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ishouldreadthat
I cannot express to you how far out of my usual genre this book is -- I'd normally never consider picking up a nonfiction business book. However, after binging the WeCrashed podcast last year, I've been incredibly interested in the story of WeWork and its spectacular fall from grace. Wiedeman does a great job of providing a timeline for the company getting off the ground, rising to dazzling heights, and eventually crashing back into the ground. Highly recommended (especially the audiobook) to anyone who is interested in Adam Neumann and WeWork, and how this man managed to get away with so much.
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5 stars
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Hyperion is not only a rare reread, but the first book pulled from my 'my god why haven't you finished this series yet?' TBR jar. I read Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion back in 2014 and they ended up being the first sci-fi books that really clicked with me, launching my deep love for the genre. However, I never ended up reading the second half of this series and I'm on a mission to change that.
Hyperion can be framed as The Canterbury Tales set in space. As someone who suffered through an entire semester-long class on The Canterbury Tales as part of my Literature degree, I absolutely love and appreciate the way Simmons reworked the story into something new. Every tale is a fascinating standalone story that folds into the bigger picture of a galactic hegemony on the brink of war.
Despite it's incredibly abrupt ending (a bit of an annoyance to me) and some serious examples of 'men writing sex', Hyperion combines the themes of colonialism, family, sacrifice, and war into one of the best sci-fi tales out there.
Hyperion is not only a rare reread, but the first book pulled from my 'my god why haven't you finished this series yet?' TBR jar. I read Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion back in 2014 and they ended up being the first sci-fi books that really clicked with me, launching my deep love for the genre. However, I never ended up reading the second half of this series and I'm on a mission to change that.
Hyperion can be framed as The Canterbury Tales set in space. As someone who suffered through an entire semester-long class on The Canterbury Tales as part of my Literature degree, I absolutely love and appreciate the way Simmons reworked the story into something new. Every tale is a fascinating standalone story that folds into the bigger picture of a galactic hegemony on the brink of war.
Despite it's incredibly abrupt ending (a bit of an annoyance to me) and some serious examples of 'men writing sex', Hyperion combines the themes of colonialism, family, sacrifice, and war into one of the best sci-fi tales out there.
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler free for this book and the rest in the series.
Why are reviews for books you absolutely loved the most difficult to write? You all probably know by now that Becky Chambers is one of my absolute favourite authors of all time. I adore her cosy science fiction writing and a new book from her is always a big event in my reading life. I went into The Galaxy and the Ground Within knowing exactly how much I’d love it, and all my expectations were met.
If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say that the reason I connect so strongly with Becky Chambers’ books is the ‘human’ element. Her books are about people just getting on with their lives — there are no sweeping space epics, heroic destinies, or nefarious evils to be defeated. I’m sure that there are great heroes and space battles happening in the background — in fact, Pei’s storyline confirms it — however I love that we focus on the average person living their life in the galaxy. I truly think that every person can see something of themselves in her characters for this reason.
The strongest aspect of this novel is the characterisation — it is the definition of a character driven book. There is a bit of a plot — for readers familiar with her other books, there’s more plot than Record of a Spaceborn Few but less than A Closed and Common Orbit — and the focus is definitely on these strangers as their lives are put on hold on Gora. Through these characters and their backgrounds, Chambers gives us a greater glimpse at the galaxy we’ve come to know and the different hardships that every species faces. From political and social exile to war and the empty promises of the governing body, this book doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. Despite how cosy and lovely all of her books are, the world is not a perfect place and that makes them all the more readable and relatable.
Speaking of characters, there are five characters with four points of view, and I struggle to determine which of them is my favourite. We have:
*Pei: a soldier at a crucial crossroads in her life. She’s the only character we’ve seen in a previous book — she is Ashby’s lover in The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.
*Roveg: an exile from his homeworld and an outcast among his people. He’s a soulful artist with a very important appointment to keep.
*Speaker: a member of a misunderstood and mistrusted species. She is incredibly close with her sister, whom she is separated from after the disaster on Gora.
*Ouloo: a mother and businesswoman. She runs the Five Hop One Stop, where all the characters are grounded. She just wants everyone to be happy and comfortable (if I had to pick a favourite, it’s probably her).
*Tupo: Ouloo’s child, who has all the curiosity and bluntness of a prepubescent child and is the glue holding the group together.
All of these characters have different backgrounds, statuses, and political views, however The The Galaxy and the Ground Within is all about setting aside preconceived notions and prejudices and learning from one another. The way that this group learns to respect each other and forms friendships is just wonderful to watch.
The Galaxy and the Ground Within is a fine conclusion to one of the best modern science fiction series out there. It has so much heart and like all of her other books, is moving and impactful (it made me cry in the bath and I’m not ashamed to say it). If you’re a fan of the previous books in the Wayfarer series, I really think you’re going to love this one. I’m so sad to see this series coming to an end, but I am so excited to read whatever she writes next.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler free for this book and the rest in the series.
Why are reviews for books you absolutely loved the most difficult to write? You all probably know by now that Becky Chambers is one of my absolute favourite authors of all time. I adore her cosy science fiction writing and a new book from her is always a big event in my reading life. I went into The Galaxy and the Ground Within knowing exactly how much I’d love it, and all my expectations were met.
If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say that the reason I connect so strongly with Becky Chambers’ books is the ‘human’ element. Her books are about people just getting on with their lives — there are no sweeping space epics, heroic destinies, or nefarious evils to be defeated. I’m sure that there are great heroes and space battles happening in the background — in fact, Pei’s storyline confirms it — however I love that we focus on the average person living their life in the galaxy. I truly think that every person can see something of themselves in her characters for this reason.
The strongest aspect of this novel is the characterisation — it is the definition of a character driven book. There is a bit of a plot — for readers familiar with her other books, there’s more plot than Record of a Spaceborn Few but less than A Closed and Common Orbit — and the focus is definitely on these strangers as their lives are put on hold on Gora. Through these characters and their backgrounds, Chambers gives us a greater glimpse at the galaxy we’ve come to know and the different hardships that every species faces. From political and social exile to war and the empty promises of the governing body, this book doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. Despite how cosy and lovely all of her books are, the world is not a perfect place and that makes them all the more readable and relatable.
Speaking of characters, there are five characters with four points of view, and I struggle to determine which of them is my favourite. We have:
*Pei: a soldier at a crucial crossroads in her life. She’s the only character we’ve seen in a previous book — she is Ashby’s lover in The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.
*Roveg: an exile from his homeworld and an outcast among his people. He’s a soulful artist with a very important appointment to keep.
*Speaker: a member of a misunderstood and mistrusted species. She is incredibly close with her sister, whom she is separated from after the disaster on Gora.
*Ouloo: a mother and businesswoman. She runs the Five Hop One Stop, where all the characters are grounded. She just wants everyone to be happy and comfortable (if I had to pick a favourite, it’s probably her).
*Tupo: Ouloo’s child, who has all the curiosity and bluntness of a prepubescent child and is the glue holding the group together.
All of these characters have different backgrounds, statuses, and political views, however The The Galaxy and the Ground Within is all about setting aside preconceived notions and prejudices and learning from one another. The way that this group learns to respect each other and forms friendships is just wonderful to watch.
The Galaxy and the Ground Within is a fine conclusion to one of the best modern science fiction series out there. It has so much heart and like all of her other books, is moving and impactful (it made me cry in the bath and I’m not ashamed to say it). If you’re a fan of the previous books in the Wayfarer series, I really think you’re going to love this one. I’m so sad to see this series coming to an end, but I am so excited to read whatever she writes next.
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A really cool nonfiction graphic novel adapted from Harari's bestselling Sapiens. This was a really interesting and accessible read, but it did feel a little like it didn't know who its audience was. On the one hand, the illustrations and framing of the book were incredibly kid-friendly (superheroes, magic shows, explaining concepts to his young niece, etc.), but the concepts he was working through were pretty complex! I definitely was under the impression that this book would be more appropriate for young readers, but I think most of it may fly right over their heads.
I really enjoyed this! Full review coming closer to the publication date.
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
The Mask of Mirrors is a book that seemed like it had my name written all over it: a female con artist worming her way into a wealthy noble family, a magical sickness plaguing the city, and more politics than you can shake a stick at. Despite the fact that there were some fantastic things about this book, I was left feeling a little let down by The Mask of Mirrors.
I think the majority of my trouble with The Mask of Mirrors was the unnecessary complexity that led to confusion and poor pacing. This book feels like five different books in one with the number of storylines running at the same time. I love a long book, however sometimes they feel unnecessarily long and this was one such book. I enjoyed the characters so much, but there were so many people with so many names running around that just added bulk to the book and ultimately dragged it down -- by the last 100 pages I was still unsure of who certain people were and why I should care about their actions. The authors had some really amazing ideas for these characters and their arcs, however so many of them just weren't necessary for the main story they were trying to tell. As a result, it felt like the arc of an entire trilogy, plus some companion novellas, crammed into one book. If there was a way to tease out these storylines into separate volumes, I think it would have really benefited the book and could have been an amazing and intricate series. Instead, it just felt bogged down and slow paced -- it took more more than a month to read.
The complications with the story were added to by the complications with the magic. There are three different threads of magic in the book. There is a dream world that can be entered via substance use and a kind of tarot magic -- these were both fantastic and complimented certain plot elements and characters really well. However there was a third kind of magic -- an inscription magic -- that was so complex and didn't make any sense to me. Unfortunately, this was so vital to certain plot points that those bits of the book totally fell apart. When it comes to complicated magic, I prefer the authors to really ensure that the reader understands when things go wrong with said magic, or the characters just shrug and don't explain it at all and the reader just rolls with it. This felt like it fell somewhere in the middle -- the magic was too complicated to understand, but the burden was on the reader to figure out what was going on (or going wrong).
The absolute best aspect of this book was the characters. The huge cast took some serious getting used to, however the main players were truly wonderful. Ren is amazing and an incredibly capable young woman. She's the perfect person to run her con -- she is quick on her feet and totally unshakable. The thing that I really loved about her character was how well the authors established why she is the way she is and how her past impacts her actions. As we meet more characters that knew her in her past or grew up under similar circumstances, the authors establish Ren as such a wonderful and complex character.
Her relationships with other characters is also fabulous. Most notably with her sister Tess, Traementis heir Leato, and the crime lord Vargo. All of these characters are amazing in their own right -- although I think Vargo is easily my favourite of the bunch -- but they are enhanced by their relationships and interactions with Ren. For me, this web of characters and character interactions is one of the best I've ever read.
I think that The Mask of Mirrors is one that you really need to read and get your own opinion on -- there are so many complexities that will suit some readers and not others. I'd highly recommend it if you're looking for a complex con story with huge world building and lots of politics and backstabbing.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
The Mask of Mirrors is a book that seemed like it had my name written all over it: a female con artist worming her way into a wealthy noble family, a magical sickness plaguing the city, and more politics than you can shake a stick at. Despite the fact that there were some fantastic things about this book, I was left feeling a little let down by The Mask of Mirrors.
I think the majority of my trouble with The Mask of Mirrors was the unnecessary complexity that led to confusion and poor pacing. This book feels like five different books in one with the number of storylines running at the same time. I love a long book, however sometimes they feel unnecessarily long and this was one such book. I enjoyed the characters so much, but there were so many people with so many names running around that just added bulk to the book and ultimately dragged it down -- by the last 100 pages I was still unsure of who certain people were and why I should care about their actions. The authors had some really amazing ideas for these characters and their arcs, however so many of them just weren't necessary for the main story they were trying to tell. As a result, it felt like the arc of an entire trilogy, plus some companion novellas, crammed into one book. If there was a way to tease out these storylines into separate volumes, I think it would have really benefited the book and could have been an amazing and intricate series. Instead, it just felt bogged down and slow paced -- it took more more than a month to read.
The complications with the story were added to by the complications with the magic. There are three different threads of magic in the book. There is a dream world that can be entered via substance use and a kind of tarot magic -- these were both fantastic and complimented certain plot elements and characters really well. However there was a third kind of magic -- an inscription magic -- that was so complex and didn't make any sense to me. Unfortunately, this was so vital to certain plot points that those bits of the book totally fell apart. When it comes to complicated magic, I prefer the authors to really ensure that the reader understands when things go wrong with said magic, or the characters just shrug and don't explain it at all and the reader just rolls with it. This felt like it fell somewhere in the middle -- the magic was too complicated to understand, but the burden was on the reader to figure out what was going on (or going wrong).
The absolute best aspect of this book was the characters. The huge cast took some serious getting used to, however the main players were truly wonderful. Ren is amazing and an incredibly capable young woman. She's the perfect person to run her con -- she is quick on her feet and totally unshakable. The thing that I really loved about her character was how well the authors established why she is the way she is and how her past impacts her actions. As we meet more characters that knew her in her past or grew up under similar circumstances, the authors establish Ren as such a wonderful and complex character.
Her relationships with other characters is also fabulous. Most notably with her sister Tess, Traementis heir Leato, and the crime lord Vargo. All of these characters are amazing in their own right -- although I think Vargo is easily my favourite of the bunch -- but they are enhanced by their relationships and interactions with Ren. For me, this web of characters and character interactions is one of the best I've ever read.
I think that The Mask of Mirrors is one that you really need to read and get your own opinion on -- there are so many complexities that will suit some readers and not others. I'd highly recommend it if you're looking for a complex con story with huge world building and lots of politics and backstabbing.
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
This was such a lovely and heartwarming graphic novel! We follow a person with anxiety through one day of their life. When they manage to hype themselves up to go to a party, they meet another person like them and make a friend.
This simple and sweet story lacks plot, but that doesn't take away from the book at all. I really enjoyed breezing through this graphic novel and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some warm, fuzzy feelings or for any teen who feels like their mental health us isolating them. You are not alone!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
This was such a lovely and heartwarming graphic novel! We follow a person with anxiety through one day of their life. When they manage to hype themselves up to go to a party, they meet another person like them and make a friend.
This simple and sweet story lacks plot, but that doesn't take away from the book at all. I really enjoyed breezing through this graphic novel and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some warm, fuzzy feelings or for any teen who feels like their mental health us isolating them. You are not alone!
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
I love a good YA thriller, but Lock the Doors didn't quite hit the mark for me. This all comes down to taste and how particular you are about the ins and outs of the story, as well as the characters. For me, I just didn't get on with the plot of this book or find some of the character actions believable (no spoilers here!). This could be down to the fact that I don't often get on with teenage boy protagonists, but ultimately it just didn't click with me.
I did, however, appreciate the representation the author included in this book. I can't speak to the accuracy of the OCD rep, however seeing Tom's actions and thoughts as a result of his OCD did add a great layer to his character. This book doesn't shy away from the difficulties and traumas that families face. I'd recommend checking this one out if you're looking for a raw YA thriller.
CW: Death, domestic abuse, PTSD
2.5 out of 5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
I love a good YA thriller, but Lock the Doors didn't quite hit the mark for me. This all comes down to taste and how particular you are about the ins and outs of the story, as well as the characters. For me, I just didn't get on with the plot of this book or find some of the character actions believable (no spoilers here!). This could be down to the fact that I don't often get on with teenage boy protagonists, but ultimately it just didn't click with me.
I did, however, appreciate the representation the author included in this book. I can't speak to the accuracy of the OCD rep, however seeing Tom's actions and thoughts as a result of his OCD did add a great layer to his character. This book doesn't shy away from the difficulties and traumas that families face. I'd recommend checking this one out if you're looking for a raw YA thriller.
CW: Death, domestic abuse, PTSD
2.5 out of 5 stars
Find bookish thoughts and videos on my YouTube channel.
I really enjoyed Summers’ last book, Sadie, and had high expectations for The Project. Although the book had a ton of really great elements, the ending fizzled badly enough to impact my enjoyment of the book overall.
The Project follows two sisters — Bea and Lo. When their parents are killed in a horrible car accident that leaves Lo clinging to life, Bea looks for a miracle and finds it in a man named Lev Warren. Bea leaves Lo and her old life behind to join Lev and The Project — a controversial social group that denies claims that it is a cult. Six years later, Lo is desperate to track down her sister and wrestle with the sense of abandonment.
I have a big interest in true crime and cults, especially what compels people to join them and stay through the most horrific treatment. Summers does a great job with this aspect of the book and I really felt for Bea. Lo’s grief and anger is so visceral and her character really leaps off the page. Like Sadie, The Project does a great job of tackling complicated human emotions and tragedy.
The problem is that book is a slow burn that reaches its crescendo, and then totally falls flat. The ending is completely rushed and, for me, undid all of the amazing work that Summers did in the first third. I was left feeling so disappointed and desperately wanting more.
I really enjoyed Summers’ last book, Sadie, and had high expectations for The Project. Although the book had a ton of really great elements, the ending fizzled badly enough to impact my enjoyment of the book overall.
The Project follows two sisters — Bea and Lo. When their parents are killed in a horrible car accident that leaves Lo clinging to life, Bea looks for a miracle and finds it in a man named Lev Warren. Bea leaves Lo and her old life behind to join Lev and The Project — a controversial social group that denies claims that it is a cult. Six years later, Lo is desperate to track down her sister and wrestle with the sense of abandonment.
I have a big interest in true crime and cults, especially what compels people to join them and stay through the most horrific treatment. Summers does a great job with this aspect of the book and I really felt for Bea. Lo’s grief and anger is so visceral and her character really leaps off the page. Like Sadie, The Project does a great job of tackling complicated human emotions and tragedy.
The problem is that book is a slow burn that reaches its crescendo, and then totally falls flat. The ending is completely rushed and, for me, undid all of the amazing work that Summers did in the first third. I was left feeling so disappointed and desperately wanting more.