Ingrid

Interesting but no conclusion

Reviewed: 2019-06-12

This book shares some pretty incredible details about how poor Trump’s transition was. It delves deeply into a few important government areas that people probably know very little about. So it was certainly interesting. However, there was no conclusion, no call to action, no suggestions, nothing beyond sharing some information. I expected more than that. A very disappointing conclusion to the book. Like it was half finished or something. Seems lazy to me.

A must-read for everyone

Reviewed: 2019-06-07

You don’t need to be an activist to read this book. Maybe you are just an ally. Maybe you’re just a human who cares about all other humans. Whatever your situation, you will find that Ijeoma Oluo has matter-of-factly laid out all of the possible responses and arguments that people give to explain away racism or even just racist words or actions. We live in a racist society, of that there can be no doubt even in 2019. It’s a systemic issue, and this book was super enlightening for me to understand at least a little bit what I could never understand due to the color of my own skin. So if you don’t think we still live in a racist society, I recommend you read or listen to this book from beginning to end and open your mind to see it from another perspective. Everyone will benefit once you do, no matter who you are, because understanding each other in this crazy world is the most important thing of all.

Thoroughly enjoyable

Reviewed: 2019-06-07

I’ve always loved Jane Austen‘s writing. However I had never read this classic, and I absolutely love this adaptation into an audiobook. Emma Thompson was freaking hilarious in the narration, and the actors playing each of the individual roles were simply fantastic.

Jane Austen always transports us easily into her world with her literary style, and I always feel like I’ve stepped away from the modern day on a little vacation. Simply enjoyable.

Enjoyable addictive listen

Reviewed: 2019-05-03

I’ve never heard of Holly Black before, but I picked this book up on a whim. At the beginning I really wasn’t sure what I was going to think as it starts off with a bang. But the world was described so well, the narration done so well, that it grew and grew on me. As the chapters wore on, the drama and action escalated, and I found myself needing to listen even when I wasn’t driving or doing something else. I just had to find out what happened.
It was compelling throughout, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wonderful!

Reviewed: 2019-04-21

It’s not often that a book has me clutching at my heart and covering my eyes as I listen to it. For Jack London to generate sympathy and emotion in a book from the viewpoint of a dog is incredible. As a dog lover, it was really hard to listen to at times, and yet I could not pull myself away. A feast for the senses, and gloriously written, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Beautiful, informative and powerful.

Reviewed: 2019-04-03

A stunning, touching, powerful view into the life of an incredibly humble First Lady. Her words are moving, as they paint gorgeous pictures, and inspire deep emotions. This book is about more than just her life and Barack’s presidency. It’s a testament to love, respect, humility, action, and acceptance.
Not only is the book beautiful but to hear Michelle narrate her words, in a measured, patient cadence brought me pleasure and peace.
Highly recommended, regardless of whether you follow politics.

✨ Incredible. Moving. Inspiring. ✨

Reviewed: 2019-02-04

I loved this book! Like many good books, it started slow, and built and built until I was completely in love and wished it wasn't over.

While it does cover the topic of residential schools and the atrocities that occurred, it is so much more than that. And if you love the sport of hockey, you'll imagine yourself flying across the ice on many occasions. There are moments of joy and pain that most people can identify with in some way.

The narrator felt detached at first, but as I approached the end of the book, I found that it actually suited the character very well.

Richard Wagamese has a gentle narrative that pulls you along with beauty and grace. Do yourself a favour and take this journey. ❤️

Beautiful and heart-wrenching

Reviewed: 2018-12-21

Oh, how I enjoyed this book. The sheer beauty of the words and images created, juxtaposed against the plain and simple dialogue of the characters made it a feast for the senses. I feel like I have been on a journey to the wild as a result. The world lost a great gem when Richard Wagamese passed away last year.

Not the right tone for me

Reviewed: 2018-09-13

I recently saw Rachel Hollis's documentary about her Rise event, and loved it. Loved the messages, the empowerment, and all of it. So I picked up this book. But is not striking the right chord with me. I'm only about 1/3 the way through, but I had to put it aside. For now, at least. I read/listen to a lot of self-help/empowerment/mindfulness/motivational books. But this one feels like I am being scolded a bit. I get that it is just her story and she is not professing to be an expert/psychologist/etc. But something about the tone is falling flat for me - which is partly me and partly the book. I just think she has a lack of awareness about how some of her messages can be received, and I find myself wishing some of it was backed by research the way so many other books are. So I accept that this is really popular for many people as a great inspirational tale, but so far not my cup of tea.
#Audible1

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Preachy and eye-roll worthy, with some good tips

Reviewed: 2018-06-10

This book started off pretty well. There were certainly some great ideas and concepts around minimalism. I wouldn't call myself a minimalist but I'm well on my way, and rarely buy much anymore. I just want to discard some more stuff and looked for some mindset tips. I got a few, for sure.
And then it went downhill. He starts saying that minimalism can solve every issue you can think of. For example, how it can save relationships, because if you don't have things, you have more time to talk to each other, etc. Guess what? You can also choose to have those conversations! You don't need to empty your life of all possessions and joy in order to appreciate those around you. Granted, minimalism is one way some people could achieve that goal, but by the time you get the end of the book, he implies that every issue in the world can be solved by minimalism. He says he avoids colour and sticks with whites and beiges because of visual noise. He even says that after you reduce things from your life, you can even then remove the things that give you joy as well. Why? Basically, he digresses more and more toward the end and I couldn't wait for it to be over. I just think he ends up way out of his league. Granted he is just telling his story, and at the very end, he says you don't have to be a minimalist to experience these lessons. It's just one way to learn them. Very true and glad to hear him say it. But I was really put off by the second half of the book and all the preachiness. The narrator was good.