lindseythelibrarian's Reviews (559)

This book was like an inspiring warm hug. It’s a relatively quick read and some thing that I’m going to recommend to others. Each chapter has five suggestions for different kind things you can do in your community, and it also states scientific and scriptural examples of why being kind is good. Each little short chapter also has about three examples of kind things that have been done in the community ranging from single acts of intentional kindness to habitual kindness 

The only reason I am giving it 4.75 stars is because the one section about politics was a bit strange as he cited the transcontinental railroad as an example of cooperation. While this may be true, it’s OK I’m at the expense of the health and well-being of many immigrants including Asian American immigrants. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and came away with a few ideas of how we can start implementing more kindness in my life. 

Review to come

So Good. I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook (borrowed through Libby from the library) narrated by Cecil Baldwin which made it such an enjoyable lol experience. 

I was honestly worried I'd hate it, or somewhat like it, but there were parts that were emotional, creepy, intense, so ridiculously outlandish, that I thoroughly enjoyed it! Maybe had I read the novel, I would not feel as attached, but this is easily something I would want to listen to again. 

Interesting Worldbuilding? Check!
Interesting characters? Check!

Typos...? Check. 
Ending that left me less than satisfied? Check. 

Overall, it was a good story and I definitely think Burton has talent as a writer. I think he's a deep thinker and found his perspectives interesting. I think watching a show set in this post-apocalyptic earth world would be interesting as there are elements that strongly mirror our own, though the portrayal of indigenous people would probably need to be changed.

Anyway, I am definitely glad I read this book, but I stand by my rating. 

Guys, growing up is hard. Thankfully, Gaiman is able to walk us through it with ease. This story is definitely aimed at middle-graders, but great for all ages. It's not particularly complex, but still engaging. I had the joy of listening to it via audiobook narrated by the author with little musical interludes. So pleasant. Anyway. It was a fun read that might make you a little weepy at the end. 

My one complaint: I felt like it took a while to get going. 

This is my second time trying to get through to this book. I just can't.

What a way to start out 2022! I happened to listen to the audiobook and felt that the audiobook definitely helped bring this story to life, though I would imagine that reading it along might also help with some of the parts that were confusing. 

I know people find this novel funny, and I guess it was definitely DARK humor. For example, in the first few pages, we are introduced to "Generic Asian Man's" parents, and he talks about their current roles. Aka "Old Asian Man" and poor. It's really heartbreaking.

What prevents this from getting a full five-star from me, is I felt like the book took a while to finally get going.  At times I was a bit confused, though I acknowledge this is probably listener error, as well as a potential wish for the author. Generic Asian Man, hopefully, one day Kung Fu Guy, is somewhat an unreliable narrator who is so self-aware and his narration blends reality with fiction. 

I'm EXCITED about the tv show. I think they could do some really unique things with the visuals. IN certain parts of the story where locations or genre seems to change, filters, lighting, music, etc. could really play it up. 

Winnie-the-Pooh is very nostalgic for me, and the fact that the bear was real, and cute, is perfect.
I'm not crying, you're crying. 

Ok, here's a better review. This book is probably more appropriate for older children, say 4+, as it's not really engaging through rhyme or anything, but the story is accompanied with drawings that are beautifully illustrated.