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oceanwriter's reviews
738 reviews
Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich by Norman Ohler
dark
informative
medium-paced
5.0
The idea of Adolph Hitler on high doses of drugs doesn’t change the perception of the evil he embodied, but the idea that drugs might have been commonplace in the homes of the German people explains a lot about (or at least part of) why he was able to dominate them with his radical ideologies.
This book delves into the drug history of the Third Reich from use in the home and everyday life to Hitler himself, desperate to maintain the ‘enthusiasm’ he had in the early days of his reign. In a society that touts a ‘pure race’ and ‘perfection’, drugs are the only way to maintain that illusion. But the euphoria doesn’t last long.
I found this book truly fascinating. It’s a relatively short read but filled with information and thorough research on the drug history during this time in this region. Though interesting, it’s also haunting to think what this experimentation contributed to in the long run; not only through the Third Reich’s power and influence, but the rise of drug use and addiction that continues to this day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Antisemitism, and War
Moderate: Genocide, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence and Torture
A Thief's Song by Tony Gratacos, Tony Gratacos
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
If you’re familiar with scripture, then you probably know how this book ends. This knowledge, however, does not take away from the experience of reading Dismas’ story from start to finish. If anything, this intimate perspective offers a chance for deeper empathy.
Starting in Dismas’ youth, we see the young boy’s role in his family, the youngest and a typical little brother who likes to give his sister a hard time. But even then, we get a glimpse of the man he grows up to be, going just a bit too far and fearing the wrath of his father. This time, his punishment is less of a scolding. His father speaks of witnessing the Messiah in a manger.
Dismas isn’t sure what to make of his father’s, family, and friends’ faith as he grows up. While he believes in a greater power, he’s stopped going to the temple, and faith ends up as more of an afterthought. He’s taken more with earth’s pleasures. Slowly, he descends deeper into his weaknesses despite increased talk of the Messiah among the Jewish people.
The book ends with a scene taken from the Gospels, in which Dismas encounters Jesus as they suffer together at Golgotha. It is, of course, a powerful scene of redemption and forgiveness.
I’ve always been intrigued by Dismas’ story, so I was excited to see a novelized take on his life. There is creative liberty applied, which is to be expected, but I feel it must be stressed as the majority of the book is not factual scripture. The voice of the characters can sound quite modern at times. This doesn’t take away from the book’s message and purpose. Any story that ends with such a scene cannot help but bring tears to the reader’s eyes.
With the season of Lent approaching quickly, I highly recommend this book for some recreational reading in preparation for Easter.
Thanks to Reedsy Discovery for providing a free digital ARC of the book!
Starting in Dismas’ youth, we see the young boy’s role in his family, the youngest and a typical little brother who likes to give his sister a hard time. But even then, we get a glimpse of the man he grows up to be, going just a bit too far and fearing the wrath of his father. This time, his punishment is less of a scolding. His father speaks of witnessing the Messiah in a manger.
Dismas isn’t sure what to make of his father’s, family, and friends’ faith as he grows up. While he believes in a greater power, he’s stopped going to the temple, and faith ends up as more of an afterthought. He’s taken more with earth’s pleasures. Slowly, he descends deeper into his weaknesses despite increased talk of the Messiah among the Jewish people.
The book ends with a scene taken from the Gospels, in which Dismas encounters Jesus as they suffer together at Golgotha. It is, of course, a powerful scene of redemption and forgiveness.
I’ve always been intrigued by Dismas’ story, so I was excited to see a novelized take on his life. There is creative liberty applied, which is to be expected, but I feel it must be stressed as the majority of the book is not factual scripture. The voice of the characters can sound quite modern at times. This doesn’t take away from the book’s message and purpose. Any story that ends with such a scene cannot help but bring tears to the reader’s eyes.
With the season of Lent approaching quickly, I highly recommend this book for some recreational reading in preparation for Easter.
Thanks to Reedsy Discovery for providing a free digital ARC of the book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Torture
Moderate: Death of parent
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
I’ve been curious about B.K. Borison’s books, but First-Time Caller is the first I’ve picked up. Not being a spice reader, I admit to skipping those scenes, but the story surrounding those moments made for an enjoyable read.
Though Aiden himself is down on love, he hosts a romance hotline. One night he receives a call from Maya who’s concerned about her mother, Lucie’s, lack of a love life. Lucie’s humiliation lands her a spot on the radio show.
This book was so fun and sweet, Maya and Grayson were a scream! I most definitely want to check out the Lovelight Farms series now. I enjoyed both the characters and the writing thoroughly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Pregnancy and Abandonment
A Place No Flowers Grow by Cheryl Cantafio
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I don't believe I've ever read this kind of poetry book before. I really enjoyed it once I got used to the structure! And such a beautiful cover as well. I hope to read more by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, and Murder
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've owned a copy of this book for more years than I can remember, but I opted to listen to an audiobook version while on vacation... I don't think I appreciated it as much as I could have if I'd read it with my eyes. It's an intriguing story and haunting in some respects as we do face censorship in the present time. I will likely be rereading this when I'm able to more thoughtfully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child death, Murder, and War
Minor: Suicide, Car accident, and Abortion
The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The story goes that the Audrey Hepburn Estate is the one that was used to film the movie Sabrina. Some know the more plausible reason, is that it’s simply because the estate shares an address with the Larabee Estate in the movie. Only a few know the truth.
Upon hearing that the beloved estate she grew up in is about to be torn down (and by her ex-best friend who had grown up there as well), Emma tries to stop the demolition. If she can’t talk Leo out of it herself, she’s willing to join forces with a local historical society… with mixed results.
The house once belonged to Henry’s family, the grandson of the owner who grew up with staff kids Emma and Leo. Emma is surprised that Henry is indifferent to Leo’s demolition plans. Emma feels along in her sentimental memories, but she eventually has to realize that not all of her memories are what they appeared to be.
My mother gave me this book strictly because of the Audrey Hepburn-centric title. I’d never heard of the book prior, and admittedly I was a bit nervous as I feared it was going to be too much of a ‘chick-lit’ book for my taste. It might have been if not for how much I enjoyed the Sabrina inspiration and references. I brought this on vacation with me and it wound up being such a perfect reading experience! Predictable? Yes and no. There was a lot going on in the book which made the pacing inconsistent, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Murder, and War
Minor: Infidelity
One Piece, Volume 18: Ace Arrives by Eiichiro Oda, Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Digging the setting and backstory in this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Body horror, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse
One Piece, Volume 17: Hiriluk's Cherry Blossoms by Eiichiro Oda, Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
I'm kind of in love with Chopper aww.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide, Medical content, and Grief
Minor: Fatphobia and Alcohol
One Piece, Volume 16: Carrying On His Will by Eiichiro Oda, Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Okay but am I the only one who couldn't stop thinking of Chopper's backstory as a retelling of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Gun violence, and Grief
Minor: Bullying, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Angels of the Pacific: A Novel of World War II by Elise Hooper
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.0
Reading this book echoed memories I had reading 'When We Had Wings'. The characters had great chemistry. What I enjoyed most was this specific Resistance plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Racism and Rape
Minor: Grief