justinlife's Reviews (916)

I thought this book was amazing.

The prose is everything I wanted. Her portrayal of some of the undocumented experience was emotionally searing and honest. The reader sees these glimpses of being undocumented, the effects of decades of policy, and the lack of resources filtered through the author and her subjects. It’s an incredible read filled with compassion and empathy on people US society doesn’t empathize with. It’s sad, beautiful, and frustrating.

The stories are anchored by her style. Personal and rich, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio writes in a way that it would be impossible to not feel.

Highly recommend. 

Murakami doing what he does best but in short story form. Most of the stories are more intimate and personable. I prefer Murakami when he’s weird and slightly off kilter. 

I’m always impressed with how specific the opinions he gives his characters, whether it’s music, food, or films. It makes me wonder if those opinions are his. To me, it adds depth and intrigue. 

If you’ve never read him, don’t start here. It’s not his best. It’s still good, but he’s done some amazing work. I’d also be curious how women rate this book. Maybe it didn’t hit home for me b/c the concept felt weird- Describing people by the absence of something. I’m also not straight so I was like “y’all are doing the most.” Would love if an author wrote a counter collection called “women without men.”

Standout stories were Kino and Drive my Car.

So thrilled to be done with this one. 

The book was chosen for an anti racist reading group at work and overall it does provide great information to help dispel myths that enter when this topic comes up. She does a great job adding her voice and making the reading more casual than academic. 

The problem then? I don’t think this book was meant for something outside the classroom setting. It’s not available at the library, there is not an audio version, and it goes for $33 new on Amazon. I got a used for $12 and it has a last name on the sides, indicating to me that it was used in a class. 

While reading it, I kept thinking about the price and how inaccessible this is to people who could potentially use it. It would anger me and slow me down. 

Overall though, if you can find a used copy, then by all means pick it up. I have a hard time spending $30+ on a new book. The information and what she brings to the table is worth reading

Overall a fun sequel, but man I forgot how insecure and fearful 20 year olds are. Like come on, just talk to each other, ya jerks. It’s a fun magical road trip novel that expands the world Rowell has created. I appreciated all the various magical elements she included. This was both fun and frustrating.

This book is wild. WILD. 

I picked up this book b/c the universe sent stage directions. One night at Mexican Monday I watched a man, who was clearly in love, give this book to the woman he met up for dinner. Not sure the story there but it was lovely. Two days later, a friend on here gave it 5 stars so, I took the universe’s advice. 

True crime is not my genre so I don’t know if what happens occurs all the time or if this is genuinely unique, but this book will get you. The first 25% is a but slow as Browder walks us through how he got where he is. The funny thing to me was that he’s coming from a family of communists and leftist and his way to revolt is to become a capitalist. Fantastic. 

I don’t think this book will change your mind on capitalism regardless of what you think. Browder isn’t necessarily a moral or ethical character in terms of finance. The tale is the tale. It’s truly incredible and one of the best books I’ve read. You get post Soviet Russia, international espionage, the power of the press, the power of corruption, American bureaucracy, embezzlement, murder, and so much more. 

This is the second book I’ve read about modern Russia and damn it’s bleak. Browder tells the story well and I do appreciate the American dude hubris and naïveté in international settings. Reminded me of Tokyo Vice. 

Highly recommend this one.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It feel like Harry Potter gay fan fic, but honestly I don’t mind. 

The beginning is a little slow, but once it picks up, it doesn’t stop. A very fun read. Highly recommend. 

Teaching children about racism has to be hard. Kelly Yang draws on her own experiences to give a tool to parents and teachers that can help. Knox, his siblings and mother move from Hong Kong to San Francisco at the beginning of COVID while their father stays behind. Knox having ADHD doesn’t help. 

The kids experience racism from other kids and adults while trying to concoct ways to bring their dad back to states. The evens in this book remind me that kids are work and I’m thankful that’s not my journey. They do the most.

I think a kid or parent could pick this up and it would make for good conversations about race and prejudice in America. It also provides tools and a phrase to help support people who challenge racist comments. 

Overall I really enjoyed it even if it is a bit ridiculous. 

t's always interesting to see which characters an author uses as the first in the series. The pair that should bring you in to read more. This was fine. It wasn't great and the use of dyslexia was a bit... weird.

One of the tropes I'm not a fan of is the "practically everyone realizes they are in love with each other and they both love each other but they are afraid to tell each other" trope. It's just so... ugh... unnecessary?

Interesting character names, overall decent story, but wasn't amazing.