Take a photo of a barcode or cover
tracithomas's Reviews (1.05k)
informative
fast-paced
This was a helpful place to start as a new gardener. Some of the instructions were a little unclear and could've used more photos or diagrams. I liked that the tone is very approachable. I wish there were more resources provided to continue on the gardening journey since this book is clearly a jumping off point.
dark
informative
medium-paced
This is a really interesting book that takes you deep into the world of the people who smuggle humans into the US across the US/Mexico border. It is ethnography not journalism so the questions of closeness and ethics was so present as I read. It challenged me on those grounds. It felt a little long, and sometimes I struggled to keep people separate in my mind because the author follows around 8 people.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
I really liked this book overall. The idea of the project is needed and telling this moment in American history as such (as opposed to Black history) is extremely powerful. A white Mississippi man owning the violent history of the place is really powerful and makes it make sense why HE of all people should tell this story, which going in, I was unclear about. There is some real craft in this book, but that does get away from Thompson a few times with sentences that try to do too much. The book is too long and loses focus but it does always come back to itself. The ending feels overly optimistic, but I think that tracks a bit with who is telling the story and why. This is a very good work of narrative nonfiction that is taking very big swings.
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
This is a reread for me of GOOD INSIDE and I used it as a refersher from the first read to remind me how best to approach my kids in more challenging parenting moments. I really appreciate the tips in this one, even if Becky's thinking is super limited to one on one interactions between parents and kids.
informative
fast-paced
I liked this book, and think it was well done. It feels pretty basic as far as the information in it. I have read many of her sources and so instead of feeling like it pushes the conversation around anti-fatness forward, it feels more like it is a summation of the current thinking/activism. Manne is her best when she talks about the ethics and philosophy behind anti-fatness thinking.
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
A historical essay collection that focuses on 14 queer Black figures from the Harlem Renaissance aimed at young adult readers. Johnson tells their stories in quick essays while adding their own thoughts on their lives and how their art impacted their own. While some of the information is interesting, the writing style is a little corny and surface. It feels formulaic and surface, which might work with younger readers who are brand new to these people, but for me it wasn’t enough.
dark
emotional
fast-paced
This is a very interesting and human look at Qanon. I liked it a lot because of the stories, though I think it went on long and was a bit tidy.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So this is very much not my kind of book -- slow, character driven, slice of life type book. I read it because of an event, and never would have read it without that, but I actually was really impressed by it. This is a very strong debut novel. I felt connected to the characters and liked the story enough. Sundar had a lot to say (without being preachy) around immigration, home, family, and building a life. Again, this one isn't my thing (not a lot of plot) but it is so successful at what it set out to do. So if you like a vibey story this might be one for you.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Best first paragraph of any book I've read. I love Morrison's writing here and also felt very much like I am not sure I understood the book. The dialogue, the scenes, all amazing. The plot, lost me a bit. I still really liked reading it and felt on the edge of my seat most of the time.
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
I liked the idea of this book more than the execution. I loved seeing the representation of a Latine person in alcoholic space talking about her experiences and the racism therein. I found the many threads to be too choppy. There is memoir, family history, and research, but it didn't come together in a way that felt compelling for me or that made the story richer.