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thuglibrarian's reviews
761 reviews
Eleven Hours by Pamela Erens
5.0
You know you've read a good book when the ending comes too soon and/or abruptly. Lore Tannenbaum is pregnant and is ready to deliver her baby. She has all her birth instructions typed up, because that is how she is...organized. Being obsessive with the organization frees Lore from thinking or feeling about how she ended up where she is. Alone and about to give birth. The entire book takes place during (not counting the flashbacks) an eleven hour period and is a visceral read about birth.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
5.0
Paul Kalanithi has just completed 10 years of medical training to become a neurosurgeon when he is diagnosed with late stage lung cancer. His role has reversed, and his role is now the patient, but it's hard to take off the physician's hat...until he must. He becomes very introspective and wonders what makes life living, even in the face of mortality. Just a wonderful read on what could have been a depressing subject.
The Inheritance: A Family on the Front Lines of the Battle Against Alzheimer's Disease by Niki Kapsambelis
2.0
This book is a mixture of science and narrative non-fiction. Chapters alternate between the research that was conducted (and continues on) to find the cause/cure of Alzheimer's and that of the DeMoe family. The DeMoe family was selected to study as they had the most devastating form of the disease that there is: early onset Alzheimer’s, an inherited genetic mutation that causes the disease in 100 percent of cases, and has a 50 percent chance of being passed onto the next generation. The chapters that deal with the research is written in technical language that is the hallmark of scientific research but is easily skimmed over.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book and was not compensated for it
Note: I received a free review copy of this book and was not compensated for it
River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope by Marcia Wilkie, Naomi Judd
3.0
Quick read about Naomi's struggle with crippling anxiety and depression, which was deemed Treatment Resistant. Ms Judd is very honest and courageous about her journey and puts a public face on mental illness, which she hopes will help others.
The Latter Days: A Memoir by Judith Freeman
4.0
You don't often read about Mormon wives leaving their husbands, at least not wives who weren't involved in polygamy. A woman of strength.
The Boy Who Loved Too Much: A True Story of Pathological Friendliness by Jennifer Latson
3.0
This is the coming of age story of Eli D'Angelo, but unlike any other of this genre. Eli was born with Williams Syndrome, a genetic disorder that removes any social skepticism. Eli believes everyone is his friend (even dangerous types) and this sadly makes him a target to danger. The chapters alternate between Eli's story and the history/research of Williams Syndrome, which is often called the opposite of autism.
I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai
5.0
Loved this which surprised me as I typically don't read sci/fi. Well, this isn't your typical sci/fi and really is more about the choices that we make in our lives and how they affect our future. Loved it.
I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
I read an advance copy and was not compensated.