marmat89on's reviews
63 reviews

A Man After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George, Jim George

hopeful inspiring fast-paced

4.0

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The Tale of Jacob Swift by Jeff Kurrus

adventurous lighthearted tense fast-paced

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

3.5

Very sweet children’s book about some animals.

TV (the Book): Two Experts Pick the Greatest American Shows of All Time by Matt Zoller Seitz, Alan Sepinwall

informative lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.0

Eat That Frog! Action Workbook: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

This book is very helpful for approaching my day with some different methods. I feel like it’s got some good points, and worth a reading. I’ll reread the text version soon, because it’s got some interactive parts.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

mysterious reflective sad 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

4.0

A friend told me reading Dickens is a chore. I found it to be fairly easy, but maybe because this tale has been told so many times in movie form. There’s a few old timey words and whatnot, but overall it’s an easy story to understand, and compelling enough to make it a classic.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

adventurous slow-paced

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

2.5

I just found this to be the same old plot from the other three, but more confusing names. The movie was solid, but the book was a real drag.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

dark funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

I’ve feel like I’ve never read a book that so captured me! Some parts I could’ve sworn were written for and about me. I know I need to read more, but this book taught me at the very least what life was like a bit in the 1930s or whenever.  

I love Salinger’s style, where he says one thing, thinks another, written in a whole different way; and then goes off to tell a little side story. Only for that point to either go nowhere, or come up full circle by the end. Maybe I’m too heavily praising it, but I do want to read more Salinger and I’ll probably try an unauthorized sequel from the library – 60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye. I just loved Holden Caulfield. His way of thinking and living, and his love for his little sister Phobe, it just killed me. Great for a teen, originally written for adults. Healthy exposure to drinking, swearing, coming-of-age, sex, depression, anxiety, and love. Good talking points for sure.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcohol

Minor: Bullying, Child death, Homophobia, and Pedophilia

Don’t be scared away by the warnings – this would’ve been a great story to read at 10+, especially in today’s times. Understanding that alcohol ain’t great, if you can get screwed in the real world, you will be, amongst other life lessons. And kids should know body safety rules; I about jumped out of my skin when Holden wakes up

to find his older neighbor friend caressing his hair

, only for Holden to a) rightfully leave the situation, explaining it was not okay, and b) that he’s

been in similar situations with other pervs 20 other times before

. I don’t know, just seems like as a parent you get the benefit of swearing a few times which will make your kid laugh, or if you’re just following them along, good times to talk about how things feel, what’s right and wrong. Just a fascinating novel, and I am so glad I read this before 40.

Look Out for the Little Guy! by Scott Lang, Rob Kutner

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I went into this book with low expectations, a tribute to the Marvel films. I came out a little wiser, with some new perspective on one of my favorite Marvel superheroes, Scott Lang/Ant-Man. I love Paul Rudd also, and I feel like the co-writer did a great job of encapsulating his voice. You truly think you’re reading a memoir from Scott Lang, and you will find something enjoyable and memorable in this book. For me, I’ll never forget, “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” Lang points out the key is the YOU. It takes effort – you have to be the one to make the lemonade. Anyway, I liked this book, good for teenagers and adults alike. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Jim Collins, Stephen R. Covey

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

This all could’ve been wrapped up in a podcast, but good material and I’m glad I read it. Now, I’ll just need to work on applying the habits and behaviors.