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gabrielastbr's reviews
219 reviews
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Recognizing the Stranger: On Palestine and Narrative by Isabella Hammad
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I haven’t read Hammad’s novels, but I’ve only heard great things. This made me jump at the chance to request this advanced copy of this audiobook.
At its core, I think this text tries to convey the importance of stories as a tool to recognize the humanity of “strangers” or “others.” The author explores the concept of anagnorisis or having an “aha” moment when interacting with art. The hope, I think, is that people not only get that moment of recognition with the Palestinian people, but turn it into action.
This isn’t a deep dive into the complex sociopolitical landscape of Palestine and Israel. Instead, I took this as an invitation to keep exploring the stories written by Palestinian people, recommend them, and turn recognition into support and pressure to get policymakers on the right side of history.
Wonderfully written. And the audiobook also includes the recording of the lecture, too!
I want to thank RBmedia for providing an advance copy of this audiobook through NetGalley. This is out today, September 24th!
At its core, I think this text tries to convey the importance of stories as a tool to recognize the humanity of “strangers” or “others.” The author explores the concept of anagnorisis or having an “aha” moment when interacting with art. The hope, I think, is that people not only get that moment of recognition with the Palestinian people, but turn it into action.
This isn’t a deep dive into the complex sociopolitical landscape of Palestine and Israel. Instead, I took this as an invitation to keep exploring the stories written by Palestinian people, recommend them, and turn recognition into support and pressure to get policymakers on the right side of history.
Wonderfully written. And the audiobook also includes the recording of the lecture, too!
I want to thank RBmedia for providing an advance copy of this audiobook through NetGalley. This is out today, September 24th!
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Bored. I didn’t care about the characters. Didn’t like the narrators.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Child death, Death, and Grief
Out of Love by Hazel Hayes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Biphobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Pregnancy
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5