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zendivir's Reviews (118)

It Works: The Original Edition: The Famous Little Red Book That Makes Your Dreams Come True

Rhj

3.5

hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need

Jessica Brody

4.5

funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted

The Queen of the Damned

Anne Rice

4.0

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

I loved the introduction of new characters, and the weaving in of story lines.

I did not enjoy the misogynist vs misandrist debate which dragged on around part 3, seemingly unnecessary.

But reviewing as if it was necessary, both sides had good points. It all comes down to human morals, what's right and what's wrong. It was the Queen's motive to give women power over what few men would be left to breed with, which seemed out of place for her. She didn't seem to have had any trouble with men before her immortality. Yet, upon waking after a 2k year paralysis, suddenly she decides all men are gross.

The fight was quick after a long book. All that back story, just for one chapter of a winning fight?

And it wasn't Lestat that fought her. It was the twin who came out of nowhere after being asleep in the dirt for years and years. We only knew of her through the backstory.

Reviewing the narration style. It gave me a reason to feel again, as sappy as that sounds. I have difficulty finding the beauty of the world, of life, and of myself. The way Anne Rice describes aesthetics and the value of human life makes me reflect and appreciate what I have. This is the third book I found myself with emotions. I know it might not make sense to others and it probably sounds cringy, but it really does make sense to me.

I can't get myself to hate this book besides not liking the debate side. The story was overall captivating and I couldn't put it down ❤️

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Anonymous

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

This is the second time I, a very gay and very trans person, read this book willingly (I was baptized Presbyterian and grew up allowed to think for myself). It was inspirational and awe-inspiring in a few parts, but it never changed my identity. That's what I loved; reading it without pressure and without the expectation of being changed.

That said, it's very repetitive. War, slaying, good side win, peace, gradual hardening of hearts, preaching, gaining faith, and repeat. Though it's not in every single passage. Probably about 80% of the book is repetitive. Correct me if I'm wrong ❤️

I have respect for those who don't shove it in other's faces. I have respect for those who respect people's differences. Although I'm not converting any time soon, or ever at all, this would be a book I'd read again simply for inspiration or interpretation, not for preaching or overanalyzing.

Maurice

E.M. Forster

3.75

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

I didn't realize this was a medium to fast paced book, let alone written in a narration I wasn't used to. My usual preference was not this book, however I still love the message and loved the characters and their flaws and victories.

Maybe the movie will help me understand the plot better.

Alec should have been introduced sooner in my opinion. He's not a character I latched onto, and didn't exactly care much for until after the museum scene.

The Story of Mormonism (1914) by: James E. Talmage

James E. Talmage

dark informative medium-paced

Interesting. The beginning had my interest, however it lost me halfway through.

I feel neutral towards this reading. Might listen again when I'm not too distracted; I'd like to understand it better.

The Most Dangerous Game

Richard Connell

DID NOT FINISH: 29%

The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life, and Achieve Real Happiness

Fumitake Koga, Ichiro Kishimi

DID NOT FINISH: 4%

Couldn't agree on the "trauma doesn't exist" part and the faking of anxiety. The past doesn't determine the future. And you can change- in a way of healing- from your past traumas.

Yeah this first part of the book didn't sit well with me as a trauma survivor.

Animal Farm

George Orwell

4.75

adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

One of the rare times I'll read a fast paced book and enjoy it, especially one that contains animal death.

This reminded me of Lord of the Flies, which was also close to a 5 star for me. Both focus on societies and flaws within them.

Content Warnings

First Person Plural: My Life as a Multiple

Cameron West

4.25

challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

Although published in 1999, this autobiography still is relevant with experiences of Dissociative Identity Disorder today.

I was put off by the narrative style, forgetting sometimes that this is a nonfiction book about a real life experience. But it continued to hold my attention from beginning to end.

This is truly inspiring and encouraging that Multiples are not alone and that there is hope for healing.

Content Warnings

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