectations of life born with a womb. I don't want to get into this as to give away spoilers but I think this undercurrent was well done.
I will read this again, maybe even listen to the audiobook as I could see this being enjoyable to listen to instead as the story is just that fun!
'The love of a bone dog, she thought, bending her head down over the paw again. All that I am worth these days. Then again, few humans were truly worth the love of a living dog. Some gifts you could never deserve.'
'If I were a man, I would fight him. If she were a man, no one would force Kania to try to bear child after child. If I were a man, I would not be the next in line to be married if he kills her. If we were men…
She stared at her fingers curled into the dirt. It did not matter. They were not and the history of the world was written in women’s wombs and women’s blood and she would never be allowed to change it. Rage shivered through her, a rage that seemed like it could topple the halls of heaven, then vanished under the knowledge of her own helplessness. Rage was only useful if you were allowed to do anything with it.'
This was such an enjoyable and witty read! I selfishly wish it was longer because the book was so well written and I loved the prose! It ended up being the perfect length. Just the right bit of adventure, friendship and whimsy. There were times when I felt I was skipping over my own thoughts while reading and had to reread portions but this did not take away from the experience of the story.
Led by a witch and her demonic chicken, Princess Marra (the main character) puts the life of Queen Kania (Marra's sister) in the hands of an unlikely bunch. It follows their adventure to save her sister through curveballs that kept my attention and characters that kept me giggling. There are so many stories about princes doing the saving that it was refreshing to see a princess being the hero!
Even in the mere 200+ pages, the author is able to touch upon the politics and expectations of life born with a womb. I don't want to get into this as to give away spoilers but I think this undercurrent was well done.
I will read this again, maybe even listen to the audiobook as I could see this being enjoyable to listen to instead as the story is just that fun!
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
4.0
If you’re into historical fiction and feminism, this book is for you. It is a slow read, not much of a page turner but loved the story and characters. It’s a next to the fire or cuddled up in bed with a hot chocolate on a cold winter day kind of read.
It explores the creation of the oxford dictionary through the eyes of, at first, a young girl, and then, throughout a lifespan as the she ages and grows as the dictionary develops. I learned a lot about the history of the dictionary which I found interesting as I would never have researched this topic on my own.
The author does an excellent job of creating a story of this woman evolving under a patriarchal business but also world. She explores the characters discovery of how women fit in and/or are continually forced/left out of the importance of history and society. It gave me frequent flashbacks to my linguistic courses in college when we would speak about the power of words. Definite food for thought and that is what kept me coming back to the pages despite the slow feel to the story.
It explores the creation of the oxford dictionary through the eyes of, at first, a young girl, and then, throughout a lifespan as the she ages and grows as the dictionary develops. I learned a lot about the history of the dictionary which I found interesting as I would never have researched this topic on my own.
The author does an excellent job of creating a story of this woman evolving under a patriarchal business but also world. She explores the characters discovery of how women fit in and/or are continually forced/left out of the importance of history and society. It gave me frequent flashbacks to my linguistic courses in college when we would speak about the power of words. Definite food for thought and that is what kept me coming back to the pages despite the slow feel to the story.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
2.0
⭐️2.25
The only way I was able to get through this book was through a mixture of reading and listening. Listening to the audiobook helped me to internalize the rhythm of the prose of the 1800s.
I understand this book is a classic and the themes of family and sisterhood still hold true today, but, I barely finished it and had trouble enjoying it.
I finished it because I am stubborn and felt I needed to read something with more historical literary influence. So many people have read and loved it! Sorry, it wasn't me. Would not read again.
If you are considering reading it, listen to the audiobook, that is my only advice.
The only way I was able to get through this book was through a mixture of reading and listening. Listening to the audiobook helped me to internalize the rhythm of the prose of the 1800s.
I understand this book is a classic and the themes of family and sisterhood still hold true today, but, I barely finished it and had trouble enjoying it.
I finished it because I am stubborn and felt I needed to read something with more historical literary influence. So many people have read and loved it! Sorry, it wasn't me. Would not read again.
If you are considering reading it, listen to the audiobook, that is my only advice.