readingbetweenthenotes's reviews
268 reviews

Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann

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dark emotional hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was charming and cosy, and exactly what I needed at this particular moment.
All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

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challenging

2.0

Not for me.

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Vinegar Girl: The Taming of the Shrew Retold by Anne Tyler

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

2.0

I don't understand why so many people rave about Anne Tyler? There was nothing amazing about this. 

I'm glad this was a quick read because I couldn't have stuck with it for much longer. The whole thing just felt pointless and I didn't like any of the characters. 10 Things I Hate About You is definitely a far better modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. 
A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.5

Last Night in Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel

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mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Loveable characters? No

3.0

Lovely War by Julie Berry

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emotional hopeful sad
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

LIVING WITH OCD: Triumph over Negative Emotions, Obsessive Thoughts, and Compulsive Behaviors by CROSS BORDER BOOKS, CROSS BORDER BOOKS

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2.0

I read this because I am a therapist myself and wanted to increase my understanding of OCD for working with those particular clients. However, I will be taking away very little from this book. There were a lot of sweeping statements about the scientific benefits of things, but very little actual evidence cited. When the author started telling me about the importance of warming up before exercising, I knew I was done with it. 

I think the real danger is that this book tells OCD sufferers what they will get out of therapy - but each therapist is different and they will not all practice in the same way. Telling an OCD client exactly what to expect when they might not receive exactly that gives them false expectations and sets them up for disappointment. 

I'm sure the author was trying to be helpful to those living with OCD but I think this book missed the mark and I certainly won't be recommending it to any of my clients or colleagues.