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vmkirin's reviews
62 reviews
2,000 to 10,000: How to Write Faster, Write Better, and Write More of What You Love by Rachel Aaron
5.0
Fantastic down-to-earth writing (and editing) advice. I see why my colleague recommended the book and have taken notes all over the margins. It will accompany my plotting, writing, and editing time and again, I’m sure.
Limitless: Leadership That Endures by Ajaz Ahmed
4.0
It was a nice introduction to leadership within business. I appreciated the myriad examples of business founders from around the world, sectioned by leadership topic. I have a few highlights that I will take with me, and a few examples of leaders I wish to know more about.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
My sister-in-law insisted this was her favorite book of 2022, so I downloaded it as my Christmas read, expecting a pleasant fiction jaunt. What I got was a page-turning adventure with fantastic world-building and bonified characters. I hardly took a breath between books. The original trilogy is fantastic and fun.
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
4.0
I've seen the movie many times, so when this book came across my path I was curious to note differences. And there were some — but not to the extent that the story was vastly altered. I loved re-watching the film after reading the book and enjoyed noting the tiny features that weren't described deeply due to time constraints but had been explained in the book. Unlike the film, the book is (in my opinion) a slower burn, ultimately ramping up toward the climax. Initially, my curiosity was only piqued. By the end, I was riveted and read the final 100 pages in one day. If you like the film, try the book!
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
5.0
I wish I'd read this book years ago. It is a firm encouragement for any writer who is working to find their way through the muck of life to spend time with their creativity. I love that Natalie brings her zen practice into the practice of writing, comparing the mindset required for meditation with that of writing. I believe this book is fundamental to any writing practice and highly recommend it to anyone who has the feeling that they wish to write!
Educated by Tara Westover
5.0
An incredible memoir. I started reading it as research — how is a well-done memoir constructed? Instead, I related deeply to the family dynamics and sheltering. I was beyond riveted when accidents and fights occurred. I had to work hard to remember that Westover's life took place along my own timeline — these weren't stories from a pre-technocrat history. This was happening in our modern era.
By the middle of the book, I wondered how Westover would keep us engaged as she left home. Would she compare her development to her past self? Would her family still be involved? I found the methodology masterful — she carried us with her as she returned for visits, sharing how her lens had changed through her exposure to the outside world. Time skipped ahead as needed without loss of meaning or structure. What was relevant was there, which kept the writing tight, compelling, and to the point. I highly recommend this book!
By the middle of the book, I wondered how Westover would keep us engaged as she left home. Would she compare her development to her past self? Would her family still be involved? I found the methodology masterful — she carried us with her as she returned for visits, sharing how her lens had changed through her exposure to the outside world. Time skipped ahead as needed without loss of meaning or structure. What was relevant was there, which kept the writing tight, compelling, and to the point. I highly recommend this book!