shetef's reviews
119 reviews

Use of Weapons by Iain M. Banks

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adventurous challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I didn't enjoy this quite as much as Consider Phlebas or The Player of Games but I admire Banks' ambition. The two narratives moving in opposite chronological directions is a very effective way to reveal who and why Zakalwe is the man he is. 
Sweden and Visions of Norway: Politics and Culture 1814-1905 by H. Arnold Barton

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

An interesting study of a time period I've had remarkable difficulty finding books about in English. The Norway my great-great-great-grandfather left behind was a vibrant and fascinating place. Not my favorite book I've read this year (a bit dry) but very helpful in pointing me in new directions while I look deeper into this part of my family history.
Cybernetic Revolutionaries: Technology and Politics in Allende's Chile by Eden Medina

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Due date came around and I just have too much stuff to read. Good book, fascinating topic but a bit too dense for my bandwidth right now.
Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America by Talia Lavin

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dark informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

A worthy successor to Culture Warlords. Talia Lavin's writing is consistently striking and effective. A hard read but a necessary read.
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A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

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adventurous funny hopeful 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? No

4.75

I loved this! Funny and sweet. I just wish it was a bit longer so the characters could be explored a bit more.
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The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy

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adventurous mysterious tense 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

4.5

This was pretty neat. The blend of corporate family drama and sci-fi intrigue was really interesting.
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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

This was well worth the wait on Libby. I loved this even more than The Martian and that is saying something.
I'm going to be thinking about Rocky for a very long time.
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Lots of interesting ideas and themes here but sorely lacking in execution. Ironically, this book feels watery - insubstantial and liquidy, like it's falling through my fingers.
Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe by Steven Strogatz

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challenging funny informative medium-paced

4.0

Very interesting and accessible read, especially for I who have never taken a calc class. This book has Shrek in it!
Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

good spooky read
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