laedyred's reviews
280 reviews

The Reader on the 6.27 by Jean-Paul Didierlaurent

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

3.0

This is a quick read that doesn't leave you pondering the meaning of life. It has some funny moments, the story is entertaining and the main character is relatable in an odd sort of way. I recommend this book for someone who wants a lighter story with serious themes and fantastic writing. 
The Invisible Woman by Helen Walmsley-Johnson

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hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.0

This book definitely gave me a new perspective to consider as I age, but wasn't especially groundbreaking. I would classify it as a memoir. I enjoyed Helen's writing a lot, but I think I'll forget most of the details of the story quickly. I did appreciate the way it made me reflect and entertain some new possibilities about my career and social life. I credit it with giving me some new things to think about. A light, entertaining read I would recommend with one thumbs up.

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Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living by Linnea Dunne

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lighthearted fast-paced

1.0

This is the kind of book you leave on your coffee table and never actually read. The whole thing is a British woman sensationalizing Nordic culture as if she's trying to sell you something. Maybe someone will learn something new about Swedish traditions or food, but most of it is words about nothing. I regret the time I wasted picking this up from the library.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

He tells about his journey to discover different breathing techniques that can help with a variety of problems. He is informative without being egotistical or forceful. He acknowledges that breathing correctly won't fix everything, but is a component of our overall health. I tried some of the techniques myself and can see their use. I am interested in learning more about the topic after reading. 
Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps... and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind by Nick Littlehales

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inspiring fast-paced

1.5

He repeats the same stuff for almost 200 pages. Only one or two ideas were new to me. He spends a lot of time name dropping and bragging about his career but never explains any science, so I'm not sure what his qualifications are except having sold mattresses. In the last chapter he says some weird things about sex. I read the book in two evenings so didn't lose a bunch of time, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it to others. 
Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground by Michael Moynihan, Didrik Søderlind

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adventurous dark informative medium-paced

4.0

Presents the crazy world of Black metal in Norway during its rise. Very entertaining, includes many interviews and photos.

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A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

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funny informative medium-paced

4.0

A great overview of the history of research into earth, life, and physical sciences for non-scientists. Bryson has a wonderful sense of humor!
The Doors of Perception & Heaven and Hell by Aldous Huxley

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challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

Talks about the reflection of the Not-Self in everyday objects and experiences we create as people. The second part discusses religion and how it plays a role.