I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this book...a truly remarkable read! Here was my "official" take but I'm telling you to pre-order thiI had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this book...a truly remarkable read! Here was my "official" take but I'm telling you to pre-order this book now!
Jennifer Coburn brings an untold story brilliantly to the page in this fast paced, heart wrenching, at times harrowing novel. With a resonant plot and complex, well-drawn characters, this book will stick with readers and leave them clamoring to know more.
This book was excellent, and unlike anything I've read. Great characters, strong writing, and a story that I was thinking about constantly (still am).This book was excellent, and unlike anything I've read. Great characters, strong writing, and a story that I was thinking about constantly (still am). Also, the title makes a good mantra. ;) Never did I imagine myself googling black rat snakes, and I very much fear the popup ads I'll be subjected to, but I don't regret a thing. SUPERB....more
I'm going to go ahead and out myself as someone who's weirdly repressed view of things has made me hesitant to identify as a "feminist" even though I'I'm going to go ahead and out myself as someone who's weirdly repressed view of things has made me hesitant to identify as a "feminist" even though I've been a feminist for my entire life (it seems crazy that it can be a bit of a dirty word--thinking that women should be treated equally isn't exactly a wild opinion and it's pretty gross if you DON'T believe that). ANYWAY. As I started to read this, the old lady voice popped into my head, "goodness me, I hope this isn't 'too much'"...and it is, but only in the best (and most honest) way. Loved the humor, the truth, and the way Lindy West is not afraid to address her own foibles, or when she very much participates in or enjoys something that is "problematic." In no way does she paint herself as a paragon of anything (though, I must say, her husband seems incredible). Hilarious and thought-provoking and so much fun (when it's not terrifying). She goes far beyond the topic of "feminism", of course, and there were many lines I wanted to take a picture of and send to various people. Also, she describes systemic racism in the most succinct manner I've read (e.g. if a white person makes 10-20x what a person of color makes, you either think that's an outrage or you're racist). I immediately purchased Shrill after reading this. An absolute must-read. ...more
What a gem of a book. Takes place leading up to and during the French Revolution. Absolutely delighted by every page of this and it's unlike any work What a gem of a book. Takes place leading up to and during the French Revolution. Absolutely delighted by every page of this and it's unlike any work of historical fiction I've read. Fun side note, the author is married to Elizabeth McCracken. For historical fiction fans, I cannot recommend this enough. I read this the first week of 2020 and I have no doubt it'll be one of my favorite reads of the year....more
I always like to start the year with something that is in the self-improvement, self-help, or just general light non-fiction category. This hit the spI always like to start the year with something that is in the self-improvement, self-help, or just general light non-fiction category. This hit the spot! Though everything was not relatable, I enjoyed the vignettes and the presentation. ...more
Believe the hype! Tackles some very tough issues, but there are some full-on, laugh-out-loud moments. Would make a great bookclub pick. Loved the PhilBelieve the hype! Tackles some very tough issues, but there are some full-on, laugh-out-loud moments. Would make a great bookclub pick. Loved the Philadelphia setting. ...more
Captivating, and a very fast read. I don't ordinarily like "adult fiction" with a kid protagonist/narrator, but the author does a great job with EdwarCaptivating, and a very fast read. I don't ordinarily like "adult fiction" with a kid protagonist/narrator, but the author does a great job with Edward. ...more
My first David Lodge book--won't be my last. Written 30 years ago but still hilarious, engaging, and utterly relevant. Loved it.My first David Lodge book--won't be my last. Written 30 years ago but still hilarious, engaging, and utterly relevant. Loved it....more
An unexpected gem of a book. I only listen to nonfiction on audiobook and this was recommended and I'm so glad I clicked purchase. The narrative has bAn unexpected gem of a book. I only listen to nonfiction on audiobook and this was recommended and I'm so glad I clicked purchase. The narrative has been that Jack the Ripper killed prostitutes, but this is an oversimplification, if not outright mistruth. His victims were those on the margins of society, women who it was simply easier to dismiss as "prostitutes" than look at them with any level of humanity. With great storytelling prowess and tremendous empathy, the author tackles the stories of five women. Four of the five stories are heartbreakingly compelling, and the fifth is also heartbreaking, but it's a lot shorter as less information is known and thus more speculation is required (though the author is very clear about where she is making assumptions, or offering possibilities). Funny enough, this fifth woman the only true "prostitute" of the group. Such an amazing read/listen (narration is fantastic) and I came to truly care for these victims. ...more
Holy crap--a truly remarkable read. I love a good short story collection and this is one of the best I've ever picked up. The first few stories are diHoly crap--a truly remarkable read. I love a good short story collection and this is one of the best I've ever picked up. The first few stories are disparate, and they become increasingly connected as the collection progresses, and the last 100 pages or so is essentially a novella. Some of the stories are shorter than I've seen before (1-2 pages), but the author packs so much into as little as one page. At one point, I was staring for 5 minutes, crying, not wanting to leave the page. I am in awe. This is so, so good....more
Really lovely read. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the setting(s), and the time period. The couple of twists are predictable, if not outright inReally lovely read. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the setting(s), and the time period. The couple of twists are predictable, if not outright inevitable, but if you're hankering for historical fiction that's not WWII, this would be a great choice. ...more
Gorgeous story of one man's coming of age (and into older age, no less). Well done and the characters are fantastic. This book is not perfect--it reliGorgeous story of one man's coming of age (and into older age, no less). Well done and the characters are fantastic. This book is not perfect--it relies on coincidence so much that it's almost comical. I get that he's perhaps commenting that the world is small, and we're destined to sort of circle around the same people. I kept telling myself that so I wouldn't get pulled out of the book. But, I absolutely loved the character and the journey. ...more
Very fascinating and well-written memoir about the author's career at the CIA. (Great audiobook listen). In fact Fox's entire childhood was interestinVery fascinating and well-written memoir about the author's career at the CIA. (Great audiobook listen). In fact Fox's entire childhood was interesting and, as one would expect, absolutely led to her career. That she is brilliant, curious, and compassionate shines through. It is pretty short, so at times things are skipped over or otherwise breezed past, especially at the end, though I really appreciated the interesting perspective of living in fiction that she shares.
Fox does at times come across as the only one with the answers, and as though she's constantly schooling the higher-ups, even at like 22 years old. Many times I thought, she must've been the best operative Langley's ever seen! This could very well be the case--Fox is extremely intelligent and savvy. However, she never really touches on mistakes she makes at work. Every notion turns into perfectly executed plan. There are hiccups along the way but she quickly maneuvers them to her advantage. This might be by design, as I'm sure the CIA had to approve publication. It's just in very stark contrast to a book I read recently that is somewhat reminiscent-Samantha Power's Education of an Idealist. While their roles are different (UN Ambassador vs. CIA operative) and they're separated by about 10 years, the books share similar themes and a similar heart. Power details many of her professional mistakes (some are extraordinarily cringe-worthy) and thus it never seems like she just steps in to save the day. She may WANT to, but that's not what happens and it's so much more relatable. But, this could go back to the length thing, as Power's book is about 3x longer so it include more reflection.
All in, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if the topic is at all interesting to you, I highly recommend! Fun fact: she's married to RFK III. They met at Burning Man. ...more
As moving and devastating as you'd expect for a 9/11 oral history. Even nearly 20 years later, I'm surprised when some new facet is revealed, some newAs moving and devastating as you'd expect for a 9/11 oral history. Even nearly 20 years later, I'm surprised when some new facet is revealed, some new POV. This was put together beautifully. My one caveat is that I listened on audiobook and it's a little hard at first to adjust to the constantly shifting narrators (someone might have a line as simple as "it was a beautiful day" before moving onto the next). Once I got used to it, though, I sailed through it, and cried during a good portion. ...more
Oh my gosh, how I loved this book...read it all in one sitting, very late, on a random Thursday night. I picked this up randomly in a book store (loveOh my gosh, how I loved this book...read it all in one sitting, very late, on a random Thursday night. I picked this up randomly in a book store (loved his prior book Shotgun Lovesongs) and I'm so glad I did. I have to say, I did not like the ending, but the rest of the book was so great, I don't even care. (Also, I understand why he chose to end it where he did). So excellent. I will read anything he Nickolas Butler writes....more
Loved this book so much--the setting is so richly drawn, and the characters completely realistic. I adored the relationship between the sisters, a sorLoved this book so much--the setting is so richly drawn, and the characters completely realistic. I adored the relationship between the sisters, a sort of a historical, Okie, Gilmore Girls vibe, but completely in context to the period. Very moving with flashes of humor. One of my favorites this year. ...more
Absolutely captivating and sneakily tackles so many different topics. It's a long book but I nearly read it one sitting. Loved all four main characterAbsolutely captivating and sneakily tackles so many different topics. It's a long book but I nearly read it one sitting. Loved all four main characters. Historically important, riveting, and tender indeed. One of my favorites of the year. ...more
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