cjeannette's Reviews (602)

Well, it happened again so I finally decided to read this 2024 election cycle, and it felt eerily relevant. While the book is long—thankfully, listening on 2x speed helped—it’s packed with insight. Secretary Clinton reflects on her 2016 presidential campaign with honesty and intelligence, offering a perspective shaped by decades of political experience. 

 

Reading this seven years after it was published, it’s striking how much remains relevant. Many of Clinton’s educated predictions about our political climate were unsettlingly accurate, and her critiques of systemic issues resonate even more today. While opinions about her are often divisive and not always based on fact, it’s hard to deny her brilliance which is evident in this book. 

 

If you’re a political enthusiast or need a way to process the most recent election, this book is worth your time—especially if you’re prepared for a deep dive into our current and evolving political landscape. 

While I don’t think I’ll revisit it, I ended up enjoying it more than I initially expected. The story weaves a compelling mystery set within the moody, insular world of a girls’ boarding school, making it a solid pick for fans of dark academia. However, the shifting narrative perspectives—jumping between a detective’s investigation and the girls’ backstory—were sometimes confusing. Listening to the audiobook helped make the transitions smoother and the voices easier to distinguish. Overall, it’s a slow burn that rewards patience with atmospheric writing and layered character dynamics. If you love mysteries with a psychological edge, it’s worth a try. 

Arsenic and Adobo is a delightful cozy mystery that makes for a quick and engaging read. The story follows Lila Macapagal as she tries to clear her family’s name after her ex-boyfriend mysteriously dies in their restaurant. The writing is simple and straightforward, but the plot keeps you hooked. I appreciated the refreshing twist when my whodunit theory turned out to be wrong—it’s always fun when a mystery surprises you! 

 

One of the standout aspects of the book is its rich Filipino representation. The descriptions of food and family traditions resonated deeply with me, especially since they felt so similar to elements of my own Mexican culture. This cultural connection added a layer of warmth and familiarity to the story. 

 

While not without its flaws, Arsenic and Adobo is an enjoyable read, perfect for fans of light mysteries with heart and humor. I’m curious to see what’s next in this series! 

Lindy West’s Shrill is a deeply honest yet hilarious memoir. Her wit is razor-sharp, her honesty refreshing, and her vulnerability utterly relatable. From navigating body image and societal expectations to tackling feminism and inclusivity, West fearlessly explores themes that feel both timely and timeless.“Loving yourself is not antithetical to health, it is intrinsic to health. You can't take good care of a thing you hate.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the heart of her message—self-acceptance is not just empowering, but essential to pursuing your best life.

What I loved most were the moments where her humor and insight perfectly intersect—one minute I was cackling out loud, and the next, snapping in agreement to poignont truths. She manages to balance her biting critiques of the patriarchy with a tender humanity that makes this book as warm as it is bold.

While not every essay landed with the same punch, the overall collection is a powerful, empowering read that left me feeling inspired to speak up, live authentically, and challenge the status quo. Shrill is a must-read for anyone who appreciates unflinching honesty served with a side of sharp humor.

Wow, I LOVED this book! I read this as part of the book series which I highly recommend. The way Jimenez writes really had me feeling deeply the emotions of each character whether I was laughing our loud, feeling the anxiety, or crying in emotional moments. Definitely a favorite read of the year