lindseythelibrarian's Reviews (559)

An issue:
This book is definitely short-sighted in some of the ways it tackles workplace issues. It is written from a white and I would say upper-middle-class perspective. While she acknowledges her privilege, it did not really tackle those aspects.

The pros:
However, I would say that certain parts of this book DID speak to me--especially the first few chapters where imposter syndrome and achievement were tackled. I also appreciated how well-researched this book was as I always felt like there were facts to back up Sandberg's personal experiences as well as support her claims.

Recommended for:
Professionals in corporate workplace culture. I currently work in a library and felt like aspects of this book certainly helped me to be aware of my bias in regards to myself and others. 

Hmmmmm, well it was definitely engaging in some parts. I will admit I didn't really know what I was getting into. Also, there wasn't a lot of action--it was focused more on the beginning and then end. 

What I would have liked to see more of:
More world-building. The aspects that were there were fun! But I wanted more. Military tribunals, enlisting, and more could have been fleshed out.

Less of?
It was definitely a product of its time, so you can definitely get the 1950-1960s gender thing.

Recommended for:
Someone who likes softer sci-fi and enjoys action movies. Someone into classics like Dorian Gray as there is going to be a lot of philosophizing. 

Another great addition to the series, and a bit darker than I was expecting. 

Definitely a fun read!
 
Background:
You can definitely read this without having read A Series of Unfortunate Events (one of my favorite kid series), and this is also a standalone series, However, there are aspects of this series that tie in to ASOUE and this is a great introduction to Snicket's writing. I do think that ASOUE is a better series, due to a few reasons, but I still recommend this for younger and older readers alike. 

I don't regret reading this book. BUT, it did not leave me satisfied. I echo some of the reviewers when I say that I think a lot of stuff was added for the shock factor. Also, some of the academic portions just didn't seem realistic; i.e. how can you NOT flunk out of Catherine House if you are constantly drinking teacups of wine? 

Personally, the ending wasn't ambiguous but rather unsatisfying. 

 I really wanted to like this book more than I did, but it just kind of meandered until the last 10 percent of the book. Of course, since it was narrated by the actor who voices Ashoka, it definitely upped the nerd enjoyment factor. I loved the backstory as it related to the tv show Rebels, but as I said the plot didn't really have a solid trajectory and purpose until the last bit. 

Did you watch the 2008 Clone Wars movie? Well, this is basically a fleshed-out version of that. The audio was really enhanced by the sound effects and music which was great. I also liked the insight into Anakin's thoughts and felt like this book actually added more substance to the movie.