Scan barcode
alwaysatthebookshop's reviews
28 reviews
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
The Removed by Brandon Hobson
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Under a White Sky by Elizabeth Kolbert
informative
slow-paced
Kolbert's premise is that human intervention has irreversibly altered geography, the survival and evolution of species, and the climate. While efforts to cut emissions to stop the acceleration of change are admirable, they are no longer going to be enough to restore what humanity has seemingly irreversibly altered. The research she presents in this book delves into how humans can intervene to reverse the impact of our own interventions. The science is fascinating and her interpretation of the data is, as always with Kolbert, accessible to the casual reader.
It is not within her purview as a journalist to offer resolutions to environmental catastrophe we're facing, and I actually feel that that's one of the strengths of the book. She lays out the facts and examples, but is ambiguous as to whether these measures are enough or whether they will simply send us tumbling toward a need for more interventions. She walks a fine line between anxiety and hope, without wholly crossing over into either, giving the reader with a tacit call to action to learn more and, perhaps, do more.
It is not within her purview as a journalist to offer resolutions to environmental catastrophe we're facing, and I actually feel that that's one of the strengths of the book. She lays out the facts and examples, but is ambiguous as to whether these measures are enough or whether they will simply send us tumbling toward a need for more interventions. She walks a fine line between anxiety and hope, without wholly crossing over into either, giving the reader with a tacit call to action to learn more and, perhaps, do more.
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I am not often selfish with my reading time. But I often found myself squirreling away for extra time to spend with this book. Compelling characters, intricately plotted, and deeply feeling. I would not have picked this book up based on the description, but saw so many rave comments about it. This is about as good as they come.
I would add that this is challenging for audio at times. Perspective occasionally shifts in chapters, and at times it took a moment to orient myself to the shift. That is in no way a reflection on the author or writing, though. Just a quirk of listening to a book like this.
I would add that this is challenging for audio at times. Perspective occasionally shifts in chapters, and at times it took a moment to orient myself to the shift. That is in no way a reflection on the author or writing, though. Just a quirk of listening to a book like this.
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes