rsteve388's reviews
696 reviews

How to Be Love(d): Simple Truths for Going Easier on Yourself, Embracing Imperfection, and Loving Your Way to a Better Life by Humble the Poet

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

4.5

This was an insightful read about what it means to be love. To share love with others to live a life of love and what that looks like and how we can work on ourselves to ensure we are bringing love into the lives we live. 

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

A profound read  and especially timely given everything that has happened during the Israel War on Palestine and it's occupants.  The exploration of his travels and how he views his need to write and share his experiences. Unbelievably profound.listen to it one and then buy a paper copy to highlight all the important sections. 

Never Lie by Freida McFadden

adventurous challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This whole book was twisty from beginning to end and no one is innocent. The whole situation is wild but enjoyable. 

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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? No

4.25

This was an interesting look into a story about astronauts in space who eventually learn that they are without contact to the planet earth.  It's an interesting take on what it must be like to be an astronaut, the decisions that must be made, the heartbreak and excitement and awe at being in space.  

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

4.5

This was an enjoyable book and I loved it but the additional bonus chapter frustrated me cause I was ready to be done with this book when the epilogue was over.  

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

The story was interesting. I listened to this on Audio and didn't like the narrators. I think I would have liked it more had I read the physical book it's self. 

The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

challenging dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

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

2.5

This was an interesting and strange book that ended abruptly and I am not sure what happened... Very odd.  Not sure what the point of it was.  Very strange. 

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing tense fast-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

4.0

This was a delightful summer read and one I am glad I finally got around to.  It was hard to not think of my own best guy friend with regards to this book and how much I love him. 

The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This was a great book and totally ended on a cliffhanger that excites me for the next installment in the series. 

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

4.5

This was a delightful Christina Lauren novel! What a great read for  2024