Pretty much what I expected but there was some interesting info peppered throughout. I never cared particularly about history in school but I do think presidential history is interesting and how it country was founded, their ideals, and what we were running from.

Financial literacy delivered in a somewhat tacky package. I didn't really like the authoritative tone of the decidedly male writer. But I appreciate him setting these ideas down for anyone to access.

Her writing is amazing. Her similes are clever and her metaphors are exact. I loved this book. A memoir and a commentary on disability rights America, with an epilogue through the lens of COVID-19. Remember when dumb asshats were saying that people should sacrifice themselves? Lol. Riva goes through this with her razor sharp wit. Loved.


Read harder 2021 challenge: own voices disability book ✅

I loved the adolescence in Eugene and the delicate bond between Michelle and her mom. She has a way with words. Not everyone needs to write a book but this book needed to be written.

The writing was pretty bad, in that it didn't seem to be edited at all, simply published from a .doc. There were instances where "won't" says "will", or sentences meant as questions end with commas, major editing things that read as confusing and thrown together. But the story was great! I would read more from this author. 5 stars for a sexy romance, 2 stars for the writing. Averages to a 3.5 that I'll round up cuz I did like it. Worth the 99c from Amazon.

Read as a #readharder2021 challenge: a fat positive romance. ✅

What a ride. I had never heard of this person or this case history. I don't want to say much but if you like true crime, this is a captivating tale that gains a fuckton of momentum. At 95% I thought, 'Huh, it doesn't seem like this is ending,' but it ends very abruptly.

What's not to like? Learning? Women using their brains? Get out of here. Obviously 5 stars. 5 stars for estrogen!

The artwork is so detailed; I was not expecting this from a kid's book. I liked the educational blurb at the end about the history of kites and Basant in Lahore.

Read harder challenge 2021: a children's book centered around a child with a disability but not ABOUT the disability ✅

There was poignant imagery in this collection of seasons changing and natural response.

Read harder challenge 2021: nature poems ✅

"Some of them do all right by us."
"And every time it's a surprise, ain't it?"

I thought this was slow to start, that the story wasn't really going anywhere, watching genial life unfold at Suggs' waypoint, 124, in Cincinnati. But the calculating, constricting story coalesced in the second half and had so many beautiful phrases and snapshots of the deplorable bullshit slaves went through, I'm glad I didn't quit around the 50-60% mark. I'd read it again, now knowing the beats she hits for us.

I found some of it confusing like a fever dream. Who's speaking, whose rememory are we in? Which Paul? But I pulled up the Spark Notes and read them in tandem. I know I read The Bluest Eye in high school and Sula in college but this was more challenging so I appreciated a little guidance. Toni Morrison is an American treasure.