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HiMyNames_Alyssa

HiMyNames_Alyssa

Joined September 2021

ever growing TBR
review
HiMyNames_Alyssa
The Perfect Child | Lucinda Berry
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Panpan

To describe this book as lacking doesn't even cover it. It pissed me off from the very beginning (although I can concede that that may have been the point) but then there was just no ending! None. So I read the short story sequel. While it did alleviate some longing from the lack of ending in the first, I can still only describe it as "meh"

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Making It So: A Memoir | Patrick Stewart
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Pickpick

This man. I tell ya. I grew up watching Sci fi with my dad and TNG was my favorite. I've loved Patrick Stewart ever since. Shakespeare, American Dad, Dickens, the whole lot.
"Are you anybody?" You're more than anybody Sir Stewart, you're somebody to so many people.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Deadbeat Druid | David R. Slayton
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Pickpick

This trilogy was exactly the cozy fantasy I wanted. Yes, stakes were higher in these 2 than the first one but the world building inside world building was good. And the characters were well built. I honestly wouldn't be mad if this series continued 😉

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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A couple new books for the shelf ? the dictionary of obscure sorrows was referenced in Amanda Montell's "The Age of Magical Overthinking" that I listened to a little while back.

BookmarkTavern I love the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows! 💖 2mo
5 likes1 comment
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

This was a nice cozy read for a rainy long weekend. The only way to understand life is to live it.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Tender Is the Flesh | Agustina Bazterrica
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Mehso-so

This one was a slow burn that just never ignited for me. And idk if it's a language difference or what but the last line? Over my head. This story dragged me in like watching a train wreck. But no resolution left me wanting. But that being said that's a pretty common thing in dystopia and horror stories. So I guess overall 3.5/5 stars
I did very much enjoy the bite-sized chapters and overall short length though.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

I loved this book. A lot of reviews didn't like that it was "less scientific" but she has a ton of references in there and does a good job explaining each cognitive bias. She just also relates it to a tangible experience in her life which I thoroughly enjoy as I like to do the same with information. And I love her writing style.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
White Trash Warlock | David R. Slayton
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Pickpick

Loved this book. Not super high fantasy but a nicely developed sense of "spirit" (iykyk) and I thoroughly enjoyed it after some higher fantasy stuff.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
God of Lost Words | A J Hackwith
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Pickpick

Loved the ending for this one. The Last sentence brought tears to my eyes.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

This little trilogybis growing on me the more I listen to it. I love the low stakes but you'll love the characters even more. I love Hero & Rami, I find a little bit of myself in Claire and Brevity and i just want to see how they save the day again. This one isn't so much saving as it is a setup for book 3. But now I can't wait to see what happens.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Court of Silver Flames | Sarah J Maas
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Pickpick

Finally finished the final 2 out of the 5. I LOVED frost & starlight. So light and cute. I enjoyed silver flames, although not as much as the others. I love Nesta and Cassian, the spice just started to take over the plot. But it was still really good. I'm glad to be done though, as someone who doesn't particularly like series, I've gotten into quite a few this year 😅

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

I loved this. Could be more high stakes and more fleshed out characters/plot but I still loved the story, the characters and the ideas. I'd recommend it even with its faults. Which, honestly, is pretty good. It is 1 of 3, for those that hate when you didn't know it was a series beforehand. (LOL me 👋)

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

This has become an auto-pick author for me even though I think I already have all his books. I've read 2 and have 2 on the shelf for later. I love the whimsy and fantasy mash-up perfect for when I want low-med stakes and something that will make my heart bubble up with happy feels. (vs the stress I usually have while reading lol)
You'll love Bluebear and all his friends and adventures. And the art *chef kiss* def worth reading the physical copy

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

I'm behind on my reviews cuz this year has been a whirlwind. But I finally finished the base trilogy of ACOTAR and man I loved it. I don't do series often but this one was definitely worth it. Taking a quick hiatus and reading some other stuff but I'll be back for the last two. And probably SJMs others as well because now I'm hooked lol

blurb
HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Back on Walter Moers ❤️ you want an easy cozy read with low stakes but beautiful worlds and whimsy? Walter Moers is your guy.

julesG ❤️❤️❤️Captain Bluebear - I should re-read 6mo
4 likes1 comment
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Young Rich Widows | Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Vanessa Lillie, Holohan Cate
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Mehso-so

If you're looking for an easy listen while cleaning the house or driving with just enough intrigue to keep you going this is your book. Kind of predictable, but in a good way.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

I finally jumped on the wagon. I was worried because from what I gathered, the story was spice driven, but I'm pleased to say it's not. I'm not against spice as long as it's not the whole point of the book. And this is not that. Already several hours deep in the next one and on the edge of my seat. If anyone wants to rant with me without spoilers please message me! Also: I always love Jennifer Ikeda ❤️

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Born a Crime | Trevor Noah
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Pickpick

The timeline was very hard to follow, however thr timeline was not the purpose of the book. The purpose was to point out how illogical and wrong racism and the systems that uphold racism are. I also learned a lot about Trevor Noah that I didn't know. Definitely recommend.

13 likes1 stack add
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

I've been waiting to post until I finished the series but I'm waiting for the final book from libby because I don't want to use an audible credit on a book I'll finish in a week lol. But these are so good if you like some light hearted and witty sci-fi. Definitely recommend.

julesG I'm currently re-reading the series. Bought the GraphicAudio editions. 9mo
9 likes1 comment
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
No Longer Human | Junji Ito
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Mehso-so

I definitely chose a doozy for getting back into manga/graphic novels. It was good though. The clerk at my bookstore told me she liked this version better than the original because of the feeling of hope at the end of a story about hopelessness. And I can definitely see that even though I didn't read the original. 3.5/5 from me. ⚠️check TWs⚠️

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
No Longer Human | Junji Ito
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Manga adaptation of original novel by Osamu Dazai. I haven't read a graphic novel or manga since high school and man I chose a doozy to step back into that world. Good so far though Junji Ito, in my understanding, is one of the leading names for manga horror. ⚠️ Check your trigger warnings⚠️

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Hell Bent | Leigh Bardugo
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Pickpick

Why did no one tell me this wasn't a duology but instead is a quartet and I will have to wait who knows how long for the next ones? 😭
That being said. I loved it. I love her writing style, I love that the 2 were written a little differently than each other. And I love the story. But if there is not darlex next book I'll scream. Iykyk.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Making It So: A Memoir | Patrick Stewart
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I asked for books for Christmas and I received 😊📚
We just did our gifts with my in-laws. And I got all of these from my MIL from my wishlist. I'm so happy 😌

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
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Pickpick

I'm so glad I read this again before the sequel. I still loved it the second time. This book sparked my love of reading again back in 2020 after a long hiatus. It will forever have a special place in my heart, along with just being a really good book. ❤️

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
All Systems Red | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

I'm very behind on posting my reads so far this year. I'm already almost done with book 3 of the Murderbot Diaries. I listened to the first one several years ago before I had the means for something like audible. I'm very happy to be reading the rest. My new 40min commute is allowing to plow through media and im here for it

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
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Just what the doctor ordered for a cold rainy weekend. Ambient music provided by toxic drunker via YouTube. The read called for dark academia. Iykyk

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Yes Please | Amy Poehler
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Pickpick

What can I say, I love Amy Poehler. Her life in funny skits read by her and a few of her close friends (and her parents) was the perfect way to start of 2024

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

Little bit of feel good little bit if dark and gloomy. I love the mythology intertwined in this one. May your Yule be merry and filled with fright for Krampus is coming in the night.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Bossypants | Tina Fey
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Pickpick

Loved this. She is so funny. 😍

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

If you're looking for a hallmark-esque Christmas read with some spice thrown in. This is your book.

7 likes1 stack add
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Downloaded | Robert J Sawyer
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Pickpick

Loved the way this one was narrated. And, of course, Brendan Fraser was top notch. I could have done with it being longer. Or even if there was a sequel. But it was good. I'd recommend. 😊

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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This is my first year to read seasonal books around the holidays and I'm very much looking forward to these 😌 I also have one queued up in audible since my commute is gonna go from 10min to 40min in December. I may even get through more!

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
No Conscience | Phil M. Williams
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Panpan

Well. I don't want to give spoilers. But this was a lot of character building with no resolution. Which I think may have been the point? Just not my cup of tea I guess. Also had some pretty heavy themes throughout which I didn't care for. Check TWs.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
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I read Ninth House back in 2020 as my first book for my personal "read more" challenge and it honestly pole vaulted me back into a love of books I hadn't felt in years. But I rented it from the library. I'm so happy I've finally added it to my personal collection along with the second book recently released. I can't wait to re-read Ninth House and then continue the story with Hell Bent ❤️

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Mehso-so

Interesting listen. Definitely written without the perspective of people with neurodivergence or mental health struggles and how caffeine affects them. Bit still really interesting and informative.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

I have never been so happy to have stumbled upon a book by accident. This book is now one of my all time favorites. It made me laugh, cry, start with surprise, sigh with relief. I didnt want it to end. Whimsical fantasy. Lemony Snicket meets Tolkein with a dash of Dr. Seuss. I cannot give it enough praise. I imagine I will re-read this until it falls apart.

diovival Yes! I loved this book too 🥰 13mo
11 likes5 stack adds2 comments
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

Woof. This one was a doozy. It's definitely worth the ride. Not so much creepy but still worth the denotation of 'thriller.'

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
The Chestnut Man | S�ren Sveistrup
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Pickpick

This book was a slow burn but a good one. It ended on a cliffhanger, which I would normally hate, but I think was perfect for this story. And I'm glad I listened to it, because I definitely wouldn't have read the names correctly.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

The twist at the end I've seen from reviews is love it or hate it. I honestly thought of it and rejected it because it didn't make sense to me at the time I thought about it then BAM it happened. I've also heard it was perhaps poorly edited but because I listened to it I didn't notice that and was able to just enjoy the story. Definitely a good spoopy season read.

Michreader3 I agree with this, the first time I read the plot twist I had to reread the page a few times because I didn‘t quite understand what was happening 13mo
10 likes1 comment
quote
HiMyNames_Alyssa
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'Reading is an intelligent way of not having to think'

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

This ended up being a few true crimes stories in one book about how the author of "Lolita" never wanted or was willing to admit that he gleaned most of his novel from the true story of a little girl named Sally Horner. Imcludes some insight from people close to Sally that were still alive to meet with the author. Very interesting, if not a little dry.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Infinite Country: A Novel | Patricia Engel
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Mehso-so

This one needed to be much longer. Lots of character development with no real resolution to the identity crises posed by the various characters.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Pageboy: A Memoir | Elliot Page
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Pickpick

Wonderfully told story of how we are all who we are even if we have to or feel the need to hide it and how letting yourself become yourself can be both freeing and turbulent. 🩵🩷🤍 Less linear than most memoirs, written in the way you may tell a person your story face-to-face, going back and forth between the present and the past to tie them together.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Esperanza Rising | Pam Munoz Ryan

Does anyone have a task or activity that immediately takes them back to a specific book? Mine is chopping potatoes and/or avocados. And the book is Esperanza Rising. I haven't read it in probably 20 years. But potatoes and avocados take me back every time ❤️

mom_of_4 Anytime I see small airplane run ways I think of the left behind books 1y
2 likes1 comment
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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I'm saying goodbye to the forest for now. But I'm taking all it's advice with me ❤️ until next time, PNW.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Enjoyed almost a whole day of reading in the woods. Didn't see a single other person near our camp site. Had to do some exploring at the nearby creek, of course, but got through a lot of this delightful book the rest of the time. Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Stumbled on this at my local book shop. I haven't heard of it before. I think its going to come with me while we go hiking and camping in the PNW for the next couple weeks 🥰

DivineDiana It has the “magic word”in the title! 📚😂📚 1y
HiMyNames_Alyssa So I, obviously, couldn't leave it behind! 😆 1y
sebrittainclark I love this book 1y
HiMyNames_Alyssa I'm very much looking forward to it with all the great reviews! 1y
6 likes4 comments
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Mehso-so

This book was delightfully creepy at times with a twist I didn't see coming but took wayyy too long to get there and get to the point. It was a written series of letters, but that seemed to only make how long it was make less sense. ⭐️⭐️/5

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
I'm Glad My Mom Died | Jennette McCurdy
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Pickpick

I devoured this audiobook in 2 days, before I could even write my review for the other audiobook I finished. This is bravely transparent and wittingly written. Beautiful story of how its okay to miss someone and also be glad they're gone because they were toxic.

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
The Book of Life | Deborah Harkness
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Pickpick

Beautiful end to this trilogy. Thrilling and intriguing. I'm not usually a fan of series, they usually feel too slow and I can't commit that much time to them. I listened to this one after being recommended to by a friend and I'm so glad I did. Another beautiful reading by Jennifer Ikeda.