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sarahthegaymer's Reviews (305)
The Butler: A Witness to History by Wil Haygood
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was a quick two-hour audiobook I decided to listen to in order to help me attempt an October group challenge of 31 books in 31 days. 🎃
Eugene Allen was an African-American butler at the White House that started serving under Harry Truman and served clear through to Ronald Reagan. 🇺🇸
Basically, this audiobook was a brief overview about Eugene Allen and how the movie, The Butler; came to be. 🥂
It shared a few interesting facts about history; but mostly it was sort of disappointing and not the book I had hoped for.
I did however end up watching the movie and it was incredible! Would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to learn some more about African-American History in America.
#book #bookstagram #historical #nonfiction #bookreview #thebutler #whitehouse #americanhistory #africanamericanhistory #threestarreview #readwithsarebear
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was a quick two-hour audiobook I decided to listen to in order to help me attempt an October group challenge of 31 books in 31 days. 🎃
Eugene Allen was an African-American butler at the White House that started serving under Harry Truman and served clear through to Ronald Reagan. 🇺🇸
Basically, this audiobook was a brief overview about Eugene Allen and how the movie, The Butler; came to be. 🥂
It shared a few interesting facts about history; but mostly it was sort of disappointing and not the book I had hoped for.
I did however end up watching the movie and it was incredible! Would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to learn some more about African-American History in America.
#book #bookstagram #historical #nonfiction #bookreview #thebutler #whitehouse #americanhistory #africanamericanhistory #threestarreview #readwithsarebear
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book initially caught my eye while scrolling through Libby one day in attempts to find an audiobook for work. I wasn’t entirely sure what it was about, but when I saw a historical fiction piece that included LGTBQ representation; I decided to go for it! 🎧
This is a book about Lily, a young Asian American who is growing up in the 1940s/50s in San Francisco, California. She meets a friend, Kathleen Miller, and together they go to the “Telegraph Club”. Without spoiling everything, it’s great piece that shows how one can go from being a sheltered, innocent girl to someone who suddenly discovers the rest of the world around them! 🎤 💃🏻
I really enjoyed and appreciated this story for a few reasons. The first reason was that I had a lot of empathetic feelings surrounding what it was like for Lesbians and Gays in the earlier years - underground clubs, raids, being thrown in prison. 🏳️🌈While I know we still have a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights; we have already come so far and it shows. 💪🏼 Secondly, I feel like Malinda Lo did a spectacular job at capturing what someone might feel when they start to discover their sexuality isn’t ‘heterosexual’ - or at least; it was similar to what I experienced..I would be embarrassed about the female anatomy, panicking when someone asks who your ‘celebrity crush’ is, and loving someone without realizing you’re actually in love. 💕
The only negative I have to say about this book was the ending. I think the ending was a bit abrupt and the epilogue was lacking the feeling of ‘closure’ I was looking for. But, I do feel like it was similar and accurate to what one would have experienced during this time frame.
I will also note; there are some Trigger Warnings for: PTSD, Miscarriage, and Homophobia. This is also NOT SAFE FOR WORK if you’re listening to it via audiobook! 🔥😅
#books #bookstagram #audiobooks #libby #bookreview #fivestarreview #historicalfiction #lgbtqreads #sanfrancisco #historicalsanfrancisco #asianamerican #comingout #firstlove #readwithsarebear
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book initially caught my eye while scrolling through Libby one day in attempts to find an audiobook for work. I wasn’t entirely sure what it was about, but when I saw a historical fiction piece that included LGTBQ representation; I decided to go for it! 🎧
This is a book about Lily, a young Asian American who is growing up in the 1940s/50s in San Francisco, California. She meets a friend, Kathleen Miller, and together they go to the “Telegraph Club”. Without spoiling everything, it’s great piece that shows how one can go from being a sheltered, innocent girl to someone who suddenly discovers the rest of the world around them! 🎤 💃🏻
I really enjoyed and appreciated this story for a few reasons. The first reason was that I had a lot of empathetic feelings surrounding what it was like for Lesbians and Gays in the earlier years - underground clubs, raids, being thrown in prison. 🏳️🌈While I know we still have a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights; we have already come so far and it shows. 💪🏼 Secondly, I feel like Malinda Lo did a spectacular job at capturing what someone might feel when they start to discover their sexuality isn’t ‘heterosexual’ - or at least; it was similar to what I experienced..I would be embarrassed about the female anatomy, panicking when someone asks who your ‘celebrity crush’ is, and loving someone without realizing you’re actually in love. 💕
The only negative I have to say about this book was the ending. I think the ending was a bit abrupt and the epilogue was lacking the feeling of ‘closure’ I was looking for. But, I do feel like it was similar and accurate to what one would have experienced during this time frame.
I will also note; there are some Trigger Warnings for: PTSD, Miscarriage, and Homophobia. This is also NOT SAFE FOR WORK if you’re listening to it via audiobook! 🔥😅
#books #bookstagram #audiobooks #libby #bookreview #fivestarreview #historicalfiction #lgbtqreads #sanfrancisco #historicalsanfrancisco #asianamerican #comingout #firstlove #readwithsarebear
Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
During our trip to West Virginia a few weekends ago, Sam and I wanted to find an audiobook that we could listen to together. With our common love for Becky Albertalli, we were both excited to see Kate in Waiting was available for us to listen to on Libby! 🎧 🚗
This is a story about Kate Garfield, high school theater geek who is just waiting for her chance to have things go her way! She’s surrounded by a group of amazing friends and this year there is a new additional to the school that Kate as a MAJOR crush on. Is Kate going to fall too hard? Is something better in the works for her? When will she finally not be ‘waiting’? 🎭 🎬
I loved this story, it’s really just that simple. I loved the main character, I love the group of supportive friends she has, and I love the way Becky Albertalli so wonderfully captures high school and romance and everything in between! The chapters, or ‘scenes’, were plentiful but they were simple and easy making it easy to stop and walk away for awhile and come back and not have forgotten what had happened. Everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow in the end. I do sort of get ‘Simon’ feels from it - like there could be other stories - but other than that, I for once don’t really have any complaints! I laughed, I cried, and again, I just loved it! ❤️
#audiobook #bookstagram #bookreview #beckyalbertalli #kateinwaiting #kategarfield #pinkcover #theaterkids #geek #lgtbq #friendship #chosenfamily #unexpectedrelationships #fivestarreview #audiobookreviewRWS #lgbtqreviewRWS #onceuponapittsburghwizard #welloiledwives #readwithsarebear
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
During our trip to West Virginia a few weekends ago, Sam and I wanted to find an audiobook that we could listen to together. With our common love for Becky Albertalli, we were both excited to see Kate in Waiting was available for us to listen to on Libby! 🎧 🚗
This is a story about Kate Garfield, high school theater geek who is just waiting for her chance to have things go her way! She’s surrounded by a group of amazing friends and this year there is a new additional to the school that Kate as a MAJOR crush on. Is Kate going to fall too hard? Is something better in the works for her? When will she finally not be ‘waiting’? 🎭 🎬
I loved this story, it’s really just that simple. I loved the main character, I love the group of supportive friends she has, and I love the way Becky Albertalli so wonderfully captures high school and romance and everything in between! The chapters, or ‘scenes’, were plentiful but they were simple and easy making it easy to stop and walk away for awhile and come back and not have forgotten what had happened. Everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow in the end. I do sort of get ‘Simon’ feels from it - like there could be other stories - but other than that, I for once don’t really have any complaints! I laughed, I cried, and again, I just loved it! ❤️
#audiobook #bookstagram #bookreview #beckyalbertalli #kateinwaiting #kategarfield #pinkcover #theaterkids #geek #lgtbq #friendship #chosenfamily #unexpectedrelationships #fivestarreview #audiobookreviewRWS #lgbtqreviewRWS #onceuponapittsburghwizard #welloiledwives #readwithsarebear
Where’d You Go Bernadette? by Maria Semple
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I had this on my TBR for awhile and was excited to find it on Audiobook! 🙌🏻 However; a few moments in I was realizing that as it’s a series of letters, emails, etc. it was a little bit harder to follow than I thought.
The basis for this novel is that Bernadette’s daughter informs the family she wants to take a trip to Antarctica after a deal she made with her parents for good grades. 🧊 Before they can leave, however; her Mother goes missing. Follow the letters and emails from various characters as they try to piece together where Bernadette has gone. 📑
All-in-all, I’m not entirely sure what I read. It definitely didn’t lack comedy and some tragedy 🎭 - and I think the idea behind the story was great. However; I gave it three stars because at times I felt I was severely confused or wondering where the story was going. Maybe - and I might someday - I would have enjoyed this more had I chose to read the physical copy! 📕
#bookreview #bookstagram #wheredyougobernadette #mariasemple #antartica #familyvacation #missingmom #threestarreview #audiobook #libby #onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I had this on my TBR for awhile and was excited to find it on Audiobook! 🙌🏻 However; a few moments in I was realizing that as it’s a series of letters, emails, etc. it was a little bit harder to follow than I thought.
The basis for this novel is that Bernadette’s daughter informs the family she wants to take a trip to Antarctica after a deal she made with her parents for good grades. 🧊 Before they can leave, however; her Mother goes missing. Follow the letters and emails from various characters as they try to piece together where Bernadette has gone. 📑
All-in-all, I’m not entirely sure what I read. It definitely didn’t lack comedy and some tragedy 🎭 - and I think the idea behind the story was great. However; I gave it three stars because at times I felt I was severely confused or wondering where the story was going. Maybe - and I might someday - I would have enjoyed this more had I chose to read the physical copy! 📕
#bookreview #bookstagram #wheredyougobernadette #mariasemple #antartica #familyvacation #missingmom #threestarreview #audiobook #libby #onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
In My Dreams I Hold A Knife by Ashley Winstead
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was our Pittsburgh’s Thrillers Book Club choice for October! 🎃 As we’ve become more recent fans of the Thriller genre; I was super excited to grab this and dive right in! I was NOT disappointed!
You’ll meet Jessica Miller, a plain Jane who no matter how hard she tries, she doesn’t seem to ever find the recognition in life that she dreams of. When she’s headed back to her college reunion, she’s determined to change that. ✔️
However, the reunion isn’t what anyone would have imagined as past event comes back to haunt them. Will they get to the bottom of the things or will this be another nail in the coffin of their friendship. ⚰️
Like a lot of other books that I’m a fan of, I like that this books tells the story from different characters perspectives in each of the chapters. There were also a few things that happened that I definitely did not see coming and that for me makes it worth it! 💜
I gave this four starts instead of five because the beginning was a little slow for me and the ending wrapped up quickly and in a way that just left me feeling..empty?
#bookreview #bookstagram #thrillers #psychologicalthriller #collegereunion #friends #collegeroomates #thrillersbythebookclubpittaburgh #bookclub #inmydreamsiholdaknife #ashleywinstead #onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was our Pittsburgh’s Thrillers Book Club choice for October! 🎃 As we’ve become more recent fans of the Thriller genre; I was super excited to grab this and dive right in! I was NOT disappointed!
You’ll meet Jessica Miller, a plain Jane who no matter how hard she tries, she doesn’t seem to ever find the recognition in life that she dreams of. When she’s headed back to her college reunion, she’s determined to change that. ✔️
However, the reunion isn’t what anyone would have imagined as past event comes back to haunt them. Will they get to the bottom of the things or will this be another nail in the coffin of their friendship. ⚰️
Like a lot of other books that I’m a fan of, I like that this books tells the story from different characters perspectives in each of the chapters. There were also a few things that happened that I definitely did not see coming and that for me makes it worth it! 💜
I gave this four starts instead of five because the beginning was a little slow for me and the ending wrapped up quickly and in a way that just left me feeling..empty?
#bookreview #bookstagram #thrillers #psychologicalthriller #collegereunion #friends #collegeroomates #thrillersbythebookclubpittaburgh #bookclub #inmydreamsiholdaknife #ashleywinstead #onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
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We Are The Brennans by Tracey Lange
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Ever have one of those books that you’re really looking forward to? That book you’re seeing everywhere and everyone is hyping it up? That was We Are The Brennans for me! 👊🏼 I waited for WEEKS to borrow this from Libby and skipped another book to dive in.
As I’ve said before, I am a fan of books that are written from different characters points of view. I love getting to see what each person is thinking, or feeling. I think it helps relate and understand the book more.
The main character, Sunday, was a little underwhelming for me. She basically ran away from all her problems then came back home and expected they’d all just go away? Silly Sunday. 😜 While I didn’t love her; I did love the bond she had with her siblings. Family - especially Irish family - is everything. ☘️
While I feel like there was a good story here, in my opinion there was definitely some lost potential. Certain storylines that were drawn out while others didn’t get enough attention/focus made the book feel choppy overall to me. I also was left feeling uneasy by the ending. Will there be more? There’s definitely potential. I felt like the entire book was climbing up the hill, then once you reach the top, in two-three chapters you spiraled down the hill at full speed, only to slam on your brakes, sail over the handle bars, and hit a literal wall. 🚴♀️ This is my reason for giving it three stars.
#bookreview #bookstagram #underwhelming #badending #irishfamily #familybonds #secrets #brothersandsisters #lostlove #movingaway #reconnecting #threestareeview #threeouttafive #bummer #wearethebrennans #traceylange #Onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Ever have one of those books that you’re really looking forward to? That book you’re seeing everywhere and everyone is hyping it up? That was We Are The Brennans for me! 👊🏼 I waited for WEEKS to borrow this from Libby and skipped another book to dive in.
As I’ve said before, I am a fan of books that are written from different characters points of view. I love getting to see what each person is thinking, or feeling. I think it helps relate and understand the book more.
The main character, Sunday, was a little underwhelming for me. She basically ran away from all her problems then came back home and expected they’d all just go away? Silly Sunday. 😜 While I didn’t love her; I did love the bond she had with her siblings. Family - especially Irish family - is everything. ☘️
While I feel like there was a good story here, in my opinion there was definitely some lost potential. Certain storylines that were drawn out while others didn’t get enough attention/focus made the book feel choppy overall to me. I also was left feeling uneasy by the ending. Will there be more? There’s definitely potential. I felt like the entire book was climbing up the hill, then once you reach the top, in two-three chapters you spiraled down the hill at full speed, only to slam on your brakes, sail over the handle bars, and hit a literal wall. 🚴♀️ This is my reason for giving it three stars.
#bookreview #bookstagram #underwhelming #badending #irishfamily #familybonds #secrets #brothersandsisters #lostlove #movingaway #reconnecting #threestareeview #threeouttafive #bummer #wearethebrennans #traceylange #Onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
In Such Good Company…by Carol Burnett
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Nonfiction November allowed me to dive into quite a few audiobooks. Growing up and spending a lot of time with my Grandparents, I was submersed in a world of older television. Carol Burnett was quickly one of my favorites and this wasn’t the first book by her that I’ve read. 🎧
This was all about her time on the Carol Burnett show - how it started, how they decided on skits/costumes, chapters on their guest stars that turned into dear friends, and even some life on the outside. 😂
It was a simple listen - especially as it was read by her - and I really enjoyed listening to what that time was like for everyone.
There’s not much more really to say, but it’s a five star read for sure!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Nonfiction November allowed me to dive into quite a few audiobooks. Growing up and spending a lot of time with my Grandparents, I was submersed in a world of older television. Carol Burnett was quickly one of my favorites and this wasn’t the first book by her that I’ve read. 🎧
This was all about her time on the Carol Burnett show - how it started, how they decided on skits/costumes, chapters on their guest stars that turned into dear friends, and even some life on the outside. 😂
It was a simple listen - especially as it was read by her - and I really enjoyed listening to what that time was like for everyone.
There’s not much more really to say, but it’s a five star read for sure!
If You Ask Me by Betty White
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Another quick audiobook (maybe like two hours?) I of course HAD to listen to as my favorite lady talks about her life and experiences as an elderly leading lady! 😍
There was a talk about her love of animals, her pets, her friends, her time on Hot in Cleveland, and how she loves hot dogs! 🌭
Betty White overall is just THE BEST and I’ll forever love her! My reason for giving this four stars though instead of five was because as a ‘millennial’, there were obviously some things I couldn’t relate too! Other than that - I had no complaints!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Another quick audiobook (maybe like two hours?) I of course HAD to listen to as my favorite lady talks about her life and experiences as an elderly leading lady! 😍
There was a talk about her love of animals, her pets, her friends, her time on Hot in Cleveland, and how she loves hot dogs! 🌭
Betty White overall is just THE BEST and I’ll forever love her! My reason for giving this four stars though instead of five was because as a ‘millennial’, there were obviously some things I couldn’t relate too! Other than that - I had no complaints!
Too Much and Never Enough by Mary Trump
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Better late than never; this was a book that I grabbed a local library bag sale a few months ago and decided to read during #nonfictionnovember & I’m just finally getting around to reviewing it!
The author of this book is the niece of our former President. Growing up in this family, and now as a Psychiatrist, she had a lot to tell.
Although some of the information wasn’t necessarily “new” information — there was a great bit that I hadn’t known (perhaps through my own ignorance) and quite a bit that surprised me!
I don’t really have much else to say about this one except that you should definitely give it a read if you’ve ever tried to understand why Donald was the way he was. It certainly hasn’t made me sympathize with him - or even empathize with him - but I understand now that he is a product of what he was groomed for and because he never suffered consequences early on, we’re now left with..well.
#nonfictionnovember #bookreview #politics #formerpresident #familysecrets #noexcuse #bornthisway #nutureovernature #badrolemodels #fourstar #fourstarreviews #librarysale #secrets #onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Better late than never; this was a book that I grabbed a local library bag sale a few months ago and decided to read during #nonfictionnovember & I’m just finally getting around to reviewing it!
The author of this book is the niece of our former President. Growing up in this family, and now as a Psychiatrist, she had a lot to tell.
Although some of the information wasn’t necessarily “new” information — there was a great bit that I hadn’t known (perhaps through my own ignorance) and quite a bit that surprised me!
I don’t really have much else to say about this one except that you should definitely give it a read if you’ve ever tried to understand why Donald was the way he was. It certainly hasn’t made me sympathize with him - or even empathize with him - but I understand now that he is a product of what he was groomed for and because he never suffered consequences early on, we’re now left with..well.
#nonfictionnovember #bookreview #politics #formerpresident #familysecrets #noexcuse #bornthisway #nutureovernature #badrolemodels #fourstar #fourstarreviews #librarysale #secrets #onceuponapittsburghwizard #readwithsarebear
