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happiestwhenreading's reviews
1327 reviews
Our Fight: A Memoir by Ronda Rousey
3.0
I remember the fight that ended Ronda Rousey's reign as an undefeated UFC fighter. I remember thinking that she was a still a great fighter, regardless of her wins/loss record, but of course that would have had devastating repercussions for her.
I really loved the first half of this book which was largely a recount of the moments and training up to that moment. Rousey was raw and vulnerable and it really did move me. But as she came to turns with that loss and how it ended her UFC fighting career, she transitioned herself into a WWE fighter.
Here, the story lost steam for me, but honestly, I'm just not a fan of WWE so it was probably more that than anything. There's no doubt that Rousey is a trailblazer and one tough woman! Her determinination and fight are admirable, and with the current rise in women's sports, we also have her to thank for paving the way for the future of women fighters/wrestlers.
I really loved the first half of this book which was largely a recount of the moments and training up to that moment. Rousey was raw and vulnerable and it really did move me. But as she came to turns with that loss and how it ended her UFC fighting career, she transitioned herself into a WWE fighter.
Here, the story lost steam for me, but honestly, I'm just not a fan of WWE so it was probably more that than anything. There's no doubt that Rousey is a trailblazer and one tough woman! Her determinination and fight are admirable, and with the current rise in women's sports, we also have her to thank for paving the way for the future of women fighters/wrestlers.
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
4.0
The opening chapter had me hooked - Priya and her husband are a dinner event with coworkers when she receives a phone call that her 12-year-old son has been arrested. As the case against their son unfolds, the author also examines the social, political, and judicial processes many of us take for granted as White Americans.
I thought Gowda explored the experiences of immigrants really well and there were so many things that gave me pause. I do know that there are many experiences I can never understand that people of color must navigate on a daily basis, so I really appreciate when an author can bring those thoughts, feelings, and situations to light. I had to reflect quite often how I would handle the same situation with my children - both as a White family and as a family of color. Each scenario changes the situation completely! This would make for such a great book club choice full of lively discussion!
The ending was wrapped up very nicely - maybe even a bit too tide. However, as I think about it, it didn't bother me enough to care. The themes and nuances were enough for me to reflect on that the ending really is a minor issue for me.
I thought Gowda explored the experiences of immigrants really well and there were so many things that gave me pause. I do know that there are many experiences I can never understand that people of color must navigate on a daily basis, so I really appreciate when an author can bring those thoughts, feelings, and situations to light. I had to reflect quite often how I would handle the same situation with my children - both as a White family and as a family of color. Each scenario changes the situation completely! This would make for such a great book club choice full of lively discussion!
The ending was wrapped up very nicely - maybe even a bit too tide. However, as I think about it, it didn't bother me enough to care. The themes and nuances were enough for me to reflect on that the ending really is a minor issue for me.
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
5.0
Saul Indian Horse is sent to a residential school for Indians in Canada. While there, he is introduced to the game of hockey. He quickly shows a true talent for the sport that eventually gives him an escape from the horrors of the school.
I fully fell into this story. I loved the characters, the themes, the hockey, the history, and the resolution. I learned a lot about the Indiginous people and their horrific experiences in these schools meant to reform them and remove their culture. The repercussions were seen and felt through the character of Indian Horse.
Though there were some bleak times in the book, I felt like it also offered hope. I couldn't help but cheer for the happy ending Indian Horse deserved and I was satisfied with the conclusion. This book was exceptional!
I fully fell into this story. I loved the characters, the themes, the hockey, the history, and the resolution. I learned a lot about the Indiginous people and their horrific experiences in these schools meant to reform them and remove their culture. The repercussions were seen and felt through the character of Indian Horse.
Though there were some bleak times in the book, I felt like it also offered hope. I couldn't help but cheer for the happy ending Indian Horse deserved and I was satisfied with the conclusion. This book was exceptional!
Same as It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo
3.5
The Most Fun We Ever Had was one of my top books of 2019, and I have been eagerly anticipating Lombardo's next book ever since!
Same As It Ever Was has all of Lombardo's signature style - a wide cast of characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, and complicated emotions. She writes characters so deep and full of emotion, it's hard not to cheer for them to come out on top.
In this book, we meet Julia who is a middle-aged mother and wife. This is an aspect of life that doesn't get a lot of attention, and while Julia's character is older than mine, her children are roughly the same age as mine. I really loved reading a story about high school/college-aged kids, as well as a marriage that is well beyond the honeymoon years. It doesn't happen a lot so I could really relate to a lot of the themes happening here.
Mostly, I felt a little bored by this one. There were moments that really shined and I felt so seen, but Lombardo almost got too detailed and lost me a lot of the time. I was anxious for the book to be over because it was long - and borning. It's such a bummer to me because it had so much going for it, but overall, it's just not a story that's going to stick with me.
Same As It Ever Was has all of Lombardo's signature style - a wide cast of characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, and complicated emotions. She writes characters so deep and full of emotion, it's hard not to cheer for them to come out on top.
In this book, we meet Julia who is a middle-aged mother and wife. This is an aspect of life that doesn't get a lot of attention, and while Julia's character is older than mine, her children are roughly the same age as mine. I really loved reading a story about high school/college-aged kids, as well as a marriage that is well beyond the honeymoon years. It doesn't happen a lot so I could really relate to a lot of the themes happening here.
Mostly, I felt a little bored by this one. There were moments that really shined and I felt so seen, but Lombardo almost got too detailed and lost me a lot of the time. I was anxious for the book to be over because it was long - and borning. It's such a bummer to me because it had so much going for it, but overall, it's just not a story that's going to stick with me.
How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica
3.0
This one came highly recommended to me, and despite that, I knew early on that this one wasn't going to land for me. I persevered because I was hoping my gut was wrong. Unfortunately, I never found my rhythm with this one and felt mostly bored and unattached to the characters. This is a big deal because this is a highly emotional story - so to not connect is a big bummer.
I believe my disconnect was from the writing style. I think Ordorica has a ton of potential, but the 2nd/3rd person narrative didn't work for me. Maybe had it been written in the 3rd person, that emotional attachement could have been better forged. Instead, there was a lot of telling, not showing, and I just didn't care like I should have.
This is a debut, so I'm curious what Ordorica does next. As I said, I see potential; this book just wasn't for me.
I believe my disconnect was from the writing style. I think Ordorica has a ton of potential, but the 2nd/3rd person narrative didn't work for me. Maybe had it been written in the 3rd person, that emotional attachement could have been better forged. Instead, there was a lot of telling, not showing, and I just didn't care like I should have.
This is a debut, so I'm curious what Ordorica does next. As I said, I see potential; this book just wasn't for me.
Sociopath by Patric Gagne
3.5
While this was a fascinating look into a sociopath's mind, I also found it disturbing and scary. Gagne has funneled her illness into good by getting her doctorate in a desparate attempt to understand herself, but she also pushed so many legal and personal boundaries. From stalking people to entertaining thoughts of violence, I wondered often how she felt it was ok to skirt these gray areas. Her openness and vulnerability about her diagnosis was equal parts interesting and disturbing - almost like she wore it like a badge of honor. I'm not saying she should hide who she is, but she seemed to use it as shock value and she often lead with it when meeting new people which I found odd.
While I didn't feel overwhelmingly compelled by her story, it was interesting to learn about sociopathy and watch her turn her situation into a success story.
While I didn't feel overwhelmingly compelled by her story, it was interesting to learn about sociopathy and watch her turn her situation into a success story.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
5.0
Let's start with the two things that didn't work for me: the science was super over my head and I just kind of read through it, feeling like I got the main gist of what the purpose was. I don't love science so much, but also couldn't help thinking how this would be a great fiction/nonfiction pairing with The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson! Next, there were a lot of coincendences that nicely moved the story along - maybe too conveniently, but I chose to ignore it and appreciate it for how it did move the story along. In the end, neither of these things bothered me - but if there were any critiques, these would be them for me.
Mostly though, I just loved the book. I'm a sucker for a good generational drama, a complex story that has layers and nuance, and stories where there's a whole lot going on behind the scenes. There were times where I really wished Mei would have been more open and honest about things with her daughter, Lily, and I think a lot of trouble could have been avoided, but as a granddaughter of an immigrant myself, I know firsthand how important it can be to just move foward instead of dwelling on the atrocities of the past. My grandma hated talking about the things she'd seen and lived through - she just continued to march forward, much like Mei's character did too.
This is a story that will stick with me. I really, really liked it. And besides those two complaints (minor grievences for me), this is absolutely a top contender for my favorite books of the year!
Mostly though, I just loved the book. I'm a sucker for a good generational drama, a complex story that has layers and nuance, and stories where there's a whole lot going on behind the scenes. There were times where I really wished Mei would have been more open and honest about things with her daughter, Lily, and I think a lot of trouble could have been avoided, but as a granddaughter of an immigrant myself, I know firsthand how important it can be to just move foward instead of dwelling on the atrocities of the past. My grandma hated talking about the things she'd seen and lived through - she just continued to march forward, much like Mei's character did too.
This is a story that will stick with me. I really, really liked it. And besides those two complaints (minor grievences for me), this is absolutely a top contender for my favorite books of the year!
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
4.0
Life is crazy and chaotic and I'm struggling to find anything that sticks for me right now. I decided to give this one a try because I have really enjoyed Rebecca Serle's books in the past.
I'm happy to say this one landed for me! I really enjoyed getting lost in the story. It kept me entertained (which is really hard to do right now); I kept wanting to fly through things so I could return back to the pages.
I feel like Serle writes relationships so well. I find myself rooting for the characters, and while there are some qualities that feel the same between all of her books, the details are fresh and welcome new ideas to ponder.
I also love how Serle wrote about California in this book. I lived in the Bay Area during college, and visited my brother a lot who lived in LA. I feel like CA gets a bad rap sometimes, but Serle painted a picture of this state that made me realize I kinda miss it! After reading One Italian Summer, I wanted to book a vacation asap, and I feel like I could use a vacation to CA after finishing this one! Serle writes a sense of place so well; sometimes, the cities become characters themselves in her books.
Serle has become an autobuy author for me - I can count on her to deliver a story with substance, but one that doesn't require a lot of work and attention on my end. Simply just a story to sink into...which is absolutely perfect sometimes!
I'm happy to say this one landed for me! I really enjoyed getting lost in the story. It kept me entertained (which is really hard to do right now); I kept wanting to fly through things so I could return back to the pages.
I feel like Serle writes relationships so well. I find myself rooting for the characters, and while there are some qualities that feel the same between all of her books, the details are fresh and welcome new ideas to ponder.
I also love how Serle wrote about California in this book. I lived in the Bay Area during college, and visited my brother a lot who lived in LA. I feel like CA gets a bad rap sometimes, but Serle painted a picture of this state that made me realize I kinda miss it! After reading One Italian Summer, I wanted to book a vacation asap, and I feel like I could use a vacation to CA after finishing this one! Serle writes a sense of place so well; sometimes, the cities become characters themselves in her books.
Serle has become an autobuy author for me - I can count on her to deliver a story with substance, but one that doesn't require a lot of work and attention on my end. Simply just a story to sink into...which is absolutely perfect sometimes!
Here After by Amy Lin
3.5
While running a marathon, Lin's husband suddenly passed away. While the autopsy indicated it was nearly instantaneous, Lin's world was also changed in a split second. She fell into a deep depression where she struggled every single day just to want to be alive. There are so many lessons in grief you can never know until that is the reality you are faced with. It's long and hard and different for everyone. In addition to her grief, she also had a medical emergency of her own that had her living with her parents and having to go through numerous appointments and procedures.
Lin's gives us vignettes into her grief process - of her love story with her husband, how she managed her days after the loss of her husband, and how she continues to honor and love her husband. It's raw and vulnerable, but also heartwarming and hopeful. She really tells all and lets us into her world.
There is a lot of white space on the page, so this is a very quick read. I loved the vignette style, but also wanted more depth. Most of the book lacked an emotional connection for me...and as I stated earlier this year, this problem really may just lay with me. I think I've burned myself out on the grief micro-genre as I've been fully immersed in it for the past 11 years after I lost my mom to cancer. So much of what I read has already been said, so please read other reviews before taking my word for it!
Lin's gives us vignettes into her grief process - of her love story with her husband, how she managed her days after the loss of her husband, and how she continues to honor and love her husband. It's raw and vulnerable, but also heartwarming and hopeful. She really tells all and lets us into her world.
There is a lot of white space on the page, so this is a very quick read. I loved the vignette style, but also wanted more depth. Most of the book lacked an emotional connection for me...and as I stated earlier this year, this problem really may just lay with me. I think I've burned myself out on the grief micro-genre as I've been fully immersed in it for the past 11 years after I lost my mom to cancer. So much of what I read has already been said, so please read other reviews before taking my word for it!
James by Percival Everett
4.0
I have never read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, so I was a little hesitant to pick this one up. I felt a lot more confident after reading Sara's (@novelreads) substack with things to pay attention to and it was a tremedous resource (thank you, Sara!). Having said that, who knows if I would have gotten more out of the book with that background or not, but this review is definitely not coming from that place!
I liked this book. I felt like hearing from James' perspective really switched the narrative and I think it's something we will - and should - see more of in the future. Retellings are a great opportunity for this! As a white person, I was not uncomfortable with the truths presented...in fact, I think they're necessary and I hope to see more of it in the future. I easily sunk into Everett's writing and I enjoyed myself while reading it.
But, having said all of that, it still left me wanting more. The beginning was very slow and it wasn't until the middle that the story really started picking up for me. I also felt like a lot of the plot was convenient (mostly plot points were presented and resolved way too easily) and I would have liked Everett to work a little more for my praise.
I would absolutely recommend this book, but I wasn't as blown away as most people seem to have been.
I liked this book. I felt like hearing from James' perspective really switched the narrative and I think it's something we will - and should - see more of in the future. Retellings are a great opportunity for this! As a white person, I was not uncomfortable with the truths presented...in fact, I think they're necessary and I hope to see more of it in the future. I easily sunk into Everett's writing and I enjoyed myself while reading it.
But, having said all of that, it still left me wanting more. The beginning was very slow and it wasn't until the middle that the story really started picking up for me. I also felt like a lot of the plot was convenient (mostly plot points were presented and resolved way too easily) and I would have liked Everett to work a little more for my praise.
I would absolutely recommend this book, but I wasn't as blown away as most people seem to have been.