marisabenn's reviews
101 reviews
Running That Doesn't Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) by Lisa Jhung
funny
informative
fast-paced
4.0
This book maybe wasn't for me, because I love running, but I'm such a sucker for info books like these!
I loved the layout of this book. It was easy and quick to read, the author made it fun, and the pages weren't overwhelming with data. It felt like a friend was telling you all their running secrets, rather than a scientist explaining every minute detail to you.
This would be an amazing resource for brand new runners. It unfortunately didn't work out for me. I was hoping to get some tips for my own running (fueling, strengthening, breathing techniques, etc). However, this is more of a basic guide to actually get your butt in motion.
I HIGHLY suggest for any new runner! But more seasoned weekend warriors might want to skip over this one.
I loved the layout of this book. It was easy and quick to read, the author made it fun, and the pages weren't overwhelming with data. It felt like a friend was telling you all their running secrets, rather than a scientist explaining every minute detail to you.
This would be an amazing resource for brand new runners. It unfortunately didn't work out for me. I was hoping to get some tips for my own running (fueling, strengthening, breathing techniques, etc). However, this is more of a basic guide to actually get your butt in motion.
I HIGHLY suggest for any new runner! But more seasoned weekend warriors might want to skip over this one.
Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas by Alexi Pappas
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
I considered giving this 3 stars, because it just didn't click with me... but then I realized I kept thinking about Alexi during my own running.
I somehow wanted more, but felt like I was getting too much with this memoir. Too many details and not enough story? Maybe it wasn't what I needed right now?
I loved the poems before each chapter. But it felt like the meaning got muddled in the story of the chapter.
I'm not sure how to explain my feelings about this one. I love Alexi and I will try to read this again one day. But for right now, it wasn't my favorite.
I somehow wanted more, but felt like I was getting too much with this memoir. Too many details and not enough story? Maybe it wasn't what I needed right now?
I loved the poems before each chapter. But it felt like the meaning got muddled in the story of the chapter.
I'm not sure how to explain my feelings about this one. I love Alexi and I will try to read this again one day. But for right now, it wasn't my favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide
Forever Never by Lucy Score
emotional
funny
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Lucy Score sure knows how to write 'em 💕
This book has all of Lucy's best qualities. Lovable main characters, a perfectly grumpy MMC, feisty FMC, a hint of suspense, a great dose of pining, and hotttttt spice.
I would have adored a post-wedding epilogue with a preview of a growing Callan family, but the epilogue of the pool scene was a true gift 😋
This book has all of Lucy's best qualities. Lovable main characters, a perfectly grumpy MMC, feisty FMC, a hint of suspense, a great dose of pining, and hotttttt spice.
I would have adored a post-wedding epilogue with a preview of a growing Callan family, but the epilogue of the pool scene was a true gift 😋
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Car accident, and Cursing
Minor: Gun violence
Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score
funny
lighthearted
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
4.75
Another gold star for Lucy Score!! This one is the first I haven't given 5 stars, but it got close.
First, if you liked Maggie Moves On then you will enjoy this book. They're basically the exact same thing, but there are slight changes to make it just different enough.
Second, Marley was really fucking annoying at times. Girl, you are 38 years old and holding something so stupid that your man didn't even do 20 years ago against him. She acted like she was still in high school and it was honestly embarrassing.
Third, again with Marley. Maybe it's because I don't have "The Dream" but she could not get out of her thick fucking skull and listen to those around her. The whole "woe is me" act was super annoying.
Fourth, ONCE AGAIN MARLEY, the constant talk about her "soft body" that was disappearing with running and watching what she ate was... not great. Especially when she said things like "earning calories."
In typical Lucy Score fashion the male lead was amazing, the dog goofy, and the wayward child precious. Not my favorite, but still a great read.
First, if you liked Maggie Moves On then you will enjoy this book. They're basically the exact same thing, but there are slight changes to make it just different enough.
Second, Marley was really fucking annoying at times. Girl, you are 38 years old and holding something so stupid that your man didn't even do 20 years ago against him. She acted like she was still in high school and it was honestly embarrassing.
Third, again with Marley. Maybe it's because I don't have "The Dream" but she could not get out of her thick fucking skull and listen to those around her. The whole "woe is me" act was super annoying.
Fourth, ONCE AGAIN MARLEY, the constant talk about her "soft body" that was disappearing with running and watching what she ate was... not great. Especially when she said things like "earning calories."
In typical Lucy Score fashion the male lead was amazing, the dog goofy, and the wayward child precious. Not my favorite, but still a great read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Bullying
Run to the Finish: The Everyday Runner's Guide to Avoiding Injury, Ignoring the Clock, and Loving the Run by Amanda Brooks
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I never expected to give a running book five stars, but here we are!
So inspiring in a "you're here to enjoy this, not win this" sort of way. The author truly focuses on the runner who doesn't necessarily want to go to Boston, but also doesn't want their running discredited for that.
It also doesn't hurt that it's so funny! I had a great time reading this book and will probably come back to it again in the future.
So inspiring in a "you're here to enjoy this, not win this" sort of way. The author truly focuses on the runner who doesn't necessarily want to go to Boston, but also doesn't want their running discredited for that.
It also doesn't hurt that it's so funny! I had a great time reading this book and will probably come back to it again in the future.
Runner's World How to Make Yourself Poop: And 999 Other Tips All Runners Should Know by Meghan Kita, Editors of Runner's World Maga
informative
fast-paced
4.5
This is one of the better informational running books I have read! I loved the combo of humor and facts. I was able to get a lot of great tips to incorporate in my next training session.
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
dark
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.75
This was good, but... confusing? I really had to push myself through this one. The last half-ish of the book was amazing. I HATED the interludes with Neve. I did not care one bit about her.
Also, it felt like the author didn't know if this was going to be YA or not.
I would have loved more romance and bonding with Red and Eammon. All in all, I did enjoy this and look forward to the second book.
But man did I have to push myself through it.
Also, it felt like the author didn't know if this was going to be YA or not.
I would have loved more romance and bonding with Red and Eammon. All in all, I did enjoy this and look forward to the second book.
But man did I have to push myself through it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Violence
Hooked by Emily McIntire
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
This gave me the ick 🤢 it also reads like a Tumblr fanfic, and I ain't here for it.
Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow. That's the main thought I have.
With a writing style similar to Cormac McCarthy, this is one gritty tale with no true happy ending.
The author (what a debut!!) perfectly captures each side of this crime.
The victim.
The one who believes her.
The one who could have saved her.
The one who keeps her innocence.
The one who turns a blind eye.
The one who delivers the smallest bit of justice.
Gritty. Poignant. Real. A wonderful surprise.
With a writing style similar to Cormac McCarthy, this is one gritty tale with no true happy ending.
The author (what a debut!!) perfectly captures each side of this crime.
The victim.
The one who believes her.
The one who could have saved her.
The one who keeps her innocence.
The one who turns a blind eye.
The one who delivers the smallest bit of justice.
Gritty. Poignant. Real. A wonderful surprise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Racism, and Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
By a Thread by Lucy Score
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Another A+ from Lucy Score! I absolutely love her take-no-shit women.
Ally is definitely a strong woman with a good egg on her shoulders. She stands up for herself and calls Dominic (and others) out on their bullshit. I adored her strength and humor. She felt so real and powerful.
Dominic, while being an absolute idiot emotionally, was the quiet hero you love in a rom-com. Little actions that are anonymous and heartfelt. He had some baggage that was a major barrier, but he finally opened his eyes and developed. Y'know, your typical third act breakup.
And the adorable epilogues! My heart was so happy with this one 💕
Ally is definitely a strong woman with a good egg on her shoulders. She stands up for herself and calls Dominic (and others) out on their bullshit. I adored her strength and humor. She felt so real and powerful.
Dominic, while being an absolute idiot emotionally, was the quiet hero you love in a rom-com. Little actions that are anonymous and heartfelt. He had some baggage that was a major barrier, but he finally opened his eyes and developed. Y'know, your typical third act breakup.
And the adorable epilogues! My heart was so happy with this one 💕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Cursing
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment