Take a photo of a barcode or cover
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
5/5
Audiobook narrated by Christopher Timothy.
One of my favourite comfort books. We follow the rememberings of the author through his early days as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s. The stories are sometimes funny, sometimes sad and often poignant reflections on many points of life.
- The book is slow and chilled but full of character. The stories, people and animals are beautifully detailed and the author thoroughly captures the personality and essence of everything. His descriptions of the Dales themselves are always gorgeous and leave me jealous and nostalgic for that place and time.
- It is a very cosy but reflective book. I often come away from reading or listening to this book with a sense of contentedness and appreciation for the little things in life. A very clear feeling too is the gratitude for some modern comforts: electricity is almost universally available, easily accessible antibiotics, cars that generally fall to bits every week. It's easy to forget that less than a century ago, all these things were luxuries not afforded to most.
- As a child, I had access to a an abridged version of this book on cassette tape and the joy it brought me to hear Christopher Timothy reading some of my old favourite stories was wonderful. Timothy does an excellent job of embuing each farmer, cow, fellow vet or other acquaintance encountered with their own personality and it adds to the well rounded nature of the tales.
A calm, cosy and comfortable book. Perfect to snuggle up with in the evenings to relax.
Audiobook narrated by Christopher Timothy.
One of my favourite comfort books. We follow the rememberings of the author through his early days as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s. The stories are sometimes funny, sometimes sad and often poignant reflections on many points of life.
- The book is slow and chilled but full of character. The stories, people and animals are beautifully detailed and the author thoroughly captures the personality and essence of everything. His descriptions of the Dales themselves are always gorgeous and leave me jealous and nostalgic for that place and time.
- It is a very cosy but reflective book. I often come away from reading or listening to this book with a sense of contentedness and appreciation for the little things in life. A very clear feeling too is the gratitude for some modern comforts: electricity is almost universally available, easily accessible antibiotics, cars that generally fall to bits every week. It's easy to forget that less than a century ago, all these things were luxuries not afforded to most.
- As a child, I had access to a an abridged version of this book on cassette tape and the joy it brought me to hear Christopher Timothy reading some of my old favourite stories was wonderful. Timothy does an excellent job of embuing each farmer, cow, fellow vet or other acquaintance encountered with their own personality and it adds to the well rounded nature of the tales.
A calm, cosy and comfortable book. Perfect to snuggle up with in the evenings to relax.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5/5
Although recommended to me highly by several friends, I went into this book reasonably blind and not really knowing what it was about and by the end realised exactly why this book was an amazing recommendation for me. Journalist Monique gets hand selected by famous movie star Evelyn Hugo to write her biography. The novel follows both Evelyn's life story and the dynamic between her and Monique.
- The book is slow to start but once it gets going it is a rollercoaster of events and emotions.
- "I'm bisexual. Don't ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box" Probably my favourite line of the whole book. Some of the best bisexual and LGBTQ+ rep I've had the pleasure to read in a while.
- I loved how the book wound it's tale and though I did figure out the ending, it didn't lessen its impact. The ending was apt, bittersweet and in no way saccharine or over done.
I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional turbulence of this book and would highly recommend it, especially to multisexual people or those looking to understand the multisexual experience better.
Although recommended to me highly by several friends, I went into this book reasonably blind and not really knowing what it was about and by the end realised exactly why this book was an amazing recommendation for me. Journalist Monique gets hand selected by famous movie star Evelyn Hugo to write her biography. The novel follows both Evelyn's life story and the dynamic between her and Monique.
- The book is slow to start but once it gets going it is a rollercoaster of events and emotions.
- "I'm bisexual. Don't ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box" Probably my favourite line of the whole book. Some of the best bisexual and LGBTQ+ rep I've had the pleasure to read in a while.
- I loved how the book wound it's tale and though I did figure out the ending, it didn't lessen its impact. The ending was apt, bittersweet and in no way saccharine or over done.
I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional turbulence of this book and would highly recommend it, especially to multisexual people or those looking to understand the multisexual experience better.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The third and final Xenogenesis book. This time it tells the story of Jodahs, Lilith's first Ooloi child and its growth into its role including mates and metamorphosis.
- It was fascinating learning about the world Butler has created through Ooloi eyes and how different Jodahs saw things from Lilith and Akin.
- I liked how the narrative handles the humans involved and how the majority of them were not white or English speaking. As with most of the books, they are diverse and provoke thought about human power structures.
- Though the series ended well, I would have liked to have spent more time in the final setting and learn what was to happen there. I wish Butler had written more in this series as I have loved learning about the Oankali and this new dystopian world.
A very enjoyable and rewarding series, especially for those who enjoy alien encounters with humans, visions of a future with both alien and human people living together and the problems encountered from the different needs of different beings.
- It was fascinating learning about the world Butler has created through Ooloi eyes and how different Jodahs saw things from Lilith and Akin.
- I liked how the narrative handles the humans involved and how the majority of them were not white or English speaking. As with most of the books, they are diverse and provoke thought about human power structures.
- Though the series ended well, I would have liked to have spent more time in the final setting and learn what was to happen there. I wish Butler had written more in this series as I have loved learning about the Oankali and this new dystopian world.
A very enjoyable and rewarding series, especially for those who enjoy alien encounters with humans, visions of a future with both alien and human people living together and the problems encountered from the different needs of different beings.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4/5
Following on from Dawn, Adulthood Rites follows Lilith's half-human/half-oankali son Akin and his experiences growing up on Earth.
- The descriptions of how Akin perceives the world and his relationships with those around him were really well done. The narrative also developed as Akin grew and faced new and challenging issues.
- Dawn often portrayed the Oankali as an almost omniscient race but in this sequel you are shown their flaws and issues more clearly and it provokes good discussion about and with the humans and constructs.
- The discussions around the ethics of keeping certain humans sterile, the making of various constructs and how and what should happen for the future were well handled and left me thinking after I stopped reading.
A really good sequel and I've already started the third book Imago.
Following on from Dawn, Adulthood Rites follows Lilith's half-human/half-oankali son Akin and his experiences growing up on Earth.
- The descriptions of how Akin perceives the world and his relationships with those around him were really well done. The narrative also developed as Akin grew and faced new and challenging issues.
- Dawn often portrayed the Oankali as an almost omniscient race but in this sequel you are shown their flaws and issues more clearly and it provokes good discussion about and with the humans and constructs.
- The discussions around the ethics of keeping certain humans sterile, the making of various constructs and how and what should happen for the future were well handled and left me thinking after I stopped reading.
A really good sequel and I've already started the third book Imago.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4/5
I picked this book up on a whim during a sale an am so glad I did. Ceony Twill has just graduated from her magical prep school and begrudgingly enters the apprenticeship of a paper magician whose ex-wife is up to something sordid. Steampunk and spectacularly events unfold.
- The magic system is wonderful. Though we really only get to see one or two aspects of it, the idea of a mage being bonded to one type of material (in Ceony's case paper) is very interesting and I love how the author interpreted the abilities.
- The characters are okay and interesting enough. I felt very little for the main protagonist who flits between sullen brat, dribbling fool and spirited maiden. However, her master we get to learn about in depth and I enjoyed the way we explored him intimately.
- Some of the lines in this book were spot on and motivated some existential introspection about the nature of a person, what makes them good or bad and the nature of love. These lines sprang out from the prose and I enjoyed them very much.
This was a fun and surprisingly deep little book. Good for those who like steampunk, interesting magic systems and a good old existential crisis.
I picked this book up on a whim during a sale an am so glad I did. Ceony Twill has just graduated from her magical prep school and begrudgingly enters the apprenticeship of a paper magician whose ex-wife is up to something sordid. Steampunk and spectacularly events unfold.
- The magic system is wonderful. Though we really only get to see one or two aspects of it, the idea of a mage being bonded to one type of material (in Ceony's case paper) is very interesting and I love how the author interpreted the abilities.
- The characters are okay and interesting enough. I felt very little for the main protagonist who flits between sullen brat, dribbling fool and spirited maiden. However, her master we get to learn about in depth and I enjoyed the way we explored him intimately.
- Some of the lines in this book were spot on and motivated some existential introspection about the nature of a person, what makes them good or bad and the nature of love. These lines sprang out from the prose and I enjoyed them very much.
This was a fun and surprisingly deep little book. Good for those who like steampunk, interesting magic systems and a good old existential crisis.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5/5
Something I really enjoy in sci-fi is the different alien races authors create and describe. It brings the elements of wonder, fear and curiosity into one glorious bundle. Butler does this fantastically in the first of the Xenogenesis trilogy. Lilith awakes on an alien (Oankali) ship after nuclear ear ravishes Earth. She learns about and becomes acquainted with them before being instructed to train humans to return to the newly rebuilt Earth.
- The Oankali are a fascinating and wonderfully difference race and species. I really enjoyed learning about them, their culture and how they interacted with the humans.
- The main character Lilith is strong and determined though sometimes a little one dimensional. Still, she drives the narrative well and is an excellent conduit for discovering more about this new species and existence.
- I really like the idea of gene manipulation and a species capable of it also being dependent on it to evolve. It brought up ethical and scientific conundrums that were fun to reflect on.
A thought-provoking and thoroughly interesting sci-fi which has left me keen to start the second book. Recommended for those who like alien life, questioning what humanity is and futuristic dystopian settings.
Something I really enjoy in sci-fi is the different alien races authors create and describe. It brings the elements of wonder, fear and curiosity into one glorious bundle. Butler does this fantastically in the first of the Xenogenesis trilogy. Lilith awakes on an alien (Oankali) ship after nuclear ear ravishes Earth. She learns about and becomes acquainted with them before being instructed to train humans to return to the newly rebuilt Earth.
- The Oankali are a fascinating and wonderfully difference race and species. I really enjoyed learning about them, their culture and how they interacted with the humans.
- The main character Lilith is strong and determined though sometimes a little one dimensional. Still, she drives the narrative well and is an excellent conduit for discovering more about this new species and existence.
- I really like the idea of gene manipulation and a species capable of it also being dependent on it to evolve. It brought up ethical and scientific conundrums that were fun to reflect on.
A thought-provoking and thoroughly interesting sci-fi which has left me keen to start the second book. Recommended for those who like alien life, questioning what humanity is and futuristic dystopian settings.
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns
⭐ 4/5 ⭐
Aimed at the workplace but likely useful for other situations, this short and simple comic goes through the basics of how pronouns are used and how to support and get them right for people, especially those using pronouns outside the binary. This little guide addresses a lot of questions people often have about pronouns and emphasises that regardless of what pronouns a person uses, respect and kindness are very important. My copy has been donated to my workplace for reference use to hopefully educate more people.
⭐ 4/5 ⭐
Aimed at the workplace but likely useful for other situations, this short and simple comic goes through the basics of how pronouns are used and how to support and get them right for people, especially those using pronouns outside the binary. This little guide addresses a lot of questions people often have about pronouns and emphasises that regardless of what pronouns a person uses, respect and kindness are very important. My copy has been donated to my workplace for reference use to hopefully educate more people.
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities by Mady G. & J.R. Zuckerberg
⭐ 4/5 ⭐
A colourful and slightly surreal comic that introduces and explains lots of queer, trans and attraction labels. I enjoyed how easy the information was to absorb and the cute art style from both authors. This would be perfect to give to someone, especially young people, just learning about the LGBTQ+ spectrum and identities.
⭐ 4/5 ⭐
A colourful and slightly surreal comic that introduces and explains lots of queer, trans and attraction labels. I enjoyed how easy the information was to absorb and the cute art style from both authors. This would be perfect to give to someone, especially young people, just learning about the LGBTQ+ spectrum and identities.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4/5
A melodic, painful and emotional experience. The Deep follows Yetu, the Historian of the wajinru, and her struggle to contain the generations of memories she holds for her kind.
- The concept behind this book is haunting and fascinating. The wajinru are the ocean going descendents of pregnant African women thrown overboard by slavers. The fragments of memories shown to the reader through Yetu document the journey of the wajinru as they form society.
- Yetu's character is very well done. Solomon managed to convey well the pain and suffering Yetu experiences due to her position and the resentment she feels for her kind because of this. Her transformation through the narrative felt a little rushed but also logical.
- There are queer elements to this book which weave into but don't dominate the story. It is well done and softly portrayed.
- Occasionally, the prose of this book is confusing. It seems to be intentionally melodic and evocative but sometimes that vibe seems to come before clear storytelling. If you like plain language, this book may be a difficult read.
One of the most interesting "mermaid" stories I've read. The story will stay with you and the feelings this book made me feel were intense. Recommended if you're looking for a short but filling read with weight and emotion behind it.
A melodic, painful and emotional experience. The Deep follows Yetu, the Historian of the wajinru, and her struggle to contain the generations of memories she holds for her kind.
- The concept behind this book is haunting and fascinating. The wajinru are the ocean going descendents of pregnant African women thrown overboard by slavers. The fragments of memories shown to the reader through Yetu document the journey of the wajinru as they form society.
- Yetu's character is very well done. Solomon managed to convey well the pain and suffering Yetu experiences due to her position and the resentment she feels for her kind because of this. Her transformation through the narrative felt a little rushed but also logical.
- There are queer elements to this book which weave into but don't dominate the story. It is well done and softly portrayed.
- Occasionally, the prose of this book is confusing. It seems to be intentionally melodic and evocative but sometimes that vibe seems to come before clear storytelling. If you like plain language, this book may be a difficult read.
One of the most interesting "mermaid" stories I've read. The story will stay with you and the feelings this book made me feel were intense. Recommended if you're looking for a short but filling read with weight and emotion behind it.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals by Steve Brusatte
⭐ 5/5 ⭐
Audiobook narrated by Patrick Lawlor.
Several years ago I read another of Brusatte's books: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs. I adored this audiobook and even now use it to relax me into sleep as something both comforting and interesting. When I found out about The Rise and Reign of the Mammals I was very excited to step back in time with this author and learn about more prehistoric creatures.
- Brusatte begins the tale at the beginning, back when mammal ancestors split from the the reptile line then weaves his narrative through the ages and epochs and concludes in the present day. This format is very enjoyable, logical and allows the build up of modern mammal characteristics to make sense.
- The sheer amount of science, theory, speculation and fact woven through this book is incredible. The evidence is shared freely and ideas of where and why events and changes may have occurred are clearly noted as ideas rather than absolute facts. Also, if you enjoy niche topics and bizarre facts, this book has you covered. Never before would I have thought I would enjoy listening to a book that talks so much about the different tooth shapes and functions of prehistoric creatures but it was absolutely fascinating.
- The mammals and mammal ancestors described in this book are fantastic and incredible. Listening to this book made me think of anthologies of mythological beasts but with the added thrill that these beings actually did exist at some point in time. The thrill of imagining tremendous megafauna or bizarre whale ancestor or our palaeozoic vaguely reptilian ancestors whilst knowing they all were real and contributed to the existence of our branch of the tree of life was awe inspiring.
A fantastic and incredibly enjoyable book but especially for those with an interest in prehistoric life and natural history. This book is well worth your time.
⭐ 5/5 ⭐
Audiobook narrated by Patrick Lawlor.
Several years ago I read another of Brusatte's books: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs. I adored this audiobook and even now use it to relax me into sleep as something both comforting and interesting. When I found out about The Rise and Reign of the Mammals I was very excited to step back in time with this author and learn about more prehistoric creatures.
- Brusatte begins the tale at the beginning, back when mammal ancestors split from the the reptile line then weaves his narrative through the ages and epochs and concludes in the present day. This format is very enjoyable, logical and allows the build up of modern mammal characteristics to make sense.
- The sheer amount of science, theory, speculation and fact woven through this book is incredible. The evidence is shared freely and ideas of where and why events and changes may have occurred are clearly noted as ideas rather than absolute facts. Also, if you enjoy niche topics and bizarre facts, this book has you covered. Never before would I have thought I would enjoy listening to a book that talks so much about the different tooth shapes and functions of prehistoric creatures but it was absolutely fascinating.
- The mammals and mammal ancestors described in this book are fantastic and incredible. Listening to this book made me think of anthologies of mythological beasts but with the added thrill that these beings actually did exist at some point in time. The thrill of imagining tremendous megafauna or bizarre whale ancestor or our palaeozoic vaguely reptilian ancestors whilst knowing they all were real and contributed to the existence of our branch of the tree of life was awe inspiring.
A fantastic and incredibly enjoyable book but especially for those with an interest in prehistoric life and natural history. This book is well worth your time.