bookbrig's reviews
1798 reviews

The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Listen, I've owned this book for a week and read it twice already. It might not be my favorite in the series, but it's definitely one that had me thinking about it non-stop after I finished. Much like the first book, it's twisty and lovely with fascinating characters and stakes that feel realistic. Do recommend!
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Subpar Parks: America's Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors by Amber Share

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informative lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

3.5

The art is wonderful and the text is very informative and useful. I was reading this as a before bedtime choice because it's not really a suspenseful keep you up read, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Could make a nice gift or coffee table read.
The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoë Schlanger

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informative medium-paced

4.0

I learned way more from this than I anticipated, and I particularly enjoyed the way it digs into the similarities and differences between creatures and plants. The conversations about plant intelligence or behavior or whatever you want to call it are fascinating.
Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoski

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hopeful informative medium-paced

4.0

I really enjoy this author's approach to explaining things, and this book is a great companion to Come As You Are. I listened to the audio, but I think the information might stick better if I read the physical book. Either way, it's informative and offers a variety of great practical advice.
Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson

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hopeful reflective medium-paced

3.0

The combination of art and poetry is really lovely in this little volume, and it feels like it would be a great option for a graduation gift. It's reflective and quieter than some of the other poetry I've tried this year, but I still really enjoyed it.
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

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adventurous lighthearted tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

This is a fast-paced and fun mystery! I loved the characters, and the writing has a really cinematic quality which makes for an extra vivid and entertaining story. If you like an audiobook, this has great readers, and I liked that they had different folks for the two timelines. I would also love to read more adventure/thriller/other genre-fic featuring older women-it's just fun and I'd much prefer to read non-literary fiction with older characters.
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Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

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reflective relaxing 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? No

4.0

Quiet and cozy, this is like a lit fic found family? With lots of coffee details and really compelling characters. A bit abstract and slow at times, but very satisfying. I keep coming back to the characters over and over, even though there were a few times where I felt like the book was a little too slow while I was reading. This is a story that lingers, and the more I think about it the more I enjoy it!
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A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
I'll come back and try again, but I'll need to start it over I think. Just wasn't in the mood and it always has a holds list at the library so I can't ever keep it long enough to get into it.
Modern Asian Baking at Home: Essential Sweet and Savory Recipes for Milk Bread, Mooncakes, Mochi, and More; Inspired by the Subtle Asian Baking Community by Kat Lieu

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informative medium-paced

2.75

Some interesting recipes and lovely photos, but there wasn't anything that jumped out at me as something I was dying to prepare. 
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

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emotional reflective relaxing slow-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? No

3.25

I really enjoyed some of the elements of this, but it was quiet and slow enough that I wasn't compelled to finish it. I had to prompt myself to pick it up a second time, because I didn't find myself curious about where the story was headed. That said, it wasn't a bad read, and I did enjoy the world building and Mosscap in particular. I don't think I'll come back to this one though.