kassie_rankin's reviews
146 reviews

Die Hot with a Vengeance: Essays on Vanity by Sable Yong

3.25

This was an interesting take on the world of vanity that we are currently in. With the focus on social media that we are currently in, vanity is a big topic. 

I did find some of the essays a little more focused on her life and story rather than through the lens of vanity. But overall, it was enjoyable.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

emotional informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

I LOVE THIS BOOK. 

I thought that taking you through Stanley’s life through food was a unique way to write a biography. I think that food is one of the BEST ways to connect with EVERYONE. So being able to hear from an actor that I have enjoyed watching, in a way that makes him seem relatable. 

I really enjoyed hearing the book from him. As well as hearing/seeing the recipes that are told throughout the story were a great touch. 

Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons by Susan L. Combs

3.0

I purchased this book at a Pancakes for Roger event on campus at the University of Missouri. This book had some interesting stories and tidbits about life. I loved that it is a Missouri author.

How to be a Coffee Bean: 111 Life-Changing Ways to Create Positive Change by Damon West, Jon Gordon

informative reflective fast-paced

3.0

This was a quick read to bring a new thought process to how we see our day. I wouldn’t say that there was anything revolutionary in this story. But it was a great way to add a few new positive changes to your day and life.

The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I LOVED this book! My favorite genre is domestic thrillers, and I was so excited to find a queer story in this genre. (If you have any recommendations, send them my way!)

I was intrigued throughout the entire book. Every moment I could, I was picking up this book to try to figure out what was going to happen next. 

This was a super quick read for me and I can’t wait to read more from the author!

We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True by Gabrielle Union

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

I love this book. I love Gabrielle Union. I will read or listen to anything she writes. 

This book consists of short essays tied together. I enjoyed the stories because they made Gabrielle relatable to everyone. 

Please check content warnings, as some chapters cover heavy topics. 

Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First by Kim Campbell, Martha Piper, Indira Samarasekera

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.5

Follow the story of two women who were the first Presidents at their respective Universities in Canada. 

This book is amazing for those who work in higher education, especially those who want to move up the ranks while at their college or university. But it is also a great way to hear about women who work incredibly hard to get to where they want to be. 

A Dead Man and Doggie Delights by Aleksa Baxter

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

 This book was not for me. I have realized I am not a cozy mystery person. I was not invested in ANY of the characters or even the story. 

The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

informative medium-paced

3.25

 This was a good perspective on the generation raised with technology in their faces at all times. I will say that I enjoyed most of this book. It was introspective and discussed things that I felt really affected my youth. 

But it also continued to talk throughout the book about how to fix it for the next generation. Like how to stop constantly putting technology in front of young people. While I thought it would follow the generation that it started with and how to adjust yourself, after going through this. But that is just what I WANTED out of it. I thought the author did a good job discussing how to do better for future generations.

 

The Bookshop Sisterhood by Michelle Lindo-Rice

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I was drawn to this book because of the book and the synopsis. A book about four best friends who want to open a bookstore? Oh, and there is personal drama in all of their lives? This is right up my alley!

Sadly, the book just did not live up to my expectations. I enjoyed a few moments, but overall, it was not for me. 

I believe that all of the women deserved to have their stories told as a whole and on their own. I think this would have been better if each woman had received her own book in a 4-book interconnected series (with shorter stories, like 200-250 pages each). Their stories were not as fleshed out as they could have been while trying to fit all four into one book. 

Positives:

• Positive outlook on abortion.
   
• Real stories. Some relatable.

Negatives:

• AWFUL outlook on adoption. From Leslie’s situation. And the fact that it was never an idea/thought to Toni
   
• There was so much drama all at once it was a little overwhelming to follow.
• Most of their voices sounded so similar that I struggled to follow whose story was whose at the very beginning. 
• The women are in their 30s but act like they are in their early 20s/late teens.
• The ending wrapped things up. But it felt very fast to me. 

Overall, this book was not for me. I hope that it finds its audience, though!

 

 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic friendship

Moderate: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Car accident

Minor: Addiction, Medical content, and Abortion