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shellballenger's reviews
497 reviews
Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata
3.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: This book popped up in my Goodreads timeline, I believe one of the authors I follow had read and reviewed it. The pig on the cover got me, too.
Overall rating: First, I think it's important to come at this book, and this review, knowing that I'm reading something targeted for a much younger audience as well as something I don't usually gravitate toward. It was a simple, one-day read and really acted more as a brain break than anything. Definitely written for a much younger audience but the overall story was cute. It's probably closer to a two-star for me personally but I rounded up because I feel like with the right audience this book would be wonderful.
What made me pick it up: This book popped up in my Goodreads timeline, I believe one of the authors I follow had read and reviewed it. The pig on the cover got me, too.
Overall rating: First, I think it's important to come at this book, and this review, knowing that I'm reading something targeted for a much younger audience as well as something I don't usually gravitate toward. It was a simple, one-day read and really acted more as a brain break than anything. Definitely written for a much younger audience but the overall story was cute. It's probably closer to a two-star for me personally but I rounded up because I feel like with the right audience this book would be wonderful.
Educated by Tara Westover
5.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: This one has been on my TBR list for a while, I think it was suggested in my Young Professionals book club awhile back.
Overall rating: This book was incredible. I had zero expectations, I simply wasn't aware of the content and what it was about before I checked it out at the library, but it completely blew me away. The writing grabbed you, pulled you into the pages, and made you feel the storyline. Absolutely gut-wrenching at times and extremely eye-opening. Educated makes you rethink what you've been learned to believe and living as truth.
What made me pick it up: This one has been on my TBR list for a while, I think it was suggested in my Young Professionals book club awhile back.
Overall rating: This book was incredible. I had zero expectations, I simply wasn't aware of the content and what it was about before I checked it out at the library, but it completely blew me away. The writing grabbed you, pulled you into the pages, and made you feel the storyline. Absolutely gut-wrenching at times and extremely eye-opening. Educated makes you rethink what you've been learned to believe and living as truth.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
3.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: Jodi Picoult is an all-time favorite author and I'm slowly working through her collection.
Overall rating: First let me say, I always enjoy a book with varying perspectives - I feel it adds dimension - and this book did just that. Additionally, I thought the storyline was purposeful and the content relevant. However; that there are certain parts of the book that either seems predictable or cliche. I could see where this book wouldn't be for everyone, where it would make some uncomfortable, or where some would get partway through and decide it just isn't the book for them. Was it my favorite Picoult book of all time? No. Am I happy that I've crossed it off my TBR list? Yes.
What made me pick it up: Jodi Picoult is an all-time favorite author and I'm slowly working through her collection.
Overall rating: First let me say, I always enjoy a book with varying perspectives - I feel it adds dimension - and this book did just that. Additionally, I thought the storyline was purposeful and the content relevant. However; that there are certain parts of the book that either seems predictable or cliche. I could see where this book wouldn't be for everyone, where it would make some uncomfortable, or where some would get partway through and decide it just isn't the book for them. Was it my favorite Picoult book of all time? No. Am I happy that I've crossed it off my TBR list? Yes.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
3.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: Suggested book in my public library audiobook app.
Overall rating: I wasn't quite sure what to expect with 'Dress Your Family...' but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. There was dark humor, there were stories of teenage emotional distress, there were those moments where you go 'maybe my family isn't THAT crazy after all.' There were also parts that I know I looked like an absolute maniac on my commute, cackling like a sugar-hyped hyena. I enjoyed this book and would actively pick up more from Sedaris in the future.
What made me pick it up: Suggested book in my public library audiobook app.
Overall rating: I wasn't quite sure what to expect with 'Dress Your Family...' but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. There was dark humor, there were stories of teenage emotional distress, there were those moments where you go 'maybe my family isn't THAT crazy after all.' There were also parts that I know I looked like an absolute maniac on my commute, cackling like a sugar-hyped hyena. I enjoyed this book and would actively pick up more from Sedaris in the future.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
4.0
Type of read: Weekend read (print copy)
What made me pick it up: This book was passed along to my husband when he was on one of his work trips, he then passed it along to me.
Overall rating: There were many times when I was reading this book that I had to stop, reread, and really take in what the author was saying. I wouldn't say it was an easy read - not because of the content but more because of how it was written. An interesting story that many times I had to remind myself was actually true. I may actually reread this in the future to try an pick up on some of the finer details I'm sure I missed.
What made me pick it up: This book was passed along to my husband when he was on one of his work trips, he then passed it along to me.
Overall rating: There were many times when I was reading this book that I had to stop, reread, and really take in what the author was saying. I wouldn't say it was an easy read - not because of the content but more because of how it was written. An interesting story that many times I had to remind myself was actually true. I may actually reread this in the future to try an pick up on some of the finer details I'm sure I missed.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
3.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: This one has been on my TBR list for a while. It was heavily suggested in multiple book club groups, as well as my public library app.
Overall rating: Ok...here's the deal...I really liked the first half of the book. There were some tactics and quotes that I found myself totally drawn to. Additionally, there were some parts in the early pages where I felt like he was talking directly to me, could feel how I felt, and truly understood that my amount of f*cks to give was drawing thin and I needed some help prioritizing my f*cks. Then we got into the later chapters with the very specific tactics, the more self-help section of the book, and it all went downhill from there. There were parts of the book that were just plain cringey and unrealistic. Overall, I give it three stars but I feel like I could have stopped reading halfway through and been a lot happier.
What made me pick it up: This one has been on my TBR list for a while. It was heavily suggested in multiple book club groups, as well as my public library app.
Overall rating: Ok...here's the deal...I really liked the first half of the book. There were some tactics and quotes that I found myself totally drawn to. Additionally, there were some parts in the early pages where I felt like he was talking directly to me, could feel how I felt, and truly understood that my amount of f*cks to give was drawing thin and I needed some help prioritizing my f*cks. Then we got into the later chapters with the very specific tactics, the more self-help section of the book, and it all went downhill from there. There were parts of the book that were just plain cringey and unrealistic. Overall, I give it three stars but I feel like I could have stopped reading halfway through and been a lot happier.
When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed, Victoria Jamieson
5.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: I saw this on my GoodReads timeline, reviewed by one of the authors I follow.
Overall rating: I am so happy I listened to this as an audiobook! It was less of a read and more of a performance. What a wonderful weaving storyline with characters that tugged at your heart. This was a fairly quick listen that I truly enjoyed. I would absolutely recommend When Stars Are Scattered for everyone's TBR list.
What made me pick it up: I saw this on my GoodReads timeline, reviewed by one of the authors I follow.
Overall rating: I am so happy I listened to this as an audiobook! It was less of a read and more of a performance. What a wonderful weaving storyline with characters that tugged at your heart. This was a fairly quick listen that I truly enjoyed. I would absolutely recommend When Stars Are Scattered for everyone's TBR list.
Wake by Lisa McMann
2.0
Type of read: Lunch read (print copy)
What made me pick it up: My coworker borrowed me her copies of Wake, Fade, and Gone (Dream Catcher Series)
Overall rating: This book reminded me of many that I used to read back in high school. It was a quick read that was easy to jump in and out of. Some of the writing was a little tough to work out, I had to read and reread a few pages just with the formatting. I would categorize this as a travel book...it holds your attention enough (maybe because you're trying to figure out what is exactly going on?) but it's something that you don't really want to (or have to) get super invested in because you might have to start a conversation, take a nap, or move to your next destination at any moment. I'll probably still finish the series...more because I know my coworker will ask about it and less because I'm actually interested in the books.
What made me pick it up: My coworker borrowed me her copies of Wake, Fade, and Gone (Dream Catcher Series)
Overall rating: This book reminded me of many that I used to read back in high school. It was a quick read that was easy to jump in and out of. Some of the writing was a little tough to work out, I had to read and reread a few pages just with the formatting. I would categorize this as a travel book...it holds your attention enough (maybe because you're trying to figure out what is exactly going on?) but it's something that you don't really want to (or have to) get super invested in because you might have to start a conversation, take a nap, or move to your next destination at any moment. I'll probably still finish the series...more because I know my coworker will ask about it and less because I'm actually interested in the books.
Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris
4.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: I read 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' last year; additionally, this book was recommended by fellow readers in my friend group.
Overall rating: As with 'Tattooist..." this story hit my heart. I enjoyed the way it was written, including the flashbacks. Getting a deeper glimpse into Cilka's life and journey was both devastating and inspiring. Like many other reviewers, I did not take this as a book of nonfiction, rather reading it as fiction with historical references and storyline.
Reader's Note (Book Order): I wouldn't say that you HAVE to read 'Tattooist' first or have to have read Tattooist in order for this book to make sense but I think it would be much more of an enjoyable and well-rounded read if you did as there are parts that reflect back on actions and activities that happened in the previous book.
What made me pick it up: I read 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' last year; additionally, this book was recommended by fellow readers in my friend group.
Overall rating: As with 'Tattooist..." this story hit my heart. I enjoyed the way it was written, including the flashbacks. Getting a deeper glimpse into Cilka's life and journey was both devastating and inspiring. Like many other reviewers, I did not take this as a book of nonfiction, rather reading it as fiction with historical references and storyline.
Reader's Note (Book Order): I wouldn't say that you HAVE to read 'Tattooist' first or have to have read Tattooist in order for this book to make sense but I think it would be much more of an enjoyable and well-rounded read if you did as there are parts that reflect back on actions and activities that happened in the previous book.
Fade by Lisa McMann
1.0
I've copied my review from 'Wake' (1st book in the series) below as most of it still applies. The only thing I would add is that this book gives me hope for writers everywhere. If this can be published and enjoyed there's truly a niche for everyone. Ever the glutton for punishment, I'll probably still read the 3rd book in the series...mainly because I know my coworker will ask about it and also because it's almost comical how annoyed I am at this book right now and I might as well give myself a little bit of laughable closure.
***
Type of read: Lunch read (print copy)
What made me pick it up: My coworker borrowed me her copies of Wake, Fade, and Gone (Dream Catcher Series)
Overall rating: This book reminded me of many that I used to read back in high school. It was a quick read that was easy to jump in and out of. Some of the writing was a little tough to work out, I had to read and reread a few pages just with the formatting. I would categorize this as a travel book...it holds your attention enough (maybe because you're trying to figure out what is exactly going on?) but it's something that you don't really want to (or have to) get super invested in because you might have to start a conversation, take a nap, or move to your next destination at any moment. I'll probably still finish the series...more because I know my coworker will ask about it and less because I'm actually interested in the books.
***
Type of read: Lunch read (print copy)
What made me pick it up: My coworker borrowed me her copies of Wake, Fade, and Gone (Dream Catcher Series)
Overall rating: This book reminded me of many that I used to read back in high school. It was a quick read that was easy to jump in and out of. Some of the writing was a little tough to work out, I had to read and reread a few pages just with the formatting. I would categorize this as a travel book...it holds your attention enough (maybe because you're trying to figure out what is exactly going on?) but it's something that you don't really want to (or have to) get super invested in because you might have to start a conversation, take a nap, or move to your next destination at any moment. I'll probably still finish the series...more because I know my coworker will ask about it and less because I'm actually interested in the books.